Wailua Falls Wailua Falls (not to be confused with the same named falls in Maui) is one of the most easily-accessible yet beautiful waterfalls on Kaua'i.  " featured this waterfall. It has got a gorgeous double-barreled drop on the South Fork of the Wailua River with a reported height of 170ft (which is higher than the 80ft I think is widely reported in the literature). Regardless of its height, we think of this waterfall as a drive-to waterfall and definitely worth a look. It wasn't until after we left Kaua'i did we remember that there were unofficial ways of getting to the bottom of the falls. So we weren't tempted with this option, but I heard that it's steep and can be prone to injury (supposedly people have died trying in the past). We can't say more about this, however, since we didn't do it. Besides, we thought the views from the top were good enough. I learned during research for our defunt Hawaii Waterfalls Book project that the top of Wailua Falls is flat, with channels carved into the erosion-resistant pahoehoe lava rock from centuries of water flow. Ancestral Hawaiian male warriors tested their bravery by leaping (often to their deaths) from the top of the falls. Even today the dirt paths to the top are treacherously lethal scrambles. This has led the state of Hawaii to prohibit further access by erecting closure signs and barricades. From Kapa’a, head south for about seven miles through Hanama'ulu on Hwy 56. Stay on Hwy 56 past the two-mile post as it drops downhill. The turnoff for Hwy 583 (Ma'alo Road) is a sharp right turn, so obey the 35mph speed limit sign. Follow Ma'alo Road (Hwy 583) north for about four miles to its terminus at the waterfall car park. TRIP REPORTSFor more information about our experiences with this waterfall, check out the following travel stories.GUIDEBOOKS / OTHER RESOURCESNEARBY WATERFALLSHave You Been To This Waterfall?
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Wailua Falls, Kauai
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| Prior to the Mothers day landslide that killed 8 people and injured 50 others, on Mothers Day of 1999, Sacred Falls State Park was my favorite hike on this Island...[more] |
| Ahoy! On or about June 1975, on an afternoon helicopter ride with Jack Harter, out of the Kauai Surf Hotel, Na'wili'wili, we were flying west of Kapa'a...[more] |
| I was stationed at Kaneohe Marine Corps Air Station 1970 to 1972 and frequented the Likeke water falls (Oahu). Back then there was a trail off...[more] |
| I am extremely familiar with Papalaua Falls. I used to run kayak trips down Koolau Moloka'i and will again someday. I also made two documentaries including the falls...[more] |
| I loved Wailua Falls. We hiked to the bottom and swam in the gigantic pool. We got such beautiful pictures of our family. The hike was not well marked and very steep....[more] |
| I was stationed at Schofield Barracks from 1980-1983. I was introduced to Sacred Falls by some locals at my church. My fondest memory was climbing the hillsides on the trail...[more] |
| I am a professional photographer and was turned onto this waterfall by a local tour company which took hikers up to Likeke waterfall on a daily basis...[more] |
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