If you are on the prowl for waterfalls in Kauai, the spectacular 80 ft. Wailua Falls are located at the end of Rt. 583, a bit north of Lihue.
Depending on recent rainfall, the falls may merge into one large waterfall or split into two or three, as you can see above. It cascades into the south fork of the Wailua River.
As you can see behind us, Rt. 583 dead ends into a small parking lot. There are not a lot of spaces, but most people are only making a quick stop here. Like Opaeka’a Falls, it is a very short walk from the parking lot to the lookout. (I feel compelled to note that my ‘hairstyle’ is the result of 95% humidity, getting rained on during breakfast and hubby always wanting to drive with the windows down. At least I could get a comb through my hair, unlike after our doors off helicopter ride.)
Depending on how old you are, you may recognize these falls from the opening scene of Fantasy Island. If you love waterfalls, Wailua Falls will not disappoint.
Things to Know Before You Go:
- It is illegal to attempt to hike down to the bottom of the falls.
- If the parking lot is full, wait patiently, people usually only stay for a short while.
- The road to the falls is twisting, winding and has several blind turns.
- If you arrive early in the morning, you have a better chance of catching a rainbow on the falls.
After spending 10 minutes at the falls, we headed over to Kilohana Plantation to check out the stores, restaurant and rum tasting.
As always, wishing you happy travels and fantastic adventures in this thing called life.
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Waterfalls, waterfalls, waterfalls!
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