'Opaeka'a Falls, Waterfall on the east side of Kauai, United States

ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls is a 151-foot (46 m) waterfall on the ʻŌpaekaʻa Stream in Wailua River State Park, eastern Kauai. The water drops over basalt from ancient volcanic eruptions, most often in a double cascade that can merge into one after heavy rain. In the ravine below, vertical basalt dikes cut through the horizontal Koloa lava flows.

The name ʻŌpaekaʻa, meaning "rolling shrimp," dates from when the freshwater shrimp Atyoida bisulcata were plentiful in the stream and were seen tumbling over the falls. The trail to the pool below was closed with a steel fence in 2006 after two women fell from the unofficial rocky path; violating the blockade is a misdemeanor with fines up to $1,000 and up to 30 days in jail.

The name ʻŌpaekaʻa means "rolling shrimp": ʻōpae is Hawaiian for shrimp and kaʻa for rolling. It recalls times when the native freshwater shrimp Atyoida bisulcata were plentiful in the stream and were seen tumbling down the falls into the churning water at the base.

The falls are easily reached from Highway 580, with a designated parking area and viewing platforms right along the roadside. You can see the full display of water without needing to hike far from your vehicle.

Unlike many other falls on Kauai, this one maintains water flow year round, even during drier months. This makes it a dependable destination for those visiting the island at any time.