Opaeka'a Falls

Opaekaa Falls is an easy Wailua roadside waterfall viewpoint on Kauai, with a broad overlook, picnic area nearby and distant views of the Wailua River valley.

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Opaeka'a Falls

Opaekaa Falls, Kauai

This is one of Kauai’s best-known and main waterfalls. Most people view it from a lookout off of Kuamoo Road, as it is a difficult and tricky hike around its top and pool. If you want to see Opaekaa Falls up close, find the trailhead at the top of the falls, close to the 2-mile marker that is past the fall’s lookout on Highway 580.

Going all the way to the waterfall can be well worth the trip, but the trail is muddy. It takes about a half hour, but the view of Opaekaa Falls and the lush, tropical rainforest surrounding it makes for a great photo opportunity.

Opaekaa Falls is a solitary location on most days because most people do their observations from the highway lookout. The name “Opaekaa” means “rolling shrimp” in the Hawaiian language. The waterfall was named after the shrimp that were once in abundance in its stream and pool.

Key Features

Roadside waterfall viewpoint in Wailua on Kauai's east side
Opaekaa is often translated as rolling shrimp
Waterfall is commonly described as about 151 feet tall
Main overlook has easy parking next to the viewing area
Second lookout across the road faces the Wailua River valley
Picnic tables and restrooms are nearby in the overlook area
Best viewed from behind the railings
No maintained public trail leads safely to the base of the falls
Popular quick stop between Kapaa, Wailua and inland east Kauai roads
Water flow and photo conditions change with rainfall and cloud cover

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Frequently Asked Questions

What does Opaekaa mean?

Opaekaa is often translated as "rolling shrimp," a name connected with the small freshwater shrimp that once moved through the stream below the falls.

Why is Opaekaa Falls so easy to see?

The overlook is right next to the road, so visitors can see the waterfall without a hike. That makes it one of the most accessible waterfall views on Kauai.

How tall is Opaekaa Falls?

Opaekaa Falls is commonly described as about 151 feet tall and roughly 40 feet wide, though the amount of visible water changes with rainfall.

What can you see from the lookout across the road?

The lookout across the road faces the Wailua River valley, with broad views of the river corridor, green slopes and inland east Kauai scenery.

Why should visitors not hike down to Opaekaa Falls?

The area below the overlook has steep, slippery terrain and no maintained public access trail to the base. The safe visit is from the official viewing area.