‘Ōpaeka’a Falls, Hawaii

On Hawaii’s main tourism website, it says that ‘Opaeka’a Falls is one of Hawaii’s most accessible major waterfalls. That is likely true. It’s an easy stop on the side of a highway on Kauai. And many people seem to be generally impressed by ‘Opaeka’a Falls.

I was a bit disappointed with the view of ‘Opaeka’a Falls. The waterfall’s height is measured at 150’, but to me, it seemed much smaller. There are other waterfalls that I haven’t expected much and then been surprised, sometimes very pleasantly surprised. This falls was the opposite. I was expecting something that looks tall, but didn’t get that sense. From Google Maps, the viewpoint is about 1/4 mile from the falls, so it’s not a waterfall you’re getting close to, at least from the advertised stop. There’s also a lot of foliage in front of the base of the falls, so to me, it was difficult to get a sense of the full height of the falls.

I would absolutely suggest stopping at the falls if you like to add waterfalls to a list as I do. Looking through some pictures, the views of the Wailua River and Valley were the more interesting thing to me at this roadside stop. You will get great views of the river flowing both inland and to the ocean.

Directions:

1. There’s a main road that circles about 75% of the island. It has some different numbers, switching from HI-50 to HI-56 around Lihue. This falls is found north of Lihue on the HI-56 portion.
2. You’ll drive along HI-56 and cross the Wailua River. Just after crossing the river (assuming you’re heading north), you’ll turn left onto HI-580, which heads west and inland.
3. Drive about 1.5 miles along HI-580 after the intersection. On the right, there will be a viewpoint for ‘Opaeka’a Falls. There is no hiking trail here, only a viewpoint.

Accessibility: 10/10 (Easy)
Height: 150′
Length of Hike: roadside

Where in the World is ‘Opaeka’a Falls?