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We did a few different hikes while we were on Kauai and this one was definitely my favorite. It's not so high on the difficulty scale, so if you are looking for a big challenge, don't expect it here. But if you are looking for something moderate with insane greenery and multiple waterfalls...this is your spot. It comes up in a lot of trail reviews, but unlike some others, this hike starts in a residential neighborhood. Don't be alarmed, but definitely be on the quieter side, for the sake of the people that live right here. We were in and back in less than 2 hours (we took most trail detours too to see where they went) and everything we saw was amazing. It is really shaded so it's not blazing hot but it will for sure be humid, so don't forget your water. If you are planning multiple hikes on Kauai, definitely put this one on your list.
Easy hike for intermediate hikers. There were plenty of people going with just sandals. Unsure if that felt comfortable as we went in hiking shoes, but up to you. The hike to the falls is about 2 miles. You can hike to the top of the falls and when you hike further, you can hike to the bottom of the falls. Do keep in mind at this point, you are "rock climbing" down and you will be "rock climbing" back up when you exit the bottom of the falls. At the bottom, other than the falls there is a swing you can use to cannon ball into the base of the falls so bring your swimsuits if you wanna swim here/get good photos on the falls/swing cannonball into the water. Do note, there are also points in the hike where you can enjoy the river.
10/20/22 For people that are somewhat fit or young & adventurous this is an easy hike---if compare it to the Kalalau trail (10/10 rated). If you google it how to get here, it's pretty straightforward. We parked nearest to the trailhead. Got there about 12:25 & there were about 10 cars parked. It had rained the past couple of days so it was fairly slick, muddy, slippery, Wear shoes with traction. Bring water & bug spray or apply before you leave. Expect to get dirty. I was hoping not to slide but I ate it (luckily just once & once is enough) I felt so bad, hubby ate it more than 4 times (I lost count). Luckily just a few scratches, nothing broken. I guess we weren't paying attention & totally missed the 1st waterfall. It took us a good 45 minutes, I think (coz we're NOT fit) until we reached the 2nd waterfall. The walking stick I found helped a great deal. The more adventurous people we saw actually climbed down some steep embankment to get to the 2nd waterfall. It looked like a lot of fun but we weren't going down that route. Should've done this 10 years ago, esp. not after my knee surgery. We kept going for another hour past that 2nd waterfall--big mistake. That's where hubby fell more than once & it took us a long time to get back. It was a real jungle adventure for us, green everywhere & we felt we almost got lost. So we turned back. Hubby thought (using GPS) we were gonna find another shorter & easier way. Nope. I swear I was thinking worse case scenario of being lost in the jungle. We pushed on and barely made it out by 4:30, my knees were shaking & hubby said he almost felt like passing out. Overall, if we just went for the 1st waterfall & called it a day-we would've been golden. But it was an adventure we're never gonna forget anytime soon.
Made the mistake of coming here after a storm. It was super muddy and slippery but I feel like if it was dry the hike would've been a lot more manageable! Otherwise, the trail head was a bit difficult to spot. The trail featured two falls, one about a 15 min walk in and another around another half hour walk in. The falls weren't massive but were aggressively spectacular. Honestly the pics don't do them justice at all. I would recommend on a less rainy day.
Hike the jungle to visit the 'Amber Mines' as depicted in the original Jurassic Park movie. This is a medium hike that can be difficult if conditions are wet. Meaning, if you are elderly or have children under age 9 you are going to struggle to make it to the final waterfall. You will be tempted to swim at the waterhole and tourists will be doing so, but if you did your research you will know that should be avoided. Why? Because the septic tanks from the local resisters is old and leaking and water tests have proven that this has toxic sewage showing up in the PH. That aside, it is still incredible and an accomplished feeling of you have the knees to make it. We went while it was wet and we're muddy and happy after.
This is a beautiful hiking trail and waterfall. I highly recommend that you wear water shoes, Crocs, or some type of footwear that has some traction. On certain sections of the trail we walked in the water and the rocks were very slippery. It was so beautiful, quiet and serene. There was a lot of tree cover which kept the temperature nice and cool. The kids in our group (two 6 year old's and a 9 year old) really enjoyed hiking and exploring. There is no parking lot so you just park on the side of the road near the entrance.
