Wailua Falls
- Height
- 85 ft
- Hike
- 0 mi each way
- Elevation gain
- 0 ft
- Road
- Paved
- Permit
- Not required
Wailua Falls drops about 85 ft on Wailua River in Kauai County, Hawaii. Reaching it is a 0 mi hike each way with 0 ft of elevation gain.
Closures and warnings
County warning signs: unofficial cliff trails to the base are steep, muddy, and hazardous. Jumping from the falls has been fatal. View from the designated overlook only. As of September 28, 2026.
The falls
| Height | 85 ft |
|---|---|
| Flow note | Two-tiered cascade into a deep pool; strongest after rain. |
| Swimming allowed | No |
|---|---|
| Jumping | Prohibited |
Access
| Hike | 0 mi each way |
|---|---|
| Elevation gain | 0 ft |
| Road | Paved |
| Road note | Maalo Road / Highway 583 ends at the overlook parking lot; no hike required for the viewpoint. |
| Parking | Paved overlook lot at end of Maalo Road; limited spaces (about 15 to 20 vehicles). |
| When it fills | Fills mid-morning; arrive early. |
| Fee | Free overlook parking |
| Reservation or permit | Not required |
| Wheelchair access | Viewpoint adjacent to paved parking; suitable for visitors who cannot hike. |
| Managed by | County of Kauaʻi (Maalo Road overlook) |
Common questions
Common questions
Is Wailua Falls open?
County warning signs: unofficial cliff trails to the base are steep, muddy, and hazardous. Jumping from the falls has been fatal. View from the designated overlook only. As of September 28, 2026.
How tall is Wailua Falls?
Wailua Falls drops about 85 ft.
Can you swim at Wailua Falls?
No, swimming is not allowed at Wailua Falls.
How long is the hike to Wailua Falls?
It's a 0 mi hike each way with 0 ft of elevation gain. The road in is paved. Maalo Road / Highway 583 ends at the overlook parking lot; no hike required for the viewpoint. Parking: Paved overlook lot at end of Maalo Road; limited spaces (about 15 to 20 vehicles). Fills mid-morning; arrive early.
Do you need a reservation for Wailua Falls?
No reservation or permit is required.
Is there a fee at Wailua Falls?
Yes. Free overlook parking.
When is Wailua Falls flowing?
Two-tiered cascade into a deep pool; strongest after rain.
Nearby
Public land
Wailua Falls is inside Wailua River State Park .
Sources
4
- https://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai/sights/wailua-falls (accessed September 28, 2026; backs waterfall.heightFt / waterbodyName / access parking overlook, access.parkingPattern)
- https://www.kauaishoreshotel.com/blog/exploring-wailua-river-kauai-waterfalls-kayaking-and-legends (accessed September 28, 2026; backs access.hikeDistanceMi 0 / fee free / parking, hazardNote / swimmingAllowed false / jumpingProhibited)
- https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g60623-d546344-Reviews-Wailua_Falls-Lihue_Kauai_Hawaii.html (accessed September 28, 2026; backs waterfall.flowNote / wheelchairAccess)
- https://www.jugglingactmama.com/wailua-falls-kauai-easily-accessible/ (accessed September 28, 2026; backs manager / access.roadNote)