Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian Islands and nick named the “Garden Isle” for its lush green scenery and tropical rainforests. On our first day in Kauai, we jumped in the car and headed straight up Mount Wai’ale’ale; the gorgeous mountain home to Kalalau Valley, Waimea Canyon, and one of The Wettest Spots on Earth. Mt. Wai’ale’ale meaning “overflowing water”, was an amazing drive. We headed up the mountain stopping at each look out point, but it was Kalalau lookout that topped them all.
The Kalalau lookout is a breathtaking view, at 4,000 ft you stand looking into the heart of the Kalalau Valley, seen in numerous movies such as King Kong, Six Days and Seven Nights, Mighty Joe Young and Jurassic Park. Looking into the largest valley in Kauai you can see the plush green mountains and turquoise Na Pali coastline.
The Valley Shaded
The Valley one minute later with the sun peaking through
Below you can see my dad and boyfriend looking out and see we are at the level of the clouds. (Tip: bring a jacket, while it’s hot in Hawaii, it’s quite cold at 4,000 feet above sea level.)
Directions to Kalalau Lookout: Take Highway 50 west from Hanapepe toward Waimea. Turn right on Waimea Canyon Road just after Mile Marker #23. Kalalau Lookout is located near the end of the road at Mile Marker #18. (courtesy of Hawaii-guide.com)
Continuing up the ancient volcanic crater, to the 5,148 ft peak, we reached “One of the Wettest Spots on Earth”. We were literally in the clouds as you can see in some of the pictures. If it looks like we’re wet in the picture below…its because we were! Being in the clouds at this peak was like standing in complete mist. (Absolutely wonderful for someone with curly hair) The peak of Mt. Wai’ale’ale is labeled as one of the wettest spots on earth due to the annual average rainfall of a minimum 460 inches per year.
The clouds started barreling in!
Papa Bear bent down for a photo with the scenery…by the time I looked into my camera the clouds had swallowed the mountain.
The amount of rainfall creates these gorgeous waterfalls in many of the mountains crevices. This surplus of rain eventually carved out the Waimea Canyon, nicknamed as “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific”, and created some of the most beautiful waterfalls in the world.
Walking along the cliff side we happened upon these gorgeous leis. We assumed they were a form of offering or remembrance, but are still unsure. If anyone could comment as to what were doing up there, I would really love to know!
The eroded terrain.
When the day ended and we headed back to our place for great food and our nightly Mai Tai’s (yes plural), we had this gorgeous sunset to guide us home.
Aloha and Happy Wandering
some information found on thegardenisland.com
