Falls of Wonder

Your guide to the must-see gushers

WORDS KRYSTAL KAKIMOTO

For generations, people in Hawai‘i have honored various waterfalls in the islands by capturing them in mele (Hawaiian chants, songs, or poems), stories, and pieces of art admiring the ability waterfalls have to seamlessly blend grace and power. Whether stopping to enjoy the view of a waterfall seen during a scenic car ride or hiking for a chance to catch a glimpse of a famous waterfall that is more hidden, there can be a sense of reverence and wonder when viewing waterfalls in person.

FAMOUS WATERFALLS

Wailua Falls

Featured in the opening scenes of the old television series Fantasy Island, Wailua Falls provided viewers with an enchanting backdrop that set the stage for a series situated in a tropical paradise. Every week, glimpses of the 80-foot, double-tiered waterfall filled screens of televisions across the country showcasing water dramatically falling from a rugged cliff into a 30-feet deep pond ornamented by local foliage below.

In ancient times, stories tell of kāne (men) jumping from the top of the falls into the pond below to prove their manhood, but in modern times, jumping from Wailua Falls is illegal due to the numerous injuries and deaths it has caused. While the best views of the falls can be seen from the parking lot, two hikes take onlookers to the base of the falls and pond below. One trail begins at the parking lot, but is a steeper descent with ropes tied to trees for hikers to grasp as they slide down the hill. A second path, located about a quarter mile down the road from the parking lot, is a more manageable and enjoyable way to get to the falls although it does take a little longer to complete.

If traveling North from Līhu‘e along Highway 56, take a left onto Maÿalo Road and travel about 3 miles until reaching a small parking lot located directly off the main road. Although parking is limited, the stunning views of Wailua Falls is well worth the wait for many visitors who note the best time to visit is during early morning hours on sunny days when light bounces through the mist creating rainbows arching over the pond.

Manawaiopuna Falls

Captured in the 1993 blockbuster, Jurassic Park, this 400- foot waterfall was located in the lush valley that greeted guests to the theme park home to cloned dinosaurs. Manawaiopuna is located in Hanapëpë on Kaua‘i’s West Side and sits on private land making it only accessible via helicopter.

Many tour companies offer aerial expeditions of the island and companies who venture to Manawaiopuna will offer a bird’s-eye view often delivering information on the geological formations seen and native foliage of the area. Call Jack Harter (808) 245-3774 or Sunshine Helicopters (808) 245-5953.

EASILY ACCESSIBLE WATERFALLS

‘Ōpaeka‘a Falls

Translating to “rolling shrimp,” the name of ‘Ōpaeka‘a Falls harkens to the rare native shrimp named ōpae that were once plentiful in the streams above the falls and could be seen rolling down the waterfall as tiny flecks of pink. Today, the ōpae cannot be seen, but this magnificent fall has become one of the most visited falls on the island and is one of the few falls easily seen from a main road.

Located in Wailua on Kaua‘i’s East Side, ‘Ōpaeka‘a Falls is a 150-foot segmented fall that resides within the Wailua River State Park region. The year-round flow and ease of access makes ‘Ōpaeka‘a Falls a visitor’s dream because no matter the time of day or season, a wonderful fall can be seen.

To get to ‘Ōpaeka‘a Falls, when travelling North from Līhu‘e, turn left onto Kuamoÿo Road (Highway 580) and head about 1.5 miles uphill until you reach the parking lot for ‘Ōpaeka‘a Falls to your right. From here, unobstructed views of the falls are offered and the spot gives visitors an additional chance to rest with picnic tables and public restrooms available.

WAILUA FALLS

MANAWAIOPUNA FALLS

‘ŌPAEKA‘A FALLS

Waipo‘o Falls

During the rainier portions of the year, Waipo‘o Falls delights visitors to the West Side of the island who come for a chance to view this magnificent two-tier waterfall that drops 800-feet into Waimea Canyon. There are two opportunities to view Waipo‘o Falls from lookouts located off the main highway—the first chance comes past mile marker 10 on Highway 550 but the second chance, offering a closer view, occurs further up the road near mile marker 13.

