Wailua Falls Overlook: How to Get There & Other Things To Do Nearby

The first stop on your epic Kauai itinerary is a quick trip to the Wailua Falls overlook. Technically, this area is closed to hiking, so this is just a quick stop with a nice view of a gorgeous waterfall. That being said, the drive here is still worth it!

You might have even seen Wailua Falls without being on the island of Kauai. It’s featured in the TV show Fantasy Island. Maybe you are too young to have seen it? It was popular before our time in the 1970s-1980s. Find out more below on how to get there and what else to do nearby.

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Things to Know

• Technically, the area is closed to hiking at Wailua Falls due to dangerous erosion and conditions near the waterfall. It is unsafe, and ignoring the warnings can lead to injury or death. Don’t ruin your vacation!
• Slow Your Roll! This means take it easy, drive slow, enjoy the sights, and take your time. Why be in a rush? You’re on island time now. We loved the signs around Kauai reminding us to do so.
• Bring plenty of sunscreen! If you are swimming in the ocean, make sure it’s reef-safe! 🐠 Please protect Hawaii’s amazing ecosystems!
• Bring bug spray and be prepared for mosquitoes. Our favorite is Bens30.

Wailua Falls Overlook

You have arrived in glorious Kauai after an epic week in Maui, and it’s time to take in the sights with a stop at the Wailua Falls Overlook before heading north to Princeville. To get there from Lihue, head north on the Kuhio Highway and turn left on Maalo Road. Stay on Maalo Road until you reach a dead end with a parking lot.

This is a small lot with room for a few cars as well as some parking along the road. It may be crowded here, and the road is quite narrow, so please be careful on your journey here. That’s it! You have arrived at the gorgeous Wailua Falls overlook. If you are lucky with your timing and the sun is out, you will be treated to a beautiful rainbow!

Wailua Falls is about 80-90 feet tall and splashes down into a pool below along the South Fork Wailua River. When flowing well, the waterfall may look like one giant fall, but if the water slows, you might see separate falls or even a third!

Near the parking lot, there may be some locals selling baked goods and other homemade items, so be sure to check it out and support local businesses in Kauai!

Why Is There No Hiking at Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls is closed for hiking and has been closed for some time by officials in Kauai County due to the danger associated with the area. Please respect the area and do not hike down near the falls. In 2022, a hiker who had ignored the warnings was found deceased at the base of Wailua Falls. Please don’t be the reason this happens again. Respect the area and the power of nature.

Take A Guided Kayaking Tour

If you are looking for more adventures on the Wailua River, we recommend taking a Wailua River & Waterfalls Kayak Tour! This adventure includes a 4-mile paddle (round trip) through the lush green Wailua River. Then, after hiking 1.5 miles through the rainforest, you and your guide will reach Secret Falls!

Also known as Uluwehi Falls, enjoy some time here swimming and eating a delicious provided lunch. Learn more and book your guided tour here! You will get wet on this tour, so be sure to bring the correct footwear and proper clothing!

➡️ Looking for other fun tours to do in Kauai? Visit Viator to find out more about helicopter tours and snorkeling excursions.

Where To Stay

We recommend staying in the northern section of Kauai for the first few days of your Kauai itinerary. Staying in Princeville is the way to go while visiting Ha’ena State Park. Then, head south for the rest of your trip. That being said, Kauai is somewhat small, and you can get to most places on the island within 1-2 hours, depending on where you are going.

Best places to stay in northern Kauai near Princeville:

• Ali’i Kai Resort – We loved our stay here! 2 bed/2 bath condos located on a bluff overlooking the ocean and close to Queen’s Bath. No A/C in our unit but still comfortable. Check out the options on VRBO.
• Club Wyndham Bali Hai Villas – This location has an excellent rating with Expedia, with top-rated pools and free parking. Compare prices on Booking.com, too.
• 1 Hotel Hanalei Bay – Top-rated, luxurious oceanfront sanctuary on Hanalei Bay with outstanding views. This location is super pricey, so head here if you are looking for luxury. Book it on Expedia or Booking.com.
• The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas – 1 and 2-bedroom villas with full kitchens, onsite restaurants, and pools. Check it out now on Expedia or Booking.com.

Final Thoughts

Flying to Kauai and arriving in the morning after our amazing 7 days in Maui gave us a great start to our week-long trip in Kauai! The Wailua Falls overlook was breathtaking, and we even got to see a rainbow at this epic waterfall.

We ran out of time to take the guided kayak tour, so we’ll have to return someday to check that out! After our visit to Wailua Falls, we headed up the coast toward Princeville and got our groceries for the week. Finally, we settled in at our condo and made our way to Ha’ena State Park and enjoyed an evening on the amazing Ke’e Beach.