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While we had hit the Kilauea lighthouse area, we had to turn back and didn't continue because it was getting later in the day and given the one lane in each direction highway, we wanted to get back to the condo for dinner before sunset and not after.

It was the weekend so we wanted to head north and avoid the rain that seemed to be super-micro-climates. It rains in an area for about 1/4 mile and then it stops. Go two more blocks and it starts pouring.. Four blocks later, it's totally dry--read boring! Can't sit out by the pool. Rather than stick around, we headed north to what is typically the rainy section of the island. Before we left, I found this hike to a waterfall that was half-way up the eastern coast and could be found by carefully following directions-- and even that wasn't enough to make sure we would get there.. Going through Kapa'a to the very end, near the last sign for the hospital, we turned left and passed that hospital, a school and went through a very typical residential area. While we hunted down the name of the street that the guidebook listed, we must have driven almost 5 miles. We finally found the street and went down another 1/2 mile before we reached the dead end street and the trailhead for Ho opi'i Falls.

View of the countryside from the Ho opi Falls Trailhead

Fodor's book wasn't exactly accurate and while the trailhead is blocked to vehicles, there was no problem for hikers on foot. However do be aware this is a residential area and that the locals like to have their privacy and lifestyle respected-- meaning don't go down there with beer or other paraphanalia or ideas.

Local foliage

The falls are actually 2 sets of waterfalls, one is about 20 minutes and the next, larger, more spectacular falls are at least 25 minutes beyond. I hedge here because we didn't go to the second falls because we had to pick someone up.. but I wanted to see what the area was like and I got some great photos. I did check out other reviews to the second falls and it's going to be longer than 25 minutes and it's pretty good. You will be breathing hard because you will be going uphill on the return trip.

Tip # 1 make sure you use bug spray. REALLY-- in these conditions where you have any sort of fresh water, dense foliage area, you need bug spray. Also it's also wise to wear longer pants and good shoes.

Suggestion for the bug spray: All Natural & DEET-Free Buzz Away Exteme which banishes mosquitoes, black flies and ticks. It's natural product without an icky smell and it's sweat and waterproof. Spray it on and start walking because it will last up to 4 hours. You need this product for this hike and anything around Hanalei as well as upcountry like Waimea Canyon.

The trail is clearly marked and rutted thanks to some vehicle tracks as well as rain run-off. The brush on both sides is pretty thick and you have to watch what you are doing as you wallk down-hill. It's cool and it's really pretty and there's a lot of interesting plants and trees.

Lichen on tree branch.

Farther down the trail, you find that the foliage gets denser but also has some sparser in some spots a the trail broadens. I did find something colorful and not just green. I thought it was a gingerplant but actually it's a lobster claw heliconia and it's red.. which is a popular flower in Kauai.