Poli‘ahu Heiau is one of nine markers on the Wailua Heritage Trail
Wailua Heritage Trail Expands to a Three-mile Route
Contact: Margy Parker, 808-651-5394
Wailua Heritage Trail on Kauai Expands to a Three Three-Mile Route
The Wailua River seen along a route rich in Hawaiian culture, history and stories. Nine markers now showcase important points of interest.
Kapa‘a, HI – In a joint effort between Kaua‘i County, the Hawai‘i Tourism Authority (HTA), the Kaua‘i Visitors Bureau (KVB), the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the Royal Coconut Coast Association (RCCA), the Wailua Heritage Trail was recently expanded into a three-mile route. It contains nine bronze anodized markers on lava rock mounts. An Innovation Grant from Kaua‘i County was awarded to the RCCA in 2023 to allocate funds for creating new the markers which provide Hawaiian place names and interpretation of each sites’ significance. This grant also covered an expansive website for the Heritage Trail at https://www.wailuaheritagetrail.org. Additional funds for brochures were provided by the KVB. This project is within the HTA’s Destination Management Plan (DMAP) goals for increased cultural and educational awareness.
The Wailua River Valley is a region where all waters flow into the Wailua River. It is rich in Hawaiian history and stories pertaining to Hawaiian royalty (ali‘i), place names, and culture. The RCCA sees this project as an important legacy for the island’s residents and a meaningful experience for its visitors. An element of the project includes development of information for school field trips.
Organizers and affiliates recently conducted a private blessing of the Trail at the Poli‘ahu Heiau, officiated by Sean Chun, Kumu and Cultural Practitioner with Pihana Ka ‘Ikena o Kaua’i.
“Completing the fully marked Wailua Heritage Trail provides a remarkable historical and cultural education along this significant route,” says Margy Parker, Media Relations for the Royal Coconut Coast Association.
Poli‘ahu Heiau is one of nine markers on the Wailua Heritage Trail
Participants, include the RCCA and Delicious Design who cooperatively organized the project; the Kaua‘i County Office of Economic Development, DLNR, the HTA, the KVB, sign makers Tulu Taulanga, Selu Taulanga and Tommy Cook, and Sabra Kauka, cultural consultant.
