The Hawaiian Islands are famous for their incredible white sand beaches, lush landscapes, and cascading waterfalls. While many Hawaiian waterfalls – like Hawaii Island’s Akaka Falls and many of the waterfalls found along Maui’s Hana Highway – are easily accessible, there are others that require a little bit of work to find. One such waterfall is Kauai’s Uluwehi Falls, a stunning slice of paradise that is perhaps just as much about the journey as it is about the destination.

Often known as Secret Falls to locals and visitors alike for some unknown reason (the waterfall is in no way a secret, at least not anymore), the journey to this remote waterfall is a popular day adventure on Kauai’s east side.
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Your journey will begin on the tropical and lush Wailua River, where you will be required to either book a guided tour, or rent kayaks or canoes to reach the trailhead.
Christopher Porter/Flickr
The kayaking portion of your trip will take you approximately 45 minutes to one hour, and you will pass the traditional Kamokila Hawaiian Village before reaching a fork in the river.
Christopher/Flickr
Here, head north (or right), and continue through dense vegetation until the water becomes too shallow to paddle. On your right, you should find a landing - which is sometimes full of kayaks and canoes.
Ron Cogswell/Flickr

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Once you reach the trailhead, found off the Wailua River, you’ll begin your a muddy, and often slippery, 30-minute hike through the jungle that requires you to cross a few streams.
Anne Petersen/Flickr
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The trail ends where the 100-foot Uluwehi Falls plunges into a pool below, the perfect spot for a quick swim or picnic lunch before starting the journey back to the river.
Eric/Flickr
The name Uluwehi translates to "lush, flourishing plants" in Hawaiian - an apt description for a waterfall located in such a beautiful, green setting.
Christopher/Flickr
We’re not going to lie to you - you’ll have to put in substantial work to reach Uluwehi Falls, but not only are the views the entire way absolutely stunning the entire trip, and the waterfall is absolutely worth it.
hubs/Flikr

If you aren’t quite sure about finding the falls yourself, book a guided tour. From my research, Kayak Kauai is the most popular tour company, though there are several to choose from. Want to check out more epic Hawaiian waterfall swimming holes? Click here!

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