TOTAL DISCHARGE (CFS)
SUMMARY
Maximum discharge along the river is currently at the reporting a streamflow rate of cfs. This is also the highest stage along the Waimea River, with a gauge stage of ft at this location. This river is monitored from 1 different streamgauging stations along the Waimea River, the highest being situated at an altitude of ft, the .
The Waimea River is located on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. It is approximately 12 miles long and has a rich history dating back to Hawaiian culture. The river is primarily supplied by rainfall and is known for its hydrology, with the upper reaches of the river being steep and rugged, while the lower reaches are more calm and navigable. There are two main reservoirs on the river: the Puu Lua Reservoir and the Kokee Ditch Reservoir. The Puu Lua Reservoir is used for power generation, while the Kokee Ditch Reservoir is used for irrigation. The river is also used for recreational activities such as kayaking, fishing, and hiking. Additionally, the river is significant for its agricultural use, as it provides water for the Waimea Valley Agriculture Park.
YEAR OVER YEAR DISCHARGE (CFS)
Streamflow Conditions
| Streamgauge | Streamflow | Gauge Stage | 24hr Change (%) | % Normal | Minimum (cfs) | Maximum (cfs) | Air Temp | Elevation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Waimea River Nr Waimea
USGS 16031000 |
35 cfs | 6.28 ft | -32.1 |
History of the River
The Waimea River is a major river on the island of Kauai in the U.S. state of Hawaii. At 12.1 miles (19.5 km) in length, it is one of the longest rivers in the Hawaiian Islands, draining one sixth of the total area of the island.
It rises in a wet plateau of the island's central highlands, in the Alaka'i Swamp, the largest high-elevation swamp in the world. It flows south, passing through the spectacular 3,000-foot-deep (910 m) Waimea Canyon, known as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."
The valleys of the Waimea River and its tributary, the Makaweli River, were once heavily populated. It enters the Pacific Ocean at Waimea, near the 1778 landing place of Captain Cook on Kauai.
