Waimea Canyon Trail: Popular Kauai Hike to Waipo’o Falls!
Quick Stats
Length: About 3 to 4 miles, out and back, round trip, depending on where you start the hike (optional spurs will add distance)
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Elevation Change: About 750 feet
Time Taken: About 2-3 hours, depending on how long you spend admiring the views and taking photos
Among the most popular hiking trails in Waimea Canyon, the Waimea Canyon Trail takes you to the top of Waipo’o Falls.
As a spoiler alert, you can’t really see the 800-foot Waipo’o Falls full-on from this trail!
But the Waimea Canyon Trail is worth doing for its spectacular views over the canyon and as a fun family activity for active visitors to Kauai.
Plus, you can add on the short Cliff Trail spur for another breathtaking view of the mighty Waimea Canyon.
Considering a visit to Waimea Canyon? Be sure to check out our Waimea Canyon guide for all the details you need to plan!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Kauai, check out some of the top things to do in Kauai, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
The Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls is a dirt trail that makes its way down from the lookout area and then along the rim of the gorgeous canyon.
You will hike through forest, where you can keep an eye out for the bright red flowers of the ohia lehua tree. You may also hear birdsong, or even see some birds as you hike.
The trail then opens out to offer views of the lovely red and green hues of Waimea Canyon.
As you approach Waipo’o Falls, you will start to hear the roar of the water if the flow happens to be powerful.
Here you can choose to stay at the top of the cliffs or, at the fork, turn left to scramble down to a small cascade and pool along the stream that eventually becomes Waipo’o Falls.
If you turn right at the fork, the path becomes more challenging, with possibly some overgrowth and some inclines but if you choose to go, you will come to the top of the 800-foot Waipo’o Falls.
From the top, you can get some idea of the powerful flow of the waterfall in season since you are up close. From across the canyon, it looks like a thin ribbon!
You may see hikers lying down to lie down and peer over the cliff for a better view of the falls, but we suggest looking at the famous Waimea Canyon waterfall from one of the Waimea Canyon lookouts instead. Much safer!
Some hikers choose to take a dip in the pool by the little cascade. Or you can just relax for a bit and enjoy the tranquility before you head back.
Getting to the Trailhead for the Waimea Canyon Trail
There are a few ways to get to the trailhead for the Waimea Canyon Trail, so your exact distance will depend on which route you choose to follow.
First, you can take the New Spur Trail from the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout, one of the several roadside lookouts in Waimea Canyon. This trail leads to the Canyon Trail, also sometimes called the Waipo’o Falls Trail. (see map).
Second, if you have a 4WD, you can take Halemanu Road, a dirt road off Koke’e Road, to the parking area at its end. From this dirt parking area, you can access the trailhead for the Waimea Canyon Trail.
You may be able to make it down this road and back in a sedan if it is dry, but most rental car companies do not allow driving on dirt roads.
Third, you can park by the entrance to Koke’e State Park and walk down the dirt Halemanu Road to its end, where you will find the trailhead for the Waimea Canyon Trail.
Things to know before you hike Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls
The Canyon Trail is officially classed as moderate, but many hikers find it on the challenging side. The terrain is up and down, especially if you hike it from the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout.
Watch out for loose rocks, exposed tree roots, and low-hanging branches.
This trail is not suitable for senior hikers, people with mobility issues, or very young children. Active older kids should do fine. Note that strollers cannot be taken on the trail.
Waimea Canyon Trail is one of the most popular hikes in Waimea Canyon, so expect to share the trail with lots of other hikers during the day.
To beat the heat, and the crowds, plan to do this hike early in the day or in the late afternoon. Waimea Canyon State Park is open from sunrise until sunset.
Waimea Canyon Trail can be muddy in parts even if it’s dry when you go, and the potential to slip and fall is very real. If it rains, or you go just after it has rained, the trail can be very slick in places.
Proper hiking shoes are strongly advised, to help with grip. Even better if they are waterproof. Don’t be tempted to try this trail in flipflops or sandals.
If you have hiking poles, bring them to help with grip on inclines.
Until you hit the open rim of the canyon, you’ll be walking through a forest. Use bug spray. And definitely plan on using reefsafe sunscreen!
Birders should keep an eye out for pretty birds on this hike. You will also likely hear them in the vegetation if it’s quiet! If you bring a pair of good binoculars or a scope, you can observe the birds up close.
Cell phone reception may be spotty to non-existent, so download all the maps and other information you need.
Bring an adequate supply of drinking water so you can stay hydrated as you hike.
A light rain poncho will help you stay dry if you are caught in a shower or two as you make your way to the top of Waipo’o Falls.
Plan to do this hike on a bright clear day. There are no views if it’s rainy, and the potential for slipping on the slick sections of the trail is real.