Around Hawaii
Road Runner MailOceanic

Saturday, November 7, 2009

Google
 

Entertainment :: Virtual Hawaii :: Virtual Tour Hawaii :: Wailua River State Park

Wailua River State Park

***** Based on 1 member review
HELP ME WITH RATINGS
   

Download:  | QuickTime | DevalVR  |Flash

 Google Map Location 
Wailua River State Park is on the East Coast of Kauai in the city of Wailua. The river is 20 miles long and fed by the wettest spot on earth, Mount Waialeale. You can access the park, heiaus, and a great overlook of the river on Kuamoos Road or Highway 580. Wailua River starts at the Wai'ale'ale Crater but there are a few ways to enter it if you want to rent a kayak. The mouth of the river enters the ocean at Wailua Bay near the town of Wailua on Highway 56. Cruise boats and kayak rentals are located on the south side of the Wailua River (before crossing the bridge).
 Wailua River State Park is Kaua‘i’s most visited State Park, with more than 1 million people visiting each year.
 Waimea River State Park
Click for Wailua River State Park
 Holoholoku Heiau is located on the south side of Kuamo‘o Road (Hwy.
580), just off the main highway. Said to be one of Kaua‘i’s oldest
heiau. Holoholoku is relatively small, measuring about 20 feet by 40
feet. Holoholoku Heiau was a luakini, where human sacrifices were performed.
 Waimea River State Park
Click for Holoholoku Heiau VR

 A stairway near the heiau climbs to the top of a small hill
overlooking the Wailua river. On this mound are dozens of Japanese
gravesites, some marked with lava-rock gravestones.
 Waimea River State Park
Click for Japanese gravesites VR
 A birthstone is where ancient ali‘i (Hawaiian royalty) gave birth. Another rock on the site has a plaque that reads
“Pohaku Piko” and this pōhaku (stone) was where the baby’s umbilical cord was left to ensure the child’s health.
 Waimea River State Park
Click for Pohaku Hoohanau Birthstone VR
 This majestic, 80-foot tiered waterfall is located close to the roadside lookout for everyone to enjoy. The falls was made famous when it was featured in the opening scene of the popular television show, Fantasy Island.
 Waimea River State Park
Click for Wailua Falls VR
 The name “Opaekaa” means “rolling shrimp” in the Hawaiian language. The waterfall was named after the shrimp that were once in abundance in its stream and pool.
If you walk uphill and across the road, you'll see good views of Wailua River. This fall cannot be accessed by river or trail.
 Waimea River State Park
Click for Opaekaa Falls VR

 Smith’s Motor Boat Service,
821-6892.
Wai‘ale‘ale Boat Tours,
808-822-4908; Tours leave every half hour, 9-3 except noon, no reservations required.

 Pihea
Click for Waimea Marine VR
 During the two mile river journey, you’ll hear songs and stories of ancient Hawaiia and In addition, guests enjoy learning the hula during a lesson provided by a young hula dancer. Everyone gets into the act during the river cruise!

 Wailua River State Park
Click for River Cruise VR
 Wailua River State Park - Fern Grotto Area and Boat access
 Waimea River State Park
Click for VR
 At the Fern Grotto landing, you’ll enjoy a short nature walk through the rainforest to the lush Fern Grotto.
 Waimea River State Park
Click for VR

 

 Pihea
Click for VR

 The Fern Grotto is a geological wonder of Kauai. Ferns grow upside down from the roof of the grotto, which was formed millions of years ago. Native Hawaiian plants and colorful exotic tropical plants provide a rainforest atmosphere.
 Waimea River State Park
Click for Fern Grotto VR

 The Grotto and nearby Paradise Gardens are a popular place for wedding ceremonies. Arrangements can be made with Smith's Tropical Paradise Weddings.
 Waimea River State Park
Click for VR
 On April 24, 2006, the Grotto was closed by the Hawaii State Department of Land and Natural Resources for safety reasons. Heavy rains in March, 2006, caused a number of rocks and boulders to fall from the ceiling of the Grotto onto the viewing area below.

 Wailua River State Park
Click for VR

   


The views and information contained are not provided or endorsed by Oceanic Time Warner Cable or any its affiliates. The content provided is for general information and entertainment purposes only. Please seek professional advice before acting on any information contained within this web site. Any unauthorized reproduction is prohibited.


Add Your Own Comment

Please be short and to the point, and respect the other voices in the discussion. You may edit and delete comments for up to three days after date of post. We reserve the right to edit or delete inappropriate comments. For more information read our site policies »

In order to comment, you must be logged in. Login | Register

Help me with comments

20080401_AHTravel




Send This Person a Message


Email Article to a Friend


Become a Columnist
Are you an expert in your own field? Do you know somebody who is? Fill out our online form and tell us about it. We'll select and consider those who fit the bill!

 Global Right Column - Bottom
Advertisement