We really enjoyed the hike to the falls, except for the mud - it's everywhere (both here, and at most of the Kauai hiking trails). Tip: Choose your footgear well before visiting. If you're wearing new running shoes, they'll never look the same again afterwards ;-) Whatever foodgear you choose, choose your footing with care, as the mud makes the terrain VERY slippery! The most challenging aspect of this hike is the Cliff - you need to both climb down and then back up. While it is challenging, it's also a heck of a lot of fun, as is playing inside the falls on the rope swing :-) Tip: Be careful dropping off the rope - there's a HUGE rock underneath. We decided to play it safe and had one of our group stand near the rock to ensure that nowhere hit it by accident.
Road side parking in a residential area. No signage to indicate trail head as there're apparently several routes, all leading to the same destination. It's a good thing we found tree branches for walking sticks(many left at starting point) for trail was muddy and slippery. We only made it half way, to the first waterfall. It's very calming and beautiful, well worth the hike. The cool, clear water felt good on sweaty faces. Round trip took an hour or so.
If you prepare, you'll be fine. It's muddy after the rain, wear shoes with good traction but also shoes you don't care about because they will get dirty. It's VERY slippery in the mud (I fell) so just be careful. The most important advice I will give you is BRING BUG SPRAY. I thought I had packed ours but I didn't, we both probably ended up with 20+ bug bites on us, I am not exaggerating. This hike is definitely worth it. There are two sets of falls, we actually missed both of them and ended up turning around. A part of Jurassic Park was filmed here, didn't see the movie, didn't know that when I chose this hike. But lots of people were wearing their Jurassic park attire.
Easy to medium difficulty hike. Parking is on the streets of a neighborhood. We arrived round 10am and it took us about an hr round trip with a few pauses to see the beautiful surrounding. keep right while you're on the hike and you will saw both waterfalls. Muddy at the beginning part of the hike and you can fall so be aware of it. Mosquitos loved my leg so also be aware of that. We didn't go to the bottom area of the waterfall but got a gorgeous view of the waterfall anyways. Enjoyed the hike with my little family.
This hike was so worth it. It is relatively flat until you have to actually get down to the base of the falls. Because the area gets so much rainfall, expect the trail to be very muddy with Kauai's beautiful red mud that will ruin any pair of shoes you hike in. So plan on bringing a pair you don't care to ruin and spare to change into after the hike because you will not want those shoes in your rental.
Quaint little area and nice swimming spot! We had trouble finding where to enter. We saw a bunch of cars but no trailhead. We just went through the bushes and found one of the trails. We went here when it hadn't rained in a few days so it wasn't muddy or slippery and the hike was easy, maybe a few branches to climb over and one slope. I wouldn't recommend if you're shaky on your feet, but it's definitely one of the easier hikes. There were many people jumping off the rocks and swimming but I didn't bring a swimsuit. Will definitely have to go again another time!
