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Hawaii (HI)
Kauai
Things to Do in Kauai
Hanakapiai Falls

Hanakapiai Falls, Kauai: Address, Phone Number, Hanakapiai Falls Reviews: 5/5

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Hanakapiai Falls

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Hanakapiai Falls
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#6 of 268 things to do in Kauai
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
493 reviews
Excellent
419
Very good
58
Average
9
Poor
3
Terrible
4
Jennpaz8
Denver, CO97 contributions
Amazing but start early!!!
Feb 2020 • Couples
We booked a 9 am shuttle and in hindsight, we should have given ourselves an extra hour. We are pretty fit and from Colorado so used to hiking in elevation. By the time we started it was a bit after 9:30 so when we arrived at the beach it was already 10:35. After a snack and bathroom break it was already 11. We were told the last shuttle left at 5 & were warned that it could fill up. The sign from the beach told us to expect an additional 4 hours to hike to the falls. We started and by 11:50 had made it to the first stream crossing, however, in thinking through the anticipated hours ahead of us, we got nervous that we wouldn't make it back in time for the shuttle as once we returned to the beach, we'd likely have another hour ahead of us. We now think we made a mistake because in looking at the map upon our return we were almost halfway to the falls and less than an hour in. While it definitely got muddier the further we went and the streams had very strong currents and slippery rocks, we regret our decision to turn around. In catching our shuttle, the driver told us their was a "sweeper" that came around at 6 for any stragglers. The hike is definitely not for the novice or weary. The inclines are steep and the mud makes slipping undeniable. We saw many people with a simple water bottle on their way to the beach and I would highly recommend a Camelback or a backpack with several bottles. Unlike other reviewers, we found the trail greatly shaded with sunny areas not a long distance. Regardless, sunblock and snacks are also recommended. We decided to cross the streams by taking off our shoes and socks, which resulted in us covered in mud since our shoes were tied to our packs. I think that was right as otherwise we would have chafed the rest of the way. Next time we'll bring hiking sandals for these crossings. While we saw others in sandals on the trail, the amount for the of rocks and overall terrain, I would recommend great tread shoes. And be prepared for them to be caked in mud. The hike is absolutely spectacular and next time we will make it to the falls.
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
P K
6 contributions
Incredible Experience
May 2022
We found this hike to be an incredible experience. But a few warnings, make sure you have a parking permit or a shuttle ride or both (from gohaena.com). And make sure you have plenty of time for this hike, at least six or seven hours, depending on how long you want to spend at the falls. We are both experienced hikers and were surprised at how long this hike took. Also, bring at least two liters of water per person and snacks.

It was well worth the trip, we would highly recommend this hike, it was the highlight of our Kauai visit.
Written June 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Barbara S
11 contributions
Trip of a lifetime!
Sep 2021
Hiked up the four miles on the difficult trail with a group of friends. All of us are distance runners and in shape and it was not always easy going but the falls and pool below were well worth the effort. One in a lifetime experience!
Written September 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
evacek
6 contributions
Must-do hike, but know what your getting into
Feb 2020 • Couples
This an amazing yet difficult trail. It really makes you work for it's awesomeness with the combo of slippery mud/rocks, up & down elev changes, near continuous cliff/ravine edges & rock scrambling as you get nearer to the waterfall. We've done a lot of trails around the U.S. & don't shy away from challenge. But I would highly recommend having good fitness, solid ankles/knees, proper shoes/supplies & not be in a hurry. Took us 6-7hrs with stops. We made it back in time for the shuttle but not by much. The day before we went the trail was closed because the main river crossing got too high. We lucked out today but were wary of that potential. Grab some walking sticks left by others at the trail entrance. They saved us from falling at least 4-5 times. The trail is also more like 10 miles, so plan your time accordingly as it's very slow going. In summary, this is a definite must-do trail, but respect it & know what you're getting into.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Laura L
Hudson, NH994 contributions
Go for a swim!
Oct 2021 • Couples
SUPER FUN to jump in and swim after a great and muddy hike to the falls! We were surprised that not many people braved the water, but it was very misty from the giant fall, so May people were cooled off from that. We were able to swim right up to the falls.

I recommend wearing Teva’s or similar good sandals in the water as it’ll help with navigating the rocks.
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Fess S
Tucson, AZ322 contributions
Had the falls all to myself!
Mar 2021
I hiked today- March 25th and the trail was perfect. Not too muddy and the water crossings were all very easy. I did bring water shoes besides my boots and would put them on to cross the streams. I should have brought a small towel to wipe my feet. I was at the trailhead at 7:30 and took a total of about 6 hours including time at the waterfall. As the road is only open until 7:30 in the morning due to the mud slide if you go early, I think you will have the falls to yourself as I did. When I finished the hike there were only 7 cars in the parking lot.
Written March 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Sara VK
Los Angeles, CA36 contributions
AMAZING & gorgeous
Sep 2021
Worth the 6-hours roundtrip from the park entrance, all the mud, wet shoes, lost sunglasses (they fell in the river as I crossed), the slight sunburn, and my need for a bath and long nap when I got back to my room. I would do it again in a heartbeat (and some more of the Kalalau Trail) on my next trip. Be prepared for rock scrambling to cross the river, lots of mud if it rained, both sun and shade, as well as wild mangoes, guava, bamboo, and a beautiful waterfall at the end. :)
Written September 18, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Basinman
326 contributions
A workout hike, but beautiful beach and falls.
May 2022 • Couples
The falls are spectacular, but it's a 4 mile hike to reach them. The last mile is challenging as it winds over rocks, river crossings, roots, and steep sections. We hike frequently and the 2 mile section from the beach to the falls was a workout. Bring plenty of water and snacks. We brought water shoes as there are numerous stream crossings. Yes, you can rock hop most of them, but we saw numerous slip and falls from those rock hopping. You can swim at the falls, but there's no place to change! Lots of roots and rock trip hazards on the trail, forcing you to watch where you walk. The return hike has some streep sections in the sun. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Book parking slots for the entire day, or take the shuttle. A very busy place!!!
Written May 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Lifeisrealbeautiful
1 contribution
My only sister died.
Serious safety incident
Mar 2019
I beg you please don't risk your life on this trail. My beautiful, best friend and only sister died tragically hiking this trail. This park says danger everywhere, it should be closed because how dangerous it is. The Hanakapiai Valley is very deceiving and it's fast-moving streams can take you before you know it and no one would be able to rescue you.
I beg of you, please stay away.

If you do go, please make sure your living will is in order, and you buy arrangements for your death.

It may have amazing views, but look in the mirror and your precious life is much more beautiful, this place is just a horrific gamble.

Every day I wish I could pick up the phone and hear my sister's voice, laugh and see her, but this horrendous place took my beautiful sister away.
Written February 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Eadred S
1 contribution
Dangerous Survival Situation
Jun 2021 • Couples
The two mile hike to the beach is great. The longer hike to the falls is really dangerous. It wasn't raining on the way to the falls and some of the streams were still really hard to cross. On the way back it was raining and it was almost impossible to get down. It is a DANGEROUS hike. The trail back was a proper survival situation. Rivers were deep and fast flowing and almost impossible to cross. There is a river that intersects the beach and it was too deep and fast to cross. We were trapped. In the end I swam across but looking back I am lucky to be alive because I could have been washed out to sea. Please don't take children on this walk.
Written August 1, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
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