Trip Reports - Kaua'i Hike Trip Report O'paek'a Falls

My fiancee and I had decided to goto Kaua'i last summer, and we just got back from a week in Paradise. It truly is a wonderful place to visit. I would highly recommend the Ulitmate Kauai Guidebook -- it has something in it for everyone. The hikes and snorkeling in the ocean were the highlights of our trip. We did several of the hikes listed in the book, but one of the most wonderful, and probably not seen very often was the O'paek'a Falls Hike to the bottom of the Falls.

O'paek'a Falls is off of 580 about two miles in. The lookout listed in the book is amazing, and you can see the best views around 10:30 am in the morning on a sunny day. Go during the week -- we drove by on the weekend, and the lookout was jammed with tourists on a bus.

O'paek'a Falls from the Lookout on Hwy 580 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46347708@N00/86132340/)

*** IT IS NOT ADVISED, SUPPORTED, OR MAINTAINED BY THE STATE OF HAWAII. PROCEEDING ON THIS PATH AT YOUR OWN RISK ***

From the lookout you can drive about 1 mile to a clearing the road where you can climb to the top of the Falls. It isn't too bad climbing to the top of the Falls, but again it is not sanctioned by the state.

Looking Back At The Lookout on Hwy 580 (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46347708@N00/86132342/)

From here you can climb to the bottom. Its steep, not well marked if at all, and kind of scary. Over 180 foot drop if you goof up here. Some kind person has put up some ropes to repel against the valley wall down. But you are treated to views that are out of this world.

On the way down the Falls some foliage (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46347708@N00/86132341/)

As you approach the falls you can see an untouched paradise. Where the mists greet you with a fresh breeze of ti plants and other wonderful scents.

Hidden Pool From The "trail" as you Approach (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46347708@N00/86132343/)

I'd recommend bring a backpack with towels and flipflops are tabbis if you plan on swimming. Its cold, and you'll want to dry off also its pretty dangerous climbing up with wet shoes. Also, please be respectful of nature. Don't leave anything behind. We were the only ones there, and it was wonderful. Leave it the way you found it natural and pristine.

I went for a dip in the pool (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46347708@N00/86132345/)

The water was ICE ICE cold. But it was worth it.

View from bottom of pool (http://www.flickr.com/photos/46347708@N00/86132345/)

If this was of interest to others we also hiked Nu'alolo a 11 mile loop by the Na'Pali coast, and that has some amazing views as well. We also hiked Wailua falls as well. Hope people enjoy.

Aloha!

Phil

Sounds like my kinda hike. I'll have to check it out when I'm there in the spring (and hope rains don't make in a no-go). Thanks for posting about it and for the photos too.

Nu'alolo is quite impressive also. I can write a trip report of that also if people are interested. Only saw 2 other people on the trail (they were hunters). Nu'alolo is quite tough and should only be taken if you are in shape and don't have vertigo -- one false step = 2000 plus foot drop.

Phil

Nu'alolo is quite impressive also. I can write a trip report of that also if people are interested. Only saw 2 other people on the trail (they were hunters). Nu'alolo is quite tough and should only be taken if you are in shape and don't have vertigo -- one false step = 2000 plus foot drop.

Phil

Please do, especially if you have photos. I've done quite a few hikes on Kauai, but neither of these two that you've mentioned. I did just look the Nualolo trail up in my very-aged "Hiking Kauai" (4 miles, 3 hours, 1500 feet loss, strenuous - sound about right?), but Opaeka Falls isn't in there. How much time did you allow for that one?

Nu'alolo the loop is closer to 12 miles r/t you come back on the Awapuhipuhi Trail, and it is unbelievable. I will have to post a trip report on that one. O'paek'a Falls hike down was only about 45 minutes down because you have to find it (some kind person has marked it with orange flags), and about 30 minutes up. In the Spring and Summer the water would be a perfect cool down. Secluded, and away from it all. You are ALONE and you feel the peace and calm of the area. There is a cave behind the waterfall, but we were both too chicken to venture in.