1 year ago
A relatively short and easy hike. The whole thing took just over an hour for us, which includes the time we took to stop for photos and admire the views. We did read that it can get very slippery and muddy at times, but luckily we didn't run into that issue. The ground was pretty dry when we went, and I had no issues with my super old shoes that had no traction left. There are also few areas when going down to the falls where you need to navigate down some steep/rocky areas, and then back up when coming back. Shouldn't be an issue for those who are able-bodied, but just something to keep in mind if you were hoping to come with those who aren't (maybe not the best idea). The falls were a bit small when we went, but overall the hike was pretty with lots of lush greenery. We saw some people jumping into the water, but we were way too lazy for that. We also read that septic tanks from the neighborhood may leak into the water. Since the trail starts in a residential neighborhood, please be respectful and mindful when walking past homes to the trailhead, and don't be too noisy or trespass. We also parked our cars nearby at Kapahi Park. The neighborhood roads are small and I can see why residents would get annoyed with people constantly cluttering up the street to go hiking. Overall, a great option if you're looking for an easy but beautiful hike. Maybe consider hiking shoes if it has recently rained heavily since apparently it can get muddy. read more
Wow, this trail was something. I came to Kauai for a jungle adventure, and I definitely got one here! It is such a magical path First of all the trailhead is pretty hard to find and kind of hilarious. There is literally no official signage, except a sign that reminds people to stay quiet since they're in a neighborhood. There is a designated parking lot may be about a quarter mile away, so you're not supposed to park in front of peoples houses. As you're walking from the parking lot towards the trailhead, someone's house is labeled with a cute story between frog and toad that says that the trailhead is three houses down. There's the most narrow little entryway into the trailhead. We also thought it was funny after our hike that almost all the yelp reviews talk about how easy this hike is. We're a pretty fit family, and I'll just say that after a week of rain, this trail was quite treacherous, so part of our experience may be that we got unlucky with the weather. We had to try really hard not to slip at every step. There's areas down to the river in the waterfalls that are really really steep where we had to grab onto trees and branches to not cause a landslide. We were caked in mud from the knees down and on our hands for most of the hike . Definitely need shoes with good grip - our Keens worked well since we were able to rinse out some of the mud in the river. It rained on and off during our hike, but luckily there were so many trees that the rain itself was not too bothersome, but most of the trail was soaked in mud puddles . We only made it to the first waterfall because of the conditions but still had a blast ! We had a lot of fun but I wouldn't have brought my older parents for example so be wary depending on the rain ! read more
1 year ago
We did a few different hikes while we were on Kauai and this one was definitely my favorite. It's not so high on the difficulty scale, so if you are looking for a big challenge, don't expect it here. But if you are looking for something moderate with insane greenery and multiple waterfalls...this is your spot. It comes up in a lot of trail reviews, but unlike some others, this hike starts in a residential neighborhood. Don't be alarmed, but definitely be on the quieter side, for the sake of the people that live right here. We were in and back in less than 2 hours (we took most trail detours too to see where they went) and everything we saw was amazing. It is really shaded so it's not blazing hot but it will for sure be humid, so don't forget your water. If you are planning multiple hikes on Kauai, definitely put this one on your list. read more
2 years ago
Easy hike for intermediate hikers. There were plenty of people going with just sandals. Unsure if that felt comfortable as we went in hiking shoes, but up to you. The hike to the falls is about 2 miles. You can hike to the top of the falls and when you hike further, you can hike to the bottom of the falls. Do keep in mind at this point, you are "rock climbing" down and you will be "rock climbing" back up when you exit the bottom of the falls. At the bottom, other than the falls there is a swing you can use to cannon ball into the base of the falls so bring your swimsuits if you wanna swim here/get good photos on the falls/swing cannonball into the water. Do note, there are also points in the hike where you can enjoy the river. read more
1 year ago
4 years ago
