Things to Do in Wailua River State Park
Wailua River State Park is a state park located on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. The park is centered around the Wailua River, the only navigable river in Hawaii, which flows through lush rainforests and verdant valleys. This area features diverse terrain, including the prominent Nounou Mountain ridge and several waterfalls, providing varied landscapes for outdoor activities. The geography of Wailua River State Park supports several sports like road cycling, jogging, hiking, and touring cycling.
Things to Do in Wailua River State Park
Wailua River State Park offers 4 routes across several sports, catering to various outdoor interests. More than 17,000 visitors have shared their experiences in Wailua River State Park, resulting in an average rating of 4.72 out of 5 stars. Hikers can explore trails that lead through rainforests and ascend Nounou Mountain, offering expansive views, as detailed in guides like Hiking in Wailua River State Park. For cyclists, the nearby Ke Ala Hele Makalae, also known as the Kapaa Bike Path, provides a multi-use paved path suitable for road cycling and touring, with stunning coastal views. Information on these routes can be found in Road Cycling Routes in Wailua River State Park. Joggers will find suitable paths and trails within the park and surrounding areas, offering scenic backdrops for runs, with options highlighted in Running Trails in Wailua River State Park.
56
Routes
4.6
(168)
Average rating
2746
People visited
4.9
(34)
295
hikers
5.32km
01:32
130m
130m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.8
(28)
355
hikers
Hard hike. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.7
(16)
241
hikers
4.04km
01:06
60m
60m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(3)
209
hikers
3.13km
00:51
50m
50m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.8
(6)
93
riders
24.3km
01:27
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.9
(10)
225
riders
16.1km
00:57
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.7
(7)
164
riders
16.3km
00:58
90m
90m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
23
riders
12.4km
00:44
30m
30m
Easy bike ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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4.0
(1)
12
riders
63.5km
03:15
570m
570m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
3
riders
46.0km
02:12
410m
410m
Moderate road ride. Good fitness required. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
1
riders
25.4km
01:16
290m
280m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
27.5km
01:15
240m
240m
Easy road ride. Great for any fitness level. Mostly well-paved surfaces and easy to ride.
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2
runners
7.37km
00:52
110m
110m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
4.0
(1)
126
runners
9.65km
01:00
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(2)
108
runners
12.2km
01:15
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
83
runners
6.71km
00:42
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Frequently asked questions
What is Wailua River State Park?
Wailua River State Park is a state park on Kauai, Hawaii, centered around the Wailua River. It features diverse terrain, including Nounou Mountain and several waterfalls, and holds significant cultural and historical importance as a former royal capital.
What outdoor activities are available in Wailua River State Park?
Wailua River State Park offers opportunities for hiking, jogging, road cycling, and touring cycling. The park and surrounding areas feature various trails and paths suitable for these activities. More information can be found in guides like Hiking in Wailua River State Park.
What are the main attractions in Wailua River State Park?
Key attractions include Wailua Falls, Opaeka'a Falls, and Secret Falls. The Fern Grotto, Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant), and the Wailua Complex of Heiau, a National Historic Landmark, are also notable sites. The Kamokila Hawaiian Village offers cultural insights.
Are there hiking trails in Wailua River State Park?
The park offers various hiking trails, including the Uluwehi Falls loop (Secret Falls) and trails ascending Nounou Mountain. These trails cater to different fitness levels and provide scenic views. Explore options in Hiking in Wailua River State Park.
Where can I go road cycling in Wailua River State Park?
While the immediate state park trails are primarily for hiking, the nearby Ke Ala Hele Makalae, also known as the Kapaa Bike Path, is an excellent multi-use paved path for road cycling and touring. This path offers ocean views along its 15.1-mile (24.3 km) length. Find routes in Road Cycling Routes in Wailua River State Park.
Are there jogging trails in Wailua River State Park?
The park and surrounding areas offer suitable paths and trails for jogging, providing scenic backdrops for runs. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae (Kapaa Bike Path) is also a popular option for joggers. Refer to Running Trails in Wailua River State Park for more details.
Are there family-friendly activities in Wailua River State Park?
Yes, the park offers family-friendly hiking options, such as the Uluwehi Falls loop. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae (Kapaa Bike Path) is also suitable for families cycling together. Discover more in Family-friendly hikes in Wailua River State Park.
Are there easy trails for beginners in Wailua River State Park?
Beginners can find easy hiking trails within the park, such as the Uluwehi Falls loop. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae (Kapaa Bike Path) is also an easy, paved option for cycling. Consult Easy hikes in Wailua River State Park for suitable routes.
Is the Wailua River open for boating?
As of April 9, 2026, the river waters of Wailua River State Park are closed to vessels due to the potential for flash flooding. Visitors should monitor official updates for current conditions.
How popular is Wailua River State Park for outdoor activities on komoot?
Wailua River State Park is a popular destination, with more than 17,000 visitors sharing their experiences on komoot. The routes in the park have an average rating of 4.72 out of 5 stars. There are 4 routes available across various sports.
What komoot guides are available for Wailua River State Park?
Komoot offers several guides for the park, including Road Cycling Routes in Wailua River State Park, Hiking in Wailua River State Park, and Running Trails in Wailua River State Park. Other guides cover easy, family-friendly, and waterfall hikes.
How can I contact Wailua River State Park?
The official website for Wailua River State Park is part of the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) State Parks website. The phone number for the park is 808-274-3444.
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