Wailua Falls Sight See

Kauai has many waterfalls. Wailua Falls is one of them. The drive to the view point is a little over 3 miles from the main highway. There are several decent paved turnout and parking areas. This lookout can get very busy and is a popular attraction due to the overall proximity, good paved road access and the strength and power that comes from the allure of a waterfall. There are two white tailed tropic birds that call this home.

There are many hiking blogs out there that describe a "how to" hike to the bottom of this view point area. These people are WRONG and I'll get to that later. Also in the parking area there are signs that clearly say it is dangerous to go past the chain link fencing and all the normal warning language that is common to express a dangerous situation. On many occasions, I have seen many groups consisting of dozens of people climb over these chain link barriers and proceed down to the bottom of these falls.

What they do down there I have no clue. That one of a lifetime photo I assume that will end up as clutter on their phone. All I know it is WRONG for many reasons. Don't do this.

Trashing the hillside is one reason. On a daily basis, I would estimate on average and a very conservative average would be, say 50 people? Is that a decent guess? Well, consider this foot traffic is essentially sliding down this steep hillside, disturbing rocks and soil, using roots of trees as steps and handholds.

What's my point. This repeated use, over time, will wear out the steep hillside, potentially damaging tree roots (though sturdy) and contribuitng to overall erosion of this hillside. I would also add that it is fairly likely that human rubbish (bottles, cans, body wipes, human waste) are also left at the bottom. Don't you figure this is not healthy for the watershed?

Don't forget that a first responder would have to hike down and bring your sprained ankle or your unconsious body back up the hill. Ever think your endangering someone else? Stay on properly marked trails and hiking areas. There are many.

Dear potential hiker, this is not your house. Just because you spent thousands of dollars on your vacation is not a free ticket to trash someone's elses home. Have respect. Spend your time admiring the falls. Don't hike down the hill.