Enjoy the Magic of Kauai's Waterfalls

Following every heavy rainfall, the mountains on the eastern and northern side of the island of Kauai, Hawaii turn in to waterfall havens. Every where you look, mini waterfalls cascade through hidden vents, creating picturesque streams of sparkling water trails, descending hundreds of feet against the emerald green mountain face back drop, than disappearing as mysteriously as they began. Waterfalls are magical, exciting, and romantic. Everyone enjoys watching as the waters plunge along the rock face and crash at its base, producing a mystical misty rainbow as its crowning glory. Kauai is famous for its waterfalls, which have appeared in many different movies and on television shows.

Many of the famous waterfalls on Kauai are easy to access by car and foot. Here are directions to a few of the better known Kauai waterfalls;

Wailua Falls, an 80 foot fall is located in Wailua Valley. It is a short drive out side of Lihue. Go north on Kuhio Highway and as you past Wilcox Hospital, look for Highway 583 marker. It will be on your left side. Make a left turn on to 583 and follow the signs to the falls. The twin Wailua Falls were used in the television show, Fantasy Island.

Opaekaa Falls increases in spectacle with the rain fall. A 150 foot fall it converts from a lacy splash into a thunderous falls following a morning or late evening rain shower. Very popular, it is easy to access by automobile. Go north on Kuhio Highway to Kuamoo Road (the forth traffic signal light pass Wilcox Hospital). Turn left and follow Kuamoo Road approximately one mile. There is parking available at the lookout.

Kipu Falls is a small 15 foot fall located in Puhi Town west of Lihue. It is a popular local swimming hole that is tucked away off the beaten path. If you feel daring you can join the locals as they leap off the falls into the swimming hole beneath the falls. To find Kipu Falls travel west of Highway 50 (Kaumualii Hwy) to mile marker 3. Turn left on Kipu Road and follow it to the bridge. Find a place to park off the road. There is a short 5 to 7 minute walk on a narrow cane haul road on the opposite side of the bridge. Head downstream. The splashing and shrieking will serve as your guide.

There are many other waterfalls you can visit too such as, Waipoo Falls in Waimea Canyon, a semi strenuous 2 to 3 hour hike is required to witness this 800 foot wonder, and there is also Hanakapiai Falls on Kauai's North Shore. This 300 foot silvery ribbon water fall is a 2 mile coastal hike along the trail head from Kee Beach, located at the end of the road.

Waterfalls seem to captivate us and commune with something deep inside us. They connect with a part of us that has long since been forgotten on a conscious level. Be sure to enjoy the magic of Kauai's waterfalls when you visit.

Resource: Personal Experience