Wailua is a quaint little town located off the Hana
Highway a little over halfway to Hana. The community primarily
raises taro - the large leafy plant grown in watery fields
and used to make poi. Poi is a traditional Hawaiian dish.
The purplish, pasty substance is made from pounding the
roots of the taro plant.
Wailua State Wayside Park is just before
Mile Marker #19 on the mountain side of the road. Take the
stairs on the right for a fantastic view of Wailua and the
taro fields below.
Several waterfalls are located along
this section of the road, such as Waikani Falls, which descends
1,000 feet in several stages. Look toward the mountain side
of the road just past Wailua turnoff for a view of this
fall.
DIRECTIONS:
To reach Wailua, take the road toward the ocean just past Mile Marker
#18 on the Hana Highway.
