With an island as stunning as Kauai, you might expect finding and enjoying its numerous waterfalls to be a breeze. Not quite! Unfortunately, only 10% of Kauai boasts developed roads, leaving many waterfalls either inaccessible or reachable only through hiking or from a helicopter or lookout point. But don’t fret! Amidst the abundance of gorgeous waterfalls, hikers can venture on trails leading to some of the most breathtaking ones!
Love hiking? Kauai is your dream vacation spot! It’s a hiker’s paradise, offering incredible nature trails, breathtaking views, and often, enchanting waterfalls along the way or at the trail’s end. Come along as we uncover the top waterfall hikes on Kauai—pick your favorites and get ready for an adventure!
Best Waterfall Hikes on Kauai
1. Ho’opi’i Falls Trail Hike
Looking for an easy Kauai waterfall adventure? Your search ends here—I’ve got one of the best easy Kauai hikes leading to stunning waterfalls! The Ho’opi’i Falls Trail hike is a short and simple journey that takes you to two beautiful waterfalls: the Upper Ho’opi’i Falls and the Lower Ho’opi’i Falls. Not only do you get to stroll through a lush rainforest jungle path, but you also get to witness a celebrity waterfall. Ho’opi’i Falls made its mark in the first Jurassic Park movie during the lawyer’s visit to the Amber Mines (supposedly in the Dominican Republic).
2. Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls & Mini Falls
Now, let’s talk about another gem: the Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls & Mini Falls. This hike, among the best at Koke’e State Park, follows the rim of Waimea Canyon, offering breathtaking views of the canyon and its surroundings. The trail concludes at the top of Waipo’o Falls, where adventurous tourists might peer over the 800-foot cliff to see the water cascade. However, the best view of the amazing Waipo’o Falls is from the Waimea Canyon State Park lookout, across the canyon in the distance. And if you’re up for a little more adventure, there’s a small waterfall (Mini Falls) at the top that you can hike to—maybe even enjoy a refreshing dip! Get ready for an unforgettable Kauai waterfall experience.
3. Uluwehi Secret Falls via Wailua River
Discover the enchanting Secret (Uluwehi) Falls, once a well-kept secret and an undiscovered gem. Previously, reaching this hidden paradise required a kayak journey of 2 miles up the Wailua River, followed by a moderately challenging 1.5-mile trail to the waterfall. This local favorite hideaway, featuring a popular swimming pool at its base, is now accessible to visitors through a guided kayaking and hiking tour.
At the culmination of the hike, you’ll be greeted by the breathtaking beauty of the 120-foot waterfall, Uluwehi Falls! Prepare to be captivated by the allure of this once-secret treasure.
4. Hanakapi’ai Falls via Hanakapiai Falls Trail & Kalalau Trail
Embarking on the legendary Kalalau Trail, one of the best challenging Kauai hikes, is a must for your Kauai bucket list. If it’s on your radar, consider yourself fortunate—the Kalalau Trail hike offers not one, but two journeys to picturesque waterfalls in Kauai: the Hanakapiai Falls and the Hanakoa Falls.
However, planning the Kalalau Trail hike is no walk in the park, with intricate reservations and permits to navigate. Fortunately, the waterfall hike to Hanakapiai Falls requires a bit less planning than the full Kalalau Trail trek! You’ll be treated to beautiful views of the rugged Na Pali coastline, the scenic Ke’e Beach and Hanakapiai Beach, and an 8-mile round trip adventure through the rainforest and coastline.
Make the most of our detailed guide to hiking the incredible Kalalau Trail as you plan this memorable hike! Get ready for an unforgettable experience surrounded by nature’s wonders.
5. Waialeale Weeping Wall via Waialeale Blue Holes Falls Trail
The Waialeale Weeping Wall graces Mount Waialeale, remnants of the extinct volcano that shaped the island, nestled in one of the world’s wettest regions.
Designed for the bold adventure seekers and seasoned hikers, the Wai’ale’ale Blue Holes Fall Trail leading to the Weeping Wall commences from a trailhead near the iconic Jurassic Park gates—a spot only reachable by a rugged 4×4 vehicle.
Yet, reaching the trailhead is just the beginning. Brace yourself for a challenging 5-mile trek through dense, undefined jungle terrain, reserved for the daring. The journey poses a significant risk of flash floods, adding an element of thrill to the adventure! Get ready for an adrenaline-pumping experience in the heart of nature’s marvels.
