Kipu Falls, Kauai

Posted on April - 03 - 2012

Kipu Falls, Kauai

Kipu Falls is a popular tourist spot situated in Hawaii. Set in the midst of rocky walls, the waterfall is a hotspot of adventurous activities like trekking, kayaking, fishing and swimming. There had been numerous travellers flocking to this side of the globe but several daring activities like ‘rope swinging’ have been limited due to some accidents.

Crowds gather here mostly during weekends and holidays. The peaceful poolside views, enigmatic mountains all around and easy accessibility make this place most commonly traced by local people and tourists. Kipu Falls has a fine blend of scenic beauty set in the rough locales. A quick trip to the falls will make for a memorable experience.

Picture 1 - Kipu Falls

Kipu Falls Location

It is located on the Kipu Road close to Puhi in East Kauai, Hawaii.

Kipu Falls Direction

While coming from Lihu’e area, one must follow Highway 50 to the west. Drive up to 1 mile passing Puhi, set on Mile Marker number 3. From here turn left onto Kipu Road. You will come across a ‘Y’ road intersection from where you need to turn right. It will be a dirty road drive and you will have to make a left turn before you reach the bridge. In order to reach the waterfalls one must park his/her car just near the gate and take a walk downstream for not more than 5 minutes to reach the waterfall area.

Kipu Falls Geography

The waterfall is 25 feet tall. It is encircled by 20 rock walls. Although the falls is small, rocks and deep pool beds make it rougher than it seems. The waterfall has a deep pool which bears Hule’ia Stream water cutting its way to the nearby Nawiliwili Bay.

Kipu Falls Activities

There are a wide range of adventure and sporting activities carried out in and around the waterfall area.

Fishing

Fishing enthusiasts will have a gala time out here. The stream bed is perfect for spending some long fishing hours. There will be areas having no fish activity but if you have your gears and a patient approach, you will be able to drive away your loneliness in the excellent fresh water fishing zone.

Zipline Trekking

The popular Kauai Zipline Tour provided by Outfitters Kauai is considered one of the best activities in this side of the world. The trek forms an integral part of Kauai Activities. The ziplines are designed keeping in mind highest safety standards.

There will be climbing involved in this activity supported by safety gears. There are a total of 5 zips and 4 ziplines that form the 3-hour long zip tour. The series of ziplines include hiking through secret forest trails, crossing the widespread valleys, streams flowing over dangling bridges and aerial walkways. One can take part in exciting rappelling which is combined with ziplining that adds to the fun. All the ziplines are unique and have distinctive features.

Picture 2 - Kipu Falls Picture

Take necessary utility items like swimsuits, sunscreen, raincoats, windbreakers and hats. There are morning tours held from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. and afternoon slots from 2:00p.m.to 5:00 p.m. Learn all about the culture, natural history, ecology, legends and folklore of Kauai while you take part in this awe-inspiring Kauai Activity.

Rope Swinging

This is probably the much loved and dangerous but still fun activity carried out at the falls. A thrilling game of rope swinging involves some risk and total adrenaline rush. If you are a bit careful you can swing from a rope and dash into the cool waters below. Use manila or sisal ropes for better gripping.

A lot of planning goes into this sport. The rope ends must be rubber-coated to prevent wearing. Ropes must be hung before checking the depth of the waters. Follow some basic guidelines to enjoy rope swinging with your group. There are several locations in and around the place to carry out this sport.

Trekking

Trekking will include hiking along the jungle trails that lead to many other secret waterfalls and swimming areas. Walk through the nature enjoying every bit of the beautiful tropical rainforests that are crowded with birds, aquatic animals and plants native to Kauai as well as newly introduced ones. While trekking your way, you will be able to dive into nearby waterfalls that surround the beautiful black lava rock cliffs. Trekking can be combined with ziplining which can add to the fun as you jump into the water.

Canoeing

Soak up the sun and enjoy the glorious scenery as you take a trip down the river in the traditional double-hulled Hawaiian Canoe. With comfortable seating arrangements, canoeing is as relaxing as it can get. You can ask for nothing more as you slowly slide through the river while enjoying nature at its best.

Kayaking

If you are to enjoy a joy ride down the river with a friend then this is the best sport. Kayaking will require paddling across a 2-mile stretch. The kayaks have comfortable spacing and are of the open-cockpit types that include paddling in the direction of the winds. While you wade through the waters you will come across a wide variety of endangered Hawaiian water birds. The kayak ride will take you through the Hule’ia Natational Wildlife Refuge.

Picture 3 - Kipu Falls Zipline Safari

Wagon Riding

Kipu Ranch includes riding farm wagons that are pulled by a traditional large-sized John Deere 4wd tractor. The ranch is spread across 4000 acres. You will go back in time as you come across the paniolo (Hawaiian cowboys) descendants of William Hyde Rice who was the first missionary to have arrived in Kauai. The wagon ride will also include watching pheasants, wild boars and peacocks. This ride will be a sheer contrast to your busy city life as the farm will let you be in the midst of 2000 cattle herds.

Attractions around Kipu Falls

Coming to Kipu Falls is never complete without the additional Kauai Tours which include viewing of excellent nearby locations, beach fun, boat rides, hiking, kayaking, snorkelling, scuba diving and spotting the whale. There are many more activities included in Kauai vacation such as horseback riding and official ATV tours that are highly recommended.

There are many other waterfalls around this falls. The Kipu Ranch located in South Kauai is on the must-visit list of tourists. The ranch is also known as Huleia National Wildlife Refuge. Adventure at Kauai is complete with the packages of lunch, wagon riding, kayaking and picnicking at the Kipu Ranch. Avail of seasonal discounted Hawaii activities. Explore Kauai and open up a new world of fun and adventure.

Get to know all about the activities, packages, restrictions and Kauai tours by going through the official website. You can also check out the local hotel listings for extended fun-stay at Kauai.

Kipu Falls is the place to be as you plan to lay off your busy city-life rust. Kipu Falls has had its share of mishaps and accidents but the popularity and crowding nature enthusiasts have never abandoned the place. Plan your visit to have an enjoyable wildlife and nature fun here at Kipu Falls.

Picture 4 - Kipu Falls Image