From short waterfalls that cascade into small pools you can swim in to towering cascades you can only witness via helicopter tour, the waterfalls you’ll find in Hawaii are truly remarkable. And while you’ll find several Hawaii waterfalls hiding in plain sight — no hiking required — there are even more that are found off-the-beaten-path and only accessible via hiking trail. Today, we’re featuring the Hoopii Falls, a little-known waterfall hiding on the island of Kauai that’s viewable via a short 2-mile trail.

Because this incredible destination is stream-fed, it is important to issue a friendly warning about the risks associated with flash flooding, and leptospirosis bacteria found in many of Hawaii’s natural pools. It is advised that you check weather reports and ocean conditions before heading out for the day, never swim in these pools when you have open wounds, and to always watch your step. With that warning out of the way, let’s lace up our hiking boots and let the adventure begin.

Nestled along the Kapa’a Stream, Hoopii Falls might look familiar to dedicated Jurassic Park fans.
HI-ker Kauai/AllTrails
In the movie it was the site of the Mano de Dios Amber Mine where a lawyer decides that a respected paleontologist is needed for the project — supposedly set in the Dominican Republic. Despite its film prestige, the hike to this series of waterfalls is relatively unknown.
The views here are nothing short of dramatic and begging to be visited.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
When looking at the falls you can see how they were formed as a result of erosion over thousand of years.
Getting to the falls is relatively easy.
Wally Gobetz/Flickr
Meandering through a lush tropical forest and measuring in at just two miles in length and gaining less than 100 feet in elevation, the short and sweet trail is simply stunning.
Your adventure will begin at the almost-hidden yellow gate tucked in a residential neighborhood. From here, the easiest option is to walk along the dirt path as it winds above the river.
Nicole Ponton-Howell/AllTrails
Follow the trail through the river valley strewn with vines and ferns until you reach the clearing and the stream.

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Alternatively, you can walk along the trail that’s found adjacent to the river valley, though it is at times obscured by fallen trees.
Nick Scangas/AllTrails
And then, when you hear the roar of the waterfalls — approximately 15 to 20 minutes into your journey — take one of several steep trails down to the falls.
As soon as you reach these two towering cascades, one right after the other, you’ll be absolutely amazed.
Nicole Atkins/AllTrails
The first waterfall is a popular spot for a refreshing dip and cliff diving while the second is the one famous for its appearance in Jurassic Park.
As waterfalls in Hawaii go, the views here are nothing short of magical!
Hikers really enjoy the action-packed trail leading to the falls...
Suzanne Neubauer/Flickr
And both amateur and professional photographers alike love capturing these cascades in photographs.
We can almost feel the sprays wafting up from the cascading water.
The trail requires some nimbleness, as there are lots of rocks and roots to step over, and the trails leading down to the waterfalls are quite steep. The trail is also extremely muddy after a good rain.
HI-ker Kauai/AllTrails
If you enjoy a good adventure, the trail to Hoopii Falls is worth it. So, what are you waiting for?

Hoopii Falls is located near Kapa’a on Kapahi Road approximately half a mile after turning off Kawaihau Road. Have you ever visited Ho’opi’i Falls for yourself? If so, what was your favorite part? We’d love to read about your experience in the comments section below!

Interested in learning more about the incredible destinations featured in the classic film series, Jurassic Park? From botanical gardens and waterfalls to mountains and nature preserves, these 12 stunning places will transport you to a world where dinosaurs roamed free.

If you’re still in the mood for more Hawaiian Island adventures, take a look at this video:

 

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More to Explore

Out and About in the Aloha State

Lysa Allman-Baldwin | May 02, 2023

Where can we find other hiking trails in Hawaii?

  • The Kalalau Trail in Kauai is a rugged, challenging 11-mile trek and one of the most popular in Hawaii.
  • The Thurston Lava Tube on the Big Island leads to a unique 500-foot cave-like tunnel.
  • The Aiea Loop in Oahu is a kid and dog-friendly hiking trail that winds through a forest.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other stunning hiking trails in Hawaii.

Where can we find lakes in Hawaii?

  • Lake Waiau on the Big Island sits at 13,000 feet above sea level and is one of the very highest lakes in the U.S.
  • The freshwater lake located in Kaneohe at the Ho’omaluhia Botanical Garden extends 32 acres and is one of the most popular lakes for its dramatic beauty.
  • The Ka Loko Reservoir on Kauai plays a big part in draining water through several other water bodies before it lands in the Pacific Ocean.

Read on to learn more about some of the many other beautiful lakes in Hawaii.

Where can we find botanical gardens in Hawaii?

  • The Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden on the Big Island is home to over 2,000 species of flora.
  • The Kahanu Garden in Maui is a 294-acre botanical garden surrounded by one of the last undisturbed hala forests in Hawaii.
  • The Allerton Garden in Kauai is an 80-acre expanse situated adjacent to beautiful Lāwaʻi Bay,

Read on to learn more about some of the many other stunning botanical gardens in Hawaii.

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Ho'opi'i Falls, Kapa?a, HI 96746, USA