Stone Dam Kilauea
Discover the historic Stone Dam and lush mahogany forest on Kauai's Wai Koa Loop Trail. An easy hike with waterfalls and wild horses.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Stone Dam Kilauea
Best Time
Cooler temps, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the historic Stone Dam and lush mahogany forest on Kauai's Wai Koa Loop Trail. An easy hike with waterfalls and wild horses.
"Gorgeous walk with lots of lush foliage and a fun rope swing if you're up for an adventure!"
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be muddy after rain. Sturdy shoes with good grip are recommended.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Pack plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to picnic by the waterfall.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Historic Stone Dam
End of Wai Koa Loop Trail
An 1880s marvel built to irrigate sugar cane, offering a glimpse into Kauai's plantation past.
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Wai Koa Loop Trail
North Shore, Kilauea
A scenic 3-mile loop through North America's largest mahogany forest, leading to the dam.
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Stone Dam Waterfall
Near the Stone Dam
A serene waterfall with calming sounds, perfect for a peaceful break or a picnic lunch.
Wild Horses
Along Wai Koa Loop Trail
Keep an eye out for wild horses grazing in the fields adjacent to the trail.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Access
Best Time for Views & Fewer Crowds
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be muddy after rain. Sturdy shoes with good grip are recommended.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Pack plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to picnic by the waterfall.
🟡 Follow Yellow Signs
The trail is well-marked with yellow signs to guide you.
🐎 Respect Wildlife
Observe the wild horses from a distance; do not approach or feed them.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear Sturdy Shoes
The trail can be muddy after rain. Sturdy shoes with good grip are recommended.
💧 Bring Water & Snacks
Pack plenty of water and snacks, especially if you plan to picnic by the waterfall.
🟡 Follow Yellow Signs
The trail is well-marked with yellow signs to guide you.
🐎 Respect Wildlife
Observe the wild horses from a distance; do not approach or feed them.
📸 Capture the Scenery
Bring your camera to capture the lush foliage, historic dam, and potential wildlife sightings.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Stone Dam and Wai Koa Loop Trail for its beautiful, lush scenery and easy-to-moderate hike. The historic dam, serene waterfall, and the chance to see wild horses are frequently highlighted as major draws. While generally well-maintained, the trail can become muddy after rain, and the final approach to the dam involves a steeper, potentially slippery section.
"Awesome waterfalls at Stone Dam. We started out hike at Common Grounds. It was a little over a mile round trip on an easy trail"
Mike M
"Nice walk on Wai Koa trail. This is no longer a loop, but an out and back walk.
Beautiful, lush scenery the entire path with clearly marked trail. Just follow the yellow signs. Trail starts just past the dog park. You may catch a glimpse of the horses grazing in a field to the side of trail. This is private property, so do not try and touch the horses or bother them.
At the end of the main trail, you drop down into a little canyon to continue on to the dam, following a more narrow path. If you look to your right before going downhill, there is a big grassy flat area that leads to a pergola and an informational sign. Anyone tired can stop and wait there while the rest of the party goes left downhill to the dam itself.
The garden area at the end of the trail that leads you to the dam is full of flourishing plants and flowers.
There's the end of a half log that sits on the trail. Follow it to a set of stairs on your right to see the Buddha statue.
Waterfall itself has the calming sounds you expect and there are little spots to sit if you packed in a lunch.
Easy to moderate level of difficulty, only because of mud after rains and downhill/uphill at end of trail to access the dam area. Also, there is a narrow section at the very end if you go all the way to top of dam where you're walking on the top of the stone wall for the overflow canal to the side. The stones are always wet, so watch your step. But there is also a low handrail."
Kimberly
"Gorgeous walk with lots of lush foliage. Fun rope swing at the end if you’re up for an adventure. Loved doing this on a rainy day in Kauai!"
