The Hawaiian island of Kauai is home to several waterfalls. Some of them are best witnessed on foot or by boat. Others are best seen from the air. Those hoping to view the island’s assortment of water features should first consider making reservations at the Best place to stay in Kauai, Fern Grotto Inn.
We are situated in the resplendent town of Kappa. It is located near the Wailua River, which is the source of a few waterfalls. The river has two forks, one in the north and one in the south. The northern fork is within sight of Mount Wai’ale’ale and the southern one is near Hanamaulu.
When you leave your cottage and head out on Kuhio Highway in a southerly direction, you’ll eventually come to Ma’alo Road. It’s also known as Highway 583. This road will take you to a beloved and well televised area known as Wailua Falls. Said to be 113 feet tall, the base of the double-tiered waterfall can be challenging to get to on foot. As such, most people opt to view it from above.
A second waterfall may be seen by taking a left from our vacation rentals and heading up the hill on Kuamo’o Road, also known as Route 580. It will take you to the northern side of a place known as Kuamo’o Ridge or Lizard Ridge. The ridge is home to Opaeka’a Falls. It’s a multi-tiered waterfall that’s said to be 151 feet tall. It may be witnessed from a maintained overlook off of the highway and above the falls.
A third and fourth waterfall may be found off Highway 56 in a residential area along Kapahi Road. Both sites are in the same area and known as Hoopi’i Falls. Visitors wishing to see them will need to strap on a pair of hiking boots and walk along a public accessible dirt trail in order to reach a convenient viewing spot.
Another waterfall is Secret Falls and can only be accessed by kayak and then a short 30 minute hike. This is the only falls where you can actually take a dip and enjoy the thunderous water coming down on you. An unforgettable experience. Visitors staying with us at Kauai Cottages do not have to rent a kayak to visit the falls. We provide complimentary kayaks as part of the amenities we offer to our guests.
Those are just a few of the waterfalls located within a few miles off our cottages on Kauai. There are quite a few more waterfalls all over the island.