The area around Waimea and the mouth of the river which bears the same name was colonized by native inhabitants many years ago. Before the Polynesians settled here this region was said to have been inhabited by the legendary Mu, a tribe of dwarf-like people similar to the Menehune, who apparently developed their own strange physical
characteristics as a result of their centuries of isolation. Very few of the hundreds of heiaus which were built in this area remain. Near the Coco Palms Hotel Pohaku-hoo Hanau remains standing from ancient Hawaiian times. Noblewomen gave birth to their children on this birth stone. The babies' umbilical cords were hidden in the crevices to protect them as they grew up. Waialua River, which flows into the sea on the edge of the village, is the only navigable river in Hawaii. Its lower reaches are called the "Kingly Way".
South of the mouth of the river lies Lydgate State Park, containing remains of a Hawaiian temple of refuge.
Waialua (meaning "two waters", doubtless referring to the sea and the river) is a well spread-out village on road 56 with about 1600 inhabitants.
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