Red Dirt Waterfall

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2 years ago

ABSOUTELY LOVED THIS LOCATION! I seriously felt like I was on mars or something. The entire landscape is so unique and different. I can imagine the entire place being flooded with tourists earlier in the day but we actually went hiking first and explored the canyon first at the top of the hill and explored the Red Dirt Waterfall on the way back down and were literally the only people there. Moreover, there was so much more parking where we just walked across the street to the waterfall. The fall isn't even the best part of this location. To expanse of red dirt and going all the way up seeing where the water comes from is very fun. Be careful however because it can be slippery. Overall, this is a must visit and it isn't out of the way at all as its on the way driving to the west side of the island. read more

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Jen N.

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1 year ago

What a beautiful fall! Easy to get to and definitely a must visit if you're planning to visit Waimea Canyon area. Please be courteous with parking for smooth traffic flow. Be careful crossing the streets with oncoming cars. Fairly easy walk for all ages. read more

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Rachel S.

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3 years ago

Absolutely magical place that requires you to pull out on an unmarked shoulder (that can only fit two cars) then cross a road and climb over a car rail (to prevent cars from crossing onto the dirt.) It's less than a 3 minute walk from the shoulder and it is spectacular. Some people unfortunately left trash in some plants in some reeds that were being crushed by some logs some people moved to dam up the waterfall to create a little pool that was getting gross. I moved the logs that people left the so that the water could flow. People, this isn't water that you should be damming up to let your baby or dog splash in. Look around, don't take anything except trash and photos. Leave it better than you found it. Luckily I visited on my way out of Waimea Canyon State Park as the sun was going down, so no other people were there. It was packed with people on my way up the mountains earlier in the day. Visited: January 2023 read more

Red Dirt Waterfall - Red dirt waterfall. January 2023 - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

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James M.

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4 years ago

This is a must stop on the way up to the canyon. This such a cool little waterfalls right off the side of the road, highway 550. The water is fed from a stream up on the mountain. Great place to stop and take a few amazing photos. read more

Red Dirt Waterfall - Pretty colors - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

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Robert C.

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7 years ago

I heard that a space travel company is taking reservations for Mars - a one way trip. No need to spend that kind of money, nor go on a one way trip. You can see a simulation of Mars right here on Earth. Took the Waimea Canyon road on the way to Waimea Canyon in Kauai. Been on this road four times in the past two years, and always pass by an area of red rock soil for a few hundred yards on one side of the highway, near milepost 23. Spooky lunar like landscape with smooth soil carved by wind and water into gullies. This time there is a stream of water running through, with multiple waterfalls. We park the car on the opposite side of the road, and climb over the guardrail -easier for the wife than for me, for obvious reasons of differences in anatomy down there. Red lunar like surface, with smooth surfaces of red clay and red rock, while on the opposite side, the magnificent Waimea Canyon, called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific by Mark Twain. Walked from the bottom to the top of the falls, while some twenty year olds and teens taking selfies straddling the falls. Would not want to slip, lose your balance, and fall head first onto the rocks a few feet below. Could get injured, or even if not hurt, make America's funniest videos. Yes, Tracey A of Marin county, impressed that you hiked from bottom to the top of 2450 foot high Yosemite Falls, highest falls in North America. Haven't hiked from bottom to top of a waterfall in decades, until today. read more

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Tank G.

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7 years ago

This place is a nice stop as part of a larger itinerary such as the Waimea Canyon. Located in the Waimea region, it is a very unique attraction and worth seeing. The location given on yelp will take you right there and yes you will have to cross the street and jump a guard rail, but it is not too difficult to get to. You starting seeing the red dirt on guard rails, bridges, and roads leading to this attraction. The waterfall is not big, you may be able to put your feet in the small pool, but the water is cold. Even though, the waterfall is easy to get to, I recommend wearing some comfortable shoes so that you can explore the surrounding area. read more

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Liana J.

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4 years ago

Worth a short 10-15min stop here on the way to Waimea Canyon. Park on the side of road and carefully cross. Hop over a short road barrier, walk down the small slope and you will see the waterfall and a small pool surrounded by the red dirt. The dirt is slippery both when dry and wet. read more

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Erin C.

Elite 21

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5 years ago

This area is right off the side of the road on the left. It's very easy to find and see from the road on your way to Waimea Canyon. Wear tennis shoes. We wore flip flops and the res dirt was so hard to get off our feet. read more

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Mary K.

Elite 25

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3 years ago

This is a must do in Kauai!! It's kind of easy to miss to be on the look out when driving up the mountain. Pull over, park safely, and be careful when crossing over the street. It's not an official parking or area so be really careful and be mindful to the environment! ( don't leave trash & try to break or play around) just stop and enjoy this beautiful hidden natural red dirt waterfall. read more

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Myron A.

