You have to do Wailua Falls Hike!
You need to do the Wailua Falls Hike! Wailua Falls is one of the most popular spots on Kauai. The double waterfall that often makes a rainbow spray is the perfect representation of Kauai, the Garden Isle.
Technically, you can only view the falls from above and you aren’t supposed to hike down, swim, or even hike behind the falls. Supposedly the state closed down the hike due to liability issues, but they know tons of people do it and don’t enforce the closure.
While I’m normally a rule follower, I’m so glad I didn’t follow as swimming underneath this double waterfall was truly the best of the Kauai waterfall hikes. In fact, I’ve visited these falls three different times.
Quick Facts
- Distance: .3 miles down and .3 miles back (barely even a hike I know)
- Elevation Change: Straight up and down
- Difficulty: It’s over quick but you must be sure footed and able to climb up and down the slippery rocks
- Cost: Free
- Crowds: Quite popular though there is plenty of space to spread out
- Note: Technically this hike is closed, but the state knows tons of people still hike it and doesn’t enforce
- Parking: plenty of street parking, you might just have a brief walk up to the falls
- What to bring: Hiking boots (don’t recommend this hike in flip flops)
Wailua Falls Hike Location
Wailua Falls are located near the Lihue area of Kauai. The main airport is in the Lihue area, so this means that you are virtually guaranteed to be passing by there at one time or another.
The drive from the airport is only about 15 minutes.
Wailua Falls Parking
There is no set parking lot, only a few expanded shoulders off the side of the road. Most people just street park ahead of or after the falls and walk.
The site is pretty remote so there is lots of side of the road parking so you don’t need to worry that you’ll have to hike that far. Also, even if you want to wait for a close spot, lots of people just go to the overlook, snap a picture or two and then get back in their cars.
What To Expect on the Wailua Falls Hike
First off, when you see the falls they look even more impressive in person. They were so much bigger than I thought.
Overlook
When you first pull in, the falls will be off to your right. You can hear the roar as you get close. This overlook has you looking down on the falls, and full disclosure the view isn’t that good.
Accessing the Forbidden Wailua Falls Trail
If you are willing to take the risk and do the Wailua Falls trail, you simply walk around the chain link fence lining the overlook. You will see a well-worn footpath where many others have already gone.
The Trail Down
The trail down is only .3 miles long, but it is really steep and at times gets really muddy. The trail is so steep that at times ropes are tied between trees that you will want to hold on to.
If it has just rained (which in Kauai is basically all the time) there will be a few areas where it is super muddy so leave the Air Jordans at home.
I’ve done it in flip flops, but it’s a lot easier with some sturdier shoes.
Wailua Falls Swimming
Once you are at the bottom remember that you can spread out to take better advantage of the Wailua Falls Swimming! Most people tend to crowd at the opening where the trail comes down, but there are a number of different places you can access the pool to go swimming.
When you do get in know that the rocks are going to be slippery (really slippery) so move slowly.
Also, the current out of the pool and down the river is a little stronger than you would expect, so take caution if you have kids with you (I saw a boy starting to get swept away).
There is a path that goes directly behind the falls. It makes for a super unique view, but know that you will get wet!
Will You Get in Trouble for Doing the Hike?
Being the compulsive rule follower that I am, it pained me to do this hike. One of the times I was down there I met a local state parks employee. I asked him if the state ever enforces the trail’s closure or gives people tickets.
He said that he is well aware of the things the state of Hawaii punishes people for but hiking Wailua Falls is not one of them. He said the state doesn’t want to get blamed for someone spraining an ankle on the way down.
While you will have to make a decision on whether you want to take the risk or not, I would feel comfortable doing it again and again.
Side note: Notice that this hike and experiencing the falls is cool enough that even locals will do it again and again.
WHAT TO PACK FOR KAUAI
- Dresses – Packing a few good dresses is essential for Hawaii. Dresses have become my go to on trips to help quickly put an outfit together. Revolve is one of my go to shops for beach dresses. ASOS also has great summer dresses.
