DESTINATION - Anahulu Stream - Haleiwa, HI - River Origins, Destinations and Confluences on Waymarking.com

Measuring just 7 miles in total length, the Anahulu River (or Anahulu Stream, both names are accepted) starts as multiple perennial watershed sources at an altitude of ~2840 feet in the Western ridge of the continually moist Koolau Range, then undulates at a relatively Westernly direction until it terminates into the Pacific Ocean at the old town of Hale'iwa on Oahu's North Shore. Its total watershed has been measured at 17 square miles.

The Anahulu river's last mile (whose name means "10 days" in Hawaiian) is on flat terrain, with almost no current, and provides for excellent kayaking and paddling opportunities. The beach-side historic town of Halei'wa is situated just South of the left bank at the river's mouth.

Wikipedia unfortunately states that the Anahulu is the longest watercourse on Oahu, which is totally incorrect: that honor actually goes to the Kaukonahua Stream (South Fork), which -- while terminating less than a mile southwwest of here -- starts in the Waianae Range (the "other" range on the island, on the Western part of Oahu) and undulates in a Northernly direction towards the North Shore... most importantly, it is 33 miles long, 4 times longer than the Anahulu!

The remainder of the Wikipedia entry is generally correct, though. It states:

"It is formed on the western side of the northern Koolau Range approximately 7 miles (11 km) northeast of Wahiawa by the confluence of Kawainui and Kawai'iki streams, both perennial. It flows west-northwest descending through Kawailoa Gulch, then empties into the eastern end of Waialua Bay at Hale'iwa. It encompasses a watershed of approximately 16 square miles (41 km2) and a 100-year peak discharge of 16,200 ft3/s.

Archaeological evidence indicates that the valley of the river near its mouth was the site of ancient Hawaiian villages. The river valley was abandoned but was later repopulated in the early 19th century, partly as the result of a policy by King Kamehameha I to grow food to support his military expeditions. The policy included the development of irrigated terraces. In 1832 U.S. Protestant missionaries John Emerson and his wife Ursula Sophia circumnavigated Oahu and put in at the mouth of the river. At the village of Hale’iwa (from hale (home) of the iwa (frigate bird)), they were welcomed by Chief La’anui and established the Liliuokalani Church in the village.

In the later 19th century the village of Hale’iwa and the surrounding river valley became a popular summer vacation destination for the Hawaiian monarchs. The first hotel was built along the river by businessman Benjamin Dillingham, who also built Oahu railroad from Honolulu to the north shore in 1898. The railroad and hotel made the river valley a popular vacation spot."

Parking Coordinates: Ample parking can be found 100 feet from the posted coordinates, which were taken right at the marina's protective wall. There's a gate which blocks people from going onto the remainder of the protective wall facing the ocean. Trailhead Coordinates: none needed Relevant Web Site: [Web Link]

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