Waimea River (Hawaii) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Waimea |
|
| River | |
| Country | United States |
|---|---|
| State | Hawaii |
| Region | Kauai |
| Source | Alaka'i Swamp |
| - coordinates | 22°05′25″N 159°39′19″W / 22.09028°N 159.65528°W |
| Mouth | |
| - location | Waimea, Kauai County, Hawaii |
| - coordinates | 21°57′17″N 159°39′35″W / 21.95472°N 159.65972°W |
| Length | 12 mi (19 km) |
The Waimea River is a beautiful river located on the island of Kauai in the amazing U.S. state of Hawaii. It flows for about 12 miles, making its way through the landscape. Rivers like the Waimea are super important for the environment and for people.
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Waimea River: A Hawaiian Treasure
The Waimea River is a key natural feature on Kauai. It helps shape the land and provides a home for many plants and animals. Understanding rivers helps us learn about geography and history.
Where Does the Waimea River Start and End?
Every river has a beginning and an end! The Waimea River starts in the Alaka'i Swamp. This swamp is a very wet and unique place on Kauai. From there, the river flows all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Its journey ends near the town of Waimea, Kauai County, Hawaii. This is where the fresh river water mixes with the salty ocean water. This area is often called an estuary, which is a special habitat.
How Long is the Waimea River?
The Waimea River is about 12 miles long. To give you an idea, that's like walking or biking for a few hours! Even though it's not one of the longest rivers in the world, it's very important to Kauai. Its length allows it to flow through different types of land.
Life Along the Waimea River
Long ago, many people lived in the valleys around the Waimea River. They also lived near its tributary, the Makaweli River. A tributary is a smaller stream or river that flows into a larger one. These rivers provided fresh water, food, and a way to travel.
The valleys were perfect places for communities to grow. People used the river for farming and daily life. The rich history of these valleys shows how important rivers are to human settlements.
Why Rivers are Important
Rivers like the Waimea are vital for many reasons. They provide fresh water for drinking and farming. They also create habitats for fish, birds, and other wildlife. Rivers can also be used for fun activities like kayaking or fishing.
They also play a big role in shaping the land. Over many years, rivers can carve out valleys and canyons. The Waimea River has helped create the beautiful landscapes you see on Kauai today.
