You can also view this multi-tier falls by horseback riding or set out on foot. Easy to view waterfall and River area with nice mountain backgrounds. We brought a picnic lunch to eat there and had a really good time. In those 25 years, a lot has changed on the island. Password should be at least 8 characters. Kauai, is green, and Kauai is wetand that's why it's so beautiful. Kauai Waimea Canyon and Wailua River Boat Tour, Day Trip from Oahu to Kauai: Movie Adventure & Helicopter Tour, Day Trip from Oahu to Kauai: Waimea Canyon & Wailua River, Cruise Ship Excursion: Kauai Waialua River Cruise & Fern Grotto, Day Trip from Oahu to Kauai: Movie Adventure. Route 580 goes through a notch in the ridge that the Wailua River has eroded. The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers questions. Mahalo . However, the rope fell short and landed at Opaekaa Falls, creating the waterfall we see today. There used to be a trail you could hike down to get to the falls pool, but after several fatalities, its ceased being used (and is closed per state regulations). This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Cut-off times are based on the experiences local time. He presented us with a superb narration as he skillfully maneuvered the helicopter over the magnificent island that is Kauai. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. Its in Wailua River State Park on Kauais Golden Coast, near Lihue. Be mindful of the cultural and historical significance of the area, and treat all sites with respect. I am comparing it to the drive to Waimea Canyon from Koloa, not as pictureresque. [5] This means that currently neither the top nor the bottom of the waterfall can be accessed on foot. Emerging from the thick jungle and forests of the east Kauai foothills above Wailua, the falls flow over a shelf of volcanic basalt from an ancient eruption before tumbling 151 feet to the roiling stream below. The waterfall is a remarkable payoff for your efforts. Read our. Suggest edits to improve what we show. The trail isn't very well marked at times and we had to backtrack a few feet a couple of times, but it was pretty easy to find where we went wrong and where the trail actually went. The falls are a bright contrast to the dry, rough canyon rock all around it. Keep in mind that the exact route may vary depending on your starting point: The scenic drive to Opaekaa Falls takes you through lush green landscapes and offers glimpses of the beautiful Wailua River Valley. Located 3 . Determine your current location using your smartphones GPS or a map. To get to Opaeka`a is an easy drive from Lhue. You might even recognize the view from such films as Raiders of the Lost Ark, Jurassic Park, and Outbreak. All Rights Reserved What Is Rental Car Insurance Coverage? If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Located in Wailua, Kauai, Opaekaa falls is an impressive 151-foot tall waterfall situated within the Wailua State Park. [1][4] There are no state-maintained trails to either the top or the bottom of the waterfall from the Kuamoo Road overlook. Heres where to go. Very rocky in there though. #66 of 269 things to do in Kauai Waterfalls Visit website Call Write a review What people are saying By ITRT " A Nice Find " Apr. "It's clear that anything that may look like a trail around paekaa is not a state-sanctioned trail," said the head of the island's official trails system. From the north bank of the Wailua River in Wailua town, turn off of Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56) onto Kuamo`o Road (Hwy 580). Top 10 Best Waterfalls in Hawaii & How To Visit Them, User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month, and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls. Opaekaa Falls is one of the most easily accessed waterfalls in Kauai. Its illegal to hike there because its on private land. Based on our booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, this experience is likely to sell out through Viator. You can't get very close to the falls, they are not that big, and there are lots of better falls on the island. Sort of. Its 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometers) out and back and easily accessible from Wailuasome call it the frontside trail.. No, you cannot swim at Wailua Falls on Kauai. Parking, picnic tables, and restrooms make this spot a great place to stretch your legs, have a snack, and bask in Kauais grand and always-lush nature. Click the button below. Which places provide the best hidden gems for waterfalls in Kauai? Currently Viewing Top Kauai Attractions & Sights (42) Na Pali Coast Adventure Tours (18) Waimea Canyon Tours (7) Wailua River Cruise to Fern Grotto (5) Hanalei Bay (3) Wailua Falls (5) Opaekaa Falls (3) Poipu Beach (5) Spouting Horn (3) Hanapepe (2) Kalalau Lookout (6) Most Popular Top 10 Best Things to Do in Kauai (45) There are several Hawaiian legends and myths associated with the area around Opaekaa Falls. