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Kauai Sights
Location: East Kauai
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a double-tiered waterfall, then you’re about to bring that dream to life at gorgeous Wailua Falls. Right after mile marker 1 on Highway 56 there will be a road on your left, Ma‘alo Road (Highway 583), accompanied by a sign pointing you in the direction of the falls. Take the short drive up this road which will end at a parking lot overlooking the falls. If you’re lucky, the sun will be at the right angle, and you’ll get a beautiful rainbow extending out from the base of the falls in the mist.
Wailua Falls is approximately 85 feet high (not 170+ feet as some books have reported) and drops into a pool over 30 feet deep. Don’t even think of diving off this waterfall as the leap can be, and has been proven, fatal. Ancient Hawaiians once learned as much when proving their manhood (or foolishness, take your pick).
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a double-tiered waterfall, then you’re about to bring that dream to life at gorgeous Wailua Falls. Right after mile marker 1 on Highway 56 there will be a road on your left, Ma‘alo Road (Highway 583), accompanied by a sign pointing you in the direction of the falls. Take the short drive up this road which will end at a parking lot overlooking the falls. If you’re lucky, the sun will be at the right angle, and you’ll get a beautiful rainbow extending out from the base of the falls in the mist.
Wailua Falls is approximately 85 feet high (not 170+ feet as some books have reported) and drops into a pool over 30 feet deep. Don’t even think of diving off this waterfall as the leap can be, and has been proven, fatal. Ancient Hawaiians once learned as much when proving their manhood (or foolishness, take your pick).
Location: Na Pali Kauai
Hanakapi'ai Falls isn't a waterfall most visitors will ever see. Nestled deep inside Hanakapi'ai Valley on the Na Pali coast (aerial Hanakapi'ai view), it'll take some effort to reach. After hiking two miles of rugged terrain of the Kalalau Trail you'll have to another two miles inland, along one of the most rugged trails we've ever taken, to reach this 410 foot beautiful falls located on the back valley wall.
Take notice of the native plant life as well as the small bamboo forests you will pass through.
Hanakapi'ai Falls isn't a waterfall most visitors will ever see. Nestled deep inside Hanakapi'ai Valley on the Na Pali coast (aerial Hanakapi'ai view), it'll take some effort to reach. After hiking two miles of rugged terrain of the Kalalau Trail you'll have to another two miles inland, along one of the most rugged trails we've ever taken, to reach this 410 foot beautiful falls located on the back valley wall.
Take notice of the native plant life as well as the small bamboo forests you will pass through.
Location: East Kauai
Mauka on Highway 56, right around mile marker 6, you'll cross over Wailua River. If you're heading north, make sure you’re in the left lane as the right splits off onto its own unique little bridge. You’ll be looking for Kuamo'o Road (Highway 580) on the mauka side of the highway. Head up Kuamo‘o Road until you see a pullout for Opaeka'a Falls on your right, shortly before the second mile marker.
From this overlook, you can get a spectacular view of 150+ foot Opaeka'a Falls. The falls are at their best in full sunlight (late morning usually). So if you visit on a cloudy day, definitely try to return at a sunnier hour. Best of all, the falls are flowing year round. You’re always certain to see it in action.
Mauka on Highway 56, right around mile marker 6, you'll cross over Wailua River. If you're heading north, make sure you’re in the left lane as the right splits off onto its own unique little bridge. You’ll be looking for Kuamo'o Road (Highway 580) on the mauka side of the highway. Head up Kuamo‘o Road until you see a pullout for Opaeka'a Falls on your right, shortly before the second mile marker.
From this overlook, you can get a spectacular view of 150+ foot Opaeka'a Falls. The falls are at their best in full sunlight (late morning usually). So if you visit on a cloudy day, definitely try to return at a sunnier hour. Best of all, the falls are flowing year round. You’re always certain to see it in action.
Location: East Kauai
Kipu falls is a fairly small waterfall just outside of Lihue, Kauai and are fed by the Hule'ia Stream on its way to the Nawiliwili Bay. As noted on our Hawaii Safety page, we advise against swimming in ANY freshwater pool in Hawaii due to the danger of leptospirosis bacteria. But if that's not reason enough, there are a few other reasons to seriously consider skipping Kipu falls.
