Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
Wailua Falls
Kauai's Twin Falls
If you've ever fantasized about seeing a double-tiered waterfall, then get ready to turn your fantasy into reality at the gorgeous Wailua Falls. And speaking of fantasy, Wailua Falls is so lovely that it was featured in the opening scene of the long-running TV show Fantasy Island.
There are several reasons Wailua Falls is such a great (and popular) place for visitors to enjoy. First, it was catapulted into the international spotlight back in the 1970's by the well-known television series. It has also been widely utilized in print and other forms of media for decades as a symbol of Kauai's lush beauty. Second, unlike many other Kauai waterfalls, Wailua Falls is easily accessible, as no hiking is needed to reach it and appreciate its beauty up close. In fact, the parking lot basically overlooks the falls. But the main reason the falls is so special is its beauty; it has certainly earned its place as an international representation of Kauai's enchantment.
As an added bonus, when the sun hits at just the right angle you'll get a beautiful rainbow extending out from the base of the falls in the mist, which is nothing short of spectacular.
Note that during times of especially high precipitation on the island, the falls can actually turn into a single giant and raging falls. During high flow, the falls often sports a third-tier flow. And while Wailua Falls is always magnificent, we believe it is most beautiful when it has a moderate flow.
Wailua Falls is approximately 85 ft. high- not 170+ ft. as some books have reported- and drops into a pool over 30 ft. deep. Needless to say, we strongly urge you not to even consider diving off this waterfall, as the leap has proven fatal for several visitors. However, visitors are not the only ones to have met their demise here, as ancient Hawaiian men were known to have jumped off the falls in an attempt to prove their manhood. (Or their foolishness, one might say.)
We'd recommend you DO NOT hike to the bottom of the falls (which the county also advises against); the signs erected at each trail by the county of Kauai are posted as a testament to this fact.
In our opinion, the falls are best seen safely from above at the overlook. Please do not throw rocks and other items into the pool below (which likely will be partially out of view). County warning or not, some people DO hike to the bottom of the falls and likely won't appreciate being showered with anything but water.
The road leading to Wailua Falls is located right after mile marker one on Hwy. 56 you'll notice a road on your left- Maalo Road/Hwy. 583- accompanied by a sign pointing you in the direction of the falls. Take the short drive up to this road, which will end at a parking lot overlooking the falls.
Be sure to take lots of pictures and enjoy the view!
Featured Kauai Waterfall Tours & Adventures
Looking for the best way to explore Wailua Falls- or practically any of Kauai’s glorious waterfalls? Then a Kauai Waterfall tour is in order! Whether you’re looking to hike, swim, zipline- or even do all three- we have the perfect guided tour for you. If you’d prefer to sit back and have the best seat in the house, try a helicopter tour and for a simply unforgettable perspective of the Garden Isle’s magical and abundant falls. Book your Kauai Waterfall Tour today and get ready to be wowed!
Kauai Waterfall Information
Need more information on the best Kauai waterfalls? Wondering which ones have the easiest access and which ones require a bit of a hike? Or maybe you’re looking for a remote falls to explore. Check out these helpful waterfall articles and see which ones are perfect for your level of adventure.
