Sightseeing
Wailua Falls & River: Waterfalls, Boats & Fern Grotto
By Rick Kennerknecht · Updated October 2026
The Wailua area on Kauai's east side packs a lot of scenery and history into a short drive from Lihue. You can photograph the twin Wailua Falls, cruise the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto, kayak the river, and visit ancient Hawaiian sacred sites, all within a few miles. It is the easiest waterfall-and-river day on the island, though some of it is still recovering from Hurricane Lowell as of October 2026.
Hurricane Lowell recovery (as of October 21, 2026): Haena State Park reopened October 15 (reservations required), but Kokee and Waimea Canyon state parks, most other Kauai state parks, the Kalalau Trail past mile 2, all state camping, and Secret Falls remain closed, and Port Allen's small boat harbor is only partly open. See our what's open on Kauai page, and check DLNR state parks, openkauai.org, and your tour operator before you go.
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is an 80-plus-foot double cascade a short, well-signed drive up Maalo Road (Route 583) from Lihue. There is a roadside lookout, no hike required, and the falls are fullest in the morning and after rain, when rainbows often form in the mist. The lookouts sit in Wailua River State Park, which is partially reopened as of October 2026; non-residents pay $5 per person plus $10 for parking. The trail down to the base is steep, unofficial, and dangerous, so stay at the overlook.
Cruising the Wailua River
The Wailua is Hawaii's only navigable river. Smith's riverboats have been running again since September 24, 2026, gliding upstream to the Fern Grotto, a lava-rock cave draped in ferns, with Hawaiian music and hula on board. Since Lowell, only Smith's boats may land at the grotto. It is a gentle, family- and cruise-day-friendly outing that runs rain or shine.
Kayaking and Secret Falls
For something more active, rent a kayak or join a guided tour up the Wailua. The paddling is flat and beginner-friendly. As of October 2026 the Secret Falls (Uluwehi) trail is closed, so the trip ends at the landing, and kayakers cannot land at the Fern Grotto. Commercial tours and rentals do not run on weekends.
Sacred sites and history
Wailua was the seat of Kauai's ruling chiefs, and the valley is dotted with heiau (temples) and other sacred sites along the Royal Coconut Coast. Treat these places with respect. Nearby Opaekaa Falls offers another easy roadside waterfall viewpoint.
Planning your visit
Base in Kapaa to be minutes away. Do the falls and river in the morning before afternoon showers, and combine them with the coastal bike path or a food-truck lunch. Everything here is close together, so it is an easy, low-effort day.
Frequently Asked Questions
A short drive up Maalo Road (Route 583) from Lihue, with a roadside lookout. No hike is needed to see the twin falls. Non-residents pay the state park fee of $5 per person plus $10 parking.
More guides: all Kauai guides · things to do.