The 6-Mile Hiking Trail in Hawaii That Is a Fall Blossom Wonderland

Truth be told, people don't adore living in Hawaii for its distinct seasons. On the contrary, people love Hawaii because the sun-kissed island weather enables year-round outdoor adventures. Even in the brief rainy season, breathtaking excursions are possible with the right gear. Not only that, despite the lack of rich autumn colors, Hawaiians get to look forward to seasonal blooms that only appear as summer fades into fall. One of my favorite spots to catch these vibrant blossoms is at Kaua'i's Uluwehi Secret Falls. This forested wonderland promises wildflowers, vistas, and wildlife!

Tucked in Wailua River State Park, a region sometimes called the Garden Isle, the trail to Uluwehi Secret Falls winds through six miles of lush forest before reaching its destination. This verdant understory is the trail's namesake; Uluwehi means “flourishing plants." If the falls aren't quite so secret anymore, this part of the trek's name remains as true as ever.

Novice hikers shouldn't be deterred by the trail's medium length. Though reaching many of Kaua'i's waterfalls costs a full day and some debilitating calf burn, this trek only gains 500 feet in elevation. With the right snacks and a can-do attitude, I'd even venture to call Uluwehi Secret Falls kid-friendly.

That said, adults and children alike should be prepared for what this excursion entails. In fact, to reach the trailhead, you'll need to kayak up the Wailua River, considered the only navigable river in Hawaii. If you don't have your own boat, you can rent from a local company or even book a guide to help you make your way upriver. Far from being an obstacle to your enjoyment of the park, this short stint on the water opens up a hidden world of views. Riparian zones — the vegetated areas alongside rivers — are home to tremendous biodiversity. As you head to the trail, you're guaranteed to spot local wildlife in the brush beside you and in the canopy above.

You'll be rewarded for your efforts with jaw-dropping views of Uluwehi Secret Falls, which cascades 120 feet down into the dense forest. In the fall, this vista is framed with sprays of vibrant bougainvillea, which blooms most heavily from September to April.

Another lovely wildflower you might see is the Crêpe Ginger. Though it's native to Southeast Asia and was only introduced to Hawaii in 1928, the Crêpe Ginger is now considered naturalized to the islands. Uniquely, the plant only blossoms at the beginning of the rainy season, gratifying hikers who've braved cloudy weather. Patient visitors might also spot wild moas on the trail, a beautiful descendant of the Red Junglefowl and Kuau'i's feral chickens.

Hawaii might not have "traditional" fall colors, but it has a host of seasonal flowers that only blossom in the autumn and winter. These vibrant blooms give the state a seasonal palette all its own, and one of my favorite places to enjoy them is at Kaua'i's Uluwehi Secret Falls.