Read More: Molokini Crater Snorkeling In Maui
6. Hanakoa Falls via Kalalau Trail
How about discovering a breathtaking waterfall tucked away in a remote, secluded spot, accessible only to the adventurous few? As you journey more than halfway up the renowned Kalalau Trail, you’ll encounter a short (0.5 mile) spur trail leading to the stunning Hanakoa Falls.
Reaching the Hanakoa Falls requires meticulous planning well in advance, and securing a camping permit is a must to venture beyond Hanakapi’ai Valley. The Hanakoa Falls Trail, though brief, lacks clear markings, making it essential to download a map and utilize GPS for guidance.
For a seamless adventure, make use of our comprehensive guide to hiking the Kalalau Trail as you map out this thrilling hike! Prepare for an expedition to a hidden gem in the heart of nature.
Map of the Best Kauai Waterfall Hikes
The Best Kauai Tours
Have you secured your bookings for these top-notch Kauai guided adventures?
1. Sunset Catamaran Tour of the Na Pali Coast: Experience a relatively more stable ride with confusing views on good weather days!
2. Doors-Off Helicopter Tour of Kauai: Enjoy unobstructed views and the chance to see more of the island than you can by land, all without worrying about middle seats!
3. Kayak on the Wailua River Plus Hike to a Waterfall: Perfect for active travelers, this super fun activity, albeit a little muddy at times, promises an unforgettable experience.
4. Raft Trip to the Na Pali Coast Plus Snorkeling: Get ready to get wet on this exhilarating adventure that combines the thrill of rafting with the beauty of snorkeling.
5. Eurocopter ECO-Star Helicopter Tour Over Kauai: Opt for the most booked Kauai helicopter tour on Viator with close to 2K reviews and a stellar 5-star rating!
Renting a Car in Kauai
And when it comes to exploring the scattered gems of Kauai, don’t forget to secure a rental car. Public transport options may not be ideal, so for a seamless exploration beyond your base, book a rental car for your Kauai trip. We recommend using Discover Cars—they search across various rental car companies, offering you the best deals, free cancellations, and no hidden fees. Get ready for an adventure-packed journey across the stunning island of Kauai!
Lihue Airport-Hotel Shuttle
Not planning to pick up a rental car at Lihue airport? No worries—pre-arrange a round trip transfer from the airport to your hotel and back!
This shared shuttle ensures a seamless journey to hotels or vacation rentals in Princeville, Kahala, Poipu, Kapaa, or Lihue, and then back again. It’s not just convenient and inexpensive, but it also saves you time and the hassle of navigating transportation on your own! Enjoy a stress-free start and end to your Kauai adventure with this hassle-free transfer service.
Where to Stay in Kauai
Wondering where to stay in Kauai? Depending on your preferences—whether you fancy a vacation rental with more space and the option to cook, or you prefer a resort or hotel experience—Kauai offers a variety of options.
Given that you might want to experience different parts of the island during your trip, we recommend starting your accommodation search by exploring vacation rentals on VRBO. Whether you choose the scenic Poipu or the enchanting Princeville, VRBO offers a range of choices with generally great quality and variety. We’ve personally stayed in VRBO rentals in both locations and can vouch for the excellent options they provide. Start your Kauai adventure by finding the perfect place to call home on VRBO!
Conclusion
In conclusion, Kauai unfolds as a paradise for adventure enthusiasts, offering a diverse range of waterfall hikes that lead to breathtaking natural wonders. From the easy yet stunning Ho’opi’i Falls Trail to the remote and daring trek to Hanakoa Falls on the Kalalau Trail, each hike promises a unique experience surrounded by the lush landscapes of this mesmerizing island.
Additionally, Kauai provides top-notch guided adventures, allowing visitors to explore the island’s beauty through sunset catamaran tours, doors-off helicopter rides, kayak excursions, and more.
To make the most of your trip, securing a rental car is recommended, providing flexibility to uncover the scattered gems of Kauai. Whether you choose to relax in a vacation rental or indulge in a resort experience, Kauai offers a variety of accommodations, making it the perfect destination for a memorable and adventure-filled getaway.
It’s Ethan Richards, the guy leading the way at “Go Hawaii US.” I’ve been playing with the colors and designs of this tropical paradise, making your Hawaiian experience a whole lot of fun. Over at Go Hawaii US, we’re here to make your visit incredible. Let’s add some excitement and insights to your Hawaii adventure together!
