Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls
4.5
About
This two-tiered 80-foot-tall waterfall located near Lihue is famous for being featured in the 1970s TV series, Fantasy Island. These spectacular falls are easily accessible—no hiking required—and can be seen from the nearby carpark. Visit after rainfall when the falls are exceptionally impressive, or in the morning for a chance to catch a rainbow when the light is just right. Be careful though—it's not recommended to hike to the base of the falls as it's steep and slippery. You can see the falls on a day trip or from up above on an air tour of Kauai. – Tripadvisor
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- dzouchaInverness, Florida36 contributionsGreat views!Worth the 15 minute drive up the mountain. The parking lot is small, but people come and go quickly. For those 50 and older, you can almost hear Ricardo Montalban saying "Welcome to Fantasy Island."Visited March 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 22 March 2023
- EvsLos Angeles, California138 contributionsMust see waterfallBeautiful waterfall! I would highly recommend making a stop here. Parking is very tight as it’s pretty much one tiny one way lane and you have to try to park on the sides. DO NOT HIKE TO THE BOTTOM. Don’t risk it. It says not to enter for a reason and there have been recent deadly accidents.Visited January 2023Travelled with familyWritten 23 March 2023
- MariaBCaliforniaChino Hills, California591 contributionsPretty fallsThe falls are easy to drive up to and park, then walk a short distance from your car to view. We didn't go down to the bottom, but you can see them perfectly from the overlook on top. There is free parking available, though a small lot. Many wild roosters, hens, and chicks running around too.Visited May 2023Travelled as a coupleWritten 28 May 2023
- LnS2004Cypress, California6,228 contributionsBeautiful WaterfallWe drove along narrow winding road to reach the trail head, only to notice that the area was fenced off and a sign indicating trail to the base of the fall closed for being too dangerous. Found out later a tragic accident had occurred last year. Fortunately we could still admire the gushing majestic, beautiful waterfall and the surrounding lush foliage from a safe distance at the roadside lookout.Visited June 2023Travelled with familyWritten 24 June 2023
- LivinglifeinPA899 contributionsStunning Tiered Waterfall!This waterfall is easily seen from a pull-off on the main road (Ma'alo Road). The hiking path to it has been closed...apparently, it was a very dangerous trail. The waterfall is nicknamed the Fantasy Island Waterfalls because it was shown in the opening scene of that TV show. We were told that the best time to see the falls is in the morning......rainbows at the falls are often seen during that time of the day. Unfortunately, we didn't see any rainbows, but the falls themselves were amazingly beautiful!Visited June 2023Written 2 July 2023
- Vedran O2 contributionsThe best swim on my Hawaii trip - little adventure!It was the best experience on my Hawaii trip. View from the top was nothing compared to the one from the bottom. There is a trail you can take down to the bottom and swim. The trail is not safe at all but if you’re young go for it. It was worth it. Not to mention having that poll just for yourself and 2 other people who can take wonderful photos of you while you’re swimming. I took a day trip from Oahu just to come and swim here. Water temp was perfect - the best swim on my whole trip - and no crowds.Visited October 2023Travelled soloWritten 5 November 2023
- bpsNew Haven, Connecticut2 contributionsLovely to look at, easily accessible.The falls were beautiful, easy to drive to and look at. We were there in the rainy season and they were full and flowing but not as tall as we expected. We were the only ones by the edge of the road looking at them. We turned the car around and drove back to the main highway, not far away.Visited January 2024Travelled with familyWritten 26 January 2024
- ORMumLake Oswego, Oregon153 contributionsBeautiful falls but not much elseBeautiful falls very close to the Lihue airport. We went to the falls right after we arrived at Lihue airport and picked up our car. It is an easy 15-30mins drive by car and there is a small parking area where you can park and go to the viewing area to see the waterfalls from the top. There is not much else to do after you've seen the falls, so we drove back and stopped at a fruit stand on the way back. We spent about 30mins max at the falls.Visited February 2024Travelled as a coupleWritten 10 March 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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4.5
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ORMum
Lake Oswego, OR153 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
Beautiful falls very close to the Lihue airport. We went to the falls right after we arrived at Lihue airport and picked up our car. It is an easy 15-30mins drive by car and there is a small parking area where you can park and go to the viewing area to see the waterfalls from the top. There is not much else to do after you've seen the falls, so we drove back and stopped at a fruit stand on the way back. We spent about 30mins max at the falls.
Written 10 March 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bowphantom
Arlington, WA29 contributions
Jan 2024 • Solo
Beautiful view but construction can make it difficult to enter and exit. Just need to be patient. Parking was a bit of a challenge as too many cars so folks were parking in front of washroom
Written 3 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Timothy K
Chicago, IL303 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
The Falls are nice, and worth a stop, only about 10 min from Lihue. The overlook has spaces for cars, and a nice ledge to see the falls, but the plant growth makes it hard to see everything.
Written 1 February 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
bps
New Haven, CT2 contributions
Jan 2024 • Family
The falls were beautiful, easy to drive to and look at. We were there in the rainy season and they were full and flowing but not as tall as we expected. We were the only ones by the edge of the road looking at them. We turned the car around and drove back to the main highway, not far away.
Written 26 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Monique P
12 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Small parking lot but quick turn around of cars. falls were hard to see through the tall grass and no way to hike down to swim under the falls. could not even get a good picture.
