Wailua Falls

The Basics

Wailua Falls is not only one of the most picturesque waterfalls on the island, it is also among the most accessible. While many of the island’s other waterfalls require you to hike for the views, this one can be viewed from a roadside overlook. The easy access makes the waterfall a popular stop on island tours that also visit other natural attractions such as Waimea Canyon and ʻOpaekaʻa Falls. You can also visit the falls on a movie highlights tour that visits filming locations of Hollywood hits such as “Pirates of the Caribbean,” “Castaway,” and “Jurassic Park.”

Things to Know Before You Go

• Wailua Falls is an ideal destination for visitors who want to view a waterfall without hiking.
• The roadside overlook is paved and wheelchair accessible.
• The trails that lead to the base of the falls are steep, muddy, and officially closed to hikers.
• There is no entrance fee to visit Wailua River State Park.

How to Get There

The falls’ overlook is located just 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of Lihue (and Kaui’s main airport).xa0 Head north on Highway 56 and then turn left at Ma‘alo Road (Highway 583). You can’t miss the overlook, it is at the end of the road.

When to Get There

The falls are beautiful year-round, but to catch them at their most impressive visit in the rainy season (November through March). For the best photo opportunities, visit mid-morning on a clear, sunny day—if you’re lucky you may be able to see rainbows in the falls’ mist.

The Best of Wailua River State Park

Home to the lush Wailua River Valley, Wailua River State Park is ideal for outdoor recreation. One of the top activities is a riverboat ride to Fern Grotto—a natural lava cave draped with ferns. You can also enjoy two waterfalls (‘Opaeka‘a Falls and Wailua Falls) and visit the Wailua Complex of Heiau, a National Historic Landmark.

Ways to explore

Wailua Falls are not only among the most beautiful waterfalls on the island, but also the most accessible. While many of the island’s other waterfalls need to be hiked to for the views, this one can be seen from a roadside overlook. The easy access makes this a popular stop on island tours that also visit other natural attractions, such as Waimea Canyon and ʻOpaekaʻa Falls. You can also visit the falls on a movie highlights tour that visits filming locations of hits such as Pirates of the Caribbean, Castaway, and Jurassic Park.

Accessibility

The Wailua Falls overlook along Ma’alo Road is flat, paved, and wheelchair accessible.

Age limits

None

What to pack

Camera and battery pack, water

What to wear

Sun hat, sunscreen

Not allowed

The trails that lead to the base of the falls are steep, muddy, and dangerous to hikers.

Amenities

Free parking area, safety railing

Address

Wailua Falls are just 5 miles (8 kilometers) north of Lihue (and Kaui’s main airport). You can’t miss the overlook, set at the end of the road on the right side facing the falls.

Driving

From Lihue, head north on Highway 56 and then turn left at Ma‘alo Road (Highway 583). Follow this road to its very end; there is a free parking area where all visitors must leave their vehicles, just past the overlook.

Public transportation

There is no public transportation to the falls, so join an island tour with a driver to reach the overlook if you’d rather not drive on Kauai.

Best times to visit

Visit Wailua Falls overlook in the morning to see the rainbows that form around the falls when the sun hits the mist just right.

Best days to visit

The overlook tends to get crowded with visitors on the weekends, and the parking area can fill up, so visit on a weekday morning for easy parking and great views.

Best months to visit

Avoid the winter months, when cloudy skies make rainbow spotting a challenge at Wailua Falls. Late spring to early fall is when sunlight is almost guaranteed each day.