Wailua Reservoir
Key Takeaway
Wailua 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 | 40 ft (taller than 65.4% in HI) |
| Dam Length | 1,080 ft |
| Dam Type | Earth |
| Max Storage | 1.2K acre-ft |
| Normal Storage | 757 acre-ft |
| Drainage Area | 1 sq mi |
| Year Completed | 1920 (106 years old) |
| NID ID | HI00060 |
Safety Information
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?
Ownership
Hawaii Dept of Land & Natural Resources
State Government
Nearby Dams
Aahoaka Reservoir
Kauai, HI
High Hazard 36 ftKapaia Reservoir
Kauai, HI
High Hazard 50 ftAii Reservoir
Kauai, HI
High Hazard 21 ftTwin Reservoirs
Kauai, HI
High Hazard 49 ftLower Kapahi Reservoir
Kauai, HI
High Hazard 20 ftMimino Reservoir
Kauai, HI
High Hazard 44 ftOkinawa Reservoir
Kauai, HI
High Hazard 25 ftKaneha Reservoir
Kauai, HI
High Hazard 46 ftFrequently Asked Questions
What is the hazard classification of Wailua Reservoir?
Wailua 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 Wailua Reservoir?
Wailua Reservoir is owned by Hawaii Dept of Land & Natural Resources (State Government). The owner is responsible for maintenance, inspections, and compliance with dam safety regulations.
When was Wailua Reservoir built?
Wailua 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 Wailua Reservoir?
Wailua 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 Wailua Reservoir?
Wailua Reservoir has a dam height of 40 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 Wailua Reservoir last inspected?
Wailua Reservoir was last inspected on October 14, 2021. Inspection dates indicate when a formal review occurred, not the results of that inspection.