M. Lynn
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Stone Dam is accessed via the Wai Koa Loop Trail on Kauai's North Shore. The trailhead is located just past the dog park in Kilauea. Follow the yellow signs.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead for the Wai Koa Loop Trail. Arrive early for the best spots.
The primary access is via the Wai Koa Loop Trail. Other access points may be on private property.
No, the Wai Koa Loop Trail is a hiking trail and is not accessible by car.
Follow the clearly marked yellow signs along the trail. The trail is generally easy to follow.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, visiting the Stone Dam and hiking the Wai Koa Loop Trail is free of charge.
There are no entrance fees for the Wai Koa Loop Trail or the Stone Dam.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit between sunrise and sunset.
The Wai Koa Loop Trail is considered easy to moderate, making it suitable for most ages, though the final approach to the dam can be a bit steeper.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally recommended to check local regulations for pets on trails. Some reviews mention a dog park near the trailhead.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
The Wai Koa Loop Trail is mostly flat and easy, with some muddy sections after rain. The final descent to the dam is a bit steeper and can be slippery.
The Wai Koa Loop Trail is approximately 3 miles round trip. The Stone Dam is about halfway through the loop.
You'll see the historic stone dam, a waterfall, lush vegetation, and potentially wild horses. There's also a Buddha statue accessible via stairs.
Restroom facilities are not explicitly mentioned for the trail itself, but there might be some near the trailhead or in nearby Kilauea town.
Yes, some visitors mention a rope swing at the end of the trail, offering an adventurous element.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture the historic dam, the cascading waterfall, the expansive mahogany forest, and any wildlife like wild horses. The lush greenery provides a beautiful backdrop. +1
Yes, the waterfall is a prominent feature and offers great photo opportunities, especially after rain when it's more robust.
Morning light is often ideal for photography, providing soft illumination and fewer harsh shadows.
Drone usage is often restricted in natural areas and private properties. It's best to check local regulations before flying a drone.
The area around the dam and waterfall offers the most scenic viewpoints. The pergola area also provides a nice spot for photos.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Remember to pack plenty of water and snacks, and wear sturdy shoes as the trail can get muddy. The rope swing near the dam can add an extra element of fun for adventurous kids (and adults!). The historical aspect of the Stone Dam, built in 1880, can also be a subtle educational moment about Kauai's past.
+1🚶♀️ Casual Walkers & Beginners
Even if you're not an avid hiker, the gentle path and the reward of the waterfall and historic dam make this a worthwhile outing. The garden area at the end of the trail, with its flourishing plants and flowers, provides a lovely spot to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History of the Stone Dam
+1The construction of the dam was part of a larger infrastructure development by the Kilauea Sugar Plantation, which also included building the first railroad in Hawaii. This dam represents a crucial piece of Kauai's agricultural history, showcasing the ingenuity and labor involved in transforming the island's landscape for economic purposes. Today, it stands as a testament to that era, now a focal point for hikers exploring the Wai Koa Loop Trail.
While its original function was agricultural, the Stone Dam now serves as a picturesque destination for visitors. The surrounding area has transformed into a lush environment, with the dam itself becoming a point of interest for its historical significance and the natural beauty it overlooks. It's a reminder of the island's past intertwined with its present-day natural allure.
Exploring the Wai Koa Loop Trail
+1As you traverse the loop, you'll be immersed in a verdant landscape, with the towering mahogany trees creating a unique canopy. The trail is generally flat, with the exception of a short, steeper section leading down to the Stone Dam itself. After rain, parts of the trail can become muddy, so wearing appropriate footwear is advised. Keep an eye out for the local wild horses that often graze in the fields adjacent to the trail; remember to observe them from a safe distance and refrain from feeding them.
Along the path, you'll encounter various points of interest, including a pergola and an informational sign, as well as a Buddha statue accessible via a set of stairs. The trail culminates at the historic Stone Dam, where you can enjoy the serene waterfall and the tranquil atmosphere. For those seeking a bit more adventure, a rope swing is also available near the dam.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit