Full Day Adventures

Making a Full Day: The Wailua River Corridor

Wailua Falls is the gateway to an entire corridor of natural beauty and cultural history. With planning, you can turn your visit into a memorable half-day or full-day adventure.

Morning (8:00 AM): Start at the Falls

Begin your day at Wailua Falls. Early arrival gets you parking, avoids crowds, and provides the best chance for rainbow sightings. Take your time here. Feel the mist on your face and listen to the water's power.

Mid-Morning (9:30 AM): Opaekaa Falls

Drive back down Maalo Road and turn right onto Kuamoo Road (Highway 580). In just a couple miles, you'll reach the Opaekaa Falls Lookout. This spectacular 151-foot waterfall is easily visible from the roadside.

Don't miss the second viewpoint. Walk carefully across the street to the Wailua River Valley Lookout for a breathtaking panoramic view of the river winding through interior plains toward the sea.

Late Morning/Afternoon: River Adventures

Now experience the river itself. You have two excellent options depending on your activity level.

The Relaxed River Cruise

For a calm and comfortable journey, take Smith's Wailua River Boat Cruise to the Fern Grotto. This family-run tour has operated for generations using spacious, open-air boats that glide up the river.

You'll be entertained with live Hawaiian music and stories about sacred sites along the riverbanks. The tour ends with a short walk to the lush, fern-covered grotto, a natural amphitheater famous for its acoustics. Tours run Monday through Friday and last about 80 minutes.

The Active Kayak Adventure

If you prefer paddling yourself, a kayak trip up the Wailua River is unforgettable. The most popular self-guided trip is a 4-mile round-trip paddle and 2-mile round-trip hike to stunning Uluwehi Falls, also known as Secret Falls.

To protect the river and ensure safety, rent from one of the four state-permitted companies: Wailua Kayak Adventures, Kayak Kauai, Outfitters, or Wailua Kayak and Canoe. They provide all necessary gear, including kayaks, paddles, and car-top carriers. Prices generally range from $75 to $130 for a double kayak.

Honoring the Sacred: Your Role as Visitor

Visiting Wailua Falls is a privilege. You're a guest in a place rich with history and spiritual power. The best way to show gratitude is through respect.

When you stand at the lookout, you're in a place that has witnessed the birth of kings and tested the courage of warriors. The rainbow you might see in the mist connects you to ancient traditions that saw such displays as divine signs.

The desire for adventure that brings us to these islands is wonderful. It connects us to the land and to ourselves. But that desire must be guided by respect and channeled into safe, legal experiences that honor the place and its people.

The Enduring Power of Sacred Waters

Wailua Falls is more than water falling over a cliff. It's a place of immense beauty, deep cultural power, and enduring spirit. It's a landmark that has witnessed the rise and fall of kingdoms, inspired countless visitors, and continues to hold spiritual significance for Native Hawaiians.

The true magnificence of these falls is best and most safely appreciated from the official viewpoint. There you can feel the mist, hear the roar, and maybe see a rainbow that echoes royal births from centuries past.

The real adventure lies not in conquering dangerous paths, but in understanding and preserving the magic. Take the photo, feel the power, learn the stories. But please, leave the dangerous trail untaken.

When you visit with respect and proper preparation, Wailua Falls offers an experience that will stay with you long after you leave Kauai. The sound of water thundering over ancient rock, the sight of rainbows dancing in the mist, and the knowledge that you're standing in one of Hawaii's most sacred places - these memories honor both your journey and the cultural treasure you've been privileged to witness.