Wailua River
The Wailuā River is a major river on the island of Kauaʻi in the U.S. state of Hawaii. 20 miles (32 km) long, it is Kauai's largest and longest river,[1] as well as Hawaii's 3rd 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 (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 | |
| 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 | 20 mi (32 km) |
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.
References
- U.S. Geological Survey. National Hydrography Dataset high-resolution flowline data. The National Map, accessed April 28, 2011
- 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.