Ho’opi’i Falls Hike Guide
Ho’opi’i Falls is a short hike located in Kapa’a on the East side of Kauai. The trail starts in a residential area before working down to a stream for the first waterfall and cliff jumping area and then eventually down to a larger waterfall and swimming area. Note that according to some internet resources, E.coli has been found in the water in this area due to poor/old septic systems and drainage from nearby farming areas. This hike is very short but presents challenges due to its muddy trail. Additionally, navigation can be challenging due to a number of social/game trails around the stream.
Ho’opi’i Falls Guide
Ho’opi’i Falls Rating: ★★★★ (4/5 Stars)
Distance: 2.5 Miles RT
Elevation Start: 300ft
Total Elevation Gain: 375ft
Estimated Time to Complete: 1-2 Hours + Swimming Time
Difficulty: Walk in the Park – Easy What does this mean?
Class: Class 1 – What does this mean?
Season: Year Round – Avoid this hike during or after a heavy rain
Directions to Ho’opi’i Falls
Trailhead: Kapahi Road
Getting Here: There are so many ways to get here so it’s best to just follow the Google maps link below. The hike starts on the left side of the road near the start of the available parking spots as you drive in.
Parking: Parking for Ho’opi’i Falls is very limited and entirely along a residential road. Please park as far onto the shoulder as possible, do not block driveways and be respectful when driving so that this trail stays open for future hikers. There are no restrooms in the area.
Fee: There is no fee for this hike.
Summary
Dogs: Generally speaking, dogs are allowed on this hike but just keep them under voice control since there are so many other hikers + nearby farm animals on the trail.
Camping: I would not recommend camping in this area, it’s surrounded by and partially in, private land.
Hike Xfactor(s): As mentioned in the hike summary, Ho’opi’i Falls is a great spot to do a small cliff jump and swim in general. However, while researching this hike I did read reports of the water not being safe to swim in. Hawaii in general is known for its fresh water being infected by various bacteria, this hike in particular is said to be surrounded by old septic systems. Additionally, you will see the farmlands directly above the stream that feeds these swimming areas. Generally speaking, swim at your own risk.
Hike Tip(s): Although the hike to Ho’opi’i Falls is short, there are a number of social trails in the area which can make finding both waterfalls sort of tricky for a more inexperienced hiker. Bring a GPX file or route to follow on your phone/watch so you don’t run into any issues. During the rainy season, mud can be a big issue in particular with the two small hills you need to travel down. Don’t expect to leave this one with clean clothes/shoes.
Best Views: Between the two waterfalls, I preferred the aesthetics of the second waterfall but admittedly the first one is a better spot to jump in if that is your vibe. Outside of the two falls, there are not many views to be had.
Make it a Loop: This is an out and back hike.
Ho’opi’i Falls Route
*Note – we did hike a little too far past the second falls so that is not required.
Gear Needed
- La Sportiva Men’s Trail Runners
- Backpack (Summer)
- Food & Water
- Optional: Garmin inReach
- Optional: Hiking Poles – 120CM
- Optional: Garmin Fenix Watch
- Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod, Selfie Stick, GoPro 360, Drone
- *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
