Ho'opi'i Falls
Ho'opi'i Falls
4.5
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
202 reviews
Excellent
117
Very good
56
Average
22
Poor
2
Terrible
5
Fred L
San Jose, CA1,515 contributions
Feb 2022
This is a beautiful hiking trail and waterfall. I highly recommend that you wear water shoes, Crocs, or some type of footwear that has some traction. On certain sections of the trail we walked in the water and the rocks were very slippery. It was so beautiful, quiet and serene. There was a lot of tree cover which kept the temperature nice and cool. The kids in our group (two 6 year olds and a 9 year old) really enjoyed hiking and exploring. There is no parking lot so you just park on the side of the road near the entrance.
Written April 15, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Tony
Portland, OR31 contributions
Jul 2022
This was one of our highlights in Kauai. We downloaded the AllTrails app ahead of time so we didn't miss a couple spots. Respect the neighborhood, only park on the gravel (facing the correct direction). If it's full, come back another day and get there earlier so you're not parking on people's property or add to a mass of people walking through a quiet neighborhood. So many people were so loud when we were packing up and couldn't believe it because of how close they are to residents who probably aren't fans of the crowds coming there. We were just thinking "well, this is how you piss of locals so they don't like tourists". We talked to our son about being respectful to the neighbors before we got there and he whispered to us the whole time we were getting ready to hike lol. We got there at 9am and had parking, but by the time we were done at 11am it was packed. We got to the first falls with no one in sight. Don't skip the first falls, it's better than the second. About half way in start listening for water and look for a steep path to the left. Our 4 year old handled it fine with our assistance. After you're done there and continue hiking, you will come to a "T", go left to continue on, not right. If you go right you'll end up back at the road. Our favorite spot on the hike was about 3/4 of the way when the trail makes a wide right turn before the final stretch. There was a beautiful, jungle-esque scene with the river. Very refreshing and a perfect spot for lunch. The final falls aren't as much to write home about as the first ones. Yes, they are big, but you can't get a great vantage unless you hike up and around and down (we opted not because of our 4 year old). Still was an amazing hike.
Written July 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Emily S
2 contributions
Nov 2022
First and foremost, I loved this trail and the falls. They are beautiful, like many sights in Kauai. However, I made a few observations and think it's worth noting. My friend and I are both in our early 30's and hike reguluarly.
-This trail is not for people who aren't agile. The trail gets steep in some spots, muddy and slippery. We actually opted to not hike to the bottom because it didn't look very safe. I saw many people trying to do these steep areas in flip flops and bare foot. Also, this would be really hard for small children. People die all of the time in nature because they simply aren't being careful.
-The trailhead is in a small neighborhood. Be respectful of the people who live there and don't be THAT guy. Don't blast music, litter and park all over people's yard. If there's a cone or it says no parking, don't do it. I saw so many tourists being disrespectful.
-Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and water. Be cautious and considerate.
-This trail is not for people who aren't agile. The trail gets steep in some spots, muddy and slippery. We actually opted to not hike to the bottom because it didn't look very safe. I saw many people trying to do these steep areas in flip flops and bare foot. Also, this would be really hard for small children. People die all of the time in nature because they simply aren't being careful.
-The trailhead is in a small neighborhood. Be respectful of the people who live there and don't be THAT guy. Don't blast music, litter and park all over people's yard. If there's a cone or it says no parking, don't do it. I saw so many tourists being disrespectful.
-Bring insect repellent, sunscreen and water. Be cautious and considerate.
Written November 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
K-skwared68
Maui, HI53 contributions
Jan 2020
My sons (17-24 YOA) and I took on this hike on our own at the recommendation of a friend. Most of the hike was pretty easy and level. The trees and canopy of the forest were primal and beautiful. The first falls was pretty, but the second was really spectacular. It was a bit challenging from getting from the top of the falls down to the bottom. We had to scramble up a face to a path we must of missed. Then we had to scramble down a somewhat slippery slope. Fortunately the dense trees gave us plenty of hand-holds. Once we got to the bottom, we hung out by the falls and at the base pool. The rope swing was lots of fun. There is a rock near the swing but it was pretty easy to station a "guard" by the rock and swing away from it.
The biggest of challenge was the mud along most of the path. Some parts were pretty slick but nothing too awful.
Overall a lot of fun.
The biggest of challenge was the mud along most of the path. Some parts were pretty slick but nothing too awful.
Overall a lot of fun.
Written January 13, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Teresa
5 contributions
Oct 2022 • Friends
To Visitors: Please respect the lives of local people living close to these falls. Don’t arrive before 8am. Please park near the trailhead NOT at Kapahi Park. Do not walk down and back up Kapahi Road. A constant stream of visitors doing this causes a huge impact in this small neighborhood and increases local dog barking. Please be considerate.
Correct parking: Drive halfway down Kapahi Road and park in the long gravel area on your left. There you will easily find the trailhead. Remember, this is a local neighborhood. You are now within earshot. Your loud voices and shouting carry far. Please respect all the signs to Be Quiet.
There are too many visitors a day coming to this small waterfall. The once green slopes along the trail have been worn down to bare dirt. Inconsiderate visitors have cut new trails where none ever existed. Visitors leave behind water bottles, muddy clothing, shoes and socks. Loud rescue vehicles and helicopters come calling.
Would you like this scene in your neighborhood? Show respect for the people living there and their peace and quiet. Show respect for the greenery, trail, falls, and watershed!
Again - Don’t arrive before 8am. Park near the trailhead. Be Quiet when you arrive. Just these small considerations will lessen your impact upon residents in this ‘worn out by too many visitors’ neighborhood. Mahalo for your Kokua!
