Kawaikini


Kawaikini is the highest point on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai and in Kauai County and measures in elevation. It is the summit of the island's inactive central shield volcano, Mount Waialeale. Other peaks on Kauai include: Waialeale, Namolokama Mountain, Kalalau Lookout, Keanapuka Mountain, Haupu and Nounou.

Description

A rain gauge placed on the nearby Waialeale lake records daily rainfall and regularly lands Kauai's peaks on the National Climatic Data Center's list of places averaging the highest annual rainfall. This high rainfall makes reaching the summit difficult on most days.
The rain is not the only barrier to reaching Kawaikini. The Alakai Wilderness Preserve is located to the west and its miles of dense, swampy forest limit access to the summit. To the north, east, and south, Kawaikini is protected by steep, wet cliffs.

Etymology

Ka wai kini literally translates to "the multitudinous water" in the Hawaiian language, referring to the island's high rainfall.