Wailua River

Wailua River SP https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/wailua-river-state-park https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wailua_River_State_Park Wailua River State Park and the Wailua Complex of Heiaus, which it includes, are located on the eastern side of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. The park consists primarily of the Wailua River valley, which is the only navigable river in Hawaii. Visitors to this park can kayak, take riverboat cruises and explore the rainforest. Even motorboats and water skiing are permissible on the river.

WAILUA AHUPUA‘A WAILUA COMPLEX OF HEIAU The Wailua ahupua‘a (traditional land division) ran from Mt. Waiale‘ale to Wailua Bay. The Wailua River runs the length of the ahupua‘a for a distance of 11.8 miles. The ridges of Nounou and Kälepa divide the ahupua‘a into the makai (seaward) portion called Wailua Kai and the mauka (upland) portion called Wailua Uka. Wailuanuiahoano, translated as the great, sacred Wailua, refers to the lower portion of the Wailua River basin and is named for an ali‘i who lived in the 14th Century. The Wailua Complex of Heiau was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962. Consisting of Poli‘ahu Heiau, Hikinaakalä Heiau, Kalaeokamanu Heiau, and Malae Heiau, these heiau denote the religious and social significance of the Wailua ahupua‘a to the history and culture of both Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i. Other sites within this historic complex are the royal birthsite at Holoholokü, the petroglyphs at the rivermouth, and the bellstone. Wailua River State Park was initially established in 1954 in recognition of the outstanding scenic and wilderness character of the Wailua River along with the significant historical, archaeological, geological and other scientific values. The heiau sites were included in the park in 1962 to promote preservation and public awareness of these important cultural resources. POLI‘AHU HEIAU WAILUA COMPLEX STATE OF HAWAI‘I Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of State Parks Special recognition is given to Nä Kahu Hikina A Ka Lä, a community volunteer group, for their hard work and dedication as the curators of Poli‘ahu Heiau. PRESERVE HAWAI‘I'S PAST FOR THE FUTURE Artwork by Frank Fellhauer A 10/97 AWAI TE KS H I Traditionally, food items were left as offerings at a heiau. Please do not wrap or move rocks and do not leave items such as coins, incense, or candles as they cause long‐term damage to this fragile resource. ST Wailua and Waimea were the two royal centers on Kaua‘i prior to Western contact. These royal centers were the political, religious, and social centers for Kaua‘i's paramount chiefs (ali‘i nui) who resided at these sites for much of the year. Certain areas, such as the heiau, were set aside exclusively for the ali‘i and priests. The maka‘äinana (commoners) supported this royal compound by farming the agricultural fields along the river, harvesting the inland fishpond, and fishing the ocean waters of Wailua Bay. The traditional Hawaiian religion was abolished in 1819 and missionaries arrived in 1820. Debora Kapule, former wife of Kaua‘i's king Kaumuali‘i, was an early convert to Christianity. When she lived in Wailua in 1830s, she is said to have used some heiau as animal pens. Today, these heiau are important reminders of Hawai‘i's past and a valuable link for the Hawaiian community to their cultural heritage. PA R Wailua River State Park Kaua‘i LUAKINI HEIAU No two heiau were constructed alike but there are certain features that are common to all luakini heiau. Within the walls of Poli‘ahu Heiau would be several features built of perishable materials, such as wood and pili grass. These structures were destroyed when the traditional Hawaiian religion was abolished in 1819. Today, only the stacked rock walls and stone foundations remain. ANU‘U or LANANU‘U MAMAO Oracle tower where the kähuna communicated with the gods. This structure often measured 20 feet or more in height and was a pole frame covered with kapa. LELE ALTAR This raised wooden platform was where the offerings for the gods were placed. Artist's rendering of Poli‘ahu Heiau as it may have looked as a luakini heiau in the 1700s. Poli‘ahu Heiau is situated on a bluff above the Wailua River with commanding views makai (seaward) to Wailua Bay and mauka (inland) to the ridges of Nounou and Kälepa and the peak called ‘A‘ähoaka. This is one of 7 heiau recorded along the Wailua River. It is uncertain when this heiau was built but based on historical traditions, its construction is attributed to the menehune which suggests some antiquity. It was probably in use during the 1600s and 1700s but may be older. Oftentimes, heiau were modified and enlarged by new ali‘i (chiefs) when they came to power. The walls enclose just over an acre and are constructed by locking the stacked rocks with no use of mortar. The walls, measuring 5 feet high and 5 feet wide, still show the craftsmanship of these rock wall builders. Rock was brought up to this bluff by many hands from the rivers below. The rock was used to build these walls and pave the interior floor. An interesting feature of this heiau is the notched corner along the east wall which appears to be a later construction. A large, complex heiau such as Poliçahu would have been built under the direction of an ali‘i nui (high ruling chief) in consultation with his kähuna (priests). The gathering and stacking of the rock was done by the maka‘äinana (commoners) who took time from their farming and fishing to built these sites. RE