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7 years ago

One of the most unique places I've ever seen is this waterway that cuts through Waimea Canyon, Hawaii's renowned red dirt hills. This makes you feel as if you are on Mars or in the American Southwest. The hills iconic rusty red hue are actually the result of oxidation of the region's dark, iron-rich basalt rock strata, which gives the water its burnt sienna hue. read more

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Sarai V.

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5 years ago

Such a nice little spot to stop by. Definitely worth the visit on your way to Waimea Canyon. There is no sign indicating the location, but it's in between mile 4 and 5. read more

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Jimmy D.

Elite 19

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8 years ago

A small waterfall located off the 550 FWY it's located next to the 1500 FT elevation sign. Look for parked cars on the side. The waterfall is located on the other side of the guardrail, be wary of passing cars there is no cross walk. read more

Red Dirt Waterfall - View of the first and second waterfall - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

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Amy D.

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7 years ago

Cool little spot to stop by quickly on your way to or back from Waimea Canyon. There is a small indent to park at, and you can walk around, do a mini hike, or just take photos. The red dirt is definitely interesting to see. I didn't hike much around here since I was just wearing flip flops, so it was less than a 10 minute stop. read more

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Cristina R.

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4 years ago

Such a beautiful and unique beautiful place. If you are on your way to the Waimea Canyon, this is definitely a most on your way up. read more

Red Dirt Waterfall - Waterfall Red Dirt - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

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Emma C.

Elite 18

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8 years ago

As we were heading to the Pacific Grand Canyon we discovered this surreal Red Dirt Waterfall! OMG... l felt as if we were on another planet. The soil is bloody red, it holds so much iron and other minerals. A picture is worth a thousand words. I took a few for your eyes and our memories. read more

Red Dirt Waterfall - I'm the captain in the house! - Landmarks & Historical Buildings Near Me

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Melissa F.

62

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7 years ago

A nice stop on the way down from the canyon. There is parking available across the street, but enough that it can't get too crowded at the waterfall. We enjoyed hiking up to the top of the waterfall and checking out the surrounding area. read more

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More info about Red Dirt Waterfall

Waimea, HI 96796
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What time does Red Dirt Waterfall open?

What time does Red Dirt Waterfall close?

Review Highlights - Red Dirt Waterfall

“One of the most unique places I've ever seen is this waterway that cuts through Waimea Canyon, Hawaii's renowned red dirt hills.”

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Waimea Plantation Cottages

4.1(129 reviews)

5.5 km

This was the perfect spot for our first time in Kauai as a family of 5! We…read moreLoved our little kitchen, the beds were so comfy, the showers spacious, and the grounds of the resort were amazing! There is a restaurant on site, no air but good food! The beach sunsets were amazing and it's nice to have access to laundry. My only recommendation is to get bigger outdoor tables so a family of 5 or larger can sit together for a meal. It would also be nice for a cozy sofa or hammock on the patios! Overall I would stay here again!

We stayed for a week and enjoyed the grounds and peaceful atmosphere. The front desk staff was so…read morekind and helpful on check-in and on a later visit to the desk when we went to ask some questions. We were there in high season, so I suppose the rates reflected that, but $500 a night for a place with a very moldy shower curtain and a shower head that looked like it hadn't been cleaned or replaced since it served as a plantation home is steep. The other interior details are to be expected of a property of this age, but some small and inexpensive upgrades would go a long way. The beach is not good for swimming but is lovely to walk on in the evenings. There's an on-site restaurant (frozen pizza, BBQ) that is extremely mediocre but you can easily walk to an area within 10 minutes that has more food options. 5/5 for property and staff 3/5 for everything else

Cute patio to relax outside

The whole vibe

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View from the patio area

Hanapepe Swinging Bridge

4.1(81 reviews)

14.2 km

Come check it out. You won't be disappointed. You are already here. It's a short walk. It's an…read moreeasy bridge and as long as it thrill standing. Come check out out. It really swings and it feels so sketchy. But worth the quick stop.

Fun to go and walk across. Will only take a few minutes. May take you longer to find a place to…read morepark. The bridge could use some upkeep but still worth it. That rustic feel adds to the thrill.

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Some wood planks are legit. Some are cupboard doors. It's sketchy. And that's what makes it fun.

Swinging Bridge

4.2(19 reviews)

14.2 km

The bridge is in an old style town of Hanapepe. Nice picture spot and a cruise around town.read more

Actually was an awesome experience when I visited with my son…read more He had so much and be couldn't get enough of it.

Mom navigating the bridge

Bridge

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Hanapepe's bread and butter, check it out. It's free!!

Wrangler's Steakhouse

3.9(324 reviews)

6.0 km

THE BEST bread pudding. Seriously, go try it and thank me later. The mud pie is good, too, but we…read morewill be dreaming of that bread pudding. Super friendly server who made sure we were well taken care of when they were out of a few menu items (hey, it happens on an island in the Pacific!). The sizzling ahi platter is easily made a meal and the steaks are perfectly cooked. The Saddle Room is right next door, so don't be confused when you look up the menu and it's the same as Wrangler's.

