Are there fees or permits required for Wailua Falls?

No, there are no fees required to visit Wailua Falls.

Is swimming allowed at Wailua Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Wailua Falls.

Live Conditions · 1,750 ft³/s · Much higher than usual

Wailua Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Wailua Falls?

No, dogs are not allowed at Wailua Falls.

Hawaii • 80 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Oct 2026

Also For 1 other waterfall also named Wailua Falls, see below

Wailua River State Park SP · SPR

Photo Credits (5)

bdearth CC BY 2.0 · Flickr

Andrew Murphy (Syd, Aust) CC BY-NC-ND 2.0 · Flickr

jcsullivan24 CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Skrewtape CC BY-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Drive Up

About Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is one of Kauai’s most photographed waterfalls, plunging from the South Fork of the Wailua River near Lihue into a verdant, fern-lined gorge. Sources vary on its height—local measurements often cite an 80-foot drop, while Wikipedia and other references list the falls at about 173 feet (52.7 m)—but either way the twin tiers and the constant plume of spray make it a dramatic sight. The falls were made even more famous by appearing in the opening credits of the TV series Fantasy Island. The site sits within Wailua River State Park and is managed by SPR (Hawaii State Parks), so it’s easy to access for a quick visit from the roadside lookout. Although Wailua Falls is primarily a drive-up destination, there are informal paths that lead down toward the base. Hikers and photographers often follow these unmaintained routes for closer views, but expect muddy, slippery, and uneven footing—especially after rain. If you want a short outdoor outing rather than a mere pull-off photo stop, plan for a moderately paced excursion and exercise caution near cliff edges and wet rocks.

The Setting

Wailua Falls sits at 184 feet within Wailua River State Park, fed by the Sf Wailua River, in the coastal lowlands of Hawaii. The falls drop 80 feet.

Height: 80 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls (151 ft) lies 1.4 miles to the northeast.

ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls

Trail & Hike Details

The Approach

No hiking required. Wailua Falls is accessible by vehicle with a roadside viewing area.

Trail Description

There is no official, maintained trail to the base—the route consists of informal, unpaved paths and primitive tread that can be muddy and slippery. Terrain is uneven with some steep sections and exposed footing; expect natural surfaces (dirt, roots, mud) and limited signage. The roadside lookout provides safe viewing without descending; only attempt the path to the bottom if you are comfortable on unmaintained trails and in wet conditions.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 80 feet.

Accessibility

This waterfall is viewable from a vehicle-accessible area. No hiking is required.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Wailua Falls?

❌ Dogs are not allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🆖 No fees required

🏊 Is There Swimming at Wailua Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall winter

The best time to visit is early in the morning for fewer crowds and better lighting for photography. The falls are typically more vibrant after recent rainfall.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, Fall, and Winter. Heavy rains during wet season (November through March) bring higher flow but can make trails slippery.

Safety Information

Do not climb over barriers or attempt to hike down to the base of the falls, as the terrain is steep, slippery, and dangerous. Flash flooding can occur after heavy rain, so exercise caution during wet weather.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour ago Low

1,750 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

Much higher than usual for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

6 15 178 370

Based on 107 years of record

9.34 ft

Water depth at gauge

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

The water is flowing much higher than usual, expect an impressive display.

About This Gauge

SF Wailua River nr Lihue, Kauai, HI

USGS 16060000

0.2 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 24 sq mi

Altitude: 240 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge SF Wailua River nr Lihue, Kauai, HI (0 km away).

High confidence

Low right now

1750 cfs

↑ Rising

Today

Low

1890 cfs

4/10

Tomorrow

Low

2255 cfs

4/10

Mon

Low

2175 cfs

4/10

Tue

Low

2119 cfs

6/10

Wed

Low

2373 cfs

6/10

Thu

Low

2227 cfs

4/10

Fri

Low

2524 cfs

4/10

Best window: Tue — low flow, mostly sunny (trip score 6/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early November to early December, peaking in December.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Wailua Homesteads hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Is Wailua Falls Frozen?

Updated about 7 hours ago

Not frozen highs above freezing lately big river, rarely freezes solid

Wailua Falls is not frozen right now; highs have been above freezing. Yesterday ran 80°F to 71°F.

Days below freezing: 0 of the last 14
Current cold streak: 0 days
Freezing days ahead: 0 of the next 7
Flow: 1750 ft³/s

Winter safety. Frozen falls are the one waterfall trip with a documented injury pattern: falling ice, and ice-glazed rock and trail. Wear microspikes, keep well back from the base and from overhangs, and never walk out on ice over moving water.

Estimate from Open-Meteo daily temperatures at the falls, the LiDAR-measured facing direction, and the nearest stream gauge. It is a likelihood, not a report from the trail.

Weather Forecast

Location & Access

Getting There

Wailua Falls is located about 4 miles north of Lihue, Kauai. It is easily accessible by car via Maalo Road (Highway 583). The falls can be viewed from a designated lookout area near the road.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

There is a small parking area near the lookout point, but it can fill up quickly during peak hours. Parking is free.

Elevation

184 feet above sea level

Coordinates

22.034576° N, -159.378616° W

Land Management

Wailua River State Park SP

Managed by SPR

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early in the morning to avoid crowds and secure parking. Be cautious near the lookout area, as the ground can be slippery. Respect all signage and barriers, as venturing beyond them can be dangerous.