10/20/22 For people that are somewhat fit or young & adventurous this is an easy hike---if compare it to the Kalalau trail (10/10 rated). If you google it how to get here, it's pretty straightforward. We parked nearest to the trailhead. Got there about 12:25 & there were about 10 cars parked. It had rained the past couple of days so it was fairly slick, muddy, slippery, Wear shoes with traction. Bring water & bug spray or apply before you leave. Expect to get dirty. I was hoping not to slide but I ate it (luckily just once & once is enough) I felt so bad, hubby ate it more than 4 times (I lost count). Luckily just a few scratches, nothing broken. I guess we weren't paying attention & totally missed the 1st waterfall. It took us a good 45 minutes, I think (coz we're NOT fit) until we reached the 2nd waterfall. The walking stick I found helped a great deal. The more adventurous people we saw actually climbed down some steep embankment to get to the 2nd waterfall. It looked like a lot of fun but we weren't going down that route. Should've done this 10 years ago, esp. not after my knee surgery. We kept going for another hour past that 2nd waterfall--big mistake. That's where hubby fell more than once & it took us a long time to get back. It was a real jungle adventure for us, green everywhere & we felt we almost got lost. So we turned back. Hubby thought (using GPS) we were gonna find another shorter & easier way. Nope. I swear I was thinking worse case scenario of being lost in the jungle. We pushed on and barely made it out by 4:30, my knees were shaking & hubby said he almost felt like passing out. Overall, if we just went for the 1st waterfall & called it a day-we would've been golden. But it was an adventure we're never gonna forget anytime soon. read more
Made the mistake of coming here after a storm. It was super muddy and slippery but I feel like if it was dry the hike would've been a lot more manageable! Otherwise, the trail head was a bit difficult to spot. The trail featured two falls, one about a 15 min walk in and another around another half hour walk in. The falls weren't massive but were aggressively spectacular. Honestly the pics don't do them justice at all. I would recommend on a less rainy day. read more
3 years ago
Hike the jungle to visit the 'Amber Mines' as depicted in the original Jurassic Park movie. This is a medium hike that can be difficult if conditions are wet. Meaning, if you are elderly or have children under age 9 you are going to struggle to make it to the final waterfall. You will be tempted to swim at the waterhole and tourists will be doing so, but if you did your research you will know that should be avoided. Why? Because the septic tanks from the local resisters is old and leaking and water tests have proven that this has toxic sewage showing up in the PH. That aside, it is still incredible and an accomplished feeling of you have the knees to make it. We went while it was wet and we're muddy and happy after. read more
This is a beautiful hiking trail and waterfall. I highly recommend that you wear water shoes, Crocs, or some type of footwear that has some traction. On certain sections of the trail we walked in the water and the rocks were very slippery. It was so beautiful, quiet and serene. There was a lot of tree cover which kept the temperature nice and cool. The kids in our group (two 6 year old's and a 9 year old) really enjoyed hiking and exploring. There is no parking lot so you just park on the side of the road near the entrance. read more
5 years ago
We really enjoyed the hike to the falls, except for the mud - it's everywhere (both here, and at most of the Kauai hiking trails). Tip: Choose your footgear well before visiting. If you're wearing new running shoes, they'll never look the same again afterwards ;-) Whatever foodgear you choose, choose your footing with care, as the mud makes the terrain VERY slippery! The most challenging aspect of this hike is the Cliff - you need to both climb down and then back up. While it is challenging, it's also a heck of a lot of fun, as is playing inside the falls on the rope swing :-) Tip: Be careful dropping off the rope - there's a HUGE rock underneath. We decided to play it safe and had one of our group stand near the rock to ensure that nowhere hit it by accident. read more
3 years ago
Road side parking in a residential area. No signage to indicate trail head as there're apparently several routes, all leading to the same destination. It's a good thing we found tree branches for walking sticks(many left at starting point) for trail was muddy and slippery. We only made it half way, to the first waterfall. It's very calming and beautiful, well worth the hike. The cool, clear water felt good on sweaty faces. Round trip took an hour or so. read more
If you prepare, you'll be fine. It's muddy after the rain, wear shoes with good traction but also shoes you don't care about because they will get dirty. It's VERY slippery in the mud (I fell) so just be careful. The most important advice I will give you is BRING BUG SPRAY. I thought I had packed ours but I didn't, we both probably ended up with 20+ bug bites on us, I am not exaggerating. This hike is definitely worth it. There are two sets of falls, we actually missed both of them and ended up turning around. A part of Jurassic Park was filmed here, didn't see the movie, didn't know that when I chose this hike. But lots of people were wearing their Jurassic park attire. read more
