Wailua Falls

Wailua Falls | Kauai, Hawaii Beautiful waterfalls can be found all over Hawaii, but most of them require a long hike to reach. To get to this one, you first go past a “Danger, do not enter” sign and continue downward. After that, you slowly make your way down using ropes that have been set up by other visitors. Many sections are very steep and extremely slippery, so anyone planning to go should be very careful and prioritize safety. I visited Wailua Falls on Kauai, Hawaii this time, and it was honestly one of the most fun and photogenic waterfalls I’ve been to in Hawaii. I think it might even be my favorite. The best part is that you can actually go behind the waterfall and feel its full power up close—it’s incredibly intense and exciting. Even better, there weren’t many people around, which made the experience even more special. Parking and route: Most people only view the waterfall from the lookout and leave, so even though the parking lot can look busy, you can usually find a spot after waiting a short time. Many people don’t realize that it’s actually possible to hike down to the base of the waterfall. Hawaii is full of informal “wild trails” like this. After parking, you cross a bridge and go over a fence to reach the trailhead. There is even a “hazardous cliff” warning sign. Difficulty: The difficulty depends heavily on conditions. You should definitely avoid going on rainy days or after heavy rain, because the trail becomes extremely muddy and slippery. This is something I learned from a previous visit to Queen’s Bath. There are also tangled tree roots everywhere, and in some sections you need to make big steps or climbs. Some ropes left by other hikers help with the steeper parts, and without them it can be quite difficult to descend. That said, there aren’t too many very steep sections, and it only takes about 15–20 minutes to reach the base of the falls. Because I hadn’t exercised much, my legs were sore for several days after the hike.