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 / 22.04500°N 159.33639°W / 22.04500; -159.33639 (Mouth of Wailua River). 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
Wailua River is located in Hawaii
Wailua River
Location of mouth
Location
CountryUnited States
StateHawaii
RegionKauai
Physical characteristics
SourceNorth Fork
 • locationMount Waiʻaleʻale
 • coordinates22°03′35″N 159°29′33″W / 22.05972°N 159.49250°W / 22.05972; -159.49250
2nd sourceSouth Fork
 • locationHanamaulu
Source confluence 
 • locationwest of Wailua, Kauai County, Hawaii
 • coordinates22°02′30″N 159°21′38″W / 22.04167°N 159.36056°W / 22.04167; -159.36056
MouthPacific Ocean
 • location
Wailua, Kauai County, Hawaii
 • coordinates
22°2′42″N 159°20′11″W / 22.04500°N 159.33639°W / 22.04500; -159.33639
Length23.4 km (14.5 mi)

The North Fork begins at the Mount Waiʻaleʻale at coordinates 22°3′35″N 159°29′33″W / 22.05972°N 159.49250°W / 22.05972; -159.49250 (North Fork Wailua River) 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

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References

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  1. ^ a b c 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.
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