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2021-10-08 08 34 53 View of Wailua Falls from the main overlook within Wailua River State Park in Kauai, Hawaii📷 Famartin, CC BY-SA 4.0

Wailua Falls

Lihue, HI

Nature

A twin waterfall about 80 feet high, seen from a roadside viewpoint just above Lihue. Morning light is best.

Wailua Falls is a two-tier waterfall in Wailua River State Park on the island of Kauaʻi in Hawaiʻi, above the town of Līhuʻe. Hawaii Guide gives the height as about 85 feet (roughly 26 m) and considers higher figures wrong. Wikipedia contradicts itself (84 feet in the infobox, 173 feet in the text), so the numbers vary.

You can reach the viewpoint without hiking: on Highway 56, turn left onto Maalo Road (Highway 583) just past mile marker 1; after a short drive the parking lot sits above the falls. According to Hawaii Guide the falls look best at moderate flow. After heavy rain they merge into one powerful cascade, and when the sun is at the right angle a rainbow can form in the mist at the base.

The county advises against hiking down to the pool and posts signs at the trails. Diving is discouraged as well, as it has proved fatal for several visitors. Enjoy the view from the railing instead.

Nearest town
Lihue, HI
Category
Nature & parks
GPS
22.0380, -159.3787

Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.

Good to know

Best time to go

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

Sources

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Campsites nearby

All campsites in Hawaii · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026

FAQs

Where is Wailua Falls?

Wailua Falls is in Lihue, HI, at GPS 22.0380, -159.3787. It is about 14 mi from Hanalei.

Can you camp near Wailua Falls?

Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Lydgate Beach Park Camping, about 3 mi away; within 25 mi there are 20 campsites and motorhome stopovers.

Which road trips pass Wailua Falls?

Wailua Falls is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Kauaʻi from Hanalei to Waimea Canyon.

What is there to see near Wailua Falls?

Places worth a stop nearby: Spouting Horn (13 mi), Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge (13 mi), Waimea Canyon Lookout (18 mi) and Kalalau Lookout (19 mi).

When is the best time to visit Wailua Falls?

The most pleasant months are usually December–February. Still fine, with some compromises, in March–June and September–November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)

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