For those wanting a little more adventure in their lives and an opportunity to view Waipo‘o Falls from another angle, Canyon Trail (beginning between mile markers 14 and 15) takes hikers to the top of Waipoÿo Falls. Numerous glimpses of the falls occur throughout the trek and the end of the hike offers a series of small ponds for hikers to cool off in.

HIDDEN WATERFALLS

Hanakāpi‘ai Falls

Nestled within fertile valleys of Kaua‘i’s secluded Nāpali Coast, along the North Shore of the island, is a waterfall that goes unseen by many visitors and locals alike. A 2-mile hike to Hanakāpi‘ai Beach along the strenuous Kalalau Trail plus a 2-mile hike up a narrow valley, both one way, takes visitors to a place that many describe as a rejuvenating fall and well worth the journey to get there. Hanakāpi‘ai Falls is accessible only by foot along a rough and unmaintained trail beginning at Kē‘ē Beach in Hā‘ena. The hike takes climbers to nearly 760 feet elevation above Hanakāpi‘ai Beach along an additional two-hour hike into the valley that is dotted with local vegetation including mountain apple trees and a bamboo forest along the way.

The culmination of this difficult hike is a spectacular view of Hanakāpi‘ai Falls whose rushing waters plummet over the edge of a cliff before falling nearly 300-feet into an emerald green pool. In ancient times, stories tell that this secluded area of Kaua‘i was inhabited by a race of little people called Menehune who named the area of the falls in honor of a great Menehune Chiefess Hanakāpi‘ai known to have birthed a child at the spot of the waterfall, but died later due to complications.

Please note that at the time of print this and other Kalalau Trails are currently closed due to the recent historic flooding on the North Shore. For trail updates and safety video, please visit http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/hiking/kauai/kalalau-trail/.

WAIPO‘O FALLS

HANAKĀPI‘AI FALLS

ULUWEHI FALLS

Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls)

Secret Falls is located in Wailua on Kauaÿi’s eastern side and is one of the few waterfalls accessible only by water making the journey to the falls a great adventure. After completing a 2-mile kayak ride up the Wailua River and a 1-mile hike inland, visitors are greeted with a 100-foot “bridal veil” fall of water trickling along a sheet of rock into a tranquil pond below.

In the past, Hawaiian ali‘i (chiefs or nobility) traveled along the Wailua River and hiked the same paths to bathe in the pond of Secret Falls and refresh themselves in its waters. While the journey to the falls might sound arduous, all skill levels and ages are seen along the route and there are a few tour companies who guide visitors to this regal waterfall for a chance to see a hidden part of Kauaÿi.

From gentle cascades and rushing torrents to famous falls and hidden gems, the variety of waterfalls found on Kauaÿi provides incredible photoops and incredible outdoor adventure. Just make sure to always keep safety in the forefront and respect private property.

SAFETY FIRST

Remember that no view or experience is worth more than your well-being. Make smart decisions like checking the weather forecast before heading out on any hiking adventure. Stormy weather increases the possibility of flash flooding on land. If the DLNR happens to reopen the famed Kalalau Trail while you are here, do not attempt to hike to Hanakāpi‘ai Falls if rain is predicted. Water levels can rise in a matter of moments making crossing any waterway super dangerous. Opt to wait for clear skies before trekking to the exquisite falls. Also, keep in mind that rain makes the ground dangerously muddy and slick. Make sure you have the proper supplies like sunscreen, a good pair of hiking shoes, food, plenty of water, and cell phone. It’s prudent to let someone know where you are headed especially if you are hiking alone. Before embarking on any Kaua‘i adventure, it’s a good idea to get advice from your concierge or someone who lives in the area. They are more familiar with the places you want to explore and can give you some valuable local knowledge to help guide you on your journey. Be safe, not sorry!