Take This Unforgettable Road Trip To Experience Some Of Hawaii’s Most Impressive Caves And Waterfalls
The Hawaiian Islands are perhaps most well known for their stunning white sand beaches, crystalline turquoise waters, and palm trees swaying in the breeze, but almost more spectacular are the mountains, waterfalls, and caves you’ll find across this island paradise. So, in an attempt to honor these natural oases for their beauty and give them the recognition they deserve, we’ve curated an epic road trip to find waterfalls near me in Kauai that will lead adventure seekers to four waterfalls and three caves — all of which are worthy of a little exploration and plenty of awe. This is one road trip you’re definitely going to want to put on your Hawaii bucket list!
Measuring in at just three hours of drive time, this road trip is downright dreamy and perfect for a wondrous day trip, whether you live on Kauai or are visiting from one of the neighboring islands.
If you’ve ever wondered if there are waterfalls near me in Kauai, this is definitely going to answer that question! Packed full of great spots to see and explore, read on about the magical roadtrip through one of Hawaii’s prettiest islands.
Found along Kauai’s northern coast is the otherworldly Waikapalae Cave, a stunning natural wonder that glows with a striking blue light. Also known as the Blue Room, this cave is, quite simply, the stuff fantasy worlds are made of. In fact, the striking cave was featured in the 2011 film, Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides as a "fountain of youth." With that sort of pedigree, it’s easy to see why Waikapalae Wet Cave is a must-see on our journey.
This naturally-formed lava cave was formed millions of years ago and is home to various native Hawaiian plant species as well as colorful, exotic plants, that come together to make visitors feel as though they have entered a tropical rainforest. The only way to reach the magnificent grotto is by boat via the Wailua River, which is Hawaii’s only navigable river, flowing down from one of the wettest spots on earth – Mount Wai’ale’ale. This grotto is so stunning that people frequently marry here. Take a boat tour to the grotto, and make sure to take in Opaeka‘a Falls and Wailua Falls in Kauai, two of the most stunning waterfalls on the island.
Located just north of Wailua Falls, Opaekaa is another Kauai waterfall that you can simply drive to. The falls are modest in height, but after periods of heavy rain, the flow is simply remarkable. Opaekaa translates to "rolling shrimp" in Hawaiian, supposedly named because the stream was full of shrimp at one point. Opaekaa Falls in Kauai is one of our favorite places to go and take in the natural beauty of Kauai.
Surrounded by lush, emerald flora and red dirt cliffs and cascading 80 feet into a deep, sparkling blue pool, Wailua Falls is as picturesque as Hawaiian waterfalls get. Feeding into the Wailua River, this double-tiered waterfall is easily accessible so you can ditch your hiking boots for this excursion — unlike many of Kauai’s waterfalls. The parking lot practically overlooks the waterfall, and it is easy to appreciate its magical beauty up close. There are many hiking trails with waterfalls in Kauai, but this easily accessible waterfall is top on our must-see list!
For a rich historic experience, head to Makauwahi Cave, the largest limestone cave in Hawaii, as well as one of the state’s largest archaeological sites. During their search for fossil sites on Kauai’s southern shore, four archaeologists discovered the cave’s access sinkhole in 1992, though the cave was known historically by Kauai residents and was known to be an ancient Hawaiian burial site. Makauwahi Cave in Kauai is a great place to hike and explore.
Makauwahi Cave Reserve, 1571-4 Poipu Rd, Koloa, HI 96756, USA
With a burnt sienna hue caused by the surrounding red dirt, this lovely little waterfall carved into Waimea Canyon’s iconic red dirt hills is truly a sight to behold - and will easily transport you to another world, or at least the painted deserts of the American southwest. The best part about this striking landscape that surely makes us feel as though we’ve stepped foot on Mars? You don’t have to hike to see it! Red Dirt Falls in Kauai is a magical waterfall, unlike you have ever seen before.
Red Dirt Waterfall, State Hwy 550, Waimea, HI 96796, USA
With brilliant shades of red, brown, green, blue, gray, and purple, Waimea Canyon State Park encompasses approximately 1,866 acres and is one of the island’s most popular tourist destinations. And while the canyon itself is gorgeous, we’re partial to this stunning waterfall hidden within. This 800-foot cascade can be seen from several spots along Waimea Canyon Road and we’re absolutely obsessed. We think this is one of the best waterfall hikes in Kauai, and for good reason. The views are absolutely unmatched anywhere else on Earth.
Waipo'o Falls Trail, Hawaii 96796, USA
To access the Google Maps created for this road trip, click here. Have you ever experienced the wonder of these Kauai caves and waterfalls? Are you looking for waterfalls near me in Kauai? Sound off in the comments and join our Hawaii Nature Lovers Facebook group to share photographs of your own.
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The OIYS Visitor Center
Waterfalls near me in Kauai
March 25, 2022
Megan McDonald
How many waterfalls are on Kauai?
Kauai, aptly named the “Garden Isle,” is home to countless waterfalls from the intense rainfall and lush vegetation the island experiences. With 11 amazing and documented waterfalls on the island, there’s also thousands more small and remote enough to not be named, but that also exist. It’s hard to travel anywhere on this island and not see a waterfall!
How do I get to Fern Grotto Kauai?
The best way to get to the Fern Grotto is one of the many boat cruises that offer transportation to this area. Book one, sit back, and relax as you enjoy some of the prettiest scenery on Kauai.
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
