Wailua Valley and Waterfalls Tour Itinerary

Introduction

Shaka Guide’s Wailua Valley and Waterfalls Tour explores the lush landscapes that give Kaua'i its nickname, the Garden Isle.

On this excursion, you can visit three waterfalls, hike four trails, walk the grounds of a Hindu monastery, and snorkel at a beach that’s perfect for the entire family!

This tour has two starting points: Kapa’a and Lihue. No matter where you start, all the stops are the same.

Plan to spend 6-8 hours exploring on this tour.

*This itinerary starts in Lihue. At the end of this itinerary, we’ll note some ways your day might look different if you’re starting in Kapa’a.

MORNING

As we’ve mentioned, this tour packs a lot in for a relatively short distance. You’ll want to get an early start, around 9 a.m. especially if you’re planning on visiting the Hindu Monastery. This sacred spot closes at noon daily.

Snap a Photo at Wailua Falls

Approximate time 15 minutes

Wailua Falls, Kauai

Wailua Falls is an iconic 173-foot waterfall surrounded by jungle forest.

This spot is just a quick photo op as there’s no hiking to the falls.

It’s one of the most epic falls on the island, so you’ll definitely want to make the stop.

PRO TIP! If you want to grab some local food for a picnic down the road, check out Konohiki Seafood in Lihue. They specialize in items like poke and plate lunches, but they also sell pies, mochi, and spam musubi.

Don’t worry, we’ll guide you there on the tour. If you’re starting the tour in Lihue, we recommend you pick up some snacks and water here. There are very few options to get food until you reach Kapa’a. Not hungry? Just skip this spot.

Snorkel at Lydgate Beach Park

Approximate time: 1 hour

Lydgate Park is a cool place for kids both young and old alike. Little ones will love the gigantic Kamalani playground.

There are also rock-enclosed pools that make swimming safe and fun.

The protective pools were constructed so that reef fish can still come and go as they please.

You can also find picnic tables and restrooms here.

Visit Ancient Hawaiian Historical Sites

Approximate time: 45 minutes

At this point in the tour, there are a few historical sites one after the other. These sites include four heiaus, which are ancient Hawaiian temples, and birthing stones where mothers of royal lineage would come to give birth to future chiefs.

Here are the spots and how much time you should expect to spend at each:

Rising Sun Heiau - 10 minutes
Hauola Heiau - 10 minutes
Holoholoku Heiau - 10 minutes
Birthing Stones - 10 minutes
Poli'ahu Heiau - 5 minutes

We'll tell you the significance of each place as we drive. You'll come away with a better understanding of Hawaii's traditional culture and religion.

Have Another Waterfall Photo Shoot at 'Opaeka'a Falls

Approximate time: 15 minutes

Located in Wailua River State Park, 'Opaeka’a Falls is a spectacular 150-ft waterfall that flows over volcanic basalt rocks.

This is another stop for a photo op right next to the parking lot as there’s no hike to the falls.

If you have the time, follow the path here and cross the road for a nice view of Wailua River.

PRO TIP! There’s a public restroom in the fall’s parking lot if you need to stop for a bathroom break.

Marvel at Kauai's Hindu Monastery and Walk Through a Sacred Forest

Approximate time: 45 minutes

hindu monastery with statue Visit Kauai's Hindu Monastery and learn more about its history and influence, Anson Chappell, CC BY ND 2.0, via FLickr

PLEASE NOTE: Kauai's Hindu Monastery closes at noon.

Nestled on the outskirts of Wailua State Park, you’ll find a 363-acre Hindu monastery that’s considered one of the holiest sites in the Hindu religion.

This Kadavul Temple is home to the largest quartz crystal on earth surrounded by 108 golden statues of the Hindu god Siva.

Just down the road a bit from the monastery, you can also walk through the site’s sacred garden where you’ll see rudraksha trees, a shrine to Ganesha, and a Hindu demi-god in the form of an elephant.

For more information about visiting this site, such as dress code and etiquette, visit its website here.

There is no entrance fee, but donations are welcome.

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Kuilau Ridge Hike OR Keahua Arboretum Walk

OR Skip these and move on to the Sleeping Giant Hike or Ho'opi'i Falls Hike (see below)

Approximate time: 1 hour

Next up, we’ll get to some hiking! You’ll have four hikes to choose from on this tour, and they are all in a row.

The first two are the Kuilau Ridge Hike and the Keahua Arboretum Walk.

The Kuilau Ridge hike is a relatively flat trail with a broad shaded path through an old-growth forest.

It’s quite long, but we recommend just hiking the first mile or so.

