Wailua Falls at Wailua River State Park near Kapa'a, Hawaii (Kauai) is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back paved walk that leads to an overlook of the stunning Wailua Falls.
Wailua Falls is approximately 85-feet tall and spills off a rock ledge in a double-tier cascade to the pool below. During periods of heavy rain, Wailua River will spill over the rock ledge, making a single cascade.
Popularity
This is one of the most popular waterfall vistas on Kauai, so if you wish to view the waterfall without waiting for parking spaces, show up very early in the morning or in the evening. One of the reasons why this waterfall is so popular is because of the way the sunlight hits the water mist within the gorge - making rainbows appear.
Parking
Visitors will find approximately 6 parking spaces at the coordinates provided; however, people tend to try and park on the road when these spaces fill up.
Warnings
Steep cliff & closed trail: This vista sits on a very steep cliff that drops over 100-feet down into the Wailua gorge below. It's advised to not stand on the wall, despite what some tourists do. Additionally, there used to be a trail that lead down to the waterfall; however, due to too many deaths, this trail has been closed off with a fence and signage telling the public to stay out. It's illegal to cross the fence to hike the trail. The view from the vista point is good enough - if you wish to view photos from the past, from below the waterfall, try a image search.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
Wailua Falls is approximately 85-feet tall and spills off a rock ledge in a double-tier cascade to the pool below. During periods of heavy rain, Wailua River will spill over the rock ledge, making a single cascade.
Popularity
This is one of the most popular waterfall vistas on Kauai, so if you wish to view the waterfall without waiting for parking spaces, show up very early in the morning or in the evening. One of the reasons why this waterfall is so popular is because of the way the sunlight hits the water mist within the gorge - making rainbows appear.
Parking
Visitors will find approximately 6 parking spaces at the coordinates provided; however, people tend to try and park on the road when these spaces fill up.
Warnings
Steep cliff & closed trail: This vista sits on a very steep cliff that drops over 100-feet down into the Wailua gorge below. It's advised to not stand on the wall, despite what some tourists do. Additionally, there used to be a trail that lead down to the waterfall; however, due to too many deaths, this trail has been closed off with a fence and signage telling the public to stay out. It's illegal to cross the fence to hike the trail. The view from the vista point is good enough - if you wish to view photos from the past, from below the waterfall, try a image search.
Respecting the Land
Hawaiian land is considered sacred to native Hawaiians and many locals, so please stay on-trail, take nothing but photos, and leave nothing but footprints. Respect the locals - don't stay for long and have a backup hike planned in case the parking lot is full.
