Favorite picnic spot on Waipo’o Falls TrailBlooming Trees along the Waipo’o Falls TrailRacing along the Waipo’o Falls TrailExploring the end of the Waipo’o Falls Trail
Waipo’o Falls refers to the waterfall that is the most photographed feature of Waimea Canyon. It is 800 feet tall and this hike leads you to the top tier of it!
Why Waipo’o Falls? It’s a quick 1.5 mile hike to the get back behind the top of the falls where mini 15-foot falls and a small swimming hole await. This is a popular family-friendly trail that is suitable for children of all ages (and babies in carriers). At four and six years old, our boys can do the majority of this hike on their own as the trail mostly winds through a beautiful forest. They love pretending that they’re chasing dinosaurs and have also designated one particular boulder towards the end as their “pirate ship.” In other words, the trail has a variety of interesting features that a child’s imagination can run away with and plenty of fantastic canyon views.
Where are Waipo’o Falls? Waipo’o Falls are located in the heart of Waimea Canyon and you can see them from several points along the highway heading up to Koke’e.
What is the parking situation like? The trailhead we always start from is down a dirt road that begins just past mile 14 on the highway. As you’re headed up into the park, this intersection (and the start of the dirt road) is marked by a large Koke’e State Park sign on the righthand side of the highway. You’ll also notice a NASA satellite tracking station next-door, park in this area unless you have 4WD and can carry on down the dirt road. You’ll follow this road for about 3/4 of a mile, turning right at the fork until you reach the final lot where the trail begins.
When is the best time to go? The earlier the better if you prefer to explore with less people around. Otherwise, it’s a perfectly beautiful hike any time of day so long as it’s not raining or there haven’t been recent heavy rains. The trail becomes extremely muddy and rather slippery when wet.
What should I bring? Sun protection, water, plus swim essentials if you plan on taking a dip at the end (*do not swim if you have any open wounds as the fresh water on Kauai potentially exposes you to Leptospirosis). In terms of footwear anything would work just fine so long as it’s dry. If it happens to be wet, a rare occurrence, then I’d suggest sneakers, sandals with straps, or bare feet!
What food should I bring? This hike is pretty short so you’ll be fine with snacks unless you plan on having a picnic lunch (or dinner). It’s the perfect time to put your farmer’s market haul to use!
Insider advice: It’s the last quarter mile or so where the trail opens up to the canyon interior–there’s certainly lots of room to run around but just beware of the drop-offs to the right of the trail. Again, there’s more than enough room to explore and play up here but be particularly mindful of children near the edge especially because the terrain can be loose and slippery in some of the downhill section.
Fun fact: If you’re seeking a total thrill then after you cross the exposed area and begin to descend down to the swimming hole on the left, a small trail leading to the right takes you to the top edge of Waipo’o Falls. I wouldn’t recommend that young children join you for this brief side trek!
Photo ideas: All I can say is pray for passing clouds. They truly bring definition to the canyon walls and without them the harsh sunlight tends to blow out the photos.
Taking in the beauty of Waimea Canyon from the Waipo’o Falls Trail
Going to have to do this one!! 😁
Any hike that includes a waterfall sounds good to me! Especially one safe for kiddos. Thanks for sharing!
When we visit late November/early December for 2 weeks this is on my list of things to do! We have never done this in our previous trips to Kauai!
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Aloha Cassie! You’re in for a treat–it really is the perfect hike with keiki.