Wailua Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wailua Falls |
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A view from the top of Wailua Falls
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Location | Wailua River State Park on Kauai, Hawaii |
Coordinates | 22°02′16″N 159°22′54″W / 22.03778°N 159.38167°W |
Type | Plunge |
Total height | 84 feet (26 m) |
Number of drops | 2 |
Watercourse | South Fork Wailua River |
Wailua Falls is a beautiful waterfall located on the island of Kauai. Kauai is part of the US state of Hawaii. This amazing waterfall is about 84 feet (26 meters) tall.
You can find Wailua Falls on the South Fork of the Wailua River. It is close to the town of Lihue. Many people recognize these falls because they were shown in the opening credits of the old TV series Fantasy Island.
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Exploring Wailua Falls
Wailua Falls is a popular spot for visitors. You can see the falls from a viewing area. This area is easy to reach from the parking lot.
Paths to the Bottom
There are paths that lead down to the bottom of the falls. These paths can be very muddy. They can also be quite slippery, so it is important to be careful. One path is less steep than the other. It is a bit further from the parking lot.
Ancient Traditions
In the past, Hawaiian men would sometimes jump from the top of the falls. This was a way to show their bravery and strength. It was an important tradition in ancient times.
Safety at the Falls
Today, jumping from Wailua Falls is very dangerous. It is also against the law. The rocks can be slippery, and the water currents are strong. People have been seriously hurt trying to jump.
For example, in 2016, a person jumped from the falls. They were knocked out by the impact. Luckily, someone in the pool helped save them. This shows how risky jumping can be.
The pool at the bottom of the falls is good for swimming. However, you should stay away from the area right near the waterfall. The currents there can be very swift.
Nearby Waterfalls
Another interesting waterfall is close to Wailua Falls. It is called 'Opaeka'a Falls. You might want to visit both if you are exploring the area.