Waterfall hikes in Kauai

[SoBaycruiser]

We will be in Kauai in April from 8-5 and would like to make an easy hike to a waterfall. We don't have time for an extensive hike as our time is short in Kauai. We've hiked the Na Pali coastline before and this time we thought we'd head southwest toward Waimea Canyon. I understand there are two great waterfalls that can be seen from the road. Do either have a trail to its base? Is there safe parking for hikers? Anyone done this?

[chipmaster]

The two falls we've stopped by that are easily viewed from the road or just a short walk to outlook is Wailua and Opaekaa Falls.

[SoBaycruiser]

The two falls we've stopped by that are easily viewed from the road or just a short walk to outlook is Wailua and Opaekaa Falls.

 

Yes I know that. However, we want to get a little hiking in so we'd like to hike down to see one from below as well. I'd like to know the state of the trail and the time it would take to go round trip. Thanks anyway for responding.

[diverearl]

Here is a web sight that can help you decide. We like Wailua Falls because it is tends to have far less people at the base than Kipu. There are several small pools just a hundred yards down stream with a lot of privacy if you want to get away from it all.

 

Kipu Falls has a lot of people every day but there is a lot to enjoy here also, just a bit to busy for our taste.

 

Both are very short walks of less than 15 minutes and not far from town. Wailua has ropes to help you up and down the short trail. If the trail is muddy Wailua can be a little tough but not bad if you are in shape to be on the trail in the first place.

 

http://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/spot/kauai_waterfalls

[SoBaycruiser]

Diverearl,

 

Wailua Falls sounds perfect. Is the 15 minute walk to the lookout of the falls or the base?

[diverearl]

Diverearl,

 

Wailua Falls sounds perfect. Is the 15 minute walk to the lookout of the falls or the base?

 

You drive right up to a small parking lot at the top of the falls. Walk back past the viewing area until you get to the warning sign. Go down the trail at the sign turning back towards the falls. There are several ropes to hang onto as you descend. The trail is only a couple of hundred yards long but it is drops off rapidly and is very slick when muddy.

 

 

 

 

[angelgal]

I wouldn't recommend going to the bottom of Wailua Falls, you're not supposed to and people have died trying to get to the bottom because it can be very dangerous. The government has even cut the ropes at times to try and dissuade people from going down. Go at your own risk.

 

If you had some time, it might be nice to drive to Ke'e beach on the North shore and hike the first 4 miles of the Kalalau Trail. It is the beginning of the Napali Coast and is beautiful. The first 2 miles will take you to Hanakapi'ai Beach (not for swimming) and 2 more miles will get you to the waterfall which you can walk right into the water (no climbing or descending).