Red Dirt Waterfalls

Kauai gems

Aloha from the Garden Isle! This island is home to some of my favorite spots in all of Hawaii like Queens Bath and Tunnels Beach. After my latest trip to the Waimea Canyon, I just may have to add the Red Dirt Waterfall to my list! This stunning mini fall is a true eye catcher and defiantly worth the stop. 

For starters the Red Dirt Waterfall did not get its name by accident! Kauai is the oldest island in the Hawaii chain and also the wettest! This combination means the volcanic soil has a super high iron content which has oxidized over time. Now the red soil is a staple of Kauai and espceaially the Waimea Canyon. 

I told Rashawn that it felt a bit like we were exploring Mars! Being so red, and honestly so random on the side of the road, it totally feels a bit like a foreign land. The stream flows for a while so you can explore on top of the falls as well as below. I am not sure where the water source comes from so if anyone knows drop it in the comments! 

do i have to hike to see the falls?

Nope! Lucky for us God made this beauty a sight to share. There is a large pull off for parking on the right hand side of the road. You will then have to saftly cross the street to the falls on the left where you can then walk around to explore the falls and surroinging area. 

can i swim here?

Unfortantly Red Dirt falls is not a swimmable fall. The water here is extremeply shallow, and may be contaminated with leptospirosis so it is best to avoid playing in the water here. 

I think this is worth a stop becuase it is truly so unique. Where else will you see a RED dirt waterfall!? Not only that but the Waimea Canyon is full of so many amazing sights, why not experience them all! If this waterfall inspired you try hiking to Waipoo Falls in the canyon next!

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how to get here

 

Getting to the Red Dirt Waterfall is actually really easy! I have geo-tagged the exact location above so if anything you can just plug it into your GPS and go. Otherwise head down Waimea Canyon Dr for a good almost 4 miles you will most likely see other cars pulled over on the right and the fall on your left. There is a pull off for parking (you will see an elevation 1500 ft sign) and can then safely cross the street to the falls. 

warning

Do not jump into the falls as the water is extremely shallow. Also refrain from drinking this water and avoid getting it into any cuts. The water may be contaminated with leptospirosis. Look both ways before crossing the street and always be respectful of the space and others around you.