- Shorts – Anyone who is traveling to Hawaii needs a good pair of shorts. Khakis are great for guys. For women, cute athletic shorts or denim shorts are perfect for a breezy summertime look. These Levi denim shorts are my current favorites! These high waisted athletic shorts have gone viral on instagram and for good reason, they are AMAZING.
- Sandals – LOVE these Teva’s! They are my new go to travel sandal. Shop my favorite Teva’s here. They are great to wear in the water snorkeling and also amazing for hiking in Hawaii.
- Sports bra – This SKIMS bra is the most comfortable sports bra you will ever wear! Trust me. I travel with 5 of them. Also, highly recommend checking out the SKIMS fits everybody bra is to die for as well.
- Tank tops – Free people is my go to place to buy cute and affordable tank tops. I have this tighten up tank in almost every color.
- Hat – essential. Shop the newest hats at Nordstrom.
- Beach cover-up – Having at least one good cover-up is essential on any beach trip. I recommend ASOS, Nordstrom and Revolve as well.
- Hiking boots – I have two pairs of hiking boots that I love. My Columbia waterproof boots and my Salomon hiking boots. Highly recommend checking them both out! Warning – they both sell out really quick.
- Tennis Shoes – I guess you could wear sandals hiking this trail but I would recommend tennis shoes. It can get narrow and slippery in parts. These Nike high tops are my current favs. They look so cute with shorts too!
- Packing cubes – I always go to Urban Outfitters for my packing cubes. They have the cutest ones!
- Quick Dry Travel Towel – This quick dry towel is amazing to travel with. It really will come in handy when you need extra room in your suitcase.
- Snorkeling gear – for obvious reasons.
Planning a trip to Kauai? Check out all our Kauai blog posts below.
My husband and I have been to Kauai many times and have written up more blog posts to help you plan your trip. These are my most popular blog posts and Kauai travel guides to help you plan your trip.
Kauai Beaches
- TUNNELS BEACH IN KAUAI (amazing snorkeling, swimming, seals) – one of my personal favorite beaches own the entire island!
- SHIPWRECK BEACH ON KAUAI – Amazing cliff jumping beach
- MOLOA’A BEACH ON KAUAI – Insanely underrated. Giligans Island was filmed here. This beach was another one of my favorites. Practically empty.
- Anini Beach – (Snorkeling, fishing, swimming) Great for basically everything.
- Lumaha’i Beach Kauai – What you need to know before going
- Secret Beach Kauai! (aka Kauapea beach) – MUST see beach!
- KE’E BEACH ON KAUAI – read snorkeling, swimming, but you have to make reservation in advance – it was a nightmare.
- QUEEN’S BATH KAUAI: COMPLETE GUIDE – Another must visit!
- Hideaway’s Beach – Amazing snorkeling on the North Shore.
- Haena Beach – We saw a Monk Seal on this beach!
- Gillin’s Beach – Fairly secluded beach where you can ride horses!
- Donkey Beach – Underrated – practically deserted beach
- Hanalei Beach – Gorgeous beach, perfect for sunsets.
- Kalapaki Beach in Kauai – Perfect beach for families and swimming
- Salt Pond Beach Park – Amazing beach for kids and families (You can camp here as well)
- Black Pot Beach
Kauai Hiking Guides
- KALEPA RIDGE TRAIL – BEST HIKE IN HAWAII…SERIOUSLY. Trust me, don’t leave this one off your list! It’s GORGEOUS!
- WAILUA FALLS HIKE ON KAUAI – (AMAZING WATERFALL HIKE!)
- MAKALEHA TRAIL – Amazing trail that is extremely muddy. 100% worth it!
- CANYON TRAIL TO WAIPO’O FALLS
- Pihea Trail – Easy hike on Kauai with Na’pali Coast Views!
- Makauwahi Cave Trail – Kauai Hidden gem
Read about all the hikes we have done in Kauai here.
Read all other posts on Kauai here.