Easy to medium difficulty hike. Parking is on the streets of a neighborhood. We arrived round 10am and it took us about an hr round trip with a few pauses to see the beautiful surrounding. keep right while you're on the hike and you will saw both waterfalls. Muddy at the beginning part of the hike and you can fall so be aware of it. Mosquitos loved my leg so also be aware of that. We didn't go to the bottom area of the waterfall but got a gorgeous view of the waterfall anyways. Enjoyed the hike with my little family. read more
4 years ago
3 years ago
This hike was so worth it. It is relatively flat until you have to actually get down to the base of the falls. Because the area gets so much rainfall, expect the trail to be very muddy with Kauai's beautiful red mud that will ruin any pair of shoes you hike in. So plan on bringing a pair you don't care to ruin and spare to change into after the hike because you will not want those shoes in your rental. read more
4 years ago
Quaint little area and nice swimming spot! We had trouble finding where to enter. We saw a bunch of cars but no trailhead. We just went through the bushes and found one of the trails. We went here when it hadn't rained in a few days so it wasn't muddy or slippery and the hike was easy, maybe a few branches to climb over and one slope. I wouldn't recommend if you're shaky on your feet, but it's definitely one of the easier hikes. There were many people jumping off the rocks and swimming but I didn't bring a swimsuit. Will definitely have to go again another time! read more
had so much fun here today. You park on the street walk about a mile through an enchanted forest. Then you make it to the waterfall. Lots of fun spots to jump off of. saw about a dozen or so people come and go over the course of a few hours. I wore water shoes. if your fro. the city like me i suggest sturdy shoes that are good in and out of the water read more
Short hike (less than 2 miles) that brings you to see 2 waterfalls. Unfortunately, parts of the trail are pretty steep to get you to these waterfalls. Be careful of the rope swing in the upper falls; There was a big rock near where you would let go of the rope. We got lucky, the trail was dry on the day we went. Please don't wear flip flop/thong sandals to hike this trail. If the trail is muddy, I would strongly recommend NOT going. Even with bug spray, I got bitten 8 times. People did bring picnic lunch/waters to eat near the waterfalls. read more
5 years ago
Extremely muddy and slippery hike, but well worth seeing the waterfall from the base. We didn't really have proper hiking gear, but after we made it safely I was glad I wore crocs because my wife's shoes were ruined. read more
4 years ago
Challenging path to attractive falls. Passed the handwritten signs "B Quiet", "This area is kapu (taboo)", and "Fatalities Occurred". I respect Hawaiian culture, but if this area is truly taboo, then there should be a sign from the Department of Land and Natural Resources. Scrambled over / through / under the young trees blocking the path. Kept myself upright on the Kauai red mud that was still slick after several dry days. Down muddy rock to the bottom of the falls. Great views and several people were enjoying the swimming hole. Considering the path condition, you must really want to go to the falls! Take shoes with a great grip. I would not recommend hiking poles because you will sometimes need both hands free to keep your balance. No mosquitoes in January. read more
2 years ago
5 years ago
From being a couch potatoe with little to no exercise, to doing this hike... it is not a regular walk in the park. I mean it was beautiful and fun because I was hiking with my family, but wear proper shoes. (Hiking shoes) it took about 1 hour to get to the falls where you could swim. There were a lot of steep areas where someone could easily lose their balance. It was beautiful but this will be my first and last time. read more
5 years ago
Scenic hike with variety of gorgeous vegetation, birds, butterflies, dragonflies you name it . The sound of water as you hike along the riverbank, it's nature best playlist . The hike is very healing . Please wear shoes with traction , bring water , and your nature loving spirit because nature is ready to bedazzled you with its magic . Have fun, be safe, and please keep it clean for everyone to enjoy. read more
6 years ago
Fun hike! Amazing view! Was hard to find the trail head. It's closer to the power pole and directly across from a home. We went after it rained and let me tell you it was SO SLIPPERY and SO muddy. Bring bug spray and shoes you don't mind getting red clay on. First fall was pretty, but the second was amazing! The trek down was hard after it had rained and super steep. The pool at the bottom was a great spot to swim and jump off the rope swing! Don't go far past the second fall there's nothing to see. read more
4 years ago