WAILUA AHUPUA‘A The Wailua ahupua‘a (traditional land division) ran from Mt. Waiale‘ale to Wailua Bay. The Wailua River runs the length of the ahupua‘a for a distance of 11.8 miles. The ridges of Nounou and Kälepa divide the ahupua‘a into the makai (seaward) portion called Wailua Kai and the mauka (upland) portion called Wailua Uka. Wailuanuiaho‘ano, translated as the great, sacred Wailua, refers to the lower portion of the Wailua River basin and is named for an ali‘i who lived in the 14th Century. WAILUA COMPLEX OF HEIAU The Wailua Complex of Heiau was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1962. Consisting of Poliahu Heiau, Hikinaakalä Heiau, Kalaeokamanu Heiau, and Malae Heiau, these heiau denote the religious and social significance of the Wailua ahupua‘a to the history and culture of both Kaua‘i and Hawai‘i. Other sites within this historic complex are the royal birthsite at Holoholokü, the petroglyphs at the rivermouth, and the bellstone. Wailua River State Park was initially established in 1954 in recognition of the outstanding scenic and wilderness character of the Wailua River along with the significant historical, archaeological, geological and other scientific values. The heiau sites were included in the park in 1962 to promote preservation and public awareness of these important cultural resources. HIKINAAKALÃ HEIAU WAILUA COMPLEX OF HEIAU STATE OF HAWAI‘I Department of Land & Natural Resources Division of State Parks PRESERVE HAWAI‘I'S PAST FOR THE FUTURE Wooden kiçi (image) from Kauaçi Artwork by Frank Fellhauer A 10/97 AWAI TE KS H I Traditionally, food items were left as offerings at a heiau. Please do not wrap or move rocks and do not leave items such as coins, incense, or candles as they cause long‐term damage to this fragile resource. ST Wailua and Waimea were the two royal centers on Kaua‘i prior to Western contact. These royal centers were the political, religious, and social centers for Kaua‘i's paramount chiefs (ali‘i nui) who resided at these sites for much of the year. Certain areas, such as the heiau, were set aside exclusively for the ali‘i and priests. The maka‘äinana (commoners) supported this royal compound by farming the agricultural fields along the river, harvesting the inland fishpond, and fishing the ocean waters of Wailua Bay. The traditional Hawaiian religion was abolished in 1819 and missionaries arrived in 1820. Debora Kapule, former wife of Kaua‘i's king Kaumuali‘i, was an early convert to Christianity. When she lived in Wailua in 1830s, she is said to have used some heiau as animal pens. Today, these heiau are important reminders of Hawai‘i's past and a valuable link for the Hawaiian community to their cultural heritage. Special recognition is given to Nä Kahu Hikina A Ka Lä, a community volunteer group, for their hard work and dedication as the curators of Hikinaakalä Heiau. PA R Wailua River State Park Kaua‘i A CHANGING LANDSCAPE This site area has undergone many changes in the past 700 years. Believed to be one of the early sacred sites of Wailua, it was converted to a secular use when the traditional religion was abolished in 1819. Hikiniaakalä as it may have looked in the 1700s. E ala e Ka la i ka hikina I ka moana Ka moana hohonu Pi‘i i ka lewa Ka lewa nu‘u I ka hikina Aia ka la E ala e Awake O sun in the east From the deep ocean From the life in the ocean Climb to the heights To the sky above In the east There is the sun Awake Pualani Kanakaçole Hikinaakalä is translated as the rising of the sun. It is here that the rays of the sun rising in the eastern sky off Wailua first greet the shore of Kaua‘i. For centuries, the dawn was celebrated with prayers and chants at Hikinaakalä. The walls of this large rectangular enclosure encompass an acre of land at the mouth of the Wailua River. The walls were once described as 6 feet high and up to 11 feet wide on the southern wall. Today, you see only the parallel row of large, upright boulders that formed the foundation for these once massive walls. The labor force required to move and erect these stones attests to the power and authority of the ali‘i (chiefs) and their kähuna (priests) who oversaw the construction of such a site. Traditional history suggests that the site may have been built as early as the 1300s. The large size of this site suggests its importance but little is known about its function. Might astronomers have come here to mark the changing of the seasons by the rising of the sun on the horizon? What structures might have existed within these walls? Was there an entry through the wall? A row of wooden ki‘i (images) were placed outside the walled enclosure and faced the rivermouth. These ki‘i with their arms of kapa cloth watched over the site and were said to sway and tilt while being washed by the waters of Wailua. HAUOLA Hauola (dew of life) is the name passed down from ancient times for this place at the mouth of the Wailua River. Traditional history records a pu‘uhonua

