Things to do in Wailua
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Top 10 attractions in Wailua
Kauai Backcountry Adventures
Hanamaulu · 6.6 km from Wailua
Kauai
Kauai is located at the northern end of the Island of Hawai'i, is the fourth largest island in the archipelago, and is also a geologically ancient island. Years of erosion by wind and rain have left the mountains rounded and lush. The island is covered in dense tropical rainforests and crisscrossed by river valleys, with waterfalls hidden within, earning it the nickname "Garden Isle." The Waimea Canyon on the west side is known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," with reddish-brown rock walls layered with green vegetation; the Na Pali Coast on the north shore is famous for its nearly vertical, emerald-green sea cliffs. Roads do not reach this area, so to experience it up close, you can only take a boat, a helicopter, or hike the Kalalau Trail. Mount Waialeale in the center of the island has abundant rainfall and is one of the wettest places on Earth, giving rise to valleys full of rainforests and chains of waterfalls. The movie "Jurassic Park" was also filmed on the island. The island offers activities across sea, land, and air: taking a helicopter to overlook the canyons and sea cliffs is a signature local experience, offering views of waterfalls inaccessible by land; kayaking on the Wailua River to the Fern Grotto, cycling slowly along the east coast bike paths, snorkeling at Poipu Beach, or experiencing ziplining and horseback riding in the lush valleys are all well-established activities on the island.Kauai · 20 km from Wailua
Wailua River State Park
Along the eastern part of the island, you can enjoy beautiful waterfalls and lush jungle scenery on the calm Wailua River. In Hawaii, only Kauai has navigable rivers, and the Wailua River is one of the more popular. The 32-kilometer-long river originates from the 1569-meter-high Waialeale Mountain in the middle of the island and once flowed through 7 different temples. The Wailua River has two well-known and easily accessible waterfalls: Opaekaa Falls and Wailua Falls, and a guided canopy boat tour to FemGrotto. There are plenty of water activities to do here, from kayaking, pontoon canoeing, or boat rides to take in the wonderful views along the coast. From the boat you can also see Mount Nounou (Sleeping Giant) formed by the ridge between Wailua and Kapaa. When viewed from a distance, the mountain does look like a sleeping giant lying flat. You can also drive to admire the Wailua River, driving inland on the north side of the river, along the way to see special and sacred pool signs, including ancient temples, historical sites, Opaekaa Falls and Keahua Botanical Gardens.Kauai · 4.6 km from Wailua
Kilohana
Kilohana Plantation is located in Lihue, Kauai, Hawaii, offering a comprehensive attraction that blends history with modern leisure. Originally the estate of sugar plantation owner Gaylord Wilcox, it has been transformed into a recreational destination featuring art exhibitions, dining, shopping, and cultural experiences. Visitors can explore the estate's art galleries and craft shops, savor island-style cuisine made with local ingredients, or enjoy signature cocktails at the bar. Additionally, the plantation regularly hosts traditional Hawaiian luau dinners, featuring fire dancing, hula performances, and other cultural showcases. The plantation railway and tropical gardens also provide opportunities for visitors to connect with nature. With its relaxed and inviting atmosphere, Kilohana Plantation is perfect for a half-day or full-day itinerary to immerse in Hawaii's history and cultural charm.Kauai · 10.6 km from Wailua
Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is another waterfall on the island of Kauai that made its name in the opening scene of Neverland. Although the location of the waterfalls is a bit out of the way, it is a good photo spot when there is sufficient water and the surrounding tropical plants will be covered with a layer of water vapor.Kauai · 4.7 km from Wailua
Kauai's Hindu Monastery
Wailua Homesteads · 5.7 km from Wailua
Fern Grotto
Fern Cave is a tourist attraction on Kauai. Ferns hang like tender green bell stones from the 40-foot-high ceiling, covering the stone like a fairyland. The way to get to the cave is to take a boat up the Wailua River, a river in Hawaii that can be boated, and you can see countless charming scenery along the way. The Hawaiian chanting and the Hokolao show are the prelude to the visit to the Fern Cave.Kauai · 2.6 km from Wailua
Keālia Beach
Kealia Beach is a pristine sandy beach in Kealia. This beach has not been overly commercialized, maintaining its pristine purity and beautiful scenery. There are not many tourists, and facilities such as showers and toilets are provided on the beach, which is convenient for people to wash and change clothes after splashing in the water.Kauai · 6.2 km from Wailua
Kalapaki Beach
Lihue · 10.3 km from Wailua
Sacred Rudraksha Forest
Wailua Homesteads · 6.1 km from Wailua
Experiences you can't miss in Wailua
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Featured Outdoor experiences in Wailua
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Free things to do in Wailua
Kauai Backcountry Adventures
Hanamaulu · 6.6 km from WailuaKauai
Kauai · 20 km from WailuaWailua River State Park
Kauai · 4.6 km from WailuaKilohana
Kauai · 10.6 km from WailuaWailua Falls
Kauai · 4.7 km from WailuaKauai's Hindu Monastery
Wailua Homesteads · 5.7 km from WailuaFern Grotto
Kauai · 2.6 km from WailuaKeālia Beach
Kauai · 6.2 km from WailuaKalapaki Beach
Lihue · 10.3 km from WailuaSacred Rudraksha Forest
Wailua Homesteads · 6.1 km from Wailua
What travelers say about Wailua
Lavender and Sun10 April 2022
5.0
Kapaa, located on the shore of East Harbor, is the second largest town on the island, with many hotels, restaurants and tropical shopping malls. Local handicrafts include shell garlands, hand-sewn pillows and acacia gourd trees.
Kauai
New_York_Gossip29 January 2023
5.0
Wailua River Heritage is a scenic and historic area located on the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The Wailua River is considered one of the most sacred places on the island and is of great significance to the ancient Hawaiians.
The Wailua River is the only navigable river in the state of Hawaii and was an important transportation and trade route for the ancient Hawaiians. There are also many cultural and historical sites on the river, including the Wailua Complex of Heiaus, which is a national historic site.
We first drove to the viewing platform of Opaekaa Falls, which has a good view of the waterfall. The name Opaekaa means "rolling shrimp", which is appropriate because the waterfall is located in an area that was once inhabited by a large number of shrimp. The waterfall is about 150 feet (about 46 meters) high and is surrounded by lush tropical vegetation.
Then we walked from the Opaekaa Falls viewing platform to a small viewing platform across the road, which has a better view of the North Fork of the Wailua River.
You can also take a cruise to explore the river and learn about its history and culture. The area also offers many recreational activities, including kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and swimming.
Wailua River State Park
东张西望望东西23 January 2021
5.0
The island is a very beautiful place. It is worth experiencing when traveling to Hawaii. Kauai is also a place you can't miss. The unbeatable sea view and beautiful beaches here make it a very suitable place for vacation.
Kilohana
DEAR张小球11 January 2020
4.0
If compared with the Huangguoshu Waterfall in China, there is a big gap, but this is also a famous place in Hawaii, with beautiful mountains and rivers, lush greenery, and green plants everywhere. The scenery along the way is also very good when driving here.
Wailua Falls
小思文6 October 2019
5.0
There are many plants in the fern garden that are in the fern forest. The plants here are also very popular. There are many varieties of ferns, and the feeling is dense green. The plants are also protected.
Fern Grotto
泰宁根吴承恩20 December 2019
5.0
Kea Zongya Beach is a very long beach. We didn't walk to the end of the beach. The scenery is actually good, but there are not many people here, and there are no water entertainment projects. Everyone just looks at the sea view, takes a walk, or basks in the sun.
Keālia Beach