Wailua on Kauai's east side
Current status (October 2026): After the storms, the Wailua River and the designated landing and trailhead area have been open again since 21 September 2026. Hiking beyond the trailhead is closed, and so are Uluwehi Falls, better known as Secret Falls. Individual kayakers cannot reach Fern Grotto at the moment, but the Smith's river boat may use the dock. Check the latest DLNR notices before you go.
Wailua lies on the east side, about 15 minutes from Līhuʻe airport. The Wailua River State Park covers the river and several stops along it. Wailua Falls is a separate roadside view to the north, and ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls is a viewpoint inland on Route 580.
What is open at Wailua
Status as of 19 October 2026. Conditions can change.
| Place | What you do there | Status in October 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Wailua River and designated landing | Paddling, river boats | Open again since 21 September 2026 |
| Hiking beyond the trailhead | Walk to Secret Falls | Closed |
| Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) | Waterfall at the North Fork | Closed |
| Fern Grotto | Grotto reached by boat and a short walk | Not open to individual kayakers, open to the Smith's boat |
| Wailua Falls | View from the road | Check current conditions |
| ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls viewpoint | View of the Wailua Valley | Check current conditions |
An operator page may still describe a hike to Secret Falls. The DLNR status is the one that counts, so do not walk there while the trail is closed.
Our picks: waterfalls from the air
Two helicopter tours over waterfalls and valleys, starting in Lihue.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Private helicopter flight over waterfalls and canyons
A private doors-off or doors-on flight over waterfalls, valleys, Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast, including the Wai'ale'ale crater. No surcharge for passengers over 240 lb.
Check availability →
Waterfall safari by helicopter
A one-hour helicopter tour with pilot and guide. Tips are not included.
Check availability →Wailua tours and Kauai day trips
River tours, boat trips and other day trips on Kauai, with live prices and availability.
Fees and hours at Wailua River State Park
New fee rules since February 2026.
Entry and parking
Non-residents pay $5 per person and $10 per private car. Children up to 3 years are free, and Hawaii residents with a Hawaii ID are free. The park takes credit cards only. The regular hours are 7:00 a.m. to 7:45 p.m. every day, but that does not open every part of the park while the closures last.
What the fee covers
Smith's lists the marina, ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls, Poliʻahu Heiau, Kaumualiʻi Park and Wailua Falls as stops covered by the park fee. The fee comes on top of tour and luau tickets. You do not pay again at every stop.
Rental boats
A DLNR letter of 10 February 2026 requires commercial rental vessels to register, effective 1 January 2026, with a safety briefing for renters. That duty falls on the operators and is not a visitor permit.
Wailua River kayak and Fern Grotto boat
Two ways onto the water.
River paddle
Kayak Kauai lists a river-only paddle for $95. It runs Monday to Friday at 8:00 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. and takes 2.5 to 3 hours. The program stays on the river while the Secret Falls trail is closed. Kayak Wailua also lists tours from Monday to Friday.
Kayak rental
A double sit-on-top kayak costs $95 with pickup between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m. Return it by 4:00 p.m. or pay $25 for each 15 minutes. You carry the kayak on your car roof from the marina to the Kaumualiʻi launch. Life vests and carriers are included.
Fern Grotto by boat
The Smith's river boat costs $35 for adults and $17.50 for children. The round trip takes 1 hour 20 minutes, with departures at 9:30 a.m., 11:00 a.m., 2:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. A short walk leads from the boat dock to the grotto. Seats on your date are not shown, so check availability.
Wailua Falls and ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
Two waterfalls that you view from the road.
Wailua Falls lies north of Līhuʻe on the south fork of the river. You see it from the road. Drive up Maʻalo Road from Hanamāʻulu for about 3 miles (4.8 km). Sources give the drop as 80 feet and as 200 feet, so treat the height as unconfirmed. Look from the viewpoint and do not climb down. There is no approved descent or swimming access.
The ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls viewpoint is about 2 miles (3.2 km) inland on Kuamoʻo Road, Route 580. A source gives 151 feet (46 m) for the drop. You look across the road into the Wailua Valley. Access to this separate part of the park after the storms is not confirmed, so check the current conditions first.
Kapaʻa, the Coconut Coast and a luau
Where to base yourself on the east side.
Tourism information lists the Coconut Coast on the east side as a resort area, and Kapaʻa sits on it. Wailua is about 15 minutes from the airport, so it works as the first or last stop of a trip. Do not assume that every hotel is within walking distance of the river.
Smith Family Garden Luau in Wailua lists $150 for adults, $45 for ages 7 to 13 and $35 for ages 3 to 6. Park entry and parking are extra. Check dates after the storms, then see the luau guide and the lodging guide.
Wailua: frequently asked questions
Is Secret Falls open?
No. The trail to Uluwehi Falls, also called Secret Falls, is closed after the storms. An operator page may still describe the hike, but the DLNR status of 19 October 2026 says it is closed.
Can I visit Fern Grotto?
Not by your own kayak at the moment. The Smith's river boat may use the dock, and the trip costs $35 for adults and $17.50 for children.
How much does Wailua River State Park cost?
Since February 2026 non-residents pay $5 per person and $10 per private car. Children up to 3 years and Hawaii residents with a Hawaii ID are free. The park accepts credit cards only.
How high is Wailua Falls?
Sources give 80 feet and 200 feet, so the exact height is not settled. You see the falls from the roadside viewpoint, up Maʻalo Road from Hanamāʻulu.
Can I rent a kayak on the Wailua River?
Yes. A double sit-on-top kayak costs $95. Pickup is between 8:00 and 10:00 a.m., and the return is by 4:00 p.m. The river-only paddle program runs Monday to Friday, so plan weekend trips with that in mind.
How far is Wailua from the airport?
About 15 minutes by car, according to the tourism authority. Add time for traffic and one-lane bridges.