ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls |
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ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
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| Location | Wailua River in Wailua River State Park on Kauai, Hawaii |
| Coordinates | 22°02′53″N 159°21′43″W / 22.04806°N 159.36194°W |
| Type | Cascade |
| Total height | 151 feet (46.02 m) 151 ft (46 m) |
| Number of drops | 2 |
ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls is a beautiful waterfall located on the ʻŌpaekaʻa Stream. You can find it in Wailua River State Park on the eastern side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. This amazing waterfall is 151 feet (about 46 meters) tall!
The water flows over ancient rock formations that were created millions of years ago by volcanic eruptions. The name "ʻŌpaekaʻa" means "rolling shrimp." This name comes from a time long ago when many tiny freshwater shrimp lived in the stream. People would see them rolling and tumbling down the falls into the water below.
This waterfall is truly a sight to see! It's one of the few waterfalls on Kauai that you can easily view from the road. The water flows all year round, so you can always enjoy its beauty. Usually, it falls in two separate streams, but after a lot of rain, the two streams might join into one big cascade.
There's a special viewing area right by the highway. From here, you get a fantastic view of the 40-foot (12-meter) wide falls and the valley below. The best time to visit is when the sun is shining brightly. This makes the water sparkle and shine, creating an even more spectacular view.
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Seeing the Falls from the Road
The parking lot by the highway gives you an excellent view of the double ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls. In the distance, you can see the tops of the Makaleha Mountains. Look closely, and you might even spot tropical birds flying through the valley below!
For an even better look at the falls, follow the sidewalk past the parking lot. Walk towards the bridge, and you'll find a great spot. If you cross the road at the pedestrian crossing, you can also get a good view of the Wailua River.
Why Some Trails Are Closed
It's not possible to walk down to the bottom of the waterfall where the water collects in a pool. A strong steel fence has blocked the trail since 2006. This was put in place after two people had an accident on a path that was not officially part of the park.
Before the accident, there were already signs warning people to "Danger Keep Out — Hazardous Conditions." This means that today, you cannot safely reach either the top or the bottom of the waterfall on foot.
Even though the official trails are closed, some people still talk about "secret trails." These unofficial paths are sometimes mentioned in guidebooks or on websites. However, park officials want everyone to know that any path that looks like a trail around ʻŌpaekaʻa is not a safe or approved trail.
The park has made it clear that the steel fence will stay there to keep people safe. Trying to go past the blockade is against the rules. It could lead to a fine or even time in jail.
Some hikers disagree with the closures. They believe people should be allowed to explore at their own risk. They feel the warning signs are mostly to protect the state from legal problems. There are also rumors about a hidden hunter trail that might lead to the bottom pool. However, many people say this trail is very dangerous and should not be used.
How to Get to the Falls
Once you are on the island of Kauai, you can reach the falls by taking Hawaii Route 580. At milepost 6, Route 580 turns inland for about three miles (5 km). At this point, Route 580 is called Kuamoʻo Road.
It's about 1.5 miles (2.4 km) along Kuamoʻo Road to reach the ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls parking lot and viewing area. The road goes through a natural opening in the ridge that the Wailua River has carved out over time. Remember, there are no official trails maintained by the state that go to the top or bottom of the waterfall from this overlook.
Other Cool Sights Nearby
Right across the road from the falls, you can find an ancient temple called Poliʻahu Heiau. This temple is named after Poliʻahu, the snow goddess. She is known as the sister of Pele, the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes.
Also close by is a special bell stone. Ancient Hawaiians are believed to have used this stone to warn others of danger. If you strike the bell stone with another rock, it makes a unique, deep sound. This sound can be heard for at least a mile down the valley!
Another beautiful waterfall, Wailua Falls, is also located nearby.
See also
- In Spanish: Cascadas de ʻŌpaekaʻa para niños
