Waipoo Falls

Located within the West Region on Kauai

When visiting Waimea Canyon in northwest Kauai it's almost hard not to notice two-tier Waipo'o Falls dropping some 800ft into the Canyon below. You're first glimpse of the falls is at the Waimea Canyon Overlook, past mile marker 10 on Highway 550. Both the canyon and the falls are spectacular from this lookout (seen below). Further up the road at Pu'u Ka Pele lookout, near mile marker 13, you can get your closest (though partially obstructed) view of the falls from Highway 550. You're still a remarkable distance away from the falls, but it's a beautiful photo opportunity.

If you're looking to hike to the falls, you're in luck, sorta. The Canyon Trail is a moderate trail that begins between the 14 and 15 miles markers. It takes you to the top of Waipo'o Falls, and it considered one of the premier trails of Koke'e State Park. The only downside (that 'sorta' we mentioned) is that once you reach the end of the hike, you can't really see the falls beneath you - though the Canyon views are phenomenal. The only reward, water-wise, at the end of this hike are the pools above the falls. The best way to get a really up close view of the falls is via a helicopter tour. Many tours take you right up to the falls and you can snap an up-close photo (seen above). The flow rate of the falls depends on precipitation like most falls in the islands. The falls often go completely dry in the summer when less rain frequents the islands. During the winter months, or after a good rain however, the falls are most impressive.

Hiking to Waipo'o Falls

Waipo'o Falls drops roughly 800 feet in multiple tiers down the red and green walls of Waimea Canyon. You can spot it from the Waimea Canyon Lookout on clear days -- a thin white ribbon against the cliffs. But the distant view doesn't compare to what you see from the Canyon Trail, where the falls fill your entire field of vision.

The Canyon Trail

The Canyon Trail (also called the Cliff Trail) runs about 3.4 miles roundtrip from the trailhead near Pu'u Hinahina Lookout. It's rated moderate. The path follows the canyon rim with exposed sections and a few steep switchbacks. Expect mud -- this is Kaua'i, and the trails in Waimea Canyon stay damp even on sunny days. Proper hiking shoes with grip are a must. Sandals or flip-flops will not work here.

The best viewpoint for Waipo'o Falls comes about 1.5 miles in, where the trail opens up to an unobstructed overlook. The cascade pours down the opposite canyon wall, and on a clear morning the light hits the mist and the red rock in a way that makes the whole scene look almost unreal.

When to Go

Morning. By midday, clouds build up over the canyon and obscure the view. Start by 8 AM if you want the best chance of clear skies and dry trail conditions. The trailhead has a small parking area that fills up by late morning on weekends.

Bring at least a liter of water per person. There's no shade for much of the hike and no water source on the trail. The sun on the canyon rim is strong even when the air feels cool.

Getting to the Trailhead

Drive up Waimea Canyon Drive (Highway 550) from Waimea town. The trailhead is near mile marker 14, between the Pu'u Hinahina and Waimea Canyon lookouts. Look for a small dirt pulloff and a trail sign. The drive from Waimea takes about 30 minutes on a winding two-lane road with spectacular views the whole way up.

John C. Derrick

Published by: John C. Derrick

Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawai'i tourism.

Geolocation Data

Geographic Coordinates

Latitude: 22.1042628
Longitude: -159.6612964

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