Kapaa & East Shore Natural Wonders

There are several beautiful waterfalls on the East Shore of Kauai, not far from Lihue and Kapaa.   Kipo Falls has the fewest visitors, and it has the added bonus of a rope swing.  Daredevils can grab onto the rope, use the tree to push off, and launch themselves into the deep pool beneath the falls.  There’s a ladder you can use to get back out.

This is one of the most enjoyable Kauai activities.  But there’s more than one risk in this venture – including leptospirosis, which is in much of Kauai’s fresh water.  Don’t drink the water, open your eyes, or go in if you have a cut.

To get to Kipu Falls, you’ll have to do as thousands before you have done and ignore the “no trespassing” sign.  Take the trail on the left just before the bridge on Kipu Road.  It’s about a five-minute walk from there.

It’s easy to reach Wailua Falls and well worth the effort.  Just take Ma’alo Road (583) off Kuhio Highway (56) for a few miles through the sugar cane fields.   The road dead ends at the parking lot.  Walk about 50 yards back for views of 80-foot cascades.  The falls are most beautiful after a heavy rain.

To get to the next waterfall return to route 56 and take 580 to the Opaeka’a Falls lookout.  You’ll see the falls in the distance, and if you cross the street, you’ll have a nice view of the Wailua River as it winds its way through the valley.  For the best photographs, come mid-morning.

You can hike to some of the most beautiful cascades in Kauai — Ho’opi’i Falls.  To get there, take Kawaihau Road from 56 to Kapahi Road.  You’ll have to hike down a dirt road to get to the trail head, but this is a really rewarding nature walk.

Find the top natural wonders on Kauai’s North Shore.