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East Kauai Region
Location: East Kauai
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a double-tiered waterfall, then you’re about to bring that dream to life at gorgeous Wailua Falls. Right after mile marker 1 on Highway 56 there will be a road on your left, Ma‘alo Road (Highway 583), accompanied by a sign pointing you in the direction of the falls. Take the short drive up this road which will end at a parking lot overlooking the falls. If you’re lucky, the sun will be at the right angle, and you’ll get a beautiful rainbow extending out from the base of the falls in the mist.
Wailua Falls is approximately 85 feet high (not 170+ feet as some books have reported) and drops into a pool over 30 feet deep. Don’t even think of diving off this waterfall as the leap can be, and has been proven, fatal. Ancient Hawaiians once learned as much when proving their manhood (or foolishness, take your pick).
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a double-tiered waterfall, then you’re about to bring that dream to life at gorgeous Wailua Falls. Right after mile marker 1 on Highway 56 there will be a road on your left, Ma‘alo Road (Highway 583), accompanied by a sign pointing you in the direction of the falls. Take the short drive up this road which will end at a parking lot overlooking the falls. If you’re lucky, the sun will be at the right angle, and you’ll get a beautiful rainbow extending out from the base of the falls in the mist.
Wailua Falls is approximately 85 feet high (not 170+ feet as some books have reported) and drops into a pool over 30 feet deep. Don’t even think of diving off this waterfall as the leap can be, and has been proven, fatal. Ancient Hawaiians once learned as much when proving their manhood (or foolishness, take your pick).
Location: East Kauai
This is one of three Nounou Mountain Trails. It is referred to as the "Sleeping Giant Trail" because you will be hiking right across the big guy's chest. The "giant's" profile is most easily seen from nearly anywhere in Kapa'a - it's easiest to spot his chin first. The "Sleeping Giant Trail" is a gently ascending stroll through forested mountains with excellent views.
The trail begins with several switchbacks through a shady forest of ironwood, guava, and silk oak to name a few. Along your path you are treated to stunning views of Kapa'a and Waipouli. You begin to gain elevation steadily past .75 miles. After a brief trek over a lava outcropping you will begin again switchbacking up the mountain as you get views of Kalepa Ridge, Wailua Bay and the Hoary Head Mountains.
This is one of three Nounou Mountain Trails. It is referred to as the "Sleeping Giant Trail" because you will be hiking right across the big guy's chest. The "giant's" profile is most easily seen from nearly anywhere in Kapa'a - it's easiest to spot his chin first. The "Sleeping Giant Trail" is a gently ascending stroll through forested mountains with excellent views.
The trail begins with several switchbacks through a shady forest of ironwood, guava, and silk oak to name a few. Along your path you are treated to stunning views of Kapa'a and Waipouli. You begin to gain elevation steadily past .75 miles. After a brief trek over a lava outcropping you will begin again switchbacking up the mountain as you get views of Kalepa Ridge, Wailua Bay and the Hoary Head Mountains.
Location: East Kauai
Mauka on Highway 56, right around mile marker 6, you'll cross over Wailua River. If you're heading north, make sure you’re in the left lane as the right splits off onto its own unique little bridge. You’ll be looking for Kuamo'o Road (Highway 580) on the mauka side of the highway. Head up Kuamo‘o Road until you see a pullout for Opaeka'a Falls on your right, shortly before the second mile marker.
From this overlook, you can get a spectacular view of 150+ foot Opaeka'a Falls. The falls are at their best in full sunlight (late morning usually). So if you visit on a cloudy day, definitely try to return at a sunnier hour. Best of all, the falls are flowing year round. You’re always certain to see it in action.
Mauka on Highway 56, right around mile marker 6, you'll cross over Wailua River. If you're heading north, make sure you’re in the left lane as the right splits off onto its own unique little bridge. You’ll be looking for Kuamo'o Road (Highway 580) on the mauka side of the highway. Head up Kuamo‘o Road until you see a pullout for Opaeka'a Falls on your right, shortly before the second mile marker.
From this overlook, you can get a spectacular view of 150+ foot Opaeka'a Falls. The falls are at their best in full sunlight (late morning usually). So if you visit on a cloudy day, definitely try to return at a sunnier hour. Best of all, the falls are flowing year round. You’re always certain to see it in action.
Location: East Kauai
Kipu falls is a fairly small waterfall just outside of Lihue, Kauai and are fed by the Hule'ia Stream on its way to the Nawiliwili Bay. As noted on our Hawaii Safety page, we advise against swimming in ANY freshwater pool in Hawaii due to the danger of leptospirosis bacteria. But if that's not reason enough, there are a few other reasons to seriously consider skipping Kipu falls.
This falls, while a joy to visitors, is also a source of serious injury and even deaths, with an average of one person a week winding up in the local hospital emergency room seeking treatment for injuries sustained at the falls. Additionally, two people have died there in the past few years after hitting their heads while using the rope swing. Others have had to be rescued via helicopter in flash floods. So use extreme caution if you visit this location.