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Below the ridge down into the ravine through which the water falls can be seen the vertical dikes of basalt that cut through the horizontal Koloa lava flows. Much of this region of Kauai is impossible to get to by car. But the good news is that you can view this waterfall from Highway 550. It had been my understanding that while Kipu Kai has been closed via land, people could still see Kipu Kai via private boat tours and helicopter rides. The steep road down to the village starts across the street from Opaekaa Falls. Upon arrival, youll find a small parking area with easy access to the Opaekaa Falls lookout point. As a Kauai resident, its important to note that kipu is permanently closed and has been for over 8 years. Opeakaa Falls is part of the north branch of the Wailua River, the 151-foot falls span 40 feet wide and are easily observed at the Opeakaa Falls overlook off of Kuamoo Road. Always stay within the designated viewing areas and do not attempt to climb the steep slopes or access the waterfall from the top or bottom, as the terrain can be slippery and dangerous. This is a top Kauai waterfall hike. If its canceled due to poor weather, youll be offered a different date or a full refund. May 2022. This is not a hike, but rather a short walk along a paved trail that leads to a view of 'Opaeka'a Falls. The trail continues on away from the beach with bathrooms off to the right. We highly recommend this company and if possible look for Domi!!! It barely takes 20 minutes to reach the 100-ft 'not-so-secret' waterfall where you can have a playful time in the pool. We were a party of 7 who loved our driver, Tino, and his ability to keep us laughing! 'Opaeka'a Falls at Wailua River State Park in Wailua Homesteads, Hawaii (Kauai) is an easy 0.1-mile out-and-back paved/universal access trail that leads to a vista point of Opaekaa Falls. Not only was he accommodating but he was very picky about where he stopped being conscious of cleanliness. Regardless of the time of year, always check the weather forecast before your visit and be prepared for changing conditions. At the milepost 6, 580 heads inland for three miles (5km). Easy parking and restrooms. [2][3], Visually, this is a spectacular waterfall and is one of the island's few waterfalls that can be seen from the road. Kauai is known for its great hiking spots. Across the street and slightly up the hill from the overlook is another scenic spot, this one offering views of the Wailua River Valley and emerald green fields of central Kauai. But lets be real, you want to feel the cool mist on your skin. Our team checks each review posted on the site disputed by our community as not meeting our, No questions have been asked about this experience. Bring these. Just back from visiting Opaekaa Falls. Hi everyone, I am planning a trip for me and my husband to Kauai. Na 'Aina Kai Botanical Gardens and Sculpture Park is a collection of gardens which was created by Joyce and Ed Doty in 1982. However, when you cross the road and look down into the valley, with the Wailua River running through it.now that's spectacular. To add more items, please delete some old ones. Which places provide the best waterfalls in Kauai for adrenaline seekers? Ample parking and a small sidewalk offer safe viewing of the falls and a view of Wailua River from a small lookout on the opposite side of Kuamoo Road. We drove a few miles out of our way to visit these falls. What's the best way to see Opaekaa Falls? You'll start at the Opaeka'a Waterfall and Wailua River Overlook, followed by a trip through a tea tunnel straight to the powerful Spouting Horn, a seafront geyser that shoots tall streams of water through the air. We were in the area and saw the sign for Opeeka Falls located in Kauai. It is a 151-foot (46m) waterfall that flows over basalt from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago. Route 580 is called Kuamoo Road at this point and it is 1.5 miles (2.4km) to the paekaa Falls parking lot and overlook. Easy to view waterfall and River area with nice mountain backgrounds. According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Opaekaa Falls: Opaekaa Falls, Kauai: Address, Phone Number, Opaekaa Falls Reviews: 4/5. WOW. Check Out the Newest Tours & Activities on Kauai, 2023 Hawaii Summer Vacation - Fun Things to Do in Kauai. Stay on designated pathways to avoid disturbing the natural vegetation and wildlife. Continue on HI-580 (Kuamoo Road) for approximately 1.6 miles. Mount Waialeale Falls, a.k.a, the Wall of Tears. Its a Kauai waterfall that everyone wants to see, but most people never will. Get the Wailua Valley & Waterfalls Driving Tour App. If youre a night owl, seeing the falls in the light of a full moon is beautiful, too. We're at Suite E11 at Kukui Grove Mall where Macy's is. Translated from Hawaiian, Opeeka means rolling shrimp because the area was known for its abundance of shrimp. Opaekaa Falls (or Opaeka'a Falls) is a segmented waterfall said to tumble at a height of 151ft, which was one of the easier waterfalls to experience thanks to an official well-signed roadside overlook. You can catch a glimpse of the cascading twin waterfalls from above if you drive roughly 2 miles down Kuamoo road from the Kuhio highway next to the Coco Palms resort. as he skillfully maneuvered the helicopter over the magnificent island that i , paddle the river for about 45 min, then beach the kayak (take your valuables with you) and , I'd say easy to moderate, but I could see it becoming moderate plus if the rains came then walked across the street and got an amazing view of the. This was a hard hike, but so much fun to do. Before posting, each Tripadvisor review goes through an automated tracking system, which collects information, answering the following questions: how, what, where and when. Mahalo! 