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Hawaii River Map (PDF) | Major Rivers & Lakes in Hawaii

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: April 03, 2026 | 15:05 ET

Hawaii River Map showing major rivers in Hawaii, River start and end point, county boundaries.

River Map of Hawaii State

Rivers and Waterways in Hawaii

Hawaii’s rivers are shaped by its volcanic islands, steep terrain, and heavy rainfall, especially on the windward sides. Most rivers are short and fast-flowing, quickly draining from mountain slopes into the Pacific Ocean. Unlike mainland states, Hawaii does not have large river systems, but it features many streams, waterfalls, and drainage channels. Natural lakes are rare, and most water storage comes from reservoirs and groundwater sources that support agriculture, communities, and ecosystems across the islands.

Major Rivers in Hawaii

RiverLength (Approx.)RegionFlows Into
Wailuku River28 miHawaii (Big Island)Pacific Ocean
Hanalei River16 miKauaiPacific Ocean
Wainiha River18 miKauaiPacific Ocean
Waimea River20 miKauaiPacific Ocean
Anahulu River7 miOahuPacific Ocean
Kalihi Stream8 miOahuPacific Ocean
Manoa Stream7 miOahuPacific Ocean
Nu'uanu Stream6 miOahuPacific Ocean
Iao Stream10 miMauiPacific Ocean
Waikapu Stream8 miMauiPacific Ocean
Wailua River20 miKauaiPacific Ocean
Hanapepe River15 miKauaiPacific Ocean
Makaweli River12 miKauaiPacific Ocean
Kolekole Stream6 miHawaii (Big Island)Pacific Ocean
Hamakua Stream9 miHawaii (Big Island)Pacific Ocean
Kahakuloa Stream7 miMauiPacific Ocean
Honokohau Stream6 miMauiPacific Ocean
Wailoa River1 miHawaii (Big Island)Pacific Ocean

Major Lakes in Hawaii

LakeTypeRegion
Lake WaiauNatural lakeHawaii (Big Island)
Halulu LakeNatural lakeNiihau
Loko Waka PondReservoirKauai
Wahiawa ReservoirReservoirOahu
Nu'uanu ReservoirReservoirOahu
Kaneohe ReservoirReservoirOahu
Kaloko ReservoirReservoirKauai
Kualapuu ReservoirReservoirMolokai
Waikamoi ReservoirReservoirMaui
Pu'u Lua ReservoirReservoirHawaii (Big Island)

Major River Basins in Hawaii

Hawaii’s river basins are relatively small and island-based, with water flowing quickly from mountain interiors to the coast. These basins are influenced by rainfall patterns and volcanic terrain, making them essential for freshwater supply and maintaining native ecosystems.

  • Wailuku River Basin
  • Hanalei River Basin
  • Wailua River Basin
  • Waimea River Basin
  • Anahulu River Basin
  • Iao Stream Basin
  • Nu'uanu Stream Basin
  • Kalihi Stream Basin
  • Hanapepe River Basin

Hawaii Rivers Facts

StateHawaii
Total Rivers & Streams376+ perennial streams
Major RiversWailuku, Hanalei, Wailua
Total Waterway Length5,000+ miles
Main DrainagePacific Ocean
Longest RiverWailuku River
Shortest RiverWailoa River
Major River Basins9 Primary Basins
Primary OutletPacific Ocean
Key UsesWater supply, agriculture, ecosystems, recreation
Longest River Within StateWailuku River
Number of River Basins8–10 Basins
Major ReservoirsWahiawa, Nu'uanu, Kaloko Reservoirs
Primary Water SourceRainfall and groundwater