Top Things to do in Kauai
9 Waterfalls in Kauai That You Shouldn't Miss
Relaxing and pristine Kauai (the Garden Island) is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian islands. Waterfalls, scenic drives and more than 60 beaches dot the landscape. Some beaches have great snorkeling, others offer child-friendly tidal pools and some are perfect for all kinds of water sports. Dry-land activities include hiking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coastline, taking a day trip to Waimea Canyon and experiencing life on a sugar plantation at Grove Farm Homestead Museum.
Restaurants in Kauai
1. Hanakapiai Falls
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 476 reviews
Reviewed By dsheon - Seattle, United States
Your journey starts by booking a shuttle bus, because it's almost impossible to get a parking permit at Ha'ena State Park, where the trailhead is located, unless booked weeks in advance. The good news is the shuttle gives you flexibility to look at the weather during your trip and decide the best date for this unforgettable journey. The 2 mile hike takes you over muddy trails through several waterfalls to a secluded beach, from which you can hike an additional mile to the H Falls. We went after days of heavy rain, so the trail was an absolute mess, but worth it. I just pretended the trail was made of milk chocolate and that powered me through. VERY IMPORTANT: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SWIM AT HANAKAPIAI BEACH DURING THE WINTER. A 27 year old male died the day we were there and was found 150 yards off shore. Plan on each mile taking about an hour given the rough footing. That means you'll want to get there no later than 11am to make it back before dark. Take lots of water and good footwear that you can throw out. Used sneakers or running shoes that you will trash and throw out are highly recommended!
2. Na Pali Makai
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 108 reviews
3. Hanakoa Falls
4. Wailua Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 3,484 reviews
A popular waterfall attraction.
Reviewed By briangD8820BP
The view of the falls was fantastic, gorgeous scenery all around, well worth the short drive! Parking is a little limited/tight.
5. Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Park Falls)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 50 reviews
Reviewed By S3664MTmichaelc - Bowie, United States
My wife and I did the Jurassic Falls Landing Adventure with Island Helicopters. They are the only helicopter company that is allowed to land at the falls. It is more magnificent in person than on the big screen. ***Tip - If you take photos with anything other than a smart phone, such as a DSLR, make sure you bring a couple of lens cleaning cloths. The camera and lens will get wet from the spray very rapidly. I had a UV filter over my lens but it kept getting wet and the only thing I had to clean it was the bottom of my shirt. I know that this is not recommended even for a filter. If I didn't have a filter over the lens, I would have never cleaned the lens with a shirt. I would have used my smartphone to take the photos instead.
6. Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls)
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 110 reviews
Reviewed By PeacePipe01
This is a must do trip. Rent a kayak and head on up. Met many people on their way out and all said they’re having a blast!
7. Waipo’o Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 120 reviews
Reviewed By travelttolive - Sonoma County, United States
Beautiful and fun and rewarding and so many beautiful stops along the way to get there! The clay can be slippery so wear good shoes like hiking boots or hiking sandals. It was rainy on and off and people had a difficult time who were just wearing tennis shoes. If you take kids, be careful close to the canyon!
8. Opaekaa Falls
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 499 reviews
Reviewed By briand790 - Denver, United States
Very nice waterfalls with a great viewing area provided. The parking lot is free and there is plenty of parking. There is a sidewalk that walks around the entire lot so that you can get several different views of the falls. There are restrooms on site. The falls are very far in the distance, but closeup views show just how enormous these falls really are. The entire area around this stop is beautiful and you can walk across the street (use the crosswalk!) Wailua Heritage Trail and the Wailua River Valley. Don't skip this little bonus that is less than 500 yards away. No need to move the car, just walk across the street for the view.
9. Ho'olalaea Waterfall
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 222 reviews
Reviewed By ccastellar2017 - Vancouver, Canada
Really easy to access, loads of parking and the natural beauty will take your breath away... just 20 feet away is another large parking lot with beautiful views right over the Wailua River out to the ocean - a MUST DO!!!
