Wailua
Falls
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| Wailua
Falls |
These
beautiful falls on Kauai were made famous by the TV show "Fantasy
Island" and they are worth a trip to see.
Unfortunately, you are not able to view them straight on, the
parking and viewing area is to the south of the falls and you have
to look over a railing and see them from an angle. But they
are lovely and impressive. To reach them, take Hwy 56 to
Hanama'ulu to Hwy 583 (Ma'alo Road). Follow this road about 6
miles to the end.
Hanakapi'ai
Falls
To see these
amazing falls, you have to go to considerable effort. You
must hike in along Kauai's NaPali Coast, and it's an eight mile round
trip. But both the falls and the view along the way are well
worth the effort if you are up to the hike. Take Hwy 56
north all the way to the end, at Ke'e Beach. There you will
find the head of the Kalalau Trail which leads you on a two miles
hike to Hanakapi'ai Stream (and the secluded but often dangerous
beach). From there you must cross the stream and hike
another two miles into the valley toward the falls. Make
sure you take LOTS of water for this strenuous 6 hour hike.
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Opaeka'a
Falls
Used in the movie
"Blue Hawaii", you can see these lovely falls from a
distance at the viewing area just off Kuamo'o Road. On the
other side of the road you can view the Wailua River. Take Hwy 56
to Hwy 580 (Kuamo'o) and turn toward the mountains. Drive
uphill a mile or two to the parking area where you can see the
water fall.
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Opaeka'a
Falls |
Secret
Falls
If
you are really up for an adventure, consider making the trek to
Secret Falls. It requires both a paddle and a hike, at least
2 hours each way.
Start by launching your kayak at Wailua
River State Park and paddling up river until you reach a
fork. Stay to the right and continue to the end (about an
hour's paddle). Take your kayak out of the river, and locate
the trail head on the left across the river. The hike to the
waterfall is
also about an hour. Maps and information are available at
equipment rental companies.
 Other
Falls
There are many
other beautiful waterfalls on Kauai, several little falls
off the
side of the road, that you can see simply by paying
attention. Keep a lookout (safely!) as you drive
over the Kalihiwai Bridge on your way to Hanalei. There are
falls just before the bridge as well as makau (toward the
mountains) as you cross the bridge.
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