A Secluded State Park In Hawaii Features Stunning Waterfalls, Trails, And A Rare Hindu Temple

Even before it officially became a state in 1959, Hawaii was already one of America's top tourist destinations. And it's no surprise why. Hawaii features some of the world's most beautiful beaches, epic waves ripe for surfing, gorgeous tropical forests, and a climate that's warm year-round. With amenities like these, Hawaii is an obvious vacation stop for the 9 to 10 million people who visit each year. 

Much of Hawaii's tourism focuses on a few popular spots. Top Hawaiian beaches like Waikīkī and Kailua Beach, historical memorials like Pearl Harbor, and national parks like Hawaii Volcanoes draw most of the focus for Hawaiian visitors. And with tourists now outnumbering resident Hawaiians five to one, anyone planning an upcoming trip to the Aloha State may want to look for ways to experience Hawaii's immense beauty without contributing to overtourism problems. 

The good news is that Hawaii has numerous hidden gems known mostly to the locals that let you enjoy the state's natural beauty, history, and culture away from the crowded tourist areas. One particularly worthwhile example is the gorgeous Wailua River State Park. Located on the ancient island of Kauai and preserving a complex landscape of both natural and historical heritage, Wailua River State Park is the perfect off-the-beaten-path destination for anyone looking to avoid tourist traps on their Hawaiian vacation. 

Of Hawaii's four main islands, Kauai is the least-visited, seeing only around 12.6% of Hawaiian visitors in 2023. Kauai is also the northernmost of Hawaii's main islands, and, at around 3.8 million years old, the oldest as well. This unique combination of low tourism, ancient landscapes, and a distinctive history makes Kauai a superb under-the-radar destination. 

Among Kauai's top outdoor stops are Waimea Canyon State Park (aka, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific") and the beautiful (but dangerous) hike to the Weeping Wall waterfalls. In this context, Wailua River State Park is the perfect "hidden gem" on an island that's already a hidden gem itself. Wailua River State Park's central feature is its namesake river, a beautiful 20-mile-long waterway that's also the only fully navigable river in Hawaii. As it flows through the state park, the Wailua River passes along some of Hawaii's most breathtaking rainforest scenes. The park's crown jewel may be the stunning ʻŌpaeka'a Falls, a double-cascade waterfall flowing down ancient volcanic rock. 

But Wailua River State Park is also one of Kauai's top historical sites. The park contains the Wailua Complex of Heiaus, one of Hawaii's most important archeological sites and a well-preserved look into the culture and politics of ancient Kauai. Hundreds of years ago, the area that is now Wailua River State Park was a major power center for the Hawaiian chiefdoms that lived there. Their legacy can still be seen in the park's four heiaus, or sacred sites that served as places of worship for the ancient Hawaiians. The park also contains intricate stone structures that may have served as areas of refuge, as well as important examples of Hawaiian bellstones, royal birthstones, and ancient Hawaiian petroglyphs.

Thanks to its rich water resources, Wailua River State Park is a prime destination for boating, kayaking, and other water-based activities. A kayaking tour of the park is an excellent way to witness the magnificent serenity of Kauai's rainforests up-close, all while enjoying the island's warm, tropical climate. Local companies also offer fun river cruises through the park, where you can enjoy the amazing scenery while listening to traditional Hawaiian music and storytelling. If you're feeling really adventurous, you can even go water skiing on the river! On land, Wailua River State Park also offers exceptional hiking trails to some of the most beautiful sights on Kauai. You can hike to the park's lovely fern grotto from your kayak, or discover the secret Uluwehi Falls on one of the park's lesser-known hiking trails. 

No visit to Wailua River State Park would be complete without stopping at one of the area's best cultural attractions, the spectacular Iraivan Temple. As one of America's most prominent Hindu temples, the Iraivan Temple along the Wailua River is a stunning example of both architectural and spiritual wonder. The temple's bright white granite structure, intricately carved pillars, and hand-crafted adornments make it one of the world's most awe-inspiring places of worship. Today, the Iraivan Temple is an active religious site and Hindu monastery, but visitors are welcome to the temple's outdoor grounds and archway near the Wailua River every day between 9 a.m. and noon. Visitors who wish to enter the monastery for personal worship or meditation, or attend a religious service, can make a reservation on the Iraivan Temple's website.