Wailua Falls at the end of HI Route 583, carving a bowl in the western edge of Wailua River State Park.


On the other side of the river, from Kuamo`o Rd. (HI Route 580). The Wailua River region was known as Wailuanuiho`ano (sacred Wailua of the chief Ho`ano) since that chief lived in the 14th century, and became one of many sanctuaries around the island where fugitives from crime or war could enter and be guaranteed safety. Those sanctuaries functioned like prisons anyway, requiring the fugitives to stay a certain length of time and help maintain the site. In wartime, the priest guarding the sanctuary could kill intruders who didn't abandon their pursuit.


`Opaeka`a Falls on the eponymous stream, a northern tributary of the Wailua River. `Opae are the native freshwater shrimp that would tumble (ka`a) up and down the falls - yes, they are that strong.


Wildflowers adorn the `Opaeka`a scenery on the north side of the road.


The Wailua River itself is on the south side of the road. In the distance is Kawaikini, the highest point on the island at just under a mile (and even closer to a metric mile).

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