Sight guide · Kauaʻi · United States
Visiting Wailua Falls
A double waterfall that drops about 50 metres into a pool, seen from a roadside viewpoint at the end of Maʻalo Road a few minutes from Līhuʻe.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Caracas1830 assumed (based on copyright claims)., CC BY-SA 2.5
Quick answer
Wailua Falls is a nature spot in Līhuʻe, Kauaʻi. Allow 20 minutes; it is free. Booking ahead is not usually needed.
Key facts
- Type
- Nature
- Area
- Līhuʻe
- Time needed
- 20 minutes
- Cost
- Free
- Book ahead
- Not usually needed
- Good for
- free, nature, photo spot and kids
- Best months
- February and April–May
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About Wailua Falls
A double waterfall that drops about 50 metres into a pool, seen from a roadside viewpoint at the end of Maʻalo Road a few minutes from Līhuʻe. It is known from the opening credits of the TV series Fantasy Island.
Tip: Visit in the morning for rainbows in the spray, and stay at the viewpoint: the scramble down is dangerous and closed.
Plan your visit
- Time needed: 20 minutes.
- Cost: Free — no ticket needed for the main area.
- Book ahead: not needed; you can simply turn up.
- Where: Līhuʻe, island capital by the airport and Nāwiliwili Harbor.
Best time to visit Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is outdoors, so weather matters most. The driest, most comfortable months are:
- February: 26°C (79°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, busy crowds.
- May: 28°C (82°F) highs, about 12 rainy days, quiet crowds.
- April: 27°C (81°F) highs, about 14 rainy days, moderate crowds.
When to visit Kauaʻi has the full month-by-month picture.
Fit it into your trip
Wailua Falls is not on our short itineraries, so plan it as an extra once you have seen Nā Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon State Park.
- No. 12 of the 17 sights in our Kauaʻi things-to-do list.
- Listed in free things to do in Kauaʻi.
- A family favourite in Kauaʻi with kids.
Near Wailua Falls
Also in Līhuʻe, so you can walk between them:
- Kauaʻi Museum — 1–1.5 hours, low cost
If you like Wailua Falls
- Nā Pali Coast — North and West Shores, Half a day
- Waimea Canyon State Park — Waimea and Hanapēpē, Half a day
- Hāʻena State Park and Kēʻē Beach — Hanalei, Half a day
- Hanalei Bay — Hanalei, Half a day
Staying near Wailua Falls
Stay in Līhuʻe ($$$) to walk here: island capital by the airport and Nāwiliwili Harbor. All areas to stay in Kauaʻi.
Questions travellers ask
+How long do you need at Wailua Falls?
Plan 20 minutes. With Kauaʻi Museum nearby, it fits a half-day in Līhuʻe.
+Is Wailua Falls free?
Yes, it is free to visit.
+When is the best time to visit Wailua Falls?
February and April–May for the most comfortable weather. Visit in the morning for rainbows in the spray, and stay at the viewpoint: the scramble down is dangerous and closed.
+Do I need to book Wailua Falls in advance?
No: it is free to visit, so you can decide on the day.
+Is Wailua Falls good for kids?
Yes, it is one of our family picks in Kauaʻi. Kauaʻi is a gentle family destination with calm summer beaches, easy waterfall viewpoints, turtles and monk seals, and short adventures such as river kayaking.