Wailua River

Wailua River is Kauai's east-side river valley, known for kayaking, riverboat tours, Fern Grotto, ancient sites, waterfall views and lush scenery.

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Wailua River, Kauai

The Wailua River on Kauai is the only navigable river in the entire state of Hawaii. It is fed by two main waterfalls. Rains from Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest locations on Earth, with an abundant 480 inches (12,192 mm) of rain per year, also help to feed the river.

For those wanting a bit of a challenge on their Kauai vacation, a trip down the river to the legendary Fern Grotto is a wonderful way to see the beauty of the natural habitat of the "Garden Isle" up close. You can travel on the river by kayak or canoe.

Boat tours are also available and will take you to Fern Grotto as well. The boats are open-air and guarantee a 360-degree view of all the beautiful scenery. The luxuriant river valley once served as the capital of ancient Kauai. It was held to be a sacred place for the island’s "ali'i," or royalty.

Key Features

Kauai's scenic east-side river valley
Known as Hawaii's only navigable river
Riverboat tours travel inland toward Fern Grotto
Kayaking and canoeing are common ways to see the river
Wailua Valley was an important chiefly and sacred area in old Hawaii
Wailua Complex of Heiau is part of Wailua River State Park
Nearby views include Wailua Falls, Opaekaa Falls and the river valley
State park hours are currently 7:00 am to 7:45 pm daily
Current non-resident fees are $5 entry and $10 non-commercial vehicle parking
Hawaii residents enter and park free with valid Hawaii ID or driver's license

Daily Activity Picks

Featured Kauai Activities

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is Wailua River historically important?

Wailua Valley was once a major center of chiefly power on Kauai. The area includes heiau, refuge sites and birthstones connected with old Hawaii.

What makes Wailua River different from most Hawaii rivers?

Wailua River is widely known as Hawaii's only navigable river, which is why visitors can travel inland by riverboat, kayak or canoe.

Where does the water in Wailua River come from?

The river is fed by rain, streams and waterfalls from Kauai's wet interior, including the slopes of Mount Waialeale.

What is the Wailua Complex of Heiau?

The Wailua Complex of Heiau is a group of ancient Hawaiian sites in the river valley, including places of worship, refuge sites and royal birthstones.

Why is Fern Grotto associated with Wailua River?

Fern Grotto is reached by traveling along Wailua River, so many visitors connect the river scenery with the grotto's fern-covered lava-rock setting.