The Wailua River is the only navigable river in the islands. It begins at Kauai's heart and the wettest place on earth, Mt. Waialeale, and flows all the way to the ocean. Along the way, other smaller streams feed in. The river's many forks create several waterfalls, such as Wailua, a 900-ft double spouted waterfall at the southern end of the river. Kayaking is one of the major activities on the Wailua.
Wailua River access needs direct confirmation. DLNR’s October 23, 2026 notice lists limited Wailua River and designated landing/trailhead access. Its October 29 notice names Hāʻena and the first Waimea Canyon Lookout as exceptions, then says all other Kauaʻi state parks remain closed without naming Wailua. These notices do not give a consistent current access instruction for Wailua. Defer Wailua River outings until DLNR confirms permitted access. Hiking beyond the trailhead and Uluwehi Falls (Secret Falls) remain closed. Individual kayakers may not enter Fern Grotto. Confirm any commercial departure separately with its operator. The DLNR park notices and Wailua park page contain the differing instructions. Do not follow the outing directions below unless DLNR confirms access. Check Travel Alerts before choosing an alternative.
Near the mouth of the river are several large rocks with ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs. The river enters the ocean at Wailua Bay near the town of Wailua on Highway 56. There is an excellent lookout for the Wailua River just before mile marker 2 on Kuamo'o Road (Highway 580).
Wailua River State Park Fees
Non-resident visitors are now required to pay $5 per person (entry) and $10 per vehicle (parking) at Wailua River State Park locations, including the popular ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls overlook. Hawaiʻi residents continue to park free. Your receipt functions as a day pass that covers all Wailua River State Park sites for the same day. The Wailua River corridor is culturally significant to Native Hawaiians and contains some of the oldest rock work on Kauai. Read more about the fees.
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Non-residents: $5 per person + $10 per vehicle. Receipt works as a day pass for all Wailua River State Park sites.
Planning your trip? Hawaii has introduced new visitor fees and reservation requirements for popular attractions, beaches, and state parks. It pays to plan ahead — some sites require advance reservations or turn away visitors who arrive without paying.
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Dry conditions on Oʻahu today, with breezy wind in exposed areas. Drier weather continues through Wednesday as moisture clears out.
A medium-sized northwest swell will bring elevated surf to north and west-facing shores tonight through Sunday morning—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. Winds remain breezy through Sunday, easing slightly Monday and Tuesday before picking up again Wednesday. A Small Craft Advisory is active through Monday morning for most coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Scattered showers arrive Thursday into Friday.
South and west shore beaches work well through Sunday for calmer conditions. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're drawn to bigger waves.
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Skies are drying out across Maui today through Wednesday as moisture clears. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed and terrain-favored spots.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell moves in—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then strengthen again Wednesday. The next chance of scattered showers arrives Thursday through Friday.
If you're heading to the beach, south and west shores are your best bet through Sunday. North shore is worth watching tonight and Sunday morning if you're into bigger waves.
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Mostly clear and dry today on the Big Island, with noticeably breezy winds in exposed areas and terrain-favored spots. That breeze continues through Sunday.
North and west-facing shores will see elevated surf tonight into Sunday morning as a medium-sized northwest swell arrives—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. South shores stay small. A Small Craft Advisory covers most coastal waters through Monday morning due to wind and sea conditions. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive statewide Thursday to Friday.
Head to the south and west shores for beach and snorkeling through Sunday. If bigger waves interest you, the north shore has surf to watch tonight into Sunday morning.
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Drier air is moving in through Wednesday. Winds will be noticeably breezy, especially in exposed areas.
Tonight into Sunday morning, a medium-sized northwest swell will push elevated surf onto the north and west shores—conditions may briefly reach advisory levels. East-facing shores stay rough through the weekend. A Small Craft Advisory is in effect through Monday morning for coastal waters due to wind and sea state. Winds ease slightly late Monday and Tuesday, then pick up again Wednesday. Scattered showers arrive Thursday or Friday.
Hit the south and west shores for swimming and snorkeling through Sunday. If you want to watch big waves, the north shore is worth a look tonight into Sunday morning.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
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