Cultural & Historical Markers Added To Wailua Heritage Trail

The Wailua Heritage Trail

In alignment with our Kaua‘i Destination Management Action Plan, Action C.5, and in our continued efforts to perpetuate our Hawaiian culture,  the County of Kauaʻi (COK), the Hawaiʻi Tourism Authority (HTA), the Kauaʻi Visitors Bureau (KVB), the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) and the Royal Coconut Coast Association (RCCA) collaborated on and completed a project to create and install nine cultural and historical markers identifying significant heiau and landmarks in the Wailua ahupuaʻa.

Previously, there were only two signs. With support through an Innovation Grant with the COK, seven more markers were constructed. Funding support by HTA/KVB produced a new brochure which includes the moʻolelo (stories) of each significant site and a map identifying the locations of the sites included in the three-mile route starting at Lydgate Park to ʻŌpaekaʻa Falls.

Wailua and the Wailua Heritage Trail is rich with Hawaiian history and moʻolelo (stories) of our aliʻi (royalty), place names and culture. The RCCA had oversight of the work done and focused on ensuring this project will be both a meaningful experience for our visitors while keeping the legacy alive for our Kauaʻi residents and providing an opportunity for all who visit the trail to take a glimpse back into the history of these sacred sites. 

A blessing was held on January 19, 2024, at Poliʻahu heiau, officiated by Sean Chun, Kumu of Pihana ka ʻIkena o Kauaʻi, stewards of Poliʻahu heiau, and member of Makaliʻi, a Hawaiian Cultural Advisory Committee whose guidance is to kōkua (help) with being pono in and to our destination management efforts.

Take a virtual tour of the Wailua watershed by visiting the Wailua Heritage Trail website.

For more information regarding the Kauaʻi Destination Management Action Plan, please contact: Patti Ornellas at [email protected].