About ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls is a named waterfall in Kauai County, Hawaii, located about 1.9 miles southeast of Wailua Homesteads. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Kapaa 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 22°02′54″ N, 159°21′43″ W (22.04821, -159.36201). Historical sources also record the names Opaekaa Falls and ‘Opaeka‘a Falls. Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include North Fork Wailua River (stream, 0.5 mi), South Fork Wailua River (stream, 0.5 mi), and Kalama Stream (stream, 0.6 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Wailua Falls, 1.4 miles to the southwest.
An overlook provides distant views of this scenic waterfall cascading in a lush environment.
USGS gazetteer description: Along the course of Opaekaa Stream, on the island of Kauai, just S of Nonou Mountain approximately 1.8 mi W of Wailua Bay and 3.5 mi SW of Kapaa.
More Photos
414 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Honolulu time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls holds a 4.3 average from 205 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- North Fork Wailua River — stream, 0.5 mi
- South Fork Wailua River — stream, 0.5 mi
- Kalama Stream — stream, 0.6 mi
- Maunakapu — summit, 0.8 mi
- ʻAʻahoaka — summit, 1.0 mi
- Nounou Mountain — summit, 1.0 mi
- ʻŌpaekaʻa Stream — stream, 1.1 mi
- Nāʻiliakaʻauea — summit, 1.1 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 22.04821, -159.36201. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls
- Kapakaiki Falls, HI5.9 mi northwest
- Kapaka Nui Falls, HI6.2 mi northwest
- Kapakanui Falls, HI6.5 mi northwest
- Hāliʻi Falls, HI6.6 mi southwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls located?
ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls is in Kauai County, Hawaii, about 1.9 miles southeast of Wailua Homesteads. Its coordinates are 22.04821, -159.36201 (22°02′54″ N, 159°21′43″ W).
What town is closest to ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Wailua Homesteads, HI, about 1.9 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls?
The closest is Wailua Falls (1.4 mi southwest). Others within reach include Koholālele Falls (2.1 mi), Kaholalele Falls (2.2 mi), and Hoʻopiʻi Falls (4.2 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls?
ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls appears on the USGS Kapaa 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.