The Only Navigable River In Hawaii, Wailua River Is A Thing Of Natural Beauty
By Megan Shute|Published March 17, 2021
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
The Hawaiian Islands are well-known for their countless pristine beaches, majestic mountains, awe-inspiring jungles, and cascading waterfalls. And though Hawaii may not be recognized for its rivers and lakes, there are some stunning bodies of water throughout the Aloha State just begging to be explored – including Hawaii’s only truly navigable river.
At 20 miles long, the Wailua River is Kauai’s largest and longest river, as well as the third-longest river in Hawaii. It is the only navigable river (by boats larger than kayaks) in the Aloha State, and was once the sacred capital of ancient Kauai and the birthplace of island royalty.
The river flows from the summit of Mount Waialeale, which averages more than 450 inches of rainfall each year and is formed by the confluence of its North and South forks just west of Wailua.
The North Fork begins at Mount Waialeale and flows 12.2 miles east to its junction with the South Fork, which forms at the junction of several streams near Hanamaulu and flows 8.1 miles east, over Wailua Falls, to its junction with the North Fork.
Unlike other rivers found throughout the Hawaiian Islands, the scenic river can be explored not only by kayak, SUP, and outrigger canoe but larger tour boats as well.
Other points of interest along the Wailua River include Kamokila Hawaiian Village, a bird refuge, and the Wailua Complex of Heiaus. Here, you will discover four ancient heiaus, a bellstone, and ancient petroglyphs that will take you on a journey back in time.
If you've visited the Wailua River before, I'm sure you agree that it's one of Hawaii's best-kept secrets and if you haven't, why don't you add it to your Kauai bucket list?
