.: Wailua River State Park, Kauai, HI :.

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Wailua River State Park
by ALOHA DEAN

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	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, heias, 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.		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.		Click for Holoholoku Heiau VR Holoholoku Heiau was a luakini, where human sacrifices were performed.
	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.		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 p?haku (stone) was where the baby’s umbilical cord was left to ensure the child’s health.		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.		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.		Click for Opaekaa Falls VR This fall cannot be accessed by river
	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.		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!		Click for River Cruise VR
	Wailua River State Park - Fern Grotto Area and Boat access		Click for VR
	At the Fern Grotto landing, you’ll enjoy a short nature walk through the rainforest to the lush Fern Grotto.		Click for VR
			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.		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.		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.		Click for VR