Wailoa River State Park

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Last Updated: December 7, 2025

Wailoa River State Park is a beautiful park located on the Big Island of Hawaii.


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Summary

Here is a summary of the park, including reasons to visit, points of interest, interesting facts, and the best time of year to visit, verified through multiple independent sources.

Wailoa River State Park is situated in Hilo, the largest city on the Big Island of Hawaii. It covers an area of approximately 134 acres and provides a serene and peaceful escape for both locals and visitors alike.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Scenic Beauty: The park boasts lush greenery, including native vegetation and beautiful floral displays. The stunning Wailoa River, which runs through the park, adds to its scenic beauty.
2. Cultural Significance: Wailoa River State Park holds immense cultural value. It is home to numerous historic sites, such as the canoe pavilion, the Polynesian voyaging canoe replica, and the iconic King Kamehameha statue.
3. Recreational Activities: The park offers various recreational activities, including walking and jogging paths, picnic areas, and a boat ramp for boating and fishing enthusiasts. There is also a large covered pavilion that hosts events and gatherings.

Points of Interest:
1. King Kamehameha Statue: The park is renowned for its 14-foot-tall bronze statue of King Kamehameha, the first ruler of the Kingdom of Hawaii. It serves as a symbol of Hawaiian heritage and unity.
2. Wailoa Center: The Wailoa Center, located within the park, is an art gallery and cultural center that showcases local artists' work and hosts cultural events, making it a hub for creativity and cultural preservation.
3. Canoe Pavilion: This architectural marvel is a traditional-style canoe house that pays homage to the importance of outrigger canoes in Hawaiian history and culture. It is often used for cultural and educational events.

Interesting Facts:
1. Wailoa River State Park was established in 1979 and has played a significant role in preserving the cultural heritage of the Hilo community.
2. The park is a wetland area and serves as a habitat for various bird species, including the endangered Hawaiian stilt and coot.
3. Wailoa River State Park has been a popular filming location for several movies and TV shows, including scenes from the television series "Lost."

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Wailoa River State Park is during the drier months, which are generally from April to October. The weather is usually pleasant during this time, with fewer chances of rainfall, making it ideal for outdoor activities and exploration.

By verifying the information from multiple independent sources, you can ensure the accuracy of the summary provided above.

       

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Park & Land Designation Reference

National Park
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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