This falls, while a joy to visitors, is also a source of serious injury and even deaths, with an average of one person a week winding up in the local hospital emergency room seeking treatment for injuries sustained at the falls. Additionally, two people have died there in the past few years after hitting their heads while using the rope swing. Others have had to be rescued via helicopter in flash floods. So use extreme caution if you visit this location.
Kipu falls is a fairly small waterfall just outside of Lihue, Kauai and are fed by the Hule'ia Stream on its way to the Nawiliwili Bay. As noted on our Hawaii Safety page, we advise against swimming in ANY freshwater pool in Hawaii due to the danger of leptospirosis bacteria. But if that's not reason enough, there are a few other reasons to seriously consider skipping Kipu falls.
This falls, while a joy to visitors, is also a source of serious injury and even deaths, with an average of one person a week winding up in the local hospital emergency room seeking treatment for injuries sustained at the falls. Additionally, two people have died there in the past few years after hitting their heads while using the rope swing. Others have had to be rescued via helicopter in flash floods. So use extreme caution if you visit this location.
Location: West Kauai
When visiting Waimea Canyon in northwest Kauai it's almost hard not to notice two-tier Waipo'o Falls dropping some 800ft into the Canyon below. You're first glimpse of the falls is at the Waimea Canyon Overlook, past mile marker 10 on Highway 550. Both the canyon and the falls are spectacular from this lookout (seen below).
Further up the road at Pu'u Ka Pele lookout, near mile marker 13, you can get your closest (though partially obstructed) view of the falls from Highway 550. You're still a remarkable distance away from the falls, but it's a beautiful photo opportunity.
When visiting Waimea Canyon in northwest Kauai it's almost hard not to notice two-tier Waipo'o Falls dropping some 800ft into the Canyon below. You're first glimpse of the falls is at the Waimea Canyon Overlook, past mile marker 10 on Highway 550. Both the canyon and the falls are spectacular from this lookout (seen below).
Further up the road at Pu'u Ka Pele lookout, near mile marker 13, you can get your closest (though partially obstructed) view of the falls from Highway 550. You're still a remarkable distance away from the falls, but it's a beautiful photo opportunity.
Location: West Kauai
This isn’t just another Waimea Canyon lookout, as many suspect. It’s a view into the heart of the Kalalau Valley, one of the most photographed and well recognized valleys in all of Hawai‘i. This is primarily because the valley and surrounding coast have served as the backdrop for countless films including King Kong (the original), Mighty Joe Young, Jurassic Park, and Six Days Seven Nights. Kalalau Lookout is also the highest elevation most people reach in Kaua‘i by road, 4,000 feet. As we mentioned before, here you will find one of the greatest views in all of Hawai‘i. Kalalau Valley is the largest valley on the island at two miles wide. Amazingly, it was inhabited up until 1919.
This isn’t just another Waimea Canyon lookout, as many suspect. It’s a view into the heart of the Kalalau Valley, one of the most photographed and well recognized valleys in all of Hawai‘i. This is primarily because the valley and surrounding coast have served as the backdrop for countless films including King Kong (the original), Mighty Joe Young, Jurassic Park, and Six Days Seven Nights. Kalalau Lookout is also the highest elevation most people reach in Kaua‘i by road, 4,000 feet. As we mentioned before, here you will find one of the greatest views in all of Hawai‘i. Kalalau Valley is the largest valley on the island at two miles wide. Amazingly, it was inhabited up until 1919.
Location: North Kauai
Heading north on Highway 56 the road begins to move more toward the west than north. Our next stop is called Queen’s Bath and is located inside the high class neighborhood of Princeville.
Queen’s Bath is a large natural “pool” which has been carved out of a lava shelf. The ocean acts as its filter which makes it dangerous to visit during the winter months when the surf is rougher. In the summer months the water is often calmer and you can see into the pool even without goggles. Small fish and other ocean life enjoy the beauty of Queens Bath and you will meet them if you decide to take a dip. Occasionally the government will close the bath due to dangerous conditions. This location is not without danger as many people have been swept into the ocean by rogue waves. Proceed at your own caution.
Heading north on Highway 56 the road begins to move more toward the west than north. Our next stop is called Queen’s Bath and is located inside the high class neighborhood of Princeville.