The food is always amazing & the staff is like family. It's a definite must dine when you're on the…read moreWestside of Kauai.

Saddle room

Filet and garlic mashed potatoes

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Virgin lilikoi mojito & pineapple tea

Makana Charters and Tours

4.7(396 reviews)

6.2 km

Locally owned & operated

20 years in business

Capt. Mike and crew were absolutely amazing!! The father/son crew were very friendly and outgoing…read more Incredible service from start to finish. We booked this trip during our Hawaii cruise and super glad we did. The boat handled the waters beautifully, with minimal water coming over the bow, and the seas were very choppy the day we went out. Saw a bunch of amazing sites, caves, beaches, and waterfalls! Highly, highly recommend this charter.

Super-highly recommended. Our crew was A'a and Liliana, both terrifically competent and let…read moreeveryone take turns sitting near the bow, where the view is best. We were also blessed with terrific weather and smooth morning water which makes a huge difference. Reportedly the water can become choppy in the afternoon.

The famous open ceiling cave on the NaPali Coast

Snorkeling on our NaPali tours

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Getting up close to waterfalls on the NaPali

Capt Andy's

4.8(2.9k reviews)

15.1 km

Locally owned & operated

Established in 1980

A MUST DO! Capt. Andy's Raft Day Expedition with captain Robert and Izzy. Robert's skill full…read morehandling of the Raft made it an awesome adventures for my girls and myself. Izzy's knowledge of the ancient Hawaiian site was equally impressive. Both Robert and Izzy were very personable, with a great sense of humor, and making sure everyone had a good time. The gourmet picnic lunch was more than a cut above compared to what other tours are serving. Mahalo Robert and Izzy for giving us a memorable day. Ulla

My family had an unforgettable experience with Captain Maddy and First Mate Devyn. Once in a…read morelifetime adventure that hopefully we can repeat some day. Expert boating skills and great conversation. They provided very good locally sourced snacks, up close dolphin encounters, and the best snorkeling we experienced. Thank you!!

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PMRF Barking Sands Cottages

4.3(26 reviews)

5.7 km

The best if you are able to stay here. The prices in this entire state are sky high. Not sure how…read morethe locals survive. The base have less expensive gas but only premium. If you want to save money shop the chain stores, but that hurts the local business, just like where you live. Much of the local stuff comes from China. Local work at the chain stores so it is good and bad. Groceries compared to where we live were doubled or more at local stores and even on the base. Best prices were at Target and Costco because of bulk buying power i.e. Amazon. Base does have a great restaurant. This island does have something you cannot buy, weather, but just prepare for sticker shock and bring plenty of plastic. My thing is to go to the beach, get sun and pick up trash. Some of God's best work so please treated it kindly. MAHALO!

The base is easy with military and their guests for access…read more The MWR is easy and friendly to deal with. The cottage has amazing location, it has most every you need for cottage. They even called me the day of arrival and made sure it was easy check in. The not so good, there were bugs little nats and ants in the kitchen and bathroom. AC only goes to 78F.

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The Saddle Room

4.6(168 reviews)

6.0 km

Great food in a great little town…read more Keep expectations realistic and you will love this place. We had steak and lobster. It was great. Service was quick and friendly. From servers to back of the house. It is a nice vibe to sit on the porch out front and enjoy a great meal in a great setting.

FIRST UP: DO NOT BE FOOLED THIS IS THE EXACT SAME BUSINESS AS WRANGLER'S STEAKHOUSE…read more Confusing, perplexing service. Most of the menu they are out of. Really low-rent sides. (veggies out of a microwave bag) Steak was A-OK. If you want a steak, and maybe a water to dump all over it (sloppy steaks!)...this place is great. Everyone else should probably go elsewhere. Oh yeah: there was also a person playing live music. And by playing live music, I mean singing and holding a guitar and not actually playing it while guitar notes came out of a speaker.

Nice selection at the bar

Bread pudding

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Kekaha Beach

Salty Wahine Gourmet Hawaiian Sea Salt

4.7(68 reviews)

14.1 km

We had such a great experience at Salty Wahine in Kauai! The owner was incredibly sweet and so…read moreknowledgeable about her seasoning products. She took the time to genuinely talk with us, explain her blends, and share the story behind them, which made the experience feel personal and special. She also let us taste test several of her family seasonings -- and they were AMAZING. You can truly taste the quality and creativity in each blend. It's clear she puts so much care and passion into what she creates. If you're driving by her store, definitely stop in. It's truly a hidden gem and absolutely worth the visit!

Wow the lady working here was so nice! We spent quite awhile chatting with her and ended up buying…read moreseveral things to try! This business has the true local vibe and I will definitely be back to support them!