Expert: Malia - 8/25/2008

Question
Aloha Malia,

Maybe you know this, or who may know. A lot of kayak tours on the Wailua river take their customers to the so called "secret falls".  Is there a name for this falls in Hawaiian?  I'm thinking there has to be unless the falls didn't exist precontact.

Answer
Aloha Paul,
I believe you mean the "Sacred Falls" near Hau'ula. They have been closed to the public for many years because there was a horrific accident there a few years ago but plans are to open them again.
We call them sacred falls as well, sacred means = 'ihi and falls as in waterfalls = wailele
however they are known by their English name
Hope this helps
Malia