03-29-2026
Kalihiwai Falls
Located within the North Region on Kauai
Aloha! This article may link to trusted Hawaii resources at no extra cost to you. Mahalo for your support!
Kalihiwai Falls
Kalihiwai Falls is a two-tiered waterfall on Kauai's north shore that you can see without leaving your car. No hiking required. Just drive to the bridge over the Kalihiwai River and look up.
Viewing the Falls
The falls are visible from the Kalihiwai Bridge on Highway 56, between Kilauea and Princeville. The best angle is from the bridge when heading toward Princeville (westbound). There used to be a pullout near the bridge, but it has been closed.
Walking across the bridge for a better look is not safe given the narrow road and fast-moving traffic. View from your vehicle or find a safe spot to pull over before or after the bridge.
When to Visit
The falls run best after heavy rain. During dry spells, the flow can thin to a trickle. Kauai's north shore gets plenty of rain, so chances are good during winter and spring months. After a big storm, the falls run wide and powerful.
The falls are on private land, so there is no legal trail access to the base. What you see from the bridge is what you get. Some guided horseback riding and kayak tours in the area pass near the falls for a closer perspective.
Photo Tips
Shoot from the westbound lane side of the bridge for the best framing. Morning light works well since the falls face east. A zoom lens helps pull in detail on the cascades. Overcast skies actually produce better waterfall photos than harsh midday sun.
The falls are just past mile marker 25 on Highway 56. You'll cross the bridge on your way to Princeville and Hanalei. Easy to catch on a north shore day trip.
Kalihiwai Falls Reviews
Guidereview:
A (based on 29 visitor reviews)Geolocation Data
Geographic Coordinates
Latitude: 22.2034749
Longitude: -159.436298
Hawaii Safety Information
Recommended Tours Nearby
Affiliate Disclosure: We may earn commissions from some travel partners (like Amazon or Expedia) which helps us maintain this site. These links are at no extra cost to you and don't impact our honest & unbiased recommendations. Remove all the ads →
What's Nearby










Try out our AI Powered
Search & Chatbot →
Kalihiwai Falls
Get Your Free Hawaii Visitor Guide
Enter your email and we'll send you instant access to our free 2026 Hawaii Starter Guide + Summary Guidesheets.







