The Unexpected Hawaii Waterfall That Will Transport You To Another World
By Megan Shute|Published September 01, 2017
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Megan Shute
Author
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.
Found along every mile of coastline and in the heart of the islands’ interior, the Hawaiian Islands are known for their infinite number of natural wonders. Perhaps there is no greater wonder than the countless waterfalls found across the beautiful Aloha State – from Hawaii Island’s 442-foot Akaka Falls to Kauai’s Hanakapiai Falls and everywhere in between. These stunning waterfalls are usually found cascading down lush, emerald green cliff faces into striking sapphire pools, but that isn’t always the case. Found off the highway within Waimea Canyon State Park, Red Dirt Falls is a seasonal waterfall unlike anything you’ve ever seen before.
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.
While this tiny little waterfall may not seem impressive when compared to the real reason anyone visits this area, it is undoubtedly a eye-catching and unique feature you’ll only find within Hawaii’s gorgeous Waimea Canyon - also known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."
Nearly 14 miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,600 feet deep, the stunning Waimea Canyon is perhaps Hawaii’s most unspoiled natural beauty.
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The characteristic bands of red found within Waimea Canyon - and across the Hawaiian Islands, for that matter - were created over time as the dark, iron-rich basalt rock turned various shades of red due to oxidation.
In fact, the word "waimea" actually translates to "reddish water" in Hawaiian, surely referring to the area’s iconic color and the heavy rainfall Kauai is known for.
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! If it’s flowing, you can park your car on the side of the road and take it all in, but if there’s little flow, you can just keep on driving. How cool is that?
While in the area, consider picking up an iconic souvenir: a "dirt shirt," which is dyed using actual red dirt from the canyon, and is sold by a variety of local vendors.
The stark contrast between the red dirt, flowing water, and surrounding green vegetation makes this Kauai hidden gem one of the most unique waterfalls in the world. Don’t miss visiting this place on your next stop to Waimea Canyon. If you’re driving to the park from Waimea Town on Waimea Canyon Drive (also known as route 550), you will find this gem on the left side of the road near mile marker 23 - if it’s flowing, that is!
