The One Park In Hawaii With Waterfalls, Temples, A River, And Geological Wonders Truly Has It All
By Megan Shute|Updated on January 21, 2023(Originally published January 20, 2023)
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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.
When searching for the best waterfalls near me in Hawaii, the options might seem overwhelming! From cascading waterfalls and the inviting turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean to lush rain forests and mountain peaks, breathtaking natural beauty abounds in Hawaii. And nowhere will you find more breathtaking scenery than within Hawaii’s countless incredible parks. With more than 50 state parks, waysides, recreation areas, monuments, and historic sites, there are countless parks to choose from, but this one is easily one of the best state parks in Hawaii. With waterfalls, cultural sites, temples, a river, and even a magical fern grotto, Wailua River State Park is a place of endless natural beauty, and you must experience it for yourself.
First off, the namesake of this picturesque park: the Wailua River. The state park includes the Wailua Complex, which is a National Historic Landmark.
At 20 miles long, the Wailua River is Kauai’s largest and longest river, as well as the third 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.
You won’t want to visit this state park without checking out Wailua Falls.
Surrounded by lush, emerald flora and red dirt cliffs, and cascading 80 feet into a deep, sparkling pool, Wailua Falls is as picturesque as Hawaiian waterfalls get. Unlike many of Kauai’s waterfalls, Wailua Falls is easily accessible so you can ditch your hiking boots for this excursion. The parking lot practically overlooks the waterfall, and it is easy to appreciate its magical beauty up close.
Located just north of Wailua Falls, Opaekaa is another Kauai waterfall that you can simply drive to. The 151-foot waterfall cascades over basalt from volcanic eruptions millions of years ago and is surrounded by lush, tropical flora. Opaekaa translates to "rolling shrimp" in Hawaiian, supposedly named because the stream was full of shrimp at one point. Opaeka‘a Falls in Kapaʻa, HI is breathtaking and absolutely worth the trip to Wailua River State Park!
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If you’re up for a little adventure, Uluwehi Falls is a must-visit. Journey along hiking trails with waterfalls in Kapaʻa, Hawaii!
Often known as Secret Falls to locals and visitors alike for some unknown reason (the waterfall is in no way a secret, at least not anymore), the journey to this remote waterfall is a popular day adventure and includes a kayaking trip and hiking trail.
There are also plenty of cultural sites found within the Wailua Complex of Heiau, a National Historic Landmark.
The Wailua Complex of Heiaus is one of the most important archaeological site complexes in the Aloha State, with components spanning all phases of Hawaiian culture. Most of the heiau and sacred sites within the complex are associated with Hawaiian rulers, legends, and events that have played an important role in the culture of our islands are of traditional significance to contemporary Hawaiians of native descent. Having such an important addition to the Wailua River State Park makes it one of the best state parks in Hawaii.
At more than an acre in size, the Poli’ahu is believed to have been constructed by the Menehune in the 1600s or 1700s, though it could have been earlier than that. It has been suggested that Poli’ahu might have been a laukini heiau dedicated to the Hawaiian god of war, Ku. Luakini heiaus are often associated with human sacrifice as well as offerings of fish and other animals.
Translating to "rising of the sun" in Hawaiian, Hikinaakala offers phenomenal sunrise views. In ancient Hawaii, dawn was celebrated here with prayers and chants. The walls were believed to be six feet high and up to 11 feet wide, but in the late 1800s and early 1900s, when the traditional Hawaiian religion was abolished, many rocks were taken away. Only the heiau’s foundation stones remain today.
Nearby, you’ll even discover the royal birthstone, Pohaku Ho'ohanau, and the Pohaku Piko, a ceremonial niche for a newborn child's umbilical cord.
Expectant mothers of royal lineage would travel here to deliver their child, and legend states that if the child was destined to be a great chief, the sky would fill with thunder, lightning, and a downpour of rain. When the storm cleared, a rainbow would appear with one end indicating the spot of the child’s birth.
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In addition to these four heiaus, the Wailua Complex of Heiaus is home to a place of refuge, ancient petroglyphs (pictured below), and a bellstone.
This reddish basalt boulder was intended to be "drummed" with cobbles, and when struck, would produce a hollow sound so it could be heard across great distances. The bellstone was used to announce important events, including the approach of chiefly or religious processions or royal births.
And last, but certainly not least, is the ethereal, always-enchanting Fern Grotto found deep in the heart of Wailua River State Park.
Located off the Wailua River, this natural lava cave was formed millions of years ago and is home to various native Hawaiian plant species as well as colorful, exotic plants, that come together to make visitors feel as though they have entered a tropical rainforest. There are two options for reaching this marvelous slice of paradise — you can either rent a kayak and take the two-mile trek down the river by yourself or take a tour offered by Smith’s Kauai. After your journey by water, all that is required is a short five-minute walk to an up-close-and-personal view of the stunning geological wonder.
So, what are you waiting for? Whether you love chasing waterfalls or learning all about Hawaiian history, you absolutely must plan a visit to the incredible Wailua River State Park as soon as possible.
At Wailua River State Park, you will be sure to discover some of the best waterfall hikes and natural wilderness in Kapaʻa, Hawaii!
Many travel to Hawaii for the stunning beaches, but those who are interested in experiencing the island’s vast and unique green landscape will be happy to have explored Wailua River State Park. Visit Kapaʻa, Hawaii for yourself and discover a wonderful island oasis waiting just for you!
Have you ever experienced the beauty that is Wailua River State Park? If so, share your experiences and opinions in the comments below, then learn all about the 28-mile-long river with countless jaw-dropping cascades right here in Hawaii!
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Christina Arrascaeta|August 02, 2022
What are the best waterfall hikes in Hawaii?
Hawaii is known for its stunning natural beauty, including waterfalls. The islands are the perfect places to view world-renowned waterfalls up close! Each island has its share of falls, but some of the best waterfall hikes include Wailua Fall in Kauai where hikers get two-for-one! Take a 1-mile hike to see the two waterfalls join into the Wailua River.
Which state parks should I visit in Hawaii?
With a total of 50 state parks to choose from in the tropical paradise of Hawaii, it is no wonder visitors may have a hard time picking just one. Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is a breathtaking naturally preserved area that features sea cliffs, valleys, streams, waterfalls, and views of the Pacific Ocean. It is one of the most popular and beautiful state parks in the state. For a state park with features that you won’t find anywhere else, visit the lava-covered beaches of Kiholo State Park Reserve on Hawaii’s Big Island.
Does Hawaii have any natural wonders?
Travelers come to Hawaii from all over the world for its incredible world wonders. See striking canyons like the Waimea Canyon in Kawai, or Hawaii Volcanoes like the ones in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. With Ioa Valley in Maui and sea stacks like Puu Pehe in Lanai, there are many natural wonders that are sure to amaze you!
