Mount Wai\u2018ale\u2018ale on the gorgeous island of Kaua\u2018i is often referred to as the wettest spot on earth. While the more than 5,000-foot tall mountain that\u2019s often enshrouded in clouds does receive a tremendous amount of rainfall each year, it\u2019s more accurately \u201cone of\u201d the wettest spots on earth. The average annual rainfall is around 500 inches but some spots on the planet, such as \u201cBig Bog\u201d on Maui, typically acquire even more moisture.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Many legends surround this mystical peak that includes native inhabitants climbing to the top to make offerings to the Hawaiian god, Kane. Remains of a heiau (place of worship constructed from rocks) at the summit confirm that some kind of ancient activity took place here, even though getting to the water-logged location seems nearly impossible.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Wai\u2018ale\u2018ale, which is actually a dormant shield volcano, means \u201crippling or overflowing water\u201d in Hawaiian. Consider yourself lucky if you capture a glimpse of the top of the sky-high summit during your vacation. The best opportunity is during crisp, early mornings before clouds form. But you also need to be in the proper location \u2013 L\u012bhu\u2018e, Kapa\u2018a, and Wailua offer some of the best vantage points for Wai\u2018ale\u2018ale.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
To get even closer to the second-highest peak on the island you can traverse the Kuilau Ridge Trail in Wailua, located near the end of Kuamo\u2018o Road. About midway through the easy 2-mile roundtrip hike is a great spot for viewing the mountain.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Further down the road and well beyond the paved portion is another hike that takes daring souls to the basin of Wai\u2018ale\u2018ale called the \u201cWeeping Wall\u201d where numerous ribbons of waterfalls cascade from the summit. But don\u2019t even consider this adventure unless you\u2019re accompanied by an experienced local guide, as you can easily get lost since there is no maintained trail and there is always a high risk for flash flooding that creates dangerous encounters with rushing water.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
That said, there is another safer way to get close to this magical mountain \u2013 via the Alaka\u2018i Swamp Trail located in Koke\u2018e State Park. The difficult hike is about 8 miles roundtrip and you must start out extremely early to get to the midway point in time to see the vista before fog settles in. But those who see Wai\u2018ale\u2018ale uncovered at this prime vantage point, along with Hanalei Bay below, are in for a tremendous treat.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Mount Wai\u2018ale\u2018ale on the gorgeous island of Kaua\u2018i is often referred to as the wettest spot on earth. While the more than 5,000-foot tall mountain that\u2019s often enshrouded in clouds does receive a tremendous amount of rainfall each year, it\u2019s more accurately \u201cone of\u201d the wettest spots on earth. The average annual rainfall is around…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":109,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3311],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-118549","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-things-to-do-kauai"],"yoast_head":"\n