Queen’s Bath is a large natural “pool” which has been carved out of a lava shelf. The ocean acts as its filter which makes it dangerous to visit during the winter months when the surf is rougher. In the summer months the water is often calmer and you can see into the pool even without goggles. Small fish and other ocean life enjoy the beauty of Queens Bath and you will meet them if you decide to take a dip. Occasionally the government will close the bath due to dangerous conditions. This location is not without danger as many people have been swept into the ocean by rogue waves. Proceed at your own caution.
Location: South Kauai
At the end of Lawa‘i Road is one of the most magnificent gardens on Kaua‘i, the National Tropical Botanical Garden. It is actually two gardens in one: the 252-acre McBryde Gardens and the 100-acre Allerton Gardens.
The Allerton Gardens were once a private estate and are full of fountains, lush greenery, and interesting flowers. It is also home to the famous Moreton Bay fig trees that were featured in the movie" Jurassic Park." If you can remember the scene were Dr. Alan Grant and the kids discover the dinosaurs eggs, well, that’s the tree. Below is a photograph of this magnificent plant.
At the end of Lawa‘i Road is one of the most magnificent gardens on Kaua‘i, the National Tropical Botanical Garden. It is actually two gardens in one: the 252-acre McBryde Gardens and the 100-acre Allerton Gardens.
The Allerton Gardens were once a private estate and are full of fountains, lush greenery, and interesting flowers. It is also home to the famous Moreton Bay fig trees that were featured in the movie" Jurassic Park." If you can remember the scene were Dr. Alan Grant and the kids discover the dinosaurs eggs, well, that’s the tree. Below is a photograph of this magnificent plant.
Location: North Kauai
Kalihiwai Falls is a beautiful two-tiered fall that is visible from the bridge that spans the Kalihiwai River. There used to be a pullout near the bridge but it was closed. Walking across the bridge for a better look is ill advised given the traffic.
The falls are accessible by hiking or horseback riding several companies offer guided hikes in this lush are of Kauai.
Kalihiwai Falls is a beautiful two-tiered fall that is visible from the bridge that spans the Kalihiwai River. There used to be a pullout near the bridge but it was closed. Walking across the bridge for a better look is ill advised given the traffic.
The falls are accessible by hiking or horseback riding several companies offer guided hikes in this lush are of Kauai.
Location: North Kauai
As you continue to drive north past Kapa‘a you’ll pass through the town of Anahola around mile marker 13. Continue north along the Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56) until you come to Kolo Road shortly after mile marker 23. The road will be on your right. After you have turned onto Kolo Road you are going to want to take Kilauea Road makai (towards the ocean) to Kilauea Lighthouse and the national wildlife refuge that has been set up there. You have also now officially entered North Kaua‘i.
Before heading down to the lighthouse parking lot on the peninsula, take a moment to stop at the upper lot and view the lighthouse from the overlook. Then continue on down to the lower parking lot.
Kilauea Lighthouse is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. The lighthouse was built in 1913 with the largest hand blown clamshell lens in the world. It was later replaced with a beacon in the 1970’s. The lighthouse is open to look around on the ground level. Today the lighthouse remains one of Kaua‘i’s most popular attractions. Native vegetation and an informative visitor center attracts thousands of tourists to this site to bird watch, view the sweeping cliff and ocean vistas, and revel in Kaua‘i’s past.
As you continue to drive north past Kapa‘a you’ll pass through the town of Anahola around mile marker 13. Continue north along the Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56) until you come to Kolo Road shortly after mile marker 23. The road will be on your right. After you have turned onto Kolo Road you are going to want to take Kilauea Road makai (towards the ocean) to Kilauea Lighthouse and the national wildlife refuge that has been set up there. You have also now officially entered North Kaua‘i.
Before heading down to the lighthouse parking lot on the peninsula, take a moment to stop at the upper lot and view the lighthouse from the overlook. Then continue on down to the lower parking lot.
Kilauea Lighthouse is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. The lighthouse was built in 1913 with the largest hand blown clamshell lens in the world. It was later replaced with a beacon in the 1970’s. The lighthouse is open to look around on the ground level. Today the lighthouse remains one of Kaua‘i’s most popular attractions. Native vegetation and an informative visitor center attracts thousands of tourists to this site to bird watch, view the sweeping cliff and ocean vistas, and revel in Kaua‘i’s past.
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