Wailua Falls On A Scenic Kauai Drive

You can relive a moment in time on your Kauai vacation when you stop at Wailua Falls. Seen every week on the old TV show, Fantasy Island, this Kauai falls is the real deal. If you hear, “The Plane, The Plane!” and find yourself looking for a man in white, you’ll be with others who share the same memory at this well known destination. If you’re too young to remember, you can watch YouTube and see how a TV show about a mysterious island became so popular.

Wailua Falls also has a significant place in Hawaiian culture. This Kauai waterfalls is where the Ali`i (royalty) would come and dive from a cliff over the pool. Don’t try this – just admire the ancient feat of strength. It’s an 80 foot drop which some believe to be much higher.

To reach most of our Kauai waterfalls you’ll need to hike. Wailua Falls, with its three spectacular segments, is one of the few that you can drive to making it accessible for all. You may see people at the bottom of the falls where the water drops into a 30 foot deep pool. It’s a treacherous hike and the trail is officially closed. Our recommendation is to admire the view from above and look for other Kauai hiking opportunities that are safer.

The best time for this Kauai drive is early in the day when you’ll miss the crowds. Located near Lihue, it’s an easy destination between our North and South Shore Kauai vacation rentals. Wailua Falls is just four miles inland from Lihue. The road is scenic past former sugar-cane fields with beautiful mountain views. Stop often for pictures and you may be in luck to capture a Hawaiian rainbow over the falls.

When you return to Lihue you’ll be close to several Kauai shopping opportunities. Fish Express is close by and highly recommended for take-out. If it’s close to noon, our Kauai dining guide to an oceanfront lunch will come in handy. Another stop is the popular Kapaia Stitchery which is the hub for Hawaiian quilting. It’s also a good place for inexpensive souvenirs. This store has been around over 30 years and features handmade Aloha wear with their own Kauai made label.

Have you been to Wailua Falls? We invite you to comment with your recommendations.

Driving Directions: Turn on Maalo Rd. (Hwy. 583) between Wilcox Hospital and Hanama`ulu on Hwy 56.
Did You Know? Maui also has a Wailua Falls on the Hana Highway.
Fish Express: 3343 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI (808) 245-9918
Kapaia Stitchery: 3-3561 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI (808) 245-2281