Red Dirt Waterfall
A unique roadside gem in Waimea Canyon, Kauai, featuring vibrant red soil and a charming waterfall.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant colors pop
Red Dirt Waterfall
Best Time
Vibrant colors pop
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A unique roadside gem in Waimea Canyon, Kauai, featuring vibrant red soil and a charming waterfall.
"Stunning mini fall is a true eye catcher and definitely worth the stop!"
🚗 Roadside Parking
Park on the shoulder; no official lot. Be cautious of traffic when stopping.
⚠️ Slippery Red Soil
The red dirt is very slippery, especially when wet. Wear appropriate shoes!
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.6 · 1,367 reviews
Type
Hiking Area
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Striking Red Soil
Along Waimea Canyon Drive
Vibrant, iron-rich soil creates a Martian-like landscape, contrasting beautifully with the water and greenery.
Cascading Red Dirt Waterfall
Roadside
A charming, modest waterfall flowing over the distinctive rust-colored rocks and earth.
Unique Photo Opportunity
Roadside
The unusual colors and textures offer a surreal backdrop for memorable travel photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Quick Roadside Stop
Embrace the Red Soil
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Roadside Parking
Park on the shoulder; no official lot. Be cautious of traffic when stopping.
⚠️ Slippery Red Soil
The red dirt is very slippery, especially when wet. Wear appropriate shoes!
👕 Beware of Stains
The red dirt stains clothes and shoes easily. Avoid wearing white!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for quick, stunning photos. The contrast is breathtaking.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Roadside Parking
Park on the shoulder; no official lot. Be cautious of traffic when stopping.
⚠️ Slippery Red Soil
The red dirt is very slippery, especially when wet. Wear appropriate shoes!
👕 Beware of Stains
The red dirt stains clothes and shoes easily. Avoid wearing white!
📸 Perfect Photo Spot
Ideal for quick, stunning photos. The contrast is breathtaking.
💧 Not for Swimming
While refreshing, it's not a swimming spot. Enjoy the view and the unique scenery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors find Red Dirt Waterfall to be a charming and visually striking roadside attraction, praised for its unique red soil and cascading water. While some find it underwhelming compared to larger waterfalls, most agree it's a worthwhile, quick stop for photos and a glimpse of Kauai's distinctive geology. The slippery nature of the dirt and its staining potential are common cautions.
"This is a great 5-10 minute stop as you ascend the winding roads of Waimea Canyon.
There is red dirt.
The red dirt is slippery.
The red dirt will make your hands red, if you touch it.
The red dirt. Is red.
There is a series of small streams with cool water. You can jump over these streams.
You can put your hands in these streams.
You can walk in the streams.
You can sprinkle red dirt in the streams.
There is a small waterfall.
You can admire the waterfall.
You can take pictures of the waterfall.
You can stand under the waterfall but would not recommend that.
There is roadside parking, not an official parking lot."
Mickey Citarella
"Saw this twice! Once while it was raining and then the next day with the sun out! Recommend this 10 minute stop. The red dirt can be slippery in the rain but it's a super cute waterfall! Very refreshing!"
Taryn Nysse
"Lively clear water falling in quick leaps between banks of dark red soil — how cool is that? You can see it on the left on your way up Wimea Canyon, but a few parking places are available if you’d like to take the short path next to the stream for a better look. We started on the left side of the stream then crossed to the right when we realized it offered better views. It’s a super easy path except for the stream crossing hop and a couple of kinda steep little red hills. Just a 10-minute stop is all you need, and it’s worth it!"
Marsha Russell
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Red Dirt Waterfall is conveniently located along Waimea Canyon Drive (Highway 550) in Kauai, Hawaii, near mile marker 23. It's a roadside attraction, so you can easily pull over to the shoulder for parking.
There isn't an official parking lot. You'll need to find a safe spot to pull over on the shoulder of the road. Be mindful of traffic as you stop and exit your vehicle.
No, a hike is not required. The waterfall is visible right from the roadside. You can take a short path next to the stream for a closer look, but it's a very brief and easy walk.
Many visitors park on the shoulder and walk a few steps. Some reviews suggest crossing the stream and exploring both sides for the best views and photo opportunities.
The accessibility is good for viewing from the roadside. If you choose to walk closer, the path can be a bit uneven and the red dirt is slippery, so caution is advised.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Red Dirt Waterfall is a natural roadside attraction and is free to visit. There are no tickets or admission fees required.
As a natural roadside attraction, Red Dirt Waterfall does not have set operating hours. It is accessible at any time, though daytime visits are recommended for the best visibility and photo opportunities.
While the water may look inviting, it's generally not recommended for swimming. It's more of a scenic spot to admire and photograph.
Most visitors find that a quick stop of 5-10 minutes is sufficient to admire the waterfall and take photos. Some may linger for up to 20 minutes to soak in the unique scenery.
It's a popular quick stop for those driving through Waimea Canyon, often described as a delightful surprise. While not a major destination on its own, it's a well-loved pit stop.
📸 📸 Photography
The contrast between the vibrant red soil and the cascading water is key. Experiment with different angles from the roadside and from the stream banks. The surrounding greenery also adds to the visual appeal.
For capturing the water's movement, use a slightly slower shutter speed. A polarizing filter can help reduce glare and enhance the colors of the red soil and water.
Even on cloudy days, the unique red soil provides a striking visual. However, sunny days will make the colors pop more vibrantly.
Mid-day can offer bright light, but early morning or late afternoon might provide softer light and interesting shadows, enhancing the textures of the red dirt.
Yes, you can get quite close by walking along the stream. Be very careful as the red dirt is extremely slippery, especially near the water.
🎫 ⚠️ Safety & Practicalities
The red dirt itself is not dangerous, but it is extremely slippery, especially when wet. Exercise caution when walking on slopes or near the water to avoid falls.
Yes, the red dirt is known to stain. It's highly recommended to avoid wearing white clothing or light-colored shoes if you plan to get close to the soil.
Wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good grip. Comfortable clothing that you don't mind getting a little dirty is advisable.
Red Dirt Waterfall is a roadside attraction within Waimea Canyon. There are no food or drink facilities directly at the waterfall. It's best to pack snacks and water for your drive through the canyon.
The red color comes from the high iron content in the volcanic soil, which has oxidized over time. The name 'Waimea' itself means 'reddish water' in Hawaiian, reflecting this geological feature. 
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit