NaturePhoto Wikimedia CommonsWailua River State Park
Hawaii · United States
Our first stop on tour will be in Wailua town. Great and Sacred Wailua was the main religious and political center of the island during ancient times. The Ali'i or royalty resided in this town, and most heiaus (temples of worship) were built here. In this area we will visit Poliahu Heiau, Opaekaa Falls, and Wailua River lookout (largest navigable river in the state) from two different lookouts. As you enjoy the beautiful scenery that surrounds you in every stop, your guide will share the fascinating stories of ancient times, and how the islands have changed in modern times.
Contents
8 sections · tap a section for its opening lines1Orientation
Welcome to the Wailua River State Park. You are standing within one of the most significant cultural, historical, and geological landscapes in the entire Hawaiian archipelago. …
Listen in the app2The Hydrology of Mount Waialeale
To understand the Wailua River, we must look to its source. Look inland toward the often cloud-shrouded peaks. …
Listen in the app3The Wailua Complex of Heiau
As we examine the shoreline, we are in the vicinity of the Wailua Complex of Heiau. A heiau is an ancient Hawaiian temple or sacred site. …
Listen in the app4The Kayak Route and Ancient Villages
Observe the kayakers and outrigger canoes navigating the waterway. Today, renting a kayak is the standard method for exploring the interior of the park. …
Listen in the app5The Geological Wonder of the Fern Grotto
Located approximately two miles upstream is the renowned Fern Grotto. This geological formation is a prime example of the extreme botanical productivity of a tropical rainforest environment. …
Listen in the app6The Trek to Uluwehi (Secret Falls)
For those who venture beyond the main river channel, paddling up the north fork leads to the trailhead for Uluwehi Falls. In modern tourism parlance, it is commonly referred to as 'Secret Falls,' though, as any local guide will…
Listen in the app7Hollywood on the Wailua
Before we conclude, it is worth analyzing the river from a modern pop-culture perspective. The Wailua River and its surrounding valleys have served as the backdrop for over seventy major motion pictures and television shows. …
Listen in the app8Closing
We have reached the end of our exploration of the Wailua River State Park. We have traced the hydrological journey of the waters from the rain-soaked summit of Mount Waialeale down to this broad, navigable channel. …
Listen in the app
What is Wailua River State Park?
Wailua River State Park is a place in Hawaii · United States with 8 story sections on Tellby. You can read the opening of each section on this page; the sound plays in the app.
| Location | Hawaii · United States |
|---|---|
| Type | Nature |
| Story sections | 8 |
| Text language | English |
| Coordinates | 22.0414, -159.3807 |
| Last updated |