Correct parking: Drive halfway down Kapahi Road and park in the long gravel area on your left. There you will easily find the trailhead. Remember, this is a local neighborhood. You are now within earshot. Your loud voices and shouting carry far. Please respect all the signs to Be Quiet.
There are too many visitors a day coming to this small waterfall. The once green slopes along the trail have been worn down to bare dirt. Inconsiderate visitors have cut new trails where none ever existed. Visitors leave behind water bottles, muddy clothing, shoes and socks. Loud rescue vehicles and helicopters come calling.
Would you like this scene in your neighborhood? Show respect for the people living there and their peace and quiet. Show respect for the greenery, trail, falls, and watershed!
Again - Don’t arrive before 8am. Park near the trailhead. Be Quiet when you arrive. Just these small considerations will lessen your impact upon residents in this ‘worn out by too many visitors’ neighborhood. Mahalo for your Kokua!
Written October 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Melanie M
Carseland52 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
We loved this hike. It was very muddy... but I think they all are! Where good runners and they will get muddy! Walk slow as the mud does get pretty slippery! Our youngest is 8 and we were able able to do this hike. The hardest part is climbing down the cliff ( and back up) after we had an amazing time in the falls and swinging on the rope swing!!! Careful of the huge rock when you drop off the rope. ( We had someone stand there so no one hit it and swung the rope back) what an experience!!! If you hike do this for sure!
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
docroc69
Los Angeles, California28 contributions
Feb 2022 • Family
The trail head is on a private street.
It could easily be overlooked. I attached a pic of it.
There is a oath down to two waterfalls. The first one is about 0.5 miles.
The path to that waterfall (you can jump into the pool) could be easily overlooked. The trail has no signs.
Just listen fir the waterfall and people shouting and take a steep trail down. I think there may also be a trail that follows the river also.
If you continue down the main trail for another 25 mins you will get to another waterfall that is higher. This one has no plunge pool for jumping.
It’s an easy hike and the waterfalls are beautiful.
It could easily be overlooked. I attached a pic of it.
There is a oath down to two waterfalls. The first one is about 0.5 miles.
The path to that waterfall (you can jump into the pool) could be easily overlooked. The trail has no signs.
Just listen fir the waterfall and people shouting and take a steep trail down. I think there may also be a trail that follows the river also.
If you continue down the main trail for another 25 mins you will get to another waterfall that is higher. This one has no plunge pool for jumping.
It’s an easy hike and the waterfalls are beautiful.
Written February 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Christina K
Saint Louis, MO11 contributions
Dec 2022
The falls are in a neighborhood so please be respectful of the people living there. Don’t follow Apple Maps, it will take you to a dead end street. The trailhead is on Kapahi road on the left side. There is street parking beyond the trailhead. Look for a telephone pole with a sign that says “quiet,” the trailhead has a little cardboard sign with an arrow pointing to the right towards the falls. There are 2 awesome waterfalls, be sure to continue on the trail for the second falls (when the trail comes to a T, take the way to the left). The trail was muddy and slippery as it had just rained, but not too difficult otherwise. Wear a swimsuit but be safe!
Written December 11, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Dave S
Draper, UT3 contributions
Jul 2022
Park on the dead end street facing south. Left side as you are coming to the trail head. The walk to the falls can be muddy and slippery, so plan to wear decent hiking shoes and be ready to grab branches for stability.
Part of the way to the falls, we came across a partially buried disk brake and steering pinion from a vehicle, then a short distance away was a vehicle chassis with the front tires and suspension and a 4 cylinder engine. This was partially bauried. It would be interesting to find out how this vehicle made it down there and when. A picture is attached.
When you arrive in the vicinity of the falls, there is a fork in the trail. The trail to the right goes to the bottom of the falls and the trail to the left goes to the top of the falls.
Part of the way to the falls, we came across a partially buried disk brake and steering pinion from a vehicle, then a short distance away was a vehicle chassis with the front tires and suspension and a 4 cylinder engine. This was partially bauried. It would be interesting to find out how this vehicle made it down there and when. A picture is attached.
When you arrive in the vicinity of the falls, there is a fork in the trail. The trail to the right goes to the bottom of the falls and the trail to the left goes to the top of the falls.
Written July 9, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Veronica Hunter
Medford, NJ5,985 contributions
Sep 2021
The trail has two Falls to swim and enjoy.
The taller waterfall has a rope swing to climb and swing before dropping in the water. The trail attracts many visitors, arrive early to find parking.
The taller waterfall has a rope swing to climb and swing before dropping in the water. The trail attracts many visitors, arrive early to find parking.
Written October 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jill A
1 contribution
We tried to go here today, followed the map to the dirt road and saw 2 big signs- private property... We dared not park and walk down. Where we at the right place?
You were at the correct place but the dirt trail leading to the river and falls is about .25 miles on the left before the private dirt road. It's more of a skinny dirt foot path. It's marked by a electric pole that says "keep quiet".
Ho'opi'i Falls (Kauai) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Ho'opi'i Falls
- We recommend booking Ho'opi'i Falls tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 1 Ho'opi'i Falls tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Ho'opi'i Falls:
- (4.13 mi) Fern Grotto Inn
- (3.82 mi) 17 Palms Kauai
- (3.86 mi) Kauai Shores Hotel
- (2.72 mi) Hotel Coral Reef Resort
- (3.53 mi) Waipouli Beach Resort
- Restaurants near Ho'opi'i Falls:
- (2.73 mi) Kauai Juice Co
- (2.72 mi) Hee Fat General Store
- (2.77 mi) Wailua Shave Ice - Kauai
- (2.66 mi) Tacos Al Pastor
- (2.77 mi) Pono Market