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Ho’opi’i Falls Hike & Cliff Jump On Kauai, Hawaii

Ho’opi’i Falls Hike & Cliff Jump On Kauai, Hawaii

Ho’oip’i Falls Trail on Kauai is a short but action-packed hike taking you to two waterfalls. The first falls are a great spot for cliff jumping or a refreshing dip. The second falls is one you may recognize from the film Jurassic Park. The trail is very muddy at times but leads you through some unbelievable scenes as vines and ferns are strewn throughout huge trees on either side of the Ho’opi’i Falls trail.

I hiked all over Kauai for over a month and documented all of my adventures. In my opinion, these are the 15 best hikes on Kauai.

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Ho’opi’i Falls Hike Details

  • Hike Distance: The distance of this out-and-back trail is 2.4 miles
  • Hike Duration: The suggested duration is 1-2 hours
  • Hike Difficulty: Depending on the current condition of the trail it can be slippery, especially after heavy rain but is relatively easy.
  • Hike Incline: 75m
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The trail begins on a wide muddy path winding underneath an amazing canopy of branches.

Ho’opi’i Falls Trail Directions

To find the Ho’opi’i Falls trail entrance I have included the directions below. There is ample street parking at the trailhead.

Ho’opi’i Falls Trail

The 2-mile out-and-back trail begins on a wide dirt path, which can become quite muddy after a big rain. Branches that look like tree roots that would normally grow underground seem to form tunnels throughout the trail on this early part of the journey to the first falls. After 10 minutes the trail begins to follow the stream, which flows beneath a canopy of trees, with ferns draped throughout the canopy. Ho’opi’i Falls Trail feels like a movie scene and has a great natural feel despite being on the best easy hikes on Kauai.

After about 20 minutes you will reach the first falls. The pool is quite narrow but deep enough to jump into. However, it is only deep enough in certain parts. The water is dark so you must jump with a local who knows where the rocks are hiding beneath the surface or do a thorough check. If you jump in without checking you could land on one of the big builders just feet below the surface. This is one of many epic cliff jump spots on Kauai.

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Take the leap of faith at Ho’opi’i Falls (First falls)

There was also a small pool that water cascades into and then into the main pool. It looks like a natural hot tub, except it wasn’t hot. In fact, the water was freezing compared to the warm Pacific Ocean at the beaches of Hawaii. We stayed at this spot cliff jumping and hanging out for about thirty minutes before we continued on the trail towards the main falls.

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The natural hot tub aka a freezing pool of water!

What are my favorite pieces of hiking gear?

There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! Here are my hiking essentials.

  • Arcteryx BETA AR Rain Jacket: This is my go-to rain jacket. It’s super light, folds down into a tiny ball, and protects brilliantly in a storm. This one never leaves my backpack.
  • Salomon X Ultra 3 Mid GTX Hiking Boots: For the best ankle support, waterproofing, and durable exterior I’m a fan of tough but light hiking boots like these Salomons for my adventures.
  • Black Diamond Head Torch: I can’t tell you how many times, I’ve arrived back from a hike unexpectedly late. I always keep this lightweight but strong headtorch in my bag for the unexpected.
  • Darn Tough Socks: These are the most comfortable hiking socks I’ve ever worn and last for years. They also have a lifetime warranty and you just send them in with a hole and they replace it no questions asked.

The trail became increasingly slippery and there were a few slips on short inclines and declines as the trail became less worn. The last moments before reaching the second falls were my favorite. Huge trees surround you. Their trunks are draped in ferns and sunlight catches the small leaves floating through the air between the thick foliage. It’s an epic scene not to be hurried through.

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No wonder Jurassic Park filmed scenes at Ho’opi’i Falls.

The trail continues on straight but there is a clear trail heading down the hill to the left. It is well worn and hard to miss. This will lead you to the second falls. It is quite slippery but tree roots and branches will help assist your journey down the hill. At the bottom of the hill is a huge pool, which doesn’t get incredibly deep but definitely deep enough to have a refreshing swim. A rope swing looks fun but beware of the rocks beneath and enjoy that one with care.

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The lagoon at the second falls.
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Hanging out on the rope swing at the second falls.

The main falls are in a famous location. It is the scene of Amber Mine from Jurassic Park. It doesn’t look quite the same and a lot greener when I visited but nonetheless, you will find yourself standing on a Hollywood set as you watch the water flow down Ho’opi’i Falls.

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Ho’opi’i Falls with a nice reflection in a pool.

Allow a couple of hours for this adventure and take shoes you don’t mind getting muddy. A bottle of water and a snack will suffice for this short journey along the Ho’oip’i Falls Trail on Kauai.

MY TOP HOTEL PICKS FOR KAUAI

  • Kauai Shores HotelLuxury (but value also): A luxury feels with the resort-style property, palm trees, and a beautiful pool area.
  • Koloa Landing ResortLuxury (high-end): LARGEST pool on all of Kauai with beautiful, natural-style landscaping.
  • The Grand Hyatt ResortBest Family Resort: Best kids’ club on the island, a 5-acre pool complex with a lazy river pool, a waterslide, and a saltwater lagoon big enough for kayaking.
  • Read my full guide: You can check my favorites in my Kauai: Where to Stay Guide
a lush green field with palm trees and a mountain in the background.
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Laura

Friday 8th of April 2022

This is NOT a tourist attraction ! The author of this story is an idiot !

Eric

Thursday 17th of February 2022

Photos show hikers trespassing. The only legit trails are down the hill to top of falls & then next to the stream. Writer neglected to mention that there ard no camping, restroom or trash removal facilities. This is an extremely dangerous area prone to flash floods & steep,muddy,slippery trails. There a few rescues every month. Parking is at the county park 1/4 mile up the road from trial head, not in residents yards.

Friday 10th of July 2020

Injured hiker rescued from Ho‘opi‘i Falls By The Garden Island | Thursday, July 9, 2020, 12:05 a.m.

Jackson

Friday 10th of July 2020

Hope he is okay and recovers well.

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