Wailua Falls & Landscape of Wailua River State Park Forest

@vincelimphoto

Hawaii

•

Kauai

The jaw-dropping Wailua Falls is one of the highlights of visiting the Hawaiian island of Kauai. It's even been in a few movies and tv shows, like "Fantasy Island"! What's great about this waterfall is that you can see it without any hiking necessary. In my opinion, though, the best view of Wailua Falls is from above where you can capture the dense vegetation that surrounds the natural wonder. (before flying a drone, check and follow local drone regulations and permit requirements)

Plan

Overview

Skill level

Moderate

Accessbility

Public Location

Hours

Anytime

Fee

Free

Pack

Drone
Wide-angle lens (optional)
Bug spray

How to get there

N22° 02' 03.1452"W159° 22' 44.0472"

This image of Wailua Falls was taken from the Wailua Falls parking lot, which is right next to the viewing point. You'll need a car to access this location, but there's no hike required once you're out of the car. If you're coming from Lihue, you'll need to drive North on Kuhio Highway and then exit off of 583 onto Maalo Road. Follow Maalo Road all the way to Wailua Falls. You'll know when you're there when you come across a very narrow parking lot that overlooks the falls on the righthand side (22.034461, -159.379157). Then, reference the GPS coordinates and you'll reach the spot in the parking lot from where you can fly your drone.