Things to do nearWailua Falls
Wailua Falls is a dramatic twin-plunged waterfall on Kauai, Hawaii, celebrated for its lush jungle setting, misty pools, and appearances in popular film and television.
Wailua Falls has long held a special place in Hawaiian culture. Ancient Hawaiians are said to have dived from the top of the falls as a display of bravery, and the surrounding Wailua River valley was once a sacred corridor reserved for Kauai's ruling chiefs. That history lends the site a quiet gravity that goes beyond its scenic appeal.
Most visitors experience Wailua Falls from the paved overlook at the end of Ma'alo Road, where the full drop of both plunges comes into clear view. The pool below shimmers in shades of green and blue, fed constantly by the twin streams that merge at the base. On rainy days the volume surges dramatically, turning the falls into a roaring curtain of white water.
The falls gained wider recognition as the opening image of the classic television series Fantasy Island, and they have appeared in other productions filmed on Kauai over the decades. That cinematic familiarity draws visitors who feel an immediate sense of recognition upon arrival.
Wailua Falls rewards any traveler willing to rise early, offering a genuinely moving encounter with the natural forces that have shaped Kauai's landscape for centuries.
7-day forecast
Chance of rainTips for visiting Wailua Falls
Visit during the early morning hours to catch the best light and avoid the midday crowds that gather at the overlook.
Bring a light rain jacket, as the mist from Wailua Falls can dampen clothing even from the viewing area above.
Look for rainbows forming in the spray shortly after sunrise when the angle of the sun is low over the eastern shore.
The road leading to the overlook is paved and short, making Wailua Falls one of the most accessible waterfall viewpoints on Kauai.
After your visit, explore the broader Wailua River State Park nearby, where kayaking and additional hiking trails await along the river valley.
Top tours & experiences near Wailua Falls
Fly Doors-Off on a 50-55 Minute Kauai Helicopter Tour
Go doors-off over Kauai on a Hughes 500 helicopter flight
Fly a Doors-Off Helicopter Tour Over Kauai
Fly doors-off over Kauai’s waterfalls, canyons, and sea cliffs in a Hughes MD500
Fly a Doors-Off Kauai Helicopter Tour
Take a doors-off helicopter flight over Kauai’s canyons, cliffs, and waterfalls
Kauai Doors-On AStar Helicopter Tour, 60-65 Minutes
Soar over Kauai in a smooth, air-conditioned AStar with floor-to-ceiling views on a 60-65 minute flight