Kauai Waterfalls

Directions from Princeville

Kahlihi'wai falls Take a left onto Hwy. 56 coming out of Princeville. A few minutes later you'll see the Princeville Airport on you right. Just after this you will start going down a hill and across a large cement bridge that connects two valleys together. Once you've crossed the bridge park at the scenic over look. The trail starts to the left of the bridge and goes down through the jungle onto a grassy meadow. Then go left following the tire tracks until it trails off to the right and you come upon the stream. Continue walking the streambed for about 200 yards then start looking for a trail that starts on the other side of the stream. In all, this takes about 30 minutes to hike. Take shoes for walking in water. This hike is for the beginners. 

Hanakapiai falls Take a right onto Hwy. 56 north and follow it all the way to the end of the road. The Kalalau trail starts to your left. Continue on the trail for about two miles to the Hanakapiai stream. Turn to your left on the far side of the stream. There is a sign that points you in the right direction. From the start of the stream it is about another two miles up the valley to the falls. It will be an 8 mile round trip, so bring lots of water and good hiking shoes. You may also want to bring a lunch with you to have at the waterfall. This is a strenuous 6-hour hike.

Opaekaa falls Take a left onto Hwy. 56 going south, towards Kapa'a. Once you've come to the stoplight by Coco Palms, which is to your right, turn right onto Kuamoo Rd. (580). It will be a short distance to the parking lot of this falls. There is no hiking involved to see the falls.

Wailua falls Take a left from the entrance of Princeville, going south on Hwy. 56. Take the 583 (Maalo Rd.) turnoff on this road and continue going for about another 6 miles to the end. There you'll see the falls from the opening shot of the TV show "Fantasy Island".

Secret falls To get to these falls, it will involve a paddle on a kayak and a hike. When you go to rent your kayak, they have detailed maps on this. Take Hwy 56 south towards Kapa'a. Once you go through Kapa'a look on the right for the hotel "Coco Palms" (empty since not yet repaired from the hurricane) right after a stop light. Turn onto Kuamoo Rd. (580). Then you will see Wailua River State Park on the left. Launch your kayak here at the ramp. Paddle the kayak up until you come to a fork. Take the right fork until it ends, about an hour's paddle. Pull the kayak all the way up on the shore to allow for the river coming up at all and floating the kayak away. The trail will begin to the left across the river. It will take about an hour to get to the falls. Pack a lunch.

Ho'opii falls Take Hwy 56 going south towards Kapa'a. Then you will take a right at mile marker 9 onto Kawaihau Rd., at the outskirts of the north side of Kapa'a Town. Then go about another 3 miles. Turn right on to Kapihi Rd. (this is a hard right) and drive until you see an old public dirt road, (which is now used as the trail) on your left. You'll see an unnamed waterfall on your left. Keep hiking parallel to the stream. Keep track of where you are because you come to a place where the stream will make a left.  Cross at this point, unless it's too deep. As soon as you cross there will be stairs leading down to the falls. You'll pass a couple of 'No trespassing' signs - continue on with caution. About a 2-hour hike. 

Kipu falls Take a left onto Hwy. 56 going towards Lihue. Then take Hwy. 50 to Kipu Rd. Then take a left close to the 3-mile marker. Just before a bridge turn right on to a dirt road. You'll then see a gate on your left. Park your car here and continue walking down the dirt road. After a short walk the trail will start to your right. Continue with caution, especially if it's wet and slippery. Wear good shoes - not flip flops or sandals.