The Blue Pool (also known by its Hawaiian name as Heleleikeoha Falls or Helele’ike’oha Falls as well as Blue Angel Falls) on the Hawaiian island of Maui, could very well be one of the most scenically located swimming pool waterfalls in the world.

The beautiful waterfall  faces the ocean as it’s sheltered by rocks protecting its picturesque plunge pool from the crashing waves. If there was ever a place you could take a dip and contemplate the scenery, this is it!

In Hawaii, it’s rare for a waterfall to fall right into the ocean (or almost). This is one of those rare occurrences where there is a waterfall on one side of you and the sea on the other.

The falls are typically light flowing. If it hasn’t rained for a while, it probably trickles. Nonetheless, the location makes it easy to forget whether the falls are flowing or not.

At one time, Blue Pool was known only to the local folks. Now it is written up in all the guidebooks, and is quite a busy place. Busy isn’t necessarily bad, but Blue Pool is just that – a pool. Small. I recommend that if you want to visit Blue Pool, try to go early in the morning to beat the crowds and catch the sun at the best angle.

Blue Pool is located at the very end of Ulaino Road (about ½ mile west of airport road) on Maui. Ulaino Road is 3 miles long, and is wide and paved for about a mile, then becomes narrow and dirt.

There is a small parking area at the end of the road, with parking enough for about 6 cars.

The amazing Wailua Falls is located at the south end of the Wailua River, near Lihue on Kauai.

The falls cascades down as two separate streams to a location at least 80 feet below. Luckily for visitors, Wailua Falls is near the road lookout for all to enjoy.

Back in the 1970′s, TV fans of the popular ABC show “Fantasy Island” will recognize Wailua Falls during the hit show’s opening scene. “Fantasy Island” made these falls popular.

The water flow of Wailua Falls can vary widely depending on local rainfall and river flow. The top of the falls is flat but you can see channels have been cut into the rock, from centuries of flowing water.

You can enjoy fantastic views during the early morning hours, as the sun’s rays shine directly on the impressive falls.

Legend states that back in ancient times, local warriors would jump from the top of Wailua Falls to prove their bravery. Please don’t try this because any leap or fall could likely be fatal.

To get there, take Highway 56 north out of Lihu’e to Ma’alo Road, Highway 583, on the right. The waterfall is found at the end of the road, and it’s only 5 minutes from the city of Lihu’e.

For a truly unusual Hawaii adventure, you can’t beat the allure of a scenic boat cruise up the Wailua River to a lava rock grotto covered with tropical ferns.  The Fern Grotto is only accessible via a short boat trip up the Wailua River.  Along with the cruise boats, kayakers, motor boats and water skiers also make the journey.

The memorable trip up the historic and sacred Wailua River will take about 40 minutes via a long flat bottom riverboat. To keep the crowds moving, boats depart from the south side of the river every 30 minutes.

During the short cruise to the Fern Grotto, you will encounter numerous photo opportunities of the tropical grasslands which line the river in addition to the cloud-capped Mt. Waialeale looming in the background.

Once you arrive at this famous Kauai destination, visitors to the fern grotto will receive a serenade by Hawaiian musicians playing traditional, local songs. The acoustics within this lush, natural amphitheater are incredible and will greatly enhance the singing and guitar accompaniment.

Once you arrive at the Fern Grotto, visitors will view a cave cloaked with ferns and cooled by the mists of a waterfall.

Viewing the Fern Grotto wasn’t as simple as it is now. There was a time when the Grotto was off-limits to all but Hawaiian royalty. But for more than 50 years, riverboats have provided tours of the site. The Grotto and nearby Paradise gardens are a popular place for wedding ceremonies. Another way to see the Grotto is to rent a kayak and paddle up the river on your own.

Directions :
Take Highway 56 north towards Wailua.  Cruise boats and kayak rentals are located on the south side of the Wailua River (before crossing bridge).