9 of the Top Waterfalls on Kauai

Wailua Falls, without a doubt, offers the easiest Kauai waterfall accessibility. While most waterfalls on Kauai require a hike of some sort, at Wailua Falls it's a breeze to arrive and soak in the views, thanks to the designated lookout point located right next to the parking lot. (Notably, you can tap into both the Wailua Valley and its other waterfalls on a self-guided driving tour on your way there.)

From this spot, you can take in the view of the 140-foot (43-meter) cascade plunging into the olive-colored lake below. And because it’s so easy to get to, Wailua Falls is also a popular spot for Kauai waterfall photography.

Opaekaa Falls offers one of the more unique waterfall views on Kauai, in that you admire it from afar. A dedicated waterfall viewing spot lies about 0.25 miles (0.4 kilometers) out from the actual landmark, and that’s about as close as you can get.

But don’t worry, this 151-foot (46-meter) double cascade looks pretty incredible even from a distance. And given that several old-school movies, including Blue Hawaii (1961) and Donovan’s Reef (1963), feature this lovely Kauai landmark, you can learn more about this and other hot spots of Kauai’s cinematic history on a tour of island highlights and filming sites.

Despite its nickname of Secret Falls, Uluwehi Falls is no longer one of the most hidden waterfalls on Kauai—but that doesn’t mean it’s not worth your time. The most popular way to reach this 100-foot (30-meter) waterfall is via kayak, traveling up the Wailua River. It’s a relatively quiet 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) journey filled with bright greenery along the way that ends with some truly worthwhile views.

You can rent a kayak from a local outfitter or take a guided kayaking tour. The experienced guides on these Kauai waterfall tours provide kayak gear, offer paddling tips for beginners, and ensure you find your way to the falls.

The Na Pali Coast is arguably the most gorgeous natural landscape on Kauai, with oceanfront cliffs covered in verdant greenery. Tucked between the ridges, you’ll find countless waterfalls—both temporary and permanent—with Hanakapiai Falls being the most famous of the bunch.

You’ll have to hike the 7.6 miles (12.2 kilometers) to get there—much of it on the challenging Kalalau Trail—but this 300-foot (91-meter) landmark is more than worth the effort. It's one of the best waterfalls on Kauai, and it's one of the only ones that is safe for swimming.

Insider tip: Be sure to follow Kauai waterfall safety tips: Never swim directly under the falls and avoid waterfalls during flash floods.

Even farther along the Kalalau Trail lies Hanakoa Falls. Standing proud at 300 feet (91 meters) tall, Hanakoa Falls is an awe-inspiring sight to behold. That said, this waterfall also takes some effort to reach: It requires a 14-mile (22.5-kilometer) round-trip hike, best done with an overnight stay at one of the two Na Pali Coast campsites.

And keep in mind that if you're planning to make the trek, you'll need an overnight permit to visit Hanakoa Falls, even if you don't actually plan to stay overnight.

While most waterfalls on Kauai are nestled within lush green mountains, the Red Dirt Waterfall offers a little something different. As the name suggests, this 5-foot (1.5-meter) cascade flows through a landscape of iron-rich, red-orange soil, which creates quite the striking scene.

You’ll find this waterfall just off the side of the road on the scenic route up to Waimea Canyon and Kokeʻe State Park, meaning you can stop to take a look at this stunning waterfall even if you're not up to a miles-long hike.

Did you know?: Since this Kauai waterfall is seasonal, it isn’t there all the time. Your best bet is to visit the day after a good rain.

Waimea Canyon, sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, lives up to its nickname thanks to its stratified, orange-hued layers. And while the canyon is stunning in and of itself, the 800-foot (244-meter) Waipo’o Falls tends to steal a lot of the spotlight.

Though there are a few waterfall viewing spots scattered around the canyon, you can also get a closer look via one of Kauai’s best waterfall hikes: the moderate 2.6-mile (4.2-kilometer) Waipo’o Falls Trail.

Related: Know Before You Go: Visiting Waimea Canyon

Lace up your hiking boots and get ready for the 2.6-mile (4.2-kilometer) hike to Ho'opi'i Falls. While the trail isn’t that lengthy or steep, it can still be difficult, especially after the rain, as the terrain becomes very muddy and slippery.

However, it's worth the effort if you want to see this lovely cascade. Here, there are two tiers to this waterfall—the first is about 30 feet (9 meters) tall and the second is about 15 feet (4.5 meters) tall.

Insider tip: The Ho'opi'i Falls trailhead is in a residential neighborhood. Be respectful of the locals who live there by parking in designated areas and taking home any items that you bring with you.

While many Kauai waterfalls require a hike to reach them, Manawaiopuna Falls takes it one step further—this one requires a helicopter ride to see it.

And though there are several companies that fly overhead, there’s only one company allowed to land on this privately owned parcel for a closer look at the 400-foot (122-meter) falls. However you choose to visit, once you spot Manawaiopuna Falls, there’s a good chance you’ll recognize it. After all, it was featured in several shots in Jurassic Park (1993).