Kipu falls is a fairly small waterfall just outside of Lihue, Kauai and are fed by the Hule'ia Stream on its way to the Nawiliwili Bay. As noted on our Hawaii Safety page, we advise against swimming in ANY freshwater pool in Hawaii due to the danger of leptospirosis bacteria. But if that's not reason enough, there are a few other reasons to seriously consider skipping Kipu falls.
This falls, while a joy to visitors, is also a source of serious injury and even deaths, with an average of one person a week winding up in the local hospital emergency room seeking treatment for injuries sustained at the falls. Additionally, two people have died there in the past few years after hitting their heads while using the rope swing. Others have had to be rescued via helicopter in flash floods. So use extreme caution if you visit this location.
Location: East Kauai
Nawiliwili Harbor has been the official harbor for Kauai since 1930 when George Willcox donated the funds to build it. Located at the mouth of the Hule'ia Stream, the harbor got its name from the Wiliwili trees which once ruled the area. You may recognize this place and nearby Niumalu Beach from the film "Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark."
Nawiliwili Harbor has been the official harbor for Kauai since 1930 when George Willcox donated the funds to build it. Located at the mouth of the Hule'ia Stream, the harbor got its name from the Wiliwili trees which once ruled the area. You may recognize this place and nearby Niumalu Beach from the film "Indiana Jones: Raiders of the Lost Ark."
Location: East Kauai
This east Kauai town is just north Lihue and home to about 10,000 people. Kapa'a is a very touristy area with plenty of hotels, condos, restaurants and shops to entertain. Above the tops of Kapaa's graceful coconut trees, sleeps the giant. "Sleeping Giant" is just another name for an interesting formation on the Nounou Mountain range which is visible from nearly all areas of Kapa'a. Kapa'a's beaches are less crowded than some others on the island but often make for dangerous swimming because of tricky currents.
This east Kauai town is just north Lihue and home to about 10,000 people. Kapa'a is a very touristy area with plenty of hotels, condos, restaurants and shops to entertain. Above the tops of Kapaa's graceful coconut trees, sleeps the giant. "Sleeping Giant" is just another name for an interesting formation on the Nounou Mountain range which is visible from nearly all areas of Kapa'a. Kapa'a's beaches are less crowded than some others on the island but often make for dangerous swimming because of tricky currents.
Location: East Kauai
This two-mile stretch of sand backing the Wailua Golf Course near Kapa'a is rarely crowded. Swimming is generally good but currents and surf have to be monitored. This is a nice spot to get a spot all to yourself. There is no lifeguard and the only facilities are at the southern end of the beach.
This two-mile stretch of sand backing the Wailua Golf Course near Kapa'a is rarely crowded. Swimming is generally good but currents and surf have to be monitored. This is a nice spot to get a spot all to yourself. There is no lifeguard and the only facilities are at the southern end of the beach.
Location: East Kauai
The Nounou Mountain ridge between Wailua and Kapa'a has a unique feature - it looks just like a slumbering giant. Legends and tall tales abound about this strange rock formation. Most of them dealing with a giant drinking and eating in great quantities and then laying down for a nap. He hasn't awoken since!
The Nounou Mountain ridge between Wailua and Kapa'a has a unique feature - it looks just like a slumbering giant. Legends and tall tales abound about this strange rock formation. Most of them dealing with a giant drinking and eating in great quantities and then laying down for a nap. He hasn't awoken since!
Location: East Kauai
Lihu'e is the second largest town on the Hawaiian Island of Kaua'i in Hawai'i. Lihu'e means literally "cold chill" in Hawaiian. With a population of 5,674, it's a pretty laid back place. There are plenty of shopping and dining possibilities including Walmart, Home Depot and K-Mart. When you fly into Kauai, you will arrive at the small Lihu'e Airport.
In ancient times, Lihu'e was a minor village. The name is of recent origin and means "goose flesh", referring to the cold winds that blew across the land. The ancient name of the area was Ka-laʻ-i-a-mea, meaning calm reddish brown place.
Lihu'e is the second largest town on the Hawaiian Island of Kaua'i in Hawai'i. Lihu'e means literally "cold chill" in Hawaiian. With a population of 5,674, it's a pretty laid back place. There are plenty of shopping and dining possibilities including Walmart, Home Depot and K-Mart. When you fly into Kauai, you will arrive at the small Lihu'e Airport.
In ancient times, Lihu'e was a minor village. The name is of recent origin and means "goose flesh", referring to the cold winds that blew across the land. The ancient name of the area was Ka-laʻ-i-a-mea, meaning calm reddish brown place.
Location: East Kauai
Kealia Beach is known for its wicked waves and you'll see plenty of boogie boarders and surfers there on a good day. Summer is the best time to try to swim at Kealia. If the ocean doesn't seem inviting the 150-foot wide, .5 mile long beach is good for sunbathing or a stroll.
Kealia Beach is known for its wicked waves and you'll see plenty of boogie boarders and surfers there on a good day. Summer is the best time to try to swim at Kealia. If the ocean doesn't seem inviting the 150-foot wide, .5 mile long beach is good for sunbathing or a stroll.
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