Waiakalua Reservoir

WAIAKALUA STREAM· Kauai, Hawaii· Built 1920· Earth· 26 ft tall
High Hazard Irrigation Private

Key Takeaway

Waiakalua Reservoir is classified as high hazard in Hawaii. It was completed in 1920 and is 106 years old. Its primary use is irrigation. High hazard means loss of life is likely if the dam fails — it does not indicate the dam's current condition. Learn more.

Physical Details

Dam Height 26 ft (taller than 26.8% in HI)
Dam Length1,800 ft
Dam TypeEarth
Max Storage220 acre-ft
Normal Storage184 acre-ft
Surface Area13 acres
Drainage Area0 sq mi
Year Completed1920 (106 years old)
NID IDHI00010

Safety Information

High Hazard

Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails.

Hazard potential describes downstream consequences of failure, not the dam's current condition. What does this mean?

Emergency Action Plan: Yes
Last Inspection: December 12, 2022
State Regulated: Yes
Regulatory Agency: DLNR

Ownership

Frederic North, He Makana Ka Wai, Malie Wai Properties II, LLC, Matthew Miller, Theresa Drake, Thomas Atkin, V. Stephen Hunt, Victor Mission Trust LLC, William L. Flaherty, Trust

Private

Nearby Dams

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hazard classification of Waiakalua Reservoir?

Waiakalua Reservoir is classified as High Hazard. Loss of human life is likely if the dam fails. This classification refers to the potential downstream consequences of a failure, not the dam's current structural condition.

Who owns and operates Waiakalua Reservoir?

Waiakalua Reservoir is owned by Frederic North, He Makana Ka Wai, Malie Wai Properties II, LLC, Matthew Miller, Theresa Drake, Thomas Atkin, V. Stephen Hunt, Victor Mission Trust LLC, William L. Flaherty, Trust (Private). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.

When was Waiakalua Reservoir built?

Waiakalua Reservoir was completed in 1920, making it 106 years old. Many U.S. dams were built between the 1930s and 1970s during a period of major infrastructure investment.

What is the primary purpose of Waiakalua Reservoir?

Waiakalua Reservoir serves the following purposes: Irrigation. Many dams in the U.S. are multi-purpose, supporting flood control, water supply, recreation, and other uses.

How tall is Waiakalua Reservoir?

Waiakalua Reservoir has a dam height of 26 ft. Dam height is measured from the natural streambed at the downstream toe to the top of the dam, and may differ from the visible height.

When was Waiakalua Reservoir last inspected?

Waiakalua Reservoir was last inspected on December 12, 2022. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.

Data from the National Inventory of Dams (NID) maintained by the US Army Corps of Engineers. Dam conditions may have changed since the last update. This site is not affiliated with USACE. Do not use for emergency planning — contact your local dam safety program.