Discover the 11 Longest and Most Important Rivers and Streams in Hawaii

Hawaii is a beautiful state constructed of entirely islands. Many of the islands are fairly small, with the largest island being 4,028 square miles, and the smallest being only 44.6 square miles. While Hawaii is surrounded by water, the state lacks one thing that most US states have in spades: rivers!

The National Park Service identifies only 36 rivers and streams within the state of Hawaii. The other non-continental state in the US, Alaska, boasts the most rivers of any state: 3,000! The 36 rivers and streams of Hawaii are also all fairly short in length. Most are under 10 miles from start to finish!

Get to know the rivers of Hawaii by reading about the 11 largest and most important rivers and streams. Learn about these exciting water bodies, their locations, and the purpose they serve!

What’s the Difference Between a River and a Stream?

There’s not an extremely technical difference between rivers and streams. Generally speaking, rivers are larger than streams, which are larger than creeks. It’s possible for the terms to be used interchangeably, but referring to a body of water as a “stream” typically denotes a smaller size than the standard river. As you’ll see here, there are some streams in Hawaii that are long but not particularly large.

11. Kalihiwai River

The eleventh-longest river or stream in Hawaii is the beautiful Kalihiwai River, located in Kauai County. This river is 10 miles long, though fairly narrow. It’s a beautiful spot to check out some of the aquatic life of the area. The end of the river is the stunning Kalihiwai Falls. However, the falls itself is on private land, so you’ll have to kayak close without crossing into the private parameters. It’s a stunning sight to be seen!

10. Koaie Stream

The Koaie Stream is the unbelievably beautiful tenth-longest river or stream in Hawaii. This stream is ten miles in length and flows through the stunning Waimea Canyon. There’s a three-mile trail that follows the stream, but it requires a long hike into the canyon to discover it. The threat of flash floods in the area is significant, so if you plan to explore this stream, be sure to keep updated on the weather information in the area.

9. Hanawi Stream

The Hanawi Stream is another beautiful 10-mile stream flowing through Hawaii. This stream is on the island of Maui. The best way to reach the stunning falls that sit at the end of the stream is by car trip! Hana Highway is a beautiful scenic drive that will take you through some amazing sights on Maui. The areas surrounding the stream are in great condition, making it a wonderful stop to spot native flora and fauna.

8. Lumahai River

The Lumahai River is the final 10-mile river or stream in Hawaii. This beautiful river is in northern Kauai. It starts in the mountains and ends in a stunning estuary. The photograph above shows Lumahai Beach, which is an extremely popular tourist destination. Interestingly enough, this beach is where the film South Pacific was shot!

7. Kapehu Stream

The Kapehu Stream is the seventh-longest river or stream in Hawaii, with a total length of 11 miles. It’s located in the county of Hawaii at Piihonua near Hilo. It’s not far from the Hilo International Airport, making it an easy stream to visit if you’re flying onto the island of Hawai’i!

6. Kolekole Stream

Kolekole Stream is the sixth-longest river or stream in the state of Hawaii. It runs for 12 miles through stunning forests and fauna. The mouth of the stream is Kolekole Beach. Visitors can swim in both the stream and the beach. Check out the Akaka Falls after a rain for the most stunning display of water! The Kolekole Stream is located on the Big Island of Hawai’i.

5. Palikea Stream

The Palikea Stream including the Pipiwai Stream and Ohea Gulch is twelve miles in length. This stream system is often thought of as one cohesive water body. This is a great stream system to visit while in Hawaii, as it boasts the world-renowned “Seven Pools.” There are many trails throughout the Haleakala National Park, where this stream runs.

4. Hanalei River

The stunning Hanalei River is the fourth-longest river or stream in Hawaii. This river runs through the island of Kaua’i for 16 miles. It flows from Mount Wai’ale’ale to the Pacific Ocean at Hanalei Bay, pictured above. The river runs by Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, so it’s a wonderful spot to explore if you’re looking to see the unique flora and fauna of Hawaii.

3. Wailuku River

Despite being third on the list, the Wailuku River is the longest river in Hawaii. There are two longer streams, but the Wailuku River is 28 miles in length, beating out all other rivers in the state. The river’s path includes a number of waterfalls, including the Rainbow Falls and the Boiling Pots. The slope of the river is intense, and in its 28 miles, it descends from an elevation of 10,800 feet above sea level to sea level itself.

2. Paheehee Stream

The second-longest river or stream in Hawaii is located in Honomu on the Big Island. That is the Paheehee Stream. This stream is 29 miles long and features some incredible aquatic species swimming in the water. Above the stream is the Paheehee Stream Bridge, which is a 225 feet bridge along the Hamakua Coast.

1. Honolii Stream, 32 miles

The longest river or stream in Hawaii is the Honolii Stream. It’s 32 miles in length, located on the Big Island of Hawaii. It’s a stunning stream located in Papaikou, which also isn’t far from the city of Hilo. The stream is absolutely breathtaking, boasting beautiful flora and fauna. The Honolii Beach at the end of the Honolii Stream is a wonderful spot for swimming.

Conclusion

There are some incredible rivers and streams in Hawaii! Though the water bodies on the islands of Hawaii are short compared to some of the rivers in the continental United States, they are incredible and important. These rivers and streams contain many endangered species and valuable island fauna. Here’s a summary of the ten longest rivers and streams in the state of Hawaii!

The photo featured at the top of this post is © iStock.com/ClaudineVM