Wailua River Lookout


For views of Kauaʻi's most sacred river.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby attractions

1. ʻOpaekaʻa Falls Lookout

0.07 MILES

While not a showstopper, these 150ft-high waterfalls make for an easy roadside stop, less than 2 miles up Kuamoʻo Rd. For the best photographs, go in the…

2. Wailua River State Park

0.16 MILES

To ancient Hawaiians, the Wailua River was among the most sacred places across the islands. The river basin, near its mouth, was one of the island’s two…

3. Poliʻahu Heiau

0.2 MILES

Perched high on a hill overlooking the meandering Wailua River, well-preserved Poliʻahu Heiau, a luakini (temple dedicated to war god Ku), is named after…

4. Kamokila Hawaiian Village

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This 4-acre site along the Wailua River has reproductions of traditional Hawaiian structures amid thriving gardens of guava, mango and banana trees. While…

5. Smith's Tropical Paradise

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Other gardens might have fancier landscaping, but you can’t beat Smith’s for value. Take a leisurely stroll along a mile-long loop trail past a serene…

6. Holoholoku Heiau

1.21 MILES

Thought to be the oldest luakini (temple dedicated to the war god Ku, often a place for human sacrifice) on the island, Holoholoku Heiau is located a…

7. Hikina'akala Heiau

1.4 MILES

In the sacred Waimea River Valley, the Hikinaʻakala Heiau sits south of the Wailua River mouth, which is today the north end of Lydgate Beach Park. In its…

8. Coco Palms Resort

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In decades past, it was Kauaʻi's most iconic beachfront resort hotel.