This Stunning State Park On Kauai's Shore Offers Scenic Hikes And Water Adventures

When people tell you to "go to your happy place," what do you imagine? It's a pretty good guess that a number of happy places involve the stunning beauty and magic of a Hawaiian waterfall. If you want to visit this place for real, the green, lush, and action-packed island of Kauai has a spot that has not one, not two, but three gorgeous waterfalls. One even has a pool you can swim in. This pretty spot that feels like it came right out of your imagination is Wailua River State Park, and that isn't all there is to do there. Sitting just around six and a half miles from the town of Lihue, the park has everything you need for a day trip to remember. 

You can hike and kayak to the falls, explore a reconstruction of a Hawaiian village, see the remains of ancient sacred sites, and take a riverboat cruise to the romantic Fern Grotto. You can even see some waterfalls from the road. It's so lovely that you cannot afford to miss it. Almost every inch of Wailua River State Park is worthy of a postcard. Let's explore the park and what you need to know before you go to the dreamscape of a state park. 

If anyone you know has been to the east side of Kauai, you've probably drooled a bit over the pictures of the lovely Fern Grotto. This spot is a lava rock grotto and cave with bright greenery around it, and ferns hanging over it like a veil. You can take an 80-minute cruise to the grotto with Hawaii Tours, which takes you through the river valley to this landmark. As you drift down the river, you'll pass some ancient heiau, or temples, as a tour guide regales you with wonderful stories about the history and culture of the area. There is even live music and a hula demonstration, as well as some hula lessons. The tour is around $30 for adults and $15 for kids, and it's one of those things you really can't leave the island without experiencing. 

The tour (and park itself) is also great for birders. There have been around 25 species observed in the area, like the Hawaiian duck, ring-necked pheasants, black-crowned night heron, zebra doves, white-dumped shama, rose-ringed parakeet, and brown booby. In fact, there is even a bird checklist so visitors can record what species they spot. In addition, Wailua River State Park has picnic tables if you bring lunch, as well as restrooms, a water fountain, and a concession area so you can spend the day after your tour. 

You can rent kayaks for around $130 a day (complete with paddles, permits, and more) at Kayak Kauai at the Wailua River Marina. Then, head out for a peaceful 2.5-mile float down the river and a half-mile hike to see Secret Falls, aka Uluwehi Falls, with its 100-ft cascade. Take a dip in the beautiful pool before you return to your kayak for the full experience. 

Then there's the astonishing Wailua Falls, which appears as twin spouts with an 80-foot cascade. You can see it from an overlook, and if it seems familiar, it was featured in the opening credits for the 1977-1984 TV series "Fantasy Island." Next, check out 151-foot 'Ōpaeka'a Falls, which can be viewed from the parking lot! Across from the 'Ōpaeka'a Falls lookout, walk around the Kamokila Hawaiian Village, which is a recreated 4-acre area showing what an ancient village looked like (as well as some sets from the 1995 movie, "Outbreak"). 

The park also features the Wailua Complex of Heiau or temples, with the remains of sacred sites, refuge sites, and royal birthstones. A few things to note: It can be muddy in the park, so wear proper shoes. You should bring mosquito spray and wear reef-safe sunscreen, which is the law in Hawaii. When you've taken it all in, there is still so much more to do on Kauai, including visiting a great nearby beach park for snorkeling.