Hoopii Falls was a wonderful little spot. Now the only issue is that the trailhead is really hidden away nearly covered by bushes. The access point is deep within a suburban neighborhood. Apple directions takes you down the correct road (Kapahi Road) but takes you past the only access point. Look at the satellite picture. (22.10306° N, 159.34320° W) Please do not disturb the residents. I can only imagine how many tourists have knocked on their doors looking for the entry point. We only walked to the first waterfall which was an easy walk in downhill. Luckily the trail was dry for us but we could see how slippery the mud can get when wet. The waterfall is wonderful. The stream that feeds into the waterfall is shallow but would not recommend wading in too far. The rocks are very slippery! The climb back to the trail from the first waterfall can be steep and if slippery could be hard for elderly people. read more
9 years ago
Great hike. Super easy. It's about 10-15 min to get to the first waterfall and another 10 min to the second big one! Very beautiful! Yelp take you s little bit farther then it is. Park on the side of the road. read more
This was my favorite hike in Kauai! The trail entrance is not marked and easy to miss--see the photo for a reference to look for! The first fall is a short, easy walk, and if you're brave you can jump in the water from the rocks. The second fall is the larger of the two, and the location of the opening scene from the first Jurassic Park. It's beautiful and well worth the hike out there! You can climb down to swim in the calmer part of the river at the bottom of the falls. The climb down is a little challenging but roots and fallen trees will give you something to hold on to. read more
7 years ago
5 years ago
It was a great family hike. Mud and slippery in spots but trees around for support. Top of the waterfall beautiful. Amazing going through extra time to the water whole below waterfall. Watch the big rock when using the rope swing. read more
10 years ago
Nice little hike with tricky entrance through the barbed wire entrance and no signage. Travel down the hill to the nice trail and follow it down to the creek. Take a right at the creek and follow it down and you cannot miss the falls. Be careful in the wet clay going down he hill it gets super slick! Nice area and no other people while we were there. NOTE: Yelp takes you to the wrong spot a half mile further down he road. You want to stop in the gravel area on the left after the houses. It is across from the green house with white trim. read more
10 years ago
Super easy and enjoyable hike as long as you douse in bug spray before and during your hike! Yelp does take you too far so once you make the final turn, look for the house pic posted in this review and plan on entering through the opening there. You can park in the gravel. Once you get on the dirt trail, you"re transported into what looks like a jungle movie set. The trail is mostly clear but there are trees, vines, plants, ferns and more flora all around you. BUGS TOO. You get to the first waterfall in about a 10 minute walk, but keep going further, about 10 - 15 minutes longer and you get to another larger waterfall, complete with a rope swing (if you can figure out how to access that side. To the second waterfall and back is aboit 2 miles, mostly flat and shaded. THIS IS A MUST HIKE FOR THE ENTIRE FAMILY BUT DON'T DO IT WITHOUT BUG SPRAY!!! read more
10 years ago
Great hike to 2 amazing water falls. As you drive down Kapahi Rd the trail and parking are on the left. The trail starts at a gate just in front of the parking and just after the last house before the parking. The trail is pretty easy, can be slippery. The first falls has a steep trail leading down to them, use caution. I was told you can jump off them but there was no way to judge the depth of the water for a safe landing spot. Was hoping there would be a local there but no luck. Looks like you'd have to do some rock climbing to get back up. The second falls is ahead on the original trail. It's a much further walk to the next falls. The trail can again be slippery and muddy, but manageable. There is a nice look out at the top of the falls, no jumping in this one. There is a nice pool and rope swing further down stream. To access it, back track from the top of the falls about 30 yds. On the left is a steep trail up, take it. About 50yds past the falls there is another VERY steep path down that will lead to the base, cation is needed here. Fun place to swim and good picture ops. read more
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More info about Hoopii Falls
5800 Kapahi Rd
Kapaa, HI 96746
Directions
Hours
Outdoor Amenities
Ask the Community - Hoopii Falls
Do you guys recommend this trail with toddlers (4 years old) ? Thx in advance.
No, not at all. This is way too muddy and you trip waaaay too much, and the rocks are rigid and would definitely injurer someone of their age. I think at the most 7 or a old 6.
How long is this hike?
This hike is in-and-back-out, about a mile each way, to the first falls. The second falls are on private property.
Review Highlights - Hoopii Falls
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7 years ago
