Opaekaa Falls
Majestic 151-foot twin waterfalls easily viewed from a roadside lookout, offering stunning cascades and rainbow potential.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Sunlight often creates rainbows
Opaekaa Falls
Best Time
Sunlight often creates rainbows
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Majestic 151-foot twin waterfalls easily viewed from a roadside lookout, offering stunning cascades and rainbow potential.
"Wonderful, scenic spot where you can enjoy two rivers converging on one side of the highway, while enjoying a tropical waterfall on the other side. "
🚗 Easy Access Parking
Free parking is available right at the lookout. No admission fee required!
🚶♀️ Cross the Road Safely
Use the crosswalk to access the Wailua Heritage Trail for different, equally stunning views.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Opaekaa Falls Cascade
Main Lookout Point
Witness the majestic 151-foot twin falls plunging into a lush, hidden pool. Rainbows often dance in the mist.
Wailua River Valley Vista
Across the street from main lookout
Enjoy panoramic views of the Wailua River converging with the ocean, framed by verdant canyon walls.
Wailua Heritage Trail
East of the main lookout
A short walk across the road leads to this trail, offering unique vantage points of the falls and surrounding landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Stop, Big Reward
Best Views & Photo Ops
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Easy Access Parking
Free parking is available right at the lookout. No admission fee required!
🚶♀️ Cross the Road Safely
Use the crosswalk to access the Wailua Heritage Trail for different, equally stunning views.
📸 Capture the Mist
Bring a lens cloth or be prepared to wipe your camera lens; the mist from the falls can be quite pervasive.
🌈 Look for Rainbows
Visit when the sun is out to catch the magical rainbows that often form in the waterfall's spray.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Easy Access Parking
Free parking is available right at the lookout. No admission fee required!
🚶♀️ Cross the Road Safely
Use the crosswalk to access the Wailua Heritage Trail for different, equally stunning views.
📸 Capture the Mist
Bring a lens cloth or be prepared to wipe your camera lens; the mist from the falls can be quite pervasive.
🌈 Look for Rainbows
Visit when the sun is out to catch the magical rainbows that often form in the waterfall's spray.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Opaekaa Falls as a stunning and easily accessible roadside attraction. The breathtaking cascade and panoramic views of the Wailua River valley are consistently praised. While some note it's a quick stop, the beauty and free access make it a highly recommended experience for all. +1
"This waterfall and lookout area was different. It's just one of the best. I love seeing it all. The waterfall cascades down the hillside into a hidden pool. Was really cool, as you can see. It was most enjoyable.
The lookout over the river and the valley area was so beautiful, wonderful, and breathtaking."
James Coonrod
"Wonderful, scenic spot where you can enjoy two rivers converging on one side of the highway, while enjoying a tropical waterfall on the other side of the highway. Free parking. No Admission fee to see the great views."
Steven A. Culbreath (Immigration Law Tampa Bay)
"Opaeka’a Falls View - A perfect quick stop to see a waterfall since you can see it from the parking lot. If you go east towards the cliff and walk across the crosswalk, you’ll find yourself at the Wailua Heritage Trail and a beautiful view."
Yaylin Cunningham
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Opaekaa Falls is conveniently located along the Kuhio Highway (Route 56) on the east side of Kauai. It's a straightforward drive, and the main lookout is easily visible from the road.
Yes, there is a free parking lot directly at the main lookout point, making it very accessible for visitors.
Absolutely! The falls are accessible by car, and the drive along the Kuhio Highway offers scenic views of the surrounding landscape.
Opaekaa Falls is often visited in conjunction with other Wailua River area attractions like Wailua Falls and the Fern Grotto.
From Lihue, head north on Kuhio Highway (Route 56). The falls will be on your left shortly after passing the Wailua River.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Opaekaa Falls is a public attraction and does not require an admission fee or tickets. Enjoy the views for free!
The falls are accessible year-round during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times for the lookout.
There is no entrance fee to visit Opaekaa Falls. It's a free roadside attraction.
While the area is accessible, it's best to visit during daylight hours for safety and to fully appreciate the scenery.
The main restriction is to stay within designated viewing areas for your safety and to protect the natural environment.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
No, you can see Opaekaa Falls directly from the lookout point. There is no dedicated hike to reach the base of the falls.
From the main lookout, you'll see the impressive twin cascades of Opaekaa Falls. Across the street, you can view the Wailua River valley.
Yes, the main lookout area is easily accessible from the parking lot, making it suitable for most visitors.
Most visitors spend about 15-30 minutes here, enjoying the views and taking photos. It's a perfect quick stop.
Restroom facilities are typically available near the main lookout area.
📸 📸 Photography Tips
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the full cascade and surrounding landscape. Consider a polarizing filter to reduce glare on the water.
Mid-morning or late afternoon often provides the best light, with a chance of rainbows forming in the mist.
You can get quite close from the designated lookout points. For different angles, explore the Wailua Heritage Trail across the street.
Experiment with shutter speeds to get silky smooth water effects. A tripod can be helpful for longer exposures, especially in lower light.
Drone usage may be restricted in national parks or protected areas. Always check local regulations before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to keep a close eye on children, especially near the viewing areas. The mist can make surfaces slippery. It's a perfect spot for a quick, memorable photo opportunity that won't tire out the youngest travelers.
📸 Photographers' Paradise
+1 Using a tripod can help achieve those dreamy, long-exposure shots of the water, while a wide-angle lens is perfect for encompassing the entire cascade and its lush surroundings. Don't forget to explore the viewpoints across the street. The Wailua Heritage Trail provides a different perspective that can lead to unique compositions. Mid-morning and late afternoon light are often best, but be prepared for the mist, which can require frequent lens cleaning.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Majesty of Opaekaa Falls
The name 'Opaekaa' is said to refer to the shrimp that once swam in its waters. The falls are fed by the Wailua River, one of Kauai's major waterways. The sheer volume of water and the dramatic drop create a constant mist, which, when kissed by sunlight, often paints vibrant rainbows across the scene, adding to its magical allure.
While the primary viewpoint is easily accessible, exploring the area across the street via the Wailua Heritage Trail offers a different perspective. This allows visitors to appreciate the scale of the falls and the surrounding Wailua River valley, a landscape rich in Hawaiian history and natural splendor.
Experiencing the Wailua River Valley
+1From the lookout points near Opaekaa Falls, you can also get stunning views of the Wailua River as it winds its way towards the ocean. The lush, tropical vegetation that blankets the valley adds to the dramatic scenery, creating a postcard-perfect panorama.
For those interested in a deeper exploration, consider a boat tour up the Wailua River to discover hidden gems like the Fern Grotto. This combination of natural beauty and cultural heritage makes the Wailua River valley a truly captivating destination.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit