Malae Heiau
Explore the foundation of an ancient Hawaiian temple at the Wailua River mouth, offering scenic beach views and safe tide pools.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Malae Heiau
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful exploration
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Explore the foundation of an ancient Hawaiian temple at the Wailua River mouth, offering scenic beach views and safe tide pools.
"A sacred Hawaiian temple site with a picturesque beach and safe tide pools, perfect for families and quiet reflection."
Respect the Sacred Site
Malae Heiau is a sacred Hawaiian place. Please do not move or take rocks. 🙏
Family-Friendly Pools
Protected tide pools offer safe swimming for kids, away from ocean waves. :child:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.7 · 159 reviews
Type
State Park
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Malae Heiau Foundation
Wailua River Mouth
The remaining foundation of a significant ancient Hawaiian temple, offering a glimpse into the island's spiritual past.
Picturesque Beach Views
Adjacent Beach
A beautiful, often breezy beach with stunning ocean vistas and interesting rock formations to explore.
Protected Tide Pools
Near Sea Wall
Emerald-colored, fenced pools offering safe swimming for families, shielded from ocean waves.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Respect Sacred Ground
River Mouth vs. Beach Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Respect the Sacred Site
Malae Heiau is a sacred Hawaiian place. Please do not move or take rocks. 🙏
Family-Friendly Pools
Protected tide pools offer safe swimming for kids, away from ocean waves. :child:
Beach Caution
Ocean currents can be strong. Be mindful of warnings and Portuguese man-of-war. ⚠️
Scenic Views
Enjoy the picturesque beach and ocean views, perfect for a relaxing visit. :camerawithflash:
Tips
from all over the internet
Respect the Sacred Site
Malae Heiau is a sacred Hawaiian place. Please do not move or take rocks. 🙏
Family-Friendly Pools
Protected tide pools offer safe swimming for kids, away from ocean waves. :child:
Beach Caution
Ocean currents can be strong. Be mindful of warnings and Portuguese man-of-war. ⚠️
Scenic Views
Enjoy the picturesque beach and ocean views, perfect for a relaxing visit. :camerawithflash:
Nearby Amenities
Discover a large playground, disc golf, and picnic areas nearby. 🏞️
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors appreciate Malae Heiau for its picturesque beach, safe tide pools for families, and the historical significance of the ancient temple site. The scenic ocean views and nearby amenities like playgrounds add to its appeal. However, some caution is advised regarding ocean currents and marine life.
"This mound of rocks was once a sacred Hawaiian temple at the mouth of the Wailua River, and it is a nice place to visit as it has nice access to the Wailua River mouth, some historical signs and information."
LC 444
"The place is very picturesque, a beautiful beach with a wonderful view of the ocean. A very good idea is a fenced pool with emerald-colored sea water. Very convenient for families with small children. Very clean area. Quite windy. Nearby there is a huge interesting playground where you can have fun with your children."
Liubov Trokoz
"I really like spending time at this Sacred area right off the Wailua River facing eastward towards the Pacific. It's almost always breezy there and there's a variety of rocks to kick back against or scramble around as you like. The view is always magnificent and it's pretty peaceful at the Heiau. It is a sacred Hawaiian place and it must be revered and rocks should not be moved or taken from the area. It's not the best place to go out into the ocean because the river is nearby.
When you go around the corner a little bit that's where the parking lot is and larger crowds assemble. There are condominiums towards the road in a large open field with a pavilion next to it that people can use for games, concerts, and assemblies. A little further down is a disc golf course which is free to play.g"
Scott Valkenaar aka Scotty Poppins
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Malae Heiau is located at the mouth of the Wailua River. Parking is available nearby, often near the state park facilities. Signs may direct you to the heiau itself.
Yes, free parking is generally available in the vicinity, often associated with the nearby state park or beach access points.
Yes, it's accessible by foot from the parking areas, allowing you to explore the historical site and surrounding beach.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Malae Heiau is typically part of a state park or public land, meaning there is usually no entrance fee. Parking is also generally free.
As an outdoor historical site, Malae Heiau is generally accessible during daylight hours. There are no set opening or closing times.
No, tickets are not required for Malae Heiau as it is an open historical site. You can visit anytime during daylight hours.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see the foundation of the ancient temple, enjoy the picturesque beach, explore tide pools, and take in views of the Wailua River mouth and the Pacific Ocean.
Yes, the protected tide pools are great for kids, and there's a large playground nearby. However, supervise children closely near the ocean.
Swimming is possible at the beach, but be cautious of ocean currents. The fenced tide pools offer a safer option for families.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended for exploring the site. Bring swimwear if you plan to swim in the tide pools or ocean.
Absolutely! The scenic beach, river mouth, and historical remnants offer beautiful photo opportunities, especially during sunrise or sunset.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Dining options are available in the nearby Wailua area and Lihue. Pack a picnic to enjoy at the park's pavilion or beachside.
Yes, there are picnic areas and a pavilion nearby, making it a great spot for a picnic lunch. Remember to bring your own supplies.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunrise offers beautiful light over the ocean, while late afternoon provides golden hour hues. The contrast of the ancient stones against the blue sea is always striking.
The foundation of the heiau itself, the scenic beach, the river mouth, and the protected tide pools are all excellent subjects for photography.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit