Hoʻopiʻi Falls
Kapaʻa, Kauai, HI, 96746
Picture the ideal Hawaiian hike, and the short trek to Hoʻopiʻi Falls near the town of Kapaʻa in Kauai might just be it. These twin falls along the Kapa’a Stream are so photogenic, filmmakers used them in the first Jurassic Park movie—today the falls are a little-known destination, but are easy to reach and great for taking a dip.
The basics
The best—and only—way to reach these falls is to take a roughly 2-mile (3.5 kilometer) round-trip hike from the trailhead on the northeastern side of Kapa’a. You can reach the trailhead near the dead end of Kapai Road in the outer reaches of town. After that, it’s an easy-to-moderate out-and-back trail mostly on dirt paths along the Kapa’a Stream. Keep in mind that you’ll reach the upper falls first, and that some sections of the trail involve technical terrain.
Things to know before you go
The lower falls may be closed to the public.
The round-trip hike should take no more than 1–2 hours.
The trail can be slippery after rains, so trekking poles may help.
Bring your bathing suit if you plan to take a dip in the natural pools.
Pack water, snacks, insect repellent, and sunscreen.
Avoid jumping into any pools and take caution when swimming. Check water depth and currents before entering, especially after heavy rainfall.
Respect the environment by packing out trash and leaving only footprints.
How to get there
Hoʻopiʻi Falls are near Kapaʻa on Kauai's east side. The trailhead is on Kapahi Road about 2 miles (3 kilometers) from the center of Kapa’a—you can make the drive in about 5 minutes or take the #60 bus—also known as the Kapahi Shuttle—to Kapahi Park and walk the remaining short distance up Kapahi.
When to get there
The best time to visit Hoʻopiʻi Falls is during the drier months on Kauai (May to September), when trail conditions can be more favorable to hiking and water levels are lower for safer swimming. While these waterfalls are not a hugely popular tourist attraction, you may find fewer crowds on weekdays compared to weekends.
When is the Kauai rainy season?
Though these waterfalls may be roaring with water during the Kauai rainy season, it’s recommended to visit during drier months, when conditions are much safer. Generally, it can rain in Kauai at any time of the year—it’s said that there are more than 400 days of rain on the island—but November to March is the rainy season (and the peak travel season), which can extend 1–2 months in either direction.
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