NOTICE: The Kamokila Hawaiian Village is closed pending further notice. See Kamokila Hawaiian Village Forced to Close (KITV) for more information.
The Kamokila Hawaiian Village, across the road and down a hill from Opaekaa Falls, features a traditional Hawaiian village recreated at an authentic site. But the big draw at Kamokila is the proximity to Secret Falls and the village’s kayak and canoe rentals. Leaving from the Hawaiian Village knocks about four miles from the trip to Secret Falls in comparison to leaving from the Wailua Marina (where most kayak trips to the falls start). Tourists who have done their homework almost always choose the Hawaiian Village for the Secret Falls kayak trip.
Kamokila Hawaiian Village
5523-5519 Kuamoo Rd
Kapaa, HI 96746
Phone: 808-823-0559
Location at Google Maps
On the Web: www.villagekauai.com
Admission: $5 ($3 for children 3-12 years old)
Hours: Open daily 9AM – 5PM
The steep road down to the village starts across the street from Opaekaa Falls.
An open air hut serves as the check in point. Here you can either pay for admission to the village or rent a kayak or canoe for a trip to Secret Falls, a swimming hole or the Fern Grotto (not always available).
The kayak and canoe launch point is behind the hut.
The kayakers in the above photo have another two miles to go to the Wailua Marina.
Departing from the Kamokila Village allows kayakers to bypass a good part of the journey to Secret Falls. Unless you really like kayaking, the village is a smart choice for a Secret Falls kayak rental.
Chickens and perhaps other birds can be found at the entrance to the village. Bird feed can be purchased at the hut. Tours are self-guided and guests are provided with informational placards about the village.
The grounds are peaceful and green.
The village includes the Birth House, the Chief’s Assembly House, the Drum House, the Menstrual House, the Men’s Eating House, the Prime Minister’s House, a petroglyph rock, an imu, Hawaiian bowling and a spear throwing area.
The imu (underground oven). Lava rocks are heated and food is blanketed between shredded banana stalks and ti leaves, then covered with lauhala mats and dirt to trap heat and cook food (including pigs for important feasts).
Hawaiian Bowling (‘Ulu Maika) involves rolling a disc-shaped rock between two pins to score.
A variety of plants and herbs can be found at the village including mangos, mountain apples, plumeria, taro, ti leaf, turmeric, African tulips, Aloe Vera, breadfruit, coconuts and Indian Mulberry (Noni).
Kamokila Hawaiian Village Informational Placards
(Included with admission to the village for the self-guided tour.)
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