Hawai‘i State Parks A Visitor's Guide to Park Resources and Recreational Opportunities STATE OF HAWAI‘I Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks Cover photograph of the Makua-Keawaula Section of Ka‘ena Point State Park, O‘ahu with remnants of the former railroad bed around Ka‘ena Point. Railroad at Ka‘ena Point, ca.1935 Hawaiian Historical Society Aloha and Welcome to Hawai‘i State Parks! Hawai‘i is the most remote land mass on earth. Its reputation for unsurpassed natural beauty is reflected in our parks that span mauka to makai (mountains to the sea). Hawai‘i’s state park system is comprised of 50 state parks, scenic waysides, and historic sites encompassing nearly 30,000 acres on the 5 major islands. The park environments range from landscaped grounds with developed facilities to wildland areas with rugged trails and primitive facilities. Outdoor recreation consists of a diversity of coastal and wildland recreational experiences, including picnicking, camping, lodging, ocean recreation, sightseeing, hiking, and pleasure walking. The park program protects, preserves, and interprets excellent examples of Hawai‘i’s natural and cultural history. The exceptional scenic areas are managed for their aesthetic values and developed for their superb views. We invite you to experience Hawai‘i, learn about its unique resources and history, and participate in outdoor recreation by visiting our parks. As you visit, please help us protect Hawai‘i’s fragile and irreplaceable resources for future generations by heeding the rules and posted safety signs. For more information, visit our websites at: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/ http://dlnr.hawaii.gov Use Caution - Be Safe Dangers and hazards exist in our parks and natural areas. Trails may be narrow and muddy with steep drop-offs. Flash floods can occur in streams with little warning. Ocean waves can knock you off your feet and sweep you out to sea. To have a safe park visit, stay on designated trails, heed safety signs, and do not cross streams when water levels rise. Always check weather conditions before going and use official sources of information to plan your visit. Funding for the printing of this brochure provided by the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority. -2- TABLE OF CONTENTS General Information 4 Permits 5 Camping & Lodging Permits 5 Permits for Nāpali Coast State Park 6 Group Use Permits 9 Special Use Permits 9 Forest Reserve Trails 9 Hunting and Fishing 9 General Park Rules 10 Safety Tips 10 Water Safety 11 Outdoor Safety 12 Interpretive Program 13 Park Guide 16 Park Descriptions Island of Hawai‘i 14 Island of Kaua‘i 21 Island of Maui 24 Island of Moloka‘i 25 Island of O‘ahu 26 STATE PARKS KEY SP SHP SHS SM SPR SRA SRP SSS SW SWP State Park State Historical Park State Historic Site State Monument State Park Reserve State Recreation Area State Recreation Pier State Scenic Shoreline State Wayside State Wilderness Park FACILITIES ACTIVITIES Cabins/Lodging Beach Activities Campgrounds Snorkeling & Diving Picnic Areas Fishing Boat Ramps Hiking (Trail over 1 Scenic Lookouts Walking (Paved path less than 1 mile long) Food Concession Boat Tours mile in length) (Concessionaire) -3- Revised 5/17 GENERAL INFORMATION State parks are open year-round. Fees are charged for various accommodations, guided tours of ‘Iolani Palace, and riverboat cruises on the Wailua River. Entry and parking fees are charged at some parks. Refer to the attached fee schedule, check the website, or call the telephone numbers provided for more information about fees, hours, and special uses. For permits and information, contact the district offices and park concessionaires (*) listed below. FEES, PERMIT REQUIREMENTS, AND OFFICE HOURS ARE SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE. HAWAI‘I DISTRICT O‘AHU DISTRICT KAUA‘I DISTRICT MAUI DISTRICT *THE LODGE AT KŌKE‘E *MĀLAEKAHANA (KAHUKU SECTION) 1151 Punchbowl Street,#310 Honolulu, HI 96813 (808) 587-0300 Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm 75 Aupuni Street, #204 Hilo, HI 96720-4245 (808) 961-9540 Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm 54 S. High Street, #101 Wailuku, HI 96793 (808) 984-8109 Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm 3060 Eiwa Street, #306 Līhu‘e, HI 96766-1875 (808) 274-3444 Hours: Monday to Friday 8:00am to 3:30pm P.O. Box 367 Waimea, HI 96796-0367 (808) 335-6061 www.thelodgeatkokee.net Contact: info@thelodgeatkokee.net Hours: 9:00am to 4:00pm NOTE: Offices are closed on weekends and State holidays. Please check website for current operator contact information. *HE‘EIA STATE PARK Kama‘aina Kids (808) 235-6509 (fax: 235-6519) information@heeiastatepark.org www.heeiastatepark.org REFUNDS & CHANGES NO REFUNDS WILL BE GIVEN IF REQUESTED LESS THAN 15 DAYS IN ADVANCE OF CHECK-IN DATE. Refunds for credit card purchases will be credited electronically to your account, minus non-refundable administrative fee and

