Secret Falls

Secret Falls (Uluwehi Falls) is a very popular waterfall requiring some form of water transport to get to the trailhead. We did this waterfall during our December 2006 visit as a canoe along part of the Wailua River coming from the Kamokila Hawaiian Village.

The canoe that Julie and I did together was rowed by a non-Polynesian employee with a thick pidgin accent. This part of the excursion probably took about 15 minutes from the Kamokila Hawaiian Village, which I think was the closest (departure point from a vendor) to the trailhead for the falls along the Wailua River.

After we landed our kayak, we were then left on our own to do an unescorted hike to the falls (we agreed on a meeting time back at this spot). But first, we had to traverse a rope-assisted stream crossing across a fairly deep stream (at least when we were there). The authorities at the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) told me (during my research for our defunct Hawaiian Waterfalls Book Project) that they often cut the ropes spanning the river to prevent a false sense of security, especially when the water level is high. After we made the crossing, that was when we began the hike, which took us roughly 45 minutes each way at a relaxed pace.

The trail pretty much followed the river with a few slippery muddy spots as well as two more stream crossings. For traction, we came prepared with Keens (but any pair of sports sandals or water shoes would make it easier for all the river crossings without ruining hiking boots or other closed-toe shoes). The trail ended right at the plunge pool below the base of Secret Falls.

Given the fact that we saw a bunch of people here from the multitude of tour groups all converging on this spot, it wasn't surprising that it got quite crowded here.

Directions: Most of the kayak/canoe rental vendors and tour companies (e.g. Kamokila Hawaiian Village, Wailua Kayak & Canoe, Wailua Kayak Adventures, etc.) are located in the vicinity of Kapa'a, Hanalei, and Po'ipu (you'll have to find a way to bring the kayaks or canoes to the river if the vendor is not along the Wailua River). Kayaking and canoeing begin at the mouth of the Wailua River (near the Hwy 56 and Hwy 580 junction) or further upriver at or near Kamokila Hawaiian Village (across Hwy 580 from Opaeka'a Falls Overlook).

As mentioned earlier, we took off from the Kamokila Hawaiian Village, which was shortly west of the overlook for Opaeka'a Falls.

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Walking along the river

A small cascade by a stream crossing

Last stream crossing before Secret Falls

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TRIP REPORTS

• December 26, 2006

GUIDEBOOKS / OTHER RESOURCES

NEARBY WATERFALLS

• 'Opaeka'a Falls

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