Wailua River

The Wailuā River is a major river on the island of Kauaʻi in the U.S. state of Hawaii. 23.4 kilometres (14.5 mi) long, it is one of the largest rivers,^[1] as well as Kauai's 5th longest river. It is formed by the confluence of its North and South forks just west of Wailua and enters the Pacific Ocean at 22°2′42″N 159°20′11″W. It is the only navigable river^[2] (by boats larger than kayaks) in the Hawaiian Islands. It is a center of activity for locals and visitors in the form of boat tours to Fern Grotto, kayaking and water skiing.

Wailua River
Wailuā River, Kauaʻi
Location of mouth
Location
Country	United States
State	Hawaii
Region	Kauai
Physical characteristics
Source	North Fork
• location	Mount Waiʻaleʻale
• coordinates	22°03′35″N 159°29′33″W
2nd source	South Fork
• location	Hanamaulu
Source confluence
• location	west of Wailua, Kauai County, Hawaii
• coordinates	22°02′30″N 159°21′38″W
Mouth	Pacific Ocean
• location	Wailua, Kauai County, Hawaii
• coordinates	22°2′42″N 159°20′11″W
Length	23.4 km (14.5 mi)

The North Fork begins at the Mount Waiʻaleʻale at coordinates 22°3′35″N 159°29′33″W and flows 12.2 miles (19.6 km)^[1] east to its junction with the South Fork. The South Fork forms at the junction of several streams southwest of Hanamaulu and flows 8.1 miles (13.0 km) east,^[1] over Wailua Falls, to its junction with the North Fork.

Other points of interest along the river system include a bird refuge, Kamokila Hawaiian Village, Secret Falls and a pool which formerly included a rope swing.

See also

• Wailua, Hawaii
• Wailua River State Park
• List of rivers of Hawaii

References

1. U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. The National Map, accessed April 28, 2011
2. "Wailua River State Park". Hawaii State Parks. Retrieved 2023-09-28.

External links

• U.S. Geological Survey Geographic Names Information System: Wailua River
• Pukui and Elbert (2004). "lookup of Wilua". on Place Names of Hawai'i. Ulukau, the Hawaiian Electronic Library, University of Hawaii. Retrieved 2009-11-30.