Although you can drive up and view the falls from the top, make it more memorable as we did and venture the hike to the and those that don't are truly missing out. There are 2 different trails. One is located near the falls guard rail and is QUITE STEEP but only about 10 minutes to the bottom (We took this one out and would recommend this one). Locals have put up rope to help you steady yourself on your venture down but the wonderful state tends to cut the ropes to deter people from this dangerous hike (go figure!). There is another trail that is supposed to be easier (we didn't find it easier just less steep). This route took us longer and we had to venture through slippery rocks & water and took us longer. Although this route did give us some lovely scenery, I recall one point looking at my husband and saying well if I fall, just know I love you (just to give you a sense of the difficulty we faced.) Once there, it was totally worth the venture. Pure heaven. You can walk under the falls and swim in the pond that the falls flow into.

Opaeka'a Falls
Wailua State Park

We drove by the Opaeka'a Falls every day because it is on the way to our guest house. The picturesque falls gets its name, which means "rolling shrimp," from the shrimp that lay their eggs at the base of the falls.

There's a lookout off Highway 580 where you can park your car and take photos. Try stopping by early in the day to avoid the busloads of tourists who also try to take the photo below.

There is apparently a way down to the falls, but it is unmarked, and you will be trailblazing like pigs. It rained almost every day on the East Shore when we were there, so we didn't even make any attempts.

Though this is a relatively short hike down, the trail is a bit steep and can be especially difficult during foul weather. In fact, the vast majority of visitors simply enjoy the breathtaking view of the falls from the lookout above it. The trail is NOT a state-kept trail, hence the obligatory "Keep Out - Hazardous Conditions" signs at the entrances. However, for the adventurous, this hike rewards you with a refreshing dip in a large, clear-water pond fed by the spectacular Wailua Falls – the falls made famous by the opening credits of the TV show "Fantasy Island". CAUTION: Over the years, Wailua has had its share of dimwitted thrill-seekers that thought they could actually survive a jump off the top of the falls into the pond below. Trust me on this one – you can’t. Barring a miracle, the rocks below and the laws of physics won’t let you.

HOW TO GET THERE: From Wailua, head south on Kuhio Highway about 4 miles to the first set of traffic lights – turn left (you’ll still be on Kuhio Highway) and drive through Hanamaulu Town. After Hanamaulu you will drive down a relative steep hill into Kapaia Valley – turn right at the bottom of the valley onto Maalo Road. Drive about 3.8 miles to the Wailua Falls lookout, then park. The short trail entrance is about 10 yards before the lookout. About 200 yards before you reach the lookout, you may run across some cars parked along another "lookout" – this is the long trail entrance.

From Route 56 (Kuhio Highway), take route 583 (Ma'alo Road) to reach Wailua Falls lookout. These falls are the ones pictured in the beginning of the TV show "Fantasy Island".

A short but nice drive up into Wailua, beginning with a view of Opaekaa Falls then winding through a beautiful residential area and on up the mountain to the end of the road.