Wailuku River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wailuku River |
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Waiānuenue (Rainbow) Falls on the Wailuku River
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| Country | United States |
| State | Hawaii |
| Region | Big Island |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Slopes of Mauna Kea 19°48′26″N 155°25′13″W / 19.80722°N 155.42028°W |
| River mouth | Pacific Ocean Hilo Bay 19°43′40″N 155°5′15″W / 19.72778°N 155.08750°W |
| Length | 28.0 mi (45.1 km) |
| Depth |
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| Basin features | |
| Basin size | 252.2 sq mi (653 km2) |
The Wailuku River is a 28-mile (45 km) long river on the Island of Hawaiʻi. It is the longest river in Hawaiʻi. It also carries the most water in the state.
The river starts high up on the eastern side of Mauna Kea mountain. It flows steeply downhill and empties into the Pacific Ocean at Hilo.
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Fun Places to Visit
Wailuku River State Park is a popular spot along the lower part of the river. One famous place in the park is Rainbow Falls. You can often see rainbows in the mist around the falls on sunny mornings.
Another part of the park has Peʻepeʻe Falls. Nearby, you'll find an area called the Boiling Pots. These are a series of small waterfalls and pools. They look like they are boiling because of the bubbling water.
Stay Safe at the River
The lower part of the river is a fun place for swimming and floating on tubes. However, it's important to be very careful. The Wailuku River, especially the Boiling Pots, can be dangerous. It accounts for a quarter of all river drowning deaths in Hawaiʻi. Always follow safety warnings and be aware of strong currents.
How the River Helps Us
The lower part of the river is used to create hydroelectricity. This means the power of the flowing water is used to make electricity. The river's flow at Hilo averages about 275 cubic feet per second. During heavy rains, the flow can be 40 times stronger!
Keeping the River Healthy
Scientists are studying the Wailuku River to make sure its water stays clean. There are plans to help restore the health of Hilo Bay, which includes looking after the Wailuku River.
What's in a Name?
In the Hawaiian language, wai means fresh water and luku means destruction. So, Wailuku essentially means "River of Destruction." This name comes from how quickly the river can rise during floods. You can even see old flood marks on the stairs behind the Hilo Public Library.
According to an old Hawaiian legend, the river was created during a battle. The god Maui fought against a lizard monster named Kuna.
Adventure on the River
For expert kayakers, the Wailuku River offers a big challenge. It is rated as Class 5 white water. This means it has very difficult rapids that only experienced paddlers should try.
How Much Water Flows?
The United States Geological Survey (USGS) keeps track of how much water flows in the Wailuku River. This helps them understand the river's behavior. On average, the river carries about 10 tons of dirt and sand into Hilo Bay every day.
See also
In Spanish: Río Wailuku para niños
