Video:Tips for Visiting the Wailua River Valley
with Molly WheelerHawaii's Wailua River Valley is a popular tourist destination for its kayak tours and rich history. Watch this About.com travel video to learn more about Wailua River Valley's sacred culture and serene landscape.See Transcript
Transcript:Tips for Visiting the Wailua River Valley
Aloha! I’m Molly Wheeler for About.Com. Welcome to the Wailua River Valley on the east coast of Kauai.
Tour Wailua River Valley in a Kayak
An important agricultural region and home to many of Kauai’s royalty, the Wailua River Valley is rich in history and sacred cultural importance.
As you turn in off the Kuhio highway onto Kuamoo road, there are several places to rent kayaks or arrange tours. Most kayak tours are between 4-5 hours long, and some include lunch. Call ahead to make sure the time you want is open, as often they fill quickly. The remains of the Coco Palms Hotel are here too, destroyed in Hurricane Iniki in 1992.
Historical Sites in the Wailua River Valley
Opaekaa Falls, at the mouth of the Wailua River, is the site of many heiaus, or remains of places of worship. Across from the falls is the reconstructed Hawaiian village at Kamokila which shows how Hawaiians lived hundreds of years ago. The 4 acres has many traditional huts. Peacocks roam the grounds, and there are many historically important plants and flowers throughout.
You can also rent a kayak at Kamokila village to explore the Wailua River. There is a fee to visit the village.
While motorboats are also available, many people choose the quiet ride of the kayak so they can meld with lush serenity sheltering the river.
Wailua, land of kings, was said to be said to be King Kaumuali'i's favorite place to live. At night it is said that ghost warriors walk the ancient trails along the river adding a layer of mystery to this beautiful historic river.
I hope you have enjoyed your visit to Wailua River Valley. I’m Molly Wheeler for About.Com wishing you Aloha and Mahalo.