Opaekaa Falls
Experience the beauty of 150-foot Opaekaa Falls without breaking a sweat. This roadside wonder on Kauai's east side offers stunning waterfall views directly from your car, making it perfect for families. Named for the "rolling shrimp" once found in these waters, it's an accessible stop worth your time.
Check trail conditions before you go
Kauaʻi waterfall trails can flood, wash out, or close without notice. Flash floods, slippery rock, sheer drop-offs, and sudden weather changes are real risks — people get hurt or die here every year. Cell service is spotty to non-existent on most trails. Tell someone your plan, carry water, turn back if conditions look off. Never swim in a waterfall pool if it's raining anywhere upstream — flash floods arrive without warning.
Moku Intel aggregates publicly-available information about this trail. We are not the authority on its current condition — the State and County are. Always verify before you go.
About Opaekaa Falls
Aloha! Opaekaa Falls is a stunning 150-foot waterfall that delivers impressive views without requiring any hiking boots. The name means "rolling shrimp" in Hawaiian, referencing the freshwater shrimp that once thrived in these waters.
What makes Opaekaa special is its accessibility—you can drive right up to the roadside viewpoint on Kuamoo Road, making it perfect for families with keiki or anyone who wants to experience Kauai's natural beauty without the trek. The falls cascade down a lush cliff face surrounded by tropical vegetation that's especially vibrant after morning rains.
For the best experience, visit in the morning between 8–10 AM when the lighting is ideal for photos and parking is easier to find. The viewpoint offers restrooms and picnic tables, so you can pack a snack and settle in. For photographers: position yourself at the left side of the viewing area for the most dramatic angle of the falls.
The viewing area is safe and well-maintained, but stay behind the barriers—the cliffs can be unstable. This roadside stop consistently earns its 4.4-star rating because it delivers strong visual impact with minimal effort.
Where it is
'Opaeka'a Falls, Wailua Homesteads, HI 96746, USA
Photos
At a glance
Waterfall
- Height
- 150 ft
- Access
- Roadside
- Swimming
- Not allowed
Perfect for
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