Safety & Visiting Guide
Essential information for a safe and respectful visit to ʻOpaekaʻa Falls
Written by a Local Historian
Kalani Miller⚠️ A Matter of Kuleana (Responsibility)
Now we must talk about something serious. As someone who loves this land, it is my kuleana—my responsibility and privilege—to share not just the beauty and history, but also the truth. Many people search online for the "ʻOpaekaʻa Falls hike," hoping to find a secret trail to the pool at the bottom. It is my duty to be clear and direct about this, for your safety and out of respect for this place.
CRITICAL SAFETY WARNING: The "Forbidden Trail"
Let me be perfectly clear, as a local who respects this land and the memory of those we have lost:
There is NO safe, legal, or sanctioned trail to the bottom of ʻOpaekaʻa Falls. The hike is closed. Attempting it is illegal, disrespectful, and potentially fatal.
You will see a steel fence along the road near the lookout. It was put there for a very good reason. Please, do not attempt to go around it or over it. The stories you might read on old blogs or in outdated guidebooks are dangerously wrong.
The Tragic History Behind the Fence
The closure of this trail is not an arbitrary decision by the state. It is a direct and somber consequence of a terrible tragedy. On December 19, 2006, two visitors, Elizabeth Brem, a 35-year-old attorney and mother, and her 29-year-old cousin, Paula Gonzalez, fell 300 feet to their deaths while attempting to find their way to the base of the falls.
What most people don't know is the complex story that followed. The families of the women filed a lawsuit against the State of Hawaiʻi, which resulted in a $15.4 million settlement. The court found the state partially at fault for the tragedy. Why? Because six months before the fatal incident, a teenage boy had also fallen from the same area and was seriously injured. At the time, the state had placed a single "DANGER KEEP OUT HAZARDOUS CONDITIONS" sign, but it was posted in front of only one of two paths leading from the clearing. The court ruled that this single sign created a "trap," effectively misleading visitors like Brem and Gonzalez into believing the unsigned, right-hand trail was a safe alternative. In reality, that path led directly to a treacherous, vegetation-obscured cliff edge.
The tragedy of December 19, 2006, was particularly heartbreaking because it was completely preventable. Elizabeth Brem was visiting Kauaʻi with her extended family for what was supposed to be a joyful holiday reunion. She was an experienced hiker who had explored trails throughout California and was known for her careful approach to outdoor adventures. Paula Gonzalez, her younger cousin, was a vibrant young woman who loved photography and had been excited about capturing images of the waterfall.
The two women had started their hike in the late afternoon, planning to spend just an hour exploring the area around ʻOpaekaʻa Falls. They never returned.
The heavy steel fence you see today is a direct result of this tragic loss of life and the state's subsequent legal obligation to prevent anyone else from making the same mistake. Understanding this history is crucial. It transforms the fence from a simple barrier into a memorial and a solemn warning.
The Dangers in Detail
Ignoring the fence and the warnings puts you at risk of several severe, life-threatening dangers. These are not exaggerations:
🚫 Unmaintained & Treacherous Paths
The "trails" you might see are not maintained. They are often little more than pig trails that are extremely steep, muddy, and slippery. They cross hazardous terrain with severe, sudden drop-offs that are often completely hidden by dense vegetation.
🌊 Flash Floods
The streams and rivers on Kauaʻi, especially in steep valleys, are prone to flash flooding. The water level can rise dramatically in minutes, turning a gentle stream into a deadly, raging torrent that can sweep you away without warning.
🦠 Leptospirosis
Like many freshwater sources in tropical environments, the water in the stream and pool may contain the bacteria that causes leptospirosis, a serious and potentially fatal disease that can enter the body through open cuts or by ingesting the water.
📱 No Cell Service
Once you descend into the ravine, there is little to no cell phone reception. If you are injured, you will have no way to call for help. Rescue teams will not even know you are in trouble.
🏡 Trespassing and Disrespect
The route to the falls crosses private property. Local residents are vigilant about protecting their land and the sanctity of this area. They will not hesitate to report trespassers to the authorities.
The Consequences
Beyond the physical dangers, there are legal consequences. Violating the closure and trespassing is a misdemeanor offense. If caught, you can face a fine of up to $1,000 and/or up to 30 days in jail.
As your friend on the island, I plead with you to listen. Your safety is paramount, but so is your respect for this land and for the memory of those who were lost. There are dozens of breathtaking, safe, and legal trails all over Kauaʻi where you can experience our island's beauty. Please, honor the ʻāina (land) and the lives lost here by choosing one of them.
Your Practical Information for a Perfect Visit
Now that you understand the beauty, the history, and the responsibilities of visiting this special place, here is the practical information you'll need to plan your trip.
Location:
Kuamoʻo Road (Hwy 580), Wailua, Kauaʻi
Waterfall Height:
151 feet (46 meters)
Park Hours:
Daily, 7:00am to 7:45pm
Cost:
Free admission and parking
Amenities:
Paved parking lot, restrooms, picnic tables, viewing platforms
Accessibility:
Excellent - Paved walkways and ramps, wheelchair accessible
Hike to Base?
NO. The trail is permanently closed, illegal, and dangerous.
Getting Here: Directions & Parking
ʻOpaekaʻa Falls is located on Kauaʻi's East Side and is very easy to find.
🚗 From Līhuʻe (South)
Head north on Kūhiō Highway (Route 56). Just after you cross the Wailua River bridge, you will come to a traffic light at the intersection with Kuamoʻo Road (Route 580). Turn left onto Kuamoʻo Road and drive inland for about 1.5 to 2 miles. You will see clear signs for the lookout, and the parking lot will be on your right.
🚙 From Kapaʻa (North)
Head south on Kūhiō Highway (Route 56). Just before you reach the Wailua River bridge, turn right at the traffic light onto Kuamoʻo Road (Route 580). Follow the road up the hill for about 1.5 to 2 miles, and the lookout will be on your right.
🌺 From Princeville
Drive south on Kūhiō Highway (Route 56) through Kapaʻa town. Follow the directions "From Kapaʻa" above.
💡 My Local Parking Tip
The main parking lot is convenient but not very large, and the tour buses and vans start rolling in around 10:00 AM, making it quite crowded. I always tell my friends to get here before 9:00 AM for a much more peaceful visit and to guarantee an easy parking spot. If you arrive and the lot is full, just be patient. Most people only stay for about 20-30 minutes, so a spot usually opens up quickly.
🗺️ Complete Guide
History & legends
You are here
Beyond the falls
🚨 Emergency
- 911 Emergency Services
- 808-241-1711 Kauaʻi Police (Non-Emergency)
⚠️ Key Safety Points
- Trail to base is permanently CLOSED
- Do not go around the fence
- Stay behind barriers at lookouts
- Watch children closely near edges
- Visit during daylight hours only
🌺 Mālama ʻĀina
Care for the land. This is a sacred place. Show respect by:
- Taking only photos
- Leaving no trash
- Speaking respectfully
- Following all signs