The Garden Isle might be Hawaii’s fourth largest island, but geologically, it is the oldest of Hawaii’s main islands, formed approximately five million years ago. It seems obvious then, that the oldest rivers in the Aloha State would be found here on the stunning island of Kauai. Meandering through the heart of Waimea Canyon, the Waimea River is not only a fascinating piece of living history but one of the most breathtaking rivers we’ve ever seen.
Located in western Kauai, the Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and though the expansive canyon is not as big — or as old — as its Arizona cousin, you will surely never experience anything quite like this geological wonder in Hawaii.
Andrew Baerst/Flickr
At ten miles long, a mile wide and approximately 3,600 feet deep, the Waimea Canyon is home to plants and trees of all shapes and sizes, as well as the jaw-dropping Waimea River.
Nathanael Coyne/Flickr
Waimea River, with help from the extreme rainfall on the island’s central peak, Mount Waialeale — one of the wettest places in the world — helped to erode the Waimea Canyon over time.
Robert Linsdell/Flickr
Rising in a wet plateau of the island’s central highlands, in the Alakai Swamp — the largest high-elevation swamp in the world — the Waimea River flows south…
Ken Curtis/Flickr
…flowing through the lush, colorful Waimea Canyon…
Andrew Baerst/Flickr
and into the ocean at Waimea, near the 1778 landing place of Captain Cook on Kauai.
Terry Straehley/Flickr
The valleys of the Waimea River and its tributary, the Makaweli River, were once heavily populated by native Hawaiians, but are now just stunning pieces of living history showcasing not only the geological formation of Kauai but its human history as well.
Bryan Ochalla/Flickr
While Waimea Canyon State Park is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Hawaii, the Waimea River is often overshadowed by Hawaii’s other fascinating bodies of water. So, the next time you visit this stunning spot, be sure to soak in the beauty of this ravishing river.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
Have you ever witnessed the beauty of the Waimea River for yourself? Share your experiences and opinions in the comments below, then to discover another incredible Hawaiian river on the island of Kauai, click here.
Andrew Baerst/Flickr
Nathanael Coyne/Flickr
Robert Linsdell/Flickr
Ken Curtis/Flickr
Terry Straehley/Flickr
Bryan Ochalla/Flickr
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
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