Wailua Falls
4.5(1.1K)google
4.4(329)yelp
WaterfallPhoto Spot
Overview
Wailua Falls is a waterfall on the island of Kauai, part of the US state of Hawaii. The 173 foot (52.7 m) falls are located on the South Fork Wailua River near Lihue. The waterfall is prominently featured on the opening credits of the television series Fantasy Island.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-1 hour
Best TimeThe rainy winter-spring corridor from November to April guarantees the most thunderous volume for this twin cascade. Arrive between 7:30 AM and 9:30 AM; because the waterfall faces east, the early morning sun strikes the heavy rising mist at the perfect angle to generate brilliant, vivid rainbows inside the plunge pool.
Getting ThereSet just north of Lihue, making driving exceptionally straightforward. Exit HI-56 N onto Maalo Road (HI-583) and follow this rural paved road to its absolute dead-end. The waterfall overlook is steps from the guardrail with zero hiking required; parking is limited to a small, free roadside turnaround loop.
Travel Tips
- Descending the unauthorized dirt scramble to the plunge pool is a strictly enforced criminal misdemeanor; critical slip hazards have caused multiple fatalities, and trespassing past the regulatory steel fencing prompts immediate arrest.
- The viewing cul-de-sac contains fewer than 10 lawful parking stalls; blocking the narrow active roadway while waiting or attempting hasty U-turns creates gridlock, making a sunrise or late-afternoon itinerary change essential.
Photo Tips
Best LightTo capture clear double rainbow optics tracking through the plunge mist, complete your shoot between 8:30 AM and 10:30 AM with the eastern sun angled perfectly behind the platform; afternoon shade eliminates the prismatic refraction.
Reviews
Positive
- The twin waterfalls roar down a massive cliff into a deep green pool; the view directly from the roadside deck is visually stunning.
- The location is excellent, right beside the road with no strenuous hiking required, making it highly accessible for elderly and disabled.
- This is a completely free state park spot open 24/7, offering the fastest and highest value quick-stop photo while driving Kauai.
- In the early morning, perfect sun angles often create a beautiful rainbow in the mist, adding a rich, natural dreamlike charm.
Heads up
- The official roadside parking is tiny, holding barely ten cars; turning around in the dead-end road during peak hours is miserable.
- Fences and signs strictly ban hiking down to the pool; if you only view from the deck, the visit takes 5 minutes, offering limited fun.
- Many tourists bypass fences for photos, causing loose dirt and erosion; active enforcement and safety management are lacking.
- There are absolutely no public restrooms, trash cans, or vendors on site; infrastructure is zero, providing poor long-stay comfort.