10 Incredible Rivers In Hawaii

Hawaii is known for its brilliant, pristine white sand beaches – but perhaps just as stunning are these ten incredible rivers that flow through the Hawaiian Islands.

Waimea River is one of the longest in Kauai at 12.1 miles long, and flows south through the spectacular Waimea Canyon from one of the island’s central highlands.

Brian Ochalla/Flickr

Wailuku River, located on the Big Island, is one of the longest in the state at nearly 28 miles long, and lies almost directly between the lava flows of Mauna Kea, and those of neighboring Mauna Loa.

Tristan Schmurr/Flickr

Former President Bill Clinton dedicated the Hanalei River as an “American Heritage River” in 1998, and approximately 60 percent of the state’s taro is grown in the region surrounding the river.

Forest and Kim Starr/Flickr

The Kaukonahua Stream is located on Oahu, and is much more than a stream. Measuring in at a whopping 28 miles long, it one of the longest rivers in Hawaii.

David Tonnes/Facebook

Huleia River is approximately five miles long and flows through the Huleia National Wildlife Refuge near Lihue, on Kauai.

Dale Musselman/Flickr

Kolekole Stream is approximately 12.4 miles long, and includes the Big Island’s famous Akaka Falls.

Alan Strakey/Flickr

Oahu’s Anahulu River flows from the western side of the northern Ko’olau Mountains through Wahiawa, and empties into the Pacific in Haleiwa. It is at the river’s mouth where archaeologists believe ancient Hawaiian villages were located.

Ron Jones/Flickr

The Wailua River is one of only five navigable rivers in Hawaii. The river drains from Waialeale Mountain, which averages 488 inches of rain annually.

Lauren Michell Rabaino/Flickr

Honokohau Stream flows from the Puu Kukui Summit and includes Honokoahu Falls, perhaps the tallest waterfall in Maui. The area is inundated with rain, increasing water flow to the stream and all its subsidiaries.

Jack Cross/Facebook

Kauai’s Kalihiwai River is rather short, making it the perfect kayaking adventure for those who don’t want to be paddling all day. The trip takes approximately an hour.

Hike Kauai With Me/Facebook

Which of these is your favorite river? I’ve got to argue that the Anahulu River is definitely my favorite spot for a sunny afternoon of SUP – and some shave ice afterwards.