📸 Wailua Falls | Kauai's Twin Cascade Wonder

📝 My Story:

Nestled just a short drive from Līhuʻe, Wailua Falls is one of Kauai’s most iconic waterfalls — and it’s surprisingly easy to visit!
This breathtaking 80-foot double waterfall famously appeared in the opening credits of the TV show Fantasy Island, and it's even more spectacular in real life.

After a quick and scenic drive to a dead-end parking lot, you’re rewarded with an immediate view of the falls — no strenuous hike required.
You can practically step out of your car and be met with misty air, roaring water, and lush green cliffs surrounding you.

We stopped here on our last full day on Kauai, and while you can't officially hike down to the base (due to safety restrictions), the lookout point itself is absolutely worth it.
It’s an easy, beautiful stop that perfectly captures the magic of Kauai’s landscapes.


🌎 Location:

📍 Google Maps: Open Wailua Falls in Google Maps ➔


📌 Quick Info:

  • 🏙️ City: Līhuʻe, Kauai

  • 🅿️ Parking: Free parking at the falls overlook

  • 🚻 Bathrooms: Not available

  • 🚲 Bike Rentals: Not available

  • 🧭 Travel Tip: Visit early in the morning for fewer crowds and a chance to see rainbows in the mist

  • 📸 Photographer’s Note: Best light is in the morning when the sun rises behind you

  • 🛐 Etiquette: Stay behind safety railings; avoid attempting any unauthorized hikes

  • 🕰️ Best Time to Explore: Early morning or late afternoon

  • ♿ Accessibility: Limited; steep incline to the viewpoint but accessible parking is available


💡 Pro Tip:

If you're lucky, you'll catch a rainbow forming in the mist!
Bring a little patience and stay a few minutes longer after sunrise for the perfect shot.


📸 Photography Tip:

Use a longer lens (70-200mm range) to compress the scene and highlight the twin waterfalls crashing into the pool below.
A polarizing filter can also help reduce glare and make the greenery pop even more!


🎉 Fun Fact:

Wailua Falls was used in the opening credits of the TV show Fantasy Island — making it one of Kauai’s most famous waterfalls seen worldwide.


🌺 Return to Main Hawaii Travel Story

Want to read the full story of our unforgettable adventure across Kauai and Maui?
👉 Click here to explore our complete Hawaii Travel Journal ➔


🗺️ Planning Your Own Hawaii Adventure?

If you’re planning your own trip to Kauai (or anywhere across Hawaii), you can find this hidden gem — and many more — on my public travel map:
👉 View My Hawaii Travel Map Here ➔


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📸 Tree Tunnel | The Lush Gateway to Poipu, Kauai