‘Opaeka‘a Falls

‘Opaekala‘ole are native fresh water shrimp that were once plentiful in the mountain streams throughout Kaua‘i. Translated, “‘Opaeka‘a” means “rolling shrimp” alluding to its one-time abundance and images of ‘opae tumbling over in the cascade of the waterfall. Kamokila and Kawelowai were giant mo`o or lizard ‘aumakua—spirit guardians that watched over the fresh water and land resources of Wailua.