If you’d like to see every last waterfall on Kauai, then put on your hiking shoes and get ready to search out Halii Falls. To get there, you’ll need to travel down Cane Road for as far as it will take you. Then, find the trailhead and hike along the trail through the forest until you reach the falls at the Halii Stream.
Since the route is not yet mapped out and, worse yet, rarely traversed, this trip is not for the faint of heart. For the best results, seek out a tour company offering trips to the Kilohana Crater, and then ask if they’ll go to this waterfall as well. Or head on over to Kauai Backcountry Adventures to hook up to their zipline and cruise over the falls at wicked fast speeds.
If you’re intent on visiting the falls on foot, you’ll want to get well-equipped for your travels. Wear light layers, bring a rain jacket, and put on closed-toe hiking shoes. You can wear your swim attire underneath, but you won’t want to hike in that alone. Also, remember to slather on your SPF 50+ reef-safe sunscreen before hitting the trails. Then, apply more every two hours to keep the sunburns at bay.
Your travels will take you through dense rainforest vegetation, so don’t skimp on the bug spray. Get insect repellent from a local source, too, so it’s well-formulated for the creepy crawlies you encounter. Don’t forget to bring snacks and plenty of water as well. In fact, double up on the water to ensure you stay well hydrated on the trip to the falls and back.
Finally, a camera is a must. Since the waterfall was previously closed to the public, there are not a lot of pictures of it anywhere. The trail there is largely undocumented as well, so take tons of photos to show what your fellow travelers are up against when they come here.
Once you’re ready to go, hit the trails while taking it slow and steady. You’ll know you’ve landed at the waterfall when you see the wide cascade of water flowing beautifully over the rocks. The green pool below catches all the water as it glides off the rocky platform.
While you can swim in the waterfall pool at your own risk, there’s no one to offer help if you get into trouble. If you want to dip into the water anyway, stay far from the base of the waterfall. As with all waterfalls, falling rocks and lost buoyancy are serious risks. Beyond that, the rocks are super slippery from the slickwater and algae on their surface.
Once you’re done spending time at the waterfall, follow in your footsteps to make it back to the trailhead. If you see any fellow hikers on your way back, share any tips you’ve learned on your visit to the falls before continuing to your car.
Insider Tips:
-To find Halii Falls, take the first left off of Cane and go until you reach the dead end. Never leave any belongings in your vehicle when parked along the trails. Parking for the trail can be found along the street trail.
-Put your phone in a waterproof case, so you can get fun photos without worrying about damaging your device.
-Before you leave on your adventures, let someone know where you’re hiking and when you’ll be back. Then, contact them when you return to let them know you’ve made it back safely.
-Always check the weather before going on a hike. If heavy rain, wind, or other stormy weather arises, skip the trip until conditions improve.
-The trails get plenty slippery after any rain comes down. So, don’t hesitate to bring hiking poles if you need extra support.