An easily reached double waterfall north of Līhuʻe, part of Wailua River State Park and seen from a lookout at the end of Maʻalo Road. HTA puts it at about 80 feet. It’s famous from the opening credits of ‘Fantasy Island,’ and after heavy rain the twin streams can merge into one roaring sheet.
Why we love it
It’s Kauaʻi’s easiest big-waterfall view, with no hike, and on a sunny morning there’s often a rainbow in the spray.
Current conditions: As of Oct. 19, 2026, DLNR reopened only the river and designated landing/trailhead areas of Wailua River State Park, and says all other Kauaʻi state parks remain closed. The Wailua Falls lookout’s status isn’t stated, so confirm with DLNR before driving up.
What to expect
Drive up Maʻalo Road to the end, where the parking lot overlooks the falls. The view is right there, and most people stay 10–15 minutes. Flow depends on recent rain: a moderate flow shows two distinct streams, while a big storm can make it one thundering curtain. Don’t take the informal paths to the base, which county signs warn against, and never jump. Leaps from the falls have killed visitors. A single paid entry also covers other Wailua River State Park sites, such as ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, the same day.
Know before you go
- Fees
- $5 per person plus $10 per car for nonresidents, card only. Pay at the official kiosk only, since unauthorized people have tried to charge for parking.
- Safety
- Stay at the overlook. The trail to the base is closed and dangerous, and never jump.
- Best time
- Morning light. After rain the falls are fuller, but the overlook can be misty.
- Facilities
- Lot and overlook only. Restrooms are in Līhuʻe or Wailua.
- Status
- Confirm the lookout is open. DLNR’s post-Lowell partial reopening named only the river areas.
Photo: No machine-readable author provided. Caracas1830 assumed (based on copyright cla via Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.5
