To be sure,
it remains a very rough, rugged, and difficult hike of 23 miles round-trip
, and the rainy climate can cause issues with stream crossings and deep mud. But a dry-weather climb by hikers with a 4×4 for trailhead access can be a relatively easy two-day backpack trip.
How do I get to Waialeale?
To get to the base of Waialeale, and to the the Wailua River, you'll have to
take a 4×4 down the bumpy Wailua Forestry Management Road and then trek in
. Alternatively, several helicopter tours take you much closer to its cliff face—and its waterfalls—than you could easily get to on a hike.
Can you hike to the highest point in Kauai?
Sleeping Giant, on the east side of Kauai overlooking the small town of Wailua, is the only notable peak with a trail reaching its summit
. All of the others, including the dominant Mt. Waialeale, require a good deal of cross-country travel, bushwhacking, and perseverance.
What is the highest point in Kauai?
Mount Waialeale
, Hawaiian Wai'ale'ale, peak, central Kauai island, Hawaii, U.S. Waialeale (Hawaiian: “Rippling Water”), with an elevation of 5,148 feet (1,569 metres), is a dissected (eroded) dome.
Is Kawaikini a volcano?
Kawaikini | Geology | Mountain type Shield volcano | Volcanic arc/belt Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain | Climbing |
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Can you climb Mount Waialeale?
The blue hole hike, or the hike to Waialeale falls, is not an official hike
. Unlike the popular hiking trails on the island, there is no definite route to access the Waialeale crater and there is always a risk of getting lost, numerous times! There are very few experienced locals who have accessed the blue hole.
Can you drive to Kawaikini?
From the Kokee State Park lodge and museum area, a dirt road across Route 550 signed “YWCA Camp” leads east towards the Alakai swamp. This road leads 6 miles to its end, and
in most conditions a 4×4 (or maybe AWD) vehicle will be needed to drive the full distance
.
What is Kauai's flower?
Mokihana
– Kauai's official designated “flower” and “official lei material” is that of the Mokihana, a green berry grown only on the second wettest place on earth, Mount Waialeale.
Does Kauai have a national park?
There are no national parks on the Hawaiian islands of Kauai or Lanai
. There are 2 national parks in Hawaii, and they are on Maui and the Big Island. There is 1 national memorial in Hawaii, and that is on Oahu.
Why is Mount Waialeale get so much rain?
Waialeale gets so much rain. The volcanic shield easily catches moisture brought in from the tradewinds; not to mention, its round shape also exposes all sides of the peak to the winds and moisture. But mainly,
the steep cliffs play a major factor in why this spot is so wet
.
What's the average rainfall on Kauai?
Kauai, Hawaii United States | Rainfall 41.2 in . 38.1 in. | Snowfall 0.0 in. 27.8 in. | Precipitation 144.4 days 106.2 days | Sunny 240 days 205 days |
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What is the rainiest part of Kauai?
When it comes to natural beauty,
Mount Waialeale's
high rainfall levels bring out the best of Kauai. Lots of rain means lots of lush foliage, flowing rivers and gorgeous waterfalls. The central peak, Kawaikini Peak, reaches 5,148 feet into the sky, and cloud cover typically obscures the highest point of the mountain.
When did Kauai last erupt?
This mountain is the main volcano that formed Kauai, the last eruption occurred
over 5 million years ago
.
Is Kauai the rainiest place on earth?
Indeed,
Kauai is one of the wettest places on Earth
, ranking in the Top Ten Wettest Places on Earth. Depending on the list, Kauai is ranked from 1st to 8th as the wettest spot. The Guinness Book of World Records and the Weather Channel quotes an average of 451 inches of rain per year for Mt.
What is the best month to go to Kauai?
The best time to visit Kauai is between
September and November or from April to June
, when the weather is pleasant and airfare and hotel rates drop.
What is the wettest spot on Earth?
Mount Wai'ale'ale on the gorgeous island of Kaua'i
is often referred to as the wettest spot on earth. While the more than 5,000-foot tall mountain that's often enshrouded in clouds does receive a tremendous amount of rainfall each year, it's more accurately “one of” the wettest spots on earth.
How tall is Kauai?
Nickname: The Garden Island | Area rank 4th largest Hawaiian Island | Highest elevation 5,243 ft (1598.1 m) | Highest point Kawaikini | Administration |
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How long is Sleeping Giant Trail Kauai?
The Sleeping Giant East Trail
This trail is considered a moderate-difficulty hike. The
3.4-mile
trail heads up the east side of the giant's face and ends at a picnic shelter on the giant's chest, an elevation of 960 feet from the trail head.
Where is the Weeping Wall Kauai?
Deep in the heart of Kauai
is the epic Weeping Wall, a collection of stunning waterfalls cascading down the towering, verdant cliffs of Mount Waialeale, one of the wettest spots on earth.
How do you hike the Blue Hole in Kauai?
How do you get to the Blue Room in Kauai?
To get to the cave entrance, park in the lot on the makai (ocean) side of the highway just before the end of the road at Ke'e. On the mauka (mountain) side, look for a short trail leading up to the wet cave. A slippery slope takes you down to the wet cave entrance, so watch your footing.
How do I get to Wailua Falls?
To get there,
head north from Lihue and follow Maalo Road in Hanamaulu. Travel uphill for about 3 miles
. If you visit in the mornings, you may be treated to a rainbow as the sunlight meets the mist of the falls, which makes for an amazing photo opportunity.
How do I get to the Alakai Swamp Trail?
The trail
starts at a parking and turnaround area 1/4 mile north of the Na Pali Kona Forest Reserve entrance sign
. This trail leads across the Alakai Swamp through scrub native rain forest and shallow bogs.
Can I take my flower lei home from Hawaii?
Those flower lei from your friend's Hawaii wedding?
You can take them home
… usually. Be sure to ask the lei maker there are any citrus plant parts incorporated in the lei.
What is a fun fact about Hawaii?
Hawaii sits over 2,000 miles west of California.
Hawaii is the world's largest island chain, and it's the only U.S. state completely made up of islands
. But only 7 of its 132 islands are inhabited: Hawaii (also known as the Big Island), Maui, Molokai, Lanai, Oahu, Kauai, and Niihau.
Why is Kauai's color purple?
Purple is the official color for Kauai,
a nod to the light purple flowers found on the fragrantly scented Mokihana tree
. The anise-scented berries were used by pre-contact Hawaiians as perfumes and room fresheners. Found only on Kauai, the purple flowers and berries are used in island leis.