Na Pali Coast Waterfalls: 6 Top Cascades to View!
The waterfalls of the Na Pali Coast are a big draw for visitors, whether hiking into the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, or visiting via the ocean on a boat cruise or raft tour.
The view of cascading water is a thrill regardless of the setting, but here against the backdrop of the gorgeous Na Pali Coast cliffs, it takes on an added element of beauty.
Helicopter or airplane tours will tend to focus on more holistic views of the sensational coastline, leaving waterfall viewing for other parts of the island (think Waipoo Falls at the Waimea Canyon, the weeping wall of Waialeale, or Manawaiopuna Falls, which featured in the movie Jurassic Park.)
Nonetheless, you may spot a waterfall or two as you fly over the Na Pali Coast! Look for the really tall Hanakoa Falls.
And, if you visit during or after a period of heavy rains, you may be treated to unnamed temporary waterfalls as well.
Considering a visit to the Na Pali Coast of Kauai? Be sure to visit our Na Pali Coast homepage for all the details you need to plan!
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Na Pali Coast Waterfalls at a Glance
| Waterfall | Access | Best For | Swimming? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanakāpī‘ai Falls | Hike (4 miles RT via Kalalau Trail) | Day hike, jungle vibes, swim spot | Yes – cold but refreshing |
| Waiahuakua Falls | Helicopter / boat only | Scenic overflights, dramatic cliffs | No – inaccessible by foot |
| Awa‘awapuhi Falls | Helicopter / inaccessible by trail | Epic aerial views, sheer drop | No |
| Ho‘ole‘a Falls | Boat / kayak + Kalalau Beach walk | Kalalau campers, beachside cascade | Yes – small pool |
| Hanakoa Falls | Hike (12 miles RT via Kalalau Trail) | Overnight hikers, lush valley setting | Yes – with caution |
| Pirate’s Cave Falls | Zodiac raft or kayak only | Secret sea cave falls, ocean spray | No – ocean surge hazard |
Best Na Pali Coast Waterfalls
1. Hanakapi’ai Falls
Perhaps the most well-known of the Na Pali Coast waterfalls, Hanakapiai Falls is a popular hiking destination on Kauai.
Hanakapiai Falls can only be accessed by hiking. Start at Ke’e Beach and walk the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach, one of the pretty Na Pali Coast beaches.
Then hike inland another two miles into Hanakapiai Valley to the falls.
Hanakapi’ai Falls is a 300-foot waterfall that plunges over a black lava cliff into a lovely plunge pool. Many hikers take a dip in the very cold waters of the pool. Watch for falling rocks if you choose to step in and note that the area around the pool can be slippery.
The round-trip hike is about 8 miles and is considered strenuous, with slippery rocks and stream crossings. Most people do it as a day hike, starting early in the day.
Allow at least 2 hours each way, more if you aren’t as fit or you stop along the way for views or to take breaks. Many visitors start early and take the bulk of the day to complete this hike. Don’t go if it is raining.
Wear appropriate footwear for traction: the trail can be slippery and muddy.
While you do not need a hiking/camping permit, you do need entry and parking or shuttle reservations for Haena State Park to access the trailhead.
2. Waiahuakua Falls
Waiahuakua Falls is one of the most unique waterfalls you will see anywhere: the waters plunge into the interior of a cave through a hole in the ceiling.
The cave is only accessible via very small boats or rafts, and you can’t see this waterfall on a catamaran cruise of the Na Pali Coast. Book a raft adventure instead!
Waiahuakua Falls is also sometimes called the “double door falls” because you enter the cave to see the waterfall through one entrance and exit through the other.
Note that the cave may not always be accessible even to small watercraft. If the ocean swells are too high and rough, your boat captain will likely play it safe and avoid it.
3. Awa’awapuhi Falls
Awa’awapuhi Falls is located right along the Na Pali Coast, and can be viewed from a boat (or on a helicopter tour) if it is flowing well.
The Awa’awapuhi Trail, which runs through the valley of the same name, is a popular harder hike in Koke’e State Park. The waterfall cannot be seen on the hike though.
Top-Rated Na Pali Coast Helicopter and Airplane Tours
4. Ho’ole’a Falls
Located at the south end of Kalalau Beach, Hoolea Falls provides fresh water for campers.
This waterfall is right behind the beach, with a dramatic backdrop of the Na Pali cliffs.
While you may be able to spy Hoolea Falls from a boat or even on a helicopter tour, you can also access it on foot if you manage to complete the grueling Na Pali Coast hike. The waterfall can be accessed by a hike behind the beach.
5. Hanakoa Falls
A towering 1,000-foot waterfall located in Hanakoa Valley, in the heart of the wilderness of the Na Pali Coast, Hanakoa Falls can be accessed via a hike.
Of course, you can also see Hanakoa Falls on a helicopter tour of Kauai. In fact, you can see more of the waterfall from the air (multiple tiers) than you can from the ground.
To get to Hanakoa Falls on foot, hike the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach. The round-trip hike is a grueling 13 miles, and the waterfall is at the end of a 0.5-mile detour from the main trail.
The water falls into a plunge pool and you can choose to take a dip in the cold refreshing water or dip your feet.
You need a permit to hike to Hanakoa Falls, even if you do not plan to camp overnight.
6. Pirates Cave Waterfall
Pirates Cave is one of the tallest and deepest caves along the Na Pali Coast, and the Pirates Cave Waterfall flows right over the center of the entrance to the cave.
If weather and ocean conditions are optimal, you can enter Pirates Cave on a raft tour or in a small boat, getting completely drenched in the process.
Inside, there are actually three caves to explore.
Top-Rated Na Pali Boat and Raft Tours