Ho’opi’i Falls Hike Guide
Ho’opi’i Falls is a short hike located in Kapa’a on the East side of Kauai. The trail starts in a residential area before working down to a stream for the first waterfall and cliff jumping area and then eventually down to a larger waterfall and swimming area. Note that according to some internet resources, E.coli has been found in the water in this area due to poor/old septic systems and drainage from nearby farming areas. This hike is very short but presents challenges due to its muddy trail. Additionally, navigation can be challenging due to a number of social/game trails around the stream. *Please NOTE – residents have reported that this hike may be on private land and could be considered trespassing. I can’t speak to the validity of these claims because from the sources I can tell, this is land owned by the state of Hawaii. Source: Onx Backcountry maps.
Ho’opi’i Falls Guide
Ho’opi’i Falls Rating: ★★★★ (4/5 Stars)
Distance: 2.5 Miles RT
Elevation Start: 300ft
Total Elevation Gain: 375ft
Estimated Time to Complete: 1-2 Hours + Swimming Time
Difficulty: Walk in the Park – Easy What does this mean?
Class: Class 1 – What does this mean?
Season: Year Round – Avoid this hike during or after a heavy rain
Directions to Ho’opi’i Falls
Trailhead: Kapahi Road
Getting Here: There are so many ways to get here so it’s best to just follow the Google maps link below. The hike starts on the left side of the road near the start of the available parking spots as you drive in.
Parking: Parking for Ho’opi’i Falls is very limited and entirely along a residential road. Please park as far onto the shoulder as possible, do not block driveways and be respectful when driving so that this trail stays open for future hikers. There are no restrooms in the area.
Fee: There is no fee for this hike.
Summary
Dogs: Generally speaking, dogs are allowed on this hike but just keep them under voice control since there are so many other hikers + nearby farm animals on the trail.
Camping: I would not recommend camping in this area, it’s surrounded by and partially in, private land.
Hike Xfactor(s): As mentioned in the hike summary, Ho’opi’i Falls is a great spot to do a small cliff jump and swim in general. However, while researching this hike I did read reports of the water not being safe to swim in. Hawaii in general is known for its fresh water being infected by various bacteria, this hike in particular is said to be surrounded by old septic systems. Additionally, you will see the farmlands directly above the stream that feeds these swimming areas. Generally speaking, swim at your own risk.
Hike Tip(s): Although the hike to Ho’opi’i Falls is short, there are a number of social trails in the area which can make finding both waterfalls sort of tricky for a more inexperienced hiker. Bring a GPX file or route to follow on your phone/watch so you don’t run into any issues. During the rainy season, mud can be a big issue in particular with the two small hills you need to travel down. Don’t expect to leave this one with clean clothes/shoes.
Best Views: Between the two waterfalls, I preferred the aesthetics of the second waterfall but admittedly the first one is a better spot to jump in if that is your vibe. Outside of the two falls, there are not many views to be had.
Make it a Loop: This is an out and back hike.
Ho’opi’i Falls Route
*Note – we did hike a little too far past the second falls so that is not required.
Gear Needed
- La Sportiva Men’s Trail Runners
- Backpack (Summer)
- Food & Water
- Optional: Garmin inReach
- Optional: Hiking Poles – 120CM
- Optional: Garmin Fenix Watch
- Optional: GoPro, Joby Tripod, Selfie Stick, GoPro 360, Drone
- *Links included in this description might be affiliate links. If you purchase a product or service with the links that I provide I may receive a small commission. There is no additional charge to you.
2 thoughts on “Ho’opi’i Falls Hike Guide”
This entire article is reckless, illegal, and absolutely unacceptable.
You are publishing a guide that promotes trespassing through private, ancestral Hawaiian land. Kuleana land that has been in Native Hawaiian families for generations. You are not welcome to direct traffic here, and we, the residents of Kapahi Road, are sick of being disrespected, endangered, and ignored.
Let me be clear:
• There is no public access to Ho‘opi‘i Falls
• The land is privately owned — no consent, no public easement
• Parking on our residential road is not legal and not safe
• You are endangering children, blocking emergency access, and contributing to the desecration of sacred ‘āina (land), including wai (freshwater) and potential iwi kūpuna (ancestral burials)
This isn’t a “hidden gem.” It’s a private, overrun, and desecrated space, and you’re part of the problem.
We are currently working with County Councilmember Fern Holland, KPD, and legal channels to bring this issue to the County Council. We’re not asking anymore, we’re documenting. Articles like this will be used as evidence of the ongoing damage and liability.
Take this article down. Now.
Stop romanticizing stolen access.
Stop sending people down our road.
Stop contributing to the colonization and destruction of Hawaiian land for clout.
You are not helping. You are hurting people, hurting culture, and hurting this island.
— Leila K. Sivanathan
Kapahi Road Resident, Kanaka Maoli
20+ Years | Community Advocate
Hi Leila, appreciate the comment and like my video, which you also commented on, I will update this blog post accordingly. However, my site is extremely small in comparison to the HUNDREDS of other sites out there, including All Trails, one of the biggest in the world, that has absolutley no mention of this being private land. I am not here to argue land ownership because as a resident, you certainly know better than I. However, starting with a basic no tresspasing sign may help your cause. When we hiked this, there was absolutley no mention of any private land on signage near the “trailhead”. Either way, wishing you luck with this fight.