If you plan on doing one of the later hikes -- Sleeping Giant or Ho'opi'i (or both) -- you might want to skip the Kuilau Ridge Trail and stroll through Keahua Arboretum.

This is technically more of a leisurely walk than a hike. Here, you’ll see local plant species like monkeypod trees. If you’re lucky you might even spot a rainbow eucalyptus tree!

Sleeping Giant Trail OR Ho'opi'i Waterfall Hike

Approximate time: 1.5 -2 hours

At this point in the tour, you’ll have the choice of two more hikes. We recommend you choose one of the two.

The first is Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain) - West Trailhead. Technically, Sleeping Giant has three hikes of varying difficulties, but our tour takes you to the Sleeping Giant West Trail, which is the easiest.

This trek is just over two miles round trip, and once you reach the top, you’ll be amazed by the sweeping views of Kauai’s coast and Kapa’a Town.

If you’re looking for the chance to hike to a waterfall, you might want to skip Sleeping Giant and head straight to the nearby Ho'opi'i Waterfall Hike.

On this hike, you’ll meander along a forest trail until you reach the first of two waterfalls.

If you want to swim, you’ll have to continue past the first fall to the second where you’ll find a rope swing that you can use to jump into the pool below.

This hike is fairly easy and considered family-friendly. Be warned -- there are some points where your shoes will get a little wet!

Important Note: Many of Hawaii's freshwater streams and pools contain harmful bacteria like leptospirosis. Ho'opi'i Falls is no exception. Some visitors have gotten sick after swimming in the pools here. If you still decide to swim at the falls, you do so at your own risk. You can minimize your risk of infection by not getting water in your eyes, nose, ears, and open sores.

Flash Flood Risk: There is also a risk of flash flooding, so pay close attention to the weather reports. If there has been rain, especially in the mountains, it's best to skip swimming.

AFTERNOON

Spend the Late or Early Afternoon in Kapa’a Town

Approximate time: 45+ minutes

Enjoy afternoon leisure walks along small shops in Kapaa, Kauai, Photo by Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

Kapa’a Town is a seaside neighborhood with cute restaurants, a few hotels, and some historic landmarks.

Spend the afternoon learning about these sites, walking around the town, visiting local shops, and trying some Hawaiian food!

For the landmarks in Kapa’a Town, we’ll have you pull into parking lots to listen to stories.

Here’s what you’ll find:

Kapa’a Library and Mo'ikeha Railroad Bridges - 5 minutes
Japanese Lantern - 5 minutes

Eat Lunch at a Local Shop

Approximate time: 30 minutes

After you’ve finished learning about the history of some of Kapa’a’s landmarks, we’re sure you’ll be ready for some lunch.

Pull over into a nearby parking lot (we’ll guide you there) and stop for a bite to eat.

We recommend Pono Market for a poke plate lunch, but we’re sure you’ll notice all the cute little cafes and restaurants in Kapa’a. Take your pick and refuel.

PRO TIP! You’re right by Kapa'a Beach Park--so take your lunch or dinner and have a picnic on the beach. You could even go for an afternoon swim!

Take In Views of Sleeping Giant

Approximate Time: 5 minutes

After lunch, we have one more scenic spot on the tour. You’ll pull over into a parking lot to learn about Sleeping Giant and view the mountain from a completely different vantage point.

Return to Lihue

Lihue, Kauai; Tor Johnson via Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA)

Now that you’ve learned about Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant) we’ll take you back to the road where you’ll make your return to Lihue.

PRO TIP! Optional Side Trip to Smith’s Tropical Paradise in Kapa’a: Here you can rent a kayak and paddle up the river or take the Smith Family’s Wailua River Cruise to the Fern Grotto.

It’s a lovely boat ride with a narrated tour that comes complete with live music and a hula show. If you’re here around dinner time, check out the Smith Family Garden and Luau, which is one of the best on Kaua'i! Advance reservations recommended.

If you’re taking the tour from Kapa’a instead of Lihue, here are some ways your day will look different:

You’ll visit all the landmarks in Kapa’a Town in the morning, versus the end of the day.
You should bring snacks -- the only place to grab a bite midday will be at a local minimart on your way out of the Ho'opi'i hike. We still recommend waiting till you reach Kapa’a for a proper meal.
You’ll return to Kapa’a in the mid-late afternoon which means you can stay and visit the beach park for sunset!

When you’re in Hawai'i, we ask that you act respectfully toward the locals, land, and wildlife.

Please pick up your trash; never touch any marine life, plants, or other animals; and avoid spots that are unsafe.

Hawaii’s natural resources are precious. It’s up to all of us to help preserve these resources.