Hikinaakala Heiau
State park · Kauai County ·

Hikinaakala Heiau

State park · Kauai County ·

Explore Hawaii's only navigable river, ancient temples, and Fern Grotto

sacred hawaiian place
wailua river
ocean view
beach cleanup
driftwood
nice place to visit
historical signs
nice access to river mouth
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by Photo by age fotostock
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null
Hikinaakala Heiau by null

Information

Nalu Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746 Get directions

Wheelchair accessible entrance
Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Information

Static Map

Nalu Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746 Get directions

dlnr.hawaii.gov

Features

•Wheelchair accessible entrance
•Wheelchair accessible parking lot

Last updated

Jan 28, 2026

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"Take a riverboat up the Wailua—which translates asthe "river of the great sacred spirit"—fed by the Mount Waialeale shield volcano, one of the wettest spots on the planet. Seven temples once stood along Hawaii's longest and only navigable freshwater passage.Today, the remains of four are still visible, alongside petroglyphs and rocks where the island's alii (royalty) would give birth. Stretch your legs at the stunning Fern Grotto: Verdant plants blanket the roof of the volcanic-rock cave there. Smith’s offers 80-minute tours there on open-air boats, which include the songs and stories of ancient Hawai'I, plus a bonus hula lesson (smithskauai.com)."

Best Things to do in Hawai‘i
Photo by age fotostock
Hikinaakala Heiau

LC 4.

Google
This mound of rocks was once a sacred Hawaiian temple at the mouth of the Wailua River, and it is a nice place to visit as it has nice access to the Wailua River mouth, some historical signs and information.

Liubov T.

Google
The place is very picturesque, a beautiful beach with a wonderful view of the ocean. A very good idea is a fenced pool with emerald-colored sea water. Very convenient for families with small children. Very clean area. Quite windy. Nearby there is a huge interesting playground where you can have fun with your children.

Krystal M.

Google
This is just in front of the Hilton Garden Inn and its beautiful! You can swim and snorkel safely as it is blocked from the surrounding rocks

Aloha Mike's N.

Google
Today was beach cleanup day at the state park. Many people cleaning all the driftwood from the beach. Nice tide pools with sea wall so the kids do not get attacked by the ocean waves. This park is nicely maintained and clean. Free parking allowed. Some camping it says also barbecue but you must bring your own stuff.

Scotty P.

Google
I really like spending time at this Sacred area right off the Wailua River facing eastward towards the Pacific. It's almost always breezy there and there's a variety of rocks to kick back against or scramble around as you like. The view is always magnificent and it's pretty peaceful at the Heiau. It is a sacred Hawaiian place and it must be revered and rocks should not be moved or taken from the area. It's not the best place to go out into the ocean because the river is nearby. When you go around the corner a little bit that's where the parking lot is and larger crowds assemble. There are condominiums towards the road in a large open field with a pavilion next to it that people can use for games, concerts, and assemblies. A little further down is a disc golf course which is free to play.g

Siaumin F.

Google
Beautiful beach, so fun to swim. We saw some fishes but not much. There was a Portuguese man-of-war in the swimming area.

Travis L.

Google
Any unique little beach camping spot. The park was nice and clean. The beach had a lot of driftwood on it so creating campfire would be easy. Quite a bit of surf to play in.

Jim M.

Google
Great hike, muddy it the views are awesome! Make sure to go all the way to the top