1. Definitely worth the stop, and great photo ops on that side. Its considered a moderate trail through tropical forests and bamboo. Hoolea Falls might be the most stunning waterfall youll witness in Kauai! Check it out. " Oct. 2021 This is a beautiful waterfall to see in Kauai with easy car parking and no arduous hiking to get there. The waterfall is absolutely incredible. First, our driver/guide Orlando was simply amazing. Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. After a while the trail gets pretty tough, at times it felt more like rock climbing than hiking. Located on the eastern coast of Kauai Island, the Hoopii Falls is a hidden gem thats hard to find. Admission: $5 ($3 for children 3-12 years old) Hours: Open daily 9AM - 5PM. Generally, tours include a 45-minute kayak up the river, followed by a 20-minute trek through the lush rainforest along the floor of the Wailua River Valley. Follow the New Spur Trail until it turns into the Waipoo Falls Trail. The 600-foot falls are two misty twin tiers, surrounded by forest overgrowth up above. This happy . Opaekaa Falls Tours and Tickets. We drive through the tunnel of trees to Opaekaa Falls, that was lovely too. Finding Opaekaa Falls is easy due to the abundance of prominently placed road signs and paths that are safe and easy to walk, even for families with young children. Its considered a moderate trail with great views of the canyon and the pools above the falls. THE WEEKLY OPAEKAA FALLS HIKE ON KAUAI, HAWAII (CLOSED) March 21, 2023 AMERICA, HAWAII, HIKING Opaekaa Falls is one of the most popular spots for tourists to visit when they come to Kauai. To learn about the cookies we use and information about your preferences and opt-out choices, please review our Privacy Policy If you are used to proper mountain hiking and have hiking shoes, you'll be fine. Follow the road along the Opaeka`a Stream (on your right) and North Folk of the Wailua River (on your left) until you reach the well signed viewing area and parking lot on your right, just before mile marker 2. Take the Kalalau Trail where you will reach the falls about halfway along the hike. Round trip Inter-Island Airfare from Kauai, Pearl Harbor Tours 91% of travellers recommend this experience. Located at Nalu Rd., Kapaa, HI 96746, this is a gorgeous place to spend the day. Keep noise levels low to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and respect other visitors. Which places provide the most romantic waterfalls in Kauai? Join a private Kauai kayaking and adventure tour featuring Opaekaa Falls. $$ - $$$ Quick Bites Polynesian Hawaiian, $$ - $$$ American Cafe Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ Mexican Southwestern Vegetarian Friendly, $$ - $$$ American Gastropub Dining bars, $ Indian Healthy Vegetarian Friendly, This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. He was attentive, informative, and entertaining. And if you want to take a refreshing dip, head toward the lower falls. Fed by the Makaleha Mountains' rainwater, the falls flow year-round, with peak flow occurring during the rainier months. Be cautious of wet surfaces near the lookout point, especially during or after rainfall. The landscape and the river views on the other side of the waterfalls are also spectacular! Bring lots of water. When the system detects a problem, a review may be automatically rejected, sent to the reviewer for validation, or manually reviewed by our team of content specialists, who work 24/7 to maintain the quality of the reviews on our site. On the Web: www.villagekauai.com. You might just have to admire this beauty on a postcard or magazine. We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location. For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experiences start time. Not only was he accommodating but he was very picky about where he stopped being conscious of cleanliness. It is not recommended to hike to Opaekaa falls unless you are very experienced. Seeing the falls is free. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 2. First time in Kauai? The name Opaekaa translates to rolling shrimp in Hawaiian, a nod to the abundance of shrimp that were once found in the river. You have to rent a kayak, paddle the river for about 45 min, then beach the kayak (take your valuables with you) and hike about 20 minutes alongside the stream to get to the waterfall. For a shorter trip, you can launch from the Kamokila Village boat ramp. These crashing cascades are surrounded by lush green forests. Plenty of room to wade/submerge yourself in the pool at the base and under the fall itself. [1] The name "paekaa" means rolling shrimp, "opae" being Hawaiian for "shrimp," and "kaa" for "rolling". Check out these 11 best Kauai waterfalls that are absolutely stunning. If you feel like you have what it takes to reach this Kauai waterfall, youre looking at quite the journey. Opaekaa Falls is technically two separate streamsthe cascade is some 40 feet widebut after heavy rains, you can expect one grandmother falls, exploding down into a turbulent pool below.