Written 13 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Pavan V
San Jose, CA7 contributions
Dec 2023 • Family
Good accessible spot, parking is limited. You don't have to walk a lot it is accessible by car. Bit of very thick vegetation if you are a nature lover, however some urban folks may not appreciate it. If you find the fresh coconut salesman, try one fresh coconut, it is as close to nature that you can get it to taste coconuts than the packaged contents we get in stores.
Written 4 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
advcards
Reno, NV3,599 contributions
Jan 2024 • Couples
Narrow road about 4 miles off the main highway but worth the stop. Sort of get a side view of the falls but they were the fantasy island falls.
Written 1 January 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sue
Wailea, HI43 contributions
Dec 2023 • Solo
not worth the drive. not a great view, overgrown vegetation. high fences. small parking lot. find another waterfall, this one is overmarketed.
Written 18 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gary F
Castle Rock, CO677 contributions
Nov 2023 • Couples
My wife and I decided to see these iconic falls as I have seen them over the years on television. Easy drive that we did on the way to other sites.
Written 29 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Saffron
New Lenox, IL383 contributions
Oct 2023 • Family
Since this was on the list of "must dos" on this island, we took a drive up there. The gorgeous picture that is promoting this stop here is NOTHING even close to what we saw. The guard rails prevented us from seeing the water pooling below, and the waterfalls themselves were nothing like shown in the picture. Just two streams of water. Parking is crazy. It was so congested up there. The only reason we found a spot to park was because someone was pulling out.
Written 24 November 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
cristina_11
Kauai, HI7 contributions
My husband and I will be in Kauai until the end of December. We are looking for people to hike with or/ and share a car with as we don’t drive.
If anyone interested please contact me at +17144069862.
We have open schedule
Mahalo!
Sandy
Spokane, WA50 contributions
Sorry. We left Christmas Eve.
Judy L
Allentown, PA393 contributions
Can you tell me more about the hike
abollwerk
Parker, CO65 contributions
The is no hiking path down into the canyon to the pool below the Wailua Falls. Parking is limited but just wait a few minutes and someone will leaving a place for you to park. The view of the Falls and the canyon only takes a few minutes, 10 to 20, The best time to view the Falls is just after the area had a good rain.
Al
William H
Houston111 contributions
I have seen some beautiful pictures of the falls and I was wondering when the lighting is best for taking photos at this site. Morning, afternoon? Any tips would be greatly appreciated.
Ashley Patton
Yorkton, Saskatchewan, Canada45 contributions
We were there in the morning and had the best pictures.
Erin H
Honolulu, HI12 contributions
Easy way to hike down to bottom from top viewing area?
Dudditz
Forsyth, IL108 contributions
The trail near the overlook is really steep and dangerous. People have been seriously injured trying it. Just before you get to the overlook, there is a cane haul bridge. Just before this bridge, on the right hand side, is a trail that will take you to the bottom of the falls. It is very difficult, but better than the suicide trails near the overlook. It is signed that it is closed and unlawful to use, but a few people do it anyway.
We are planning a trip to Wailua Falls in April, 2018. We have read some scary reviews and some, like yours, that say that this is doable for experienced hikers, which we are. We don't mind getting muddy, but we certainly do not wish to hike a steep, muddy, dangerous trail. We also are not interested in breaking any laws. Any additional information that you can share would be welcome. Thanks!
chattygirl7491
Franklin Ohio10,195 contributions
This is supposed to be dry season but 2018 March and April LOTS OF RAIN
sandralR2400KT
Anaheim1 contribution
can i get to the falls walking with a bad leg? not totally disabled but limited hiking ability
MortyNik
Lakewood, CO189 contributions
You can check out the falls from the road. If there is a tyrail it will be a big downhill and probably steep down and tough to get back up. There are falls nearby that have a nice easy hike: I think the name is Hookipa Falls.
sroystonnn
Newark, DE2 contributions
Going to kauai in June!!! How is the hike down to wailua falls??? I heard it's pretty step. Is it manageable for active 18 year olds??
KellyET
Vale, OR15 contributions
It's not particularly steep, but can be problematic during rainy periods. Active terms and adults should have no problems. Then there's the nice dip in the pool at the end.
RodeoTigre
Chicago, IL3 contributions
Hello, is this lookout worth driving to on a rainy day? Thanks!
Pigment1
Cincinnati, OH101 contributions
Sure, as it is not to far off the main road near Lihue.
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Claim your listingWailua Falls - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)
Frequently Asked Questions about Wailua Falls
- According to Tripadvisor travellers, these are the best ways to experience Wailua Falls:
- Kauai's South & East small group tour. Legends & Waterfalls (From AU$277.67)
- Kauai Adventure Bundle: 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours (From AU$45.44)
- Private Kauai North Shore Tour (From AU$500.03)
- Private Luxury Tour of Kauai: South & West Shores (From AU$488.76)
- Entire Kauai Air Tour - ALL WINDOW SEATS (From AU$240.92)
- Hotels near Wailua Falls:
- (6.02 km) Fern Grotto Inn
- (6.98 km) 17 Palms Kauai
- (7.01 km) Kauai Shores Hotel
- (6.53 km) Marriott's Kauai Lagoons - Kalanipu'u
- (7.84 km) Sheraton Kauai Coconut Beach Resort
- Restaurants near Wailua Falls:
- (2.99 km) The Fish Express
- (3.51 km) Kauai Pasta Lihue
- (6.70 km) Russell's By Eat Healthy
- (9.70 km) Kauai Juice Co
- (3.49 km) Tip Top