Wailua Falls

Wind your way 4 miles north of Lihu'e to Wailua Falls, made famous in the opening credits of the Fantasy Island TV series. While officially listed as 80ft, the falls have been repeatedly measured at between 125ft to 175ft. Indeed, this gushing double waterfall (Wailua means 'two waters') misting the surrounding tropical foliage is a fantastic photo op, especially when the falls merge into one wide cascade after downpours.

At the lookout spot, a sign reads: 'Slippery rocks at top of falls. People have been killed.' Of course, this tempts folks to scramble down the unmaintained path for the thrill of swimming beneath the falls. The path is steep and people actually do slide off the rocks.

The falls plummet into a deep pool, spurring the truly intrepid to dive from the top, as ancient Hawaiians did to prove their manhood. The display was often fatal then - and it remains so today. In 2000 two 22-year-old men from California leaped, and a local 22-year-old man slipped, from the top, all in the same week. Thereafter the county stated that future jumpers would be billed for rescue costs (around US$1500).

To get here from Lihu'e, follow Kuhio Hwy north and turn left onto Ma'alo Rd (Hwy 583), which ends at the falls after 4 miles.