5/8/01 4:24 PM Page 1 During the Hike In An Emergency What is Na Ala Hele? Stay on the Trail Call 911: Ask for Fire/Rescue. Tell them which trail Most accidents happen when hikers leave the established trail and disregard warning signs. Staying on the trail greatly reduces your chances of having a serious fall or getting lost. Hawaiian forests are not like mainland forests—the growth is very dense, and it is easy to become disoriented. Thick overgrowth can mask dangerously steep drop-offs. Thin, sharp lava rock can crack beneath your weight above deep holes or lava tubes. you’re on and what happened. Na Ala Hele (NAH) is the State of Hawai‘i Trail and Access Program. NAH was initially created in response to public concern about the increasing loss of access to trails and the threat to historic trails from development pressures. Currently, NAH is also increasingly engaged in multiple trail use and management issues such as regulating commercial use, conducting trail improvement for resource management, improving user safety, disseminating trailrelated information, and determining the current ownership of historic government trails in efforts to protect these routes for potential use by future generations. Be Visible: Wear or wave a brightly colored item in an open area during the day. At night, use a flashlight or camera flash. Be Noisy: Use a whistle to attract attention. Stay Calm: Objectively assess your situation before mak- Stay Together ing any decision. Stay calm and positive. Hikers separated from their partners are more apt to make a wrong turn or lose the established trail. Keep track of each other, and regroup periodically, especially near junctions or when the trail gets obscure. Monitor everyone’s condition. Dehydration, sunstroke, hypothermia, and fatigue can hit even experienced hikers. chances of getting into further trouble, especially after dark, by staying in one place. This is why it is important to notify someone of your hike location and destination. Avoid Undue Risks Stay Warm: Wind and Climbing waterfalls and following narrow ridgelines or gulches off the trail can place you in danger. Rock climbing is extremely dangerous due to the crumbly and porous nature of the volcanic rock. There have been fatal accidents from crumbling rock...don’t take the chance. rain can drain your body of warmth, and be life-threatening. Get out of the wind and use your rain gear or extra clothes to stay warm. Stay Put: You will be found more quickly and reduce the When might you need emergency assistance? • When an injury or illness prevents walking. • When extremely bad weather hits. • When it’s too dark to see. • When you’re extremely fatigued or dehydrated. • When you’re disoriented or lost. Monitor the Weather Keep an eye on the sky. When hiking into valleys or crossing streams, be mindful of rain conditions along the mountain top or ridges that can suddenly raise the water level in the stream. Use extreme caution if attempting to cross a swollen stream...rushing water is very powerful. It is better to find an alternative route, or wait until the water subsides. Watch the Time Hawai‘i does not have daylight savings time, and night falls quickly in the tropics. Getting a late start increases the possibility of getting caught in the dark. Know your turnaround time and stick to it to allow enough time to return. If you’re caught by darkness, stay put unless you are very familiar with the trail and have a flashlight. Hiking Safely This brochure is subject to Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 504 of Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, and offers all persons the opportunity to participate in programs or activities regardless of race, color , national origin, age, sex, or disability. Further, it is agreed that no individual will be turned away from or otherwise denied access to or benefit from any program or activity that is directly associated with a program of the recipient on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, sex (in educational activities), or disability. • When you’re stranded, scared, and unable to move. Na Ala Hele deeply appreciates any public interest and desire to assist in the stewardship of trails in Hawai‘i. Trails require continuous attention to insure the quality of the trail experience, the safety of the trail users, and for the proper management of the natural and cultural resources. Na Ala Hele relies frequently on community volunteers for providing the essential person-power to conduct trail restoration or construction projects. For more information, contact the Na Ala Hele staff on your island: O‘ahu: Maui, Moloka‘i, Lāna‘i: Kaua‘i: Big Island: I N H A W A I ‘ I (808) 973-9782 (808) 873-3508 (808) 274-3433 (808) 974-4217 A portion of the content of this brochure was originally created throu