Waialeale

Waialeale is a mountain peak on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. The name Waialeale translates from Hawaiian as “rippling waters,” a reference to the abundant streams and rain in the area.

Geography and geology: Waialeale sits near the center of Kauai and forms a high, heavily eroded plateau that contributes to the island’s rugged interior. The summit rises roughly around 1,560 meters (about 5,100 feet) above sea level. The terrain is characterized by steep ridges, deep ravines, and a broad crater-like topography shaped by long-term erosion and volcanic activity from Kauai’s early shield volcano.

Climate: Waialeale is one of the wettest places on Earth. It receives very high annual rainfall, with estimates commonly around 11,000–12,000 millimeters (approximately 430–470 inches) per year. Persistent northeast trade winds and orographic uplift produce frequent cloud cover, heavy rain events, and lush rainforest conditions.

Ecology and land use: The area supports dense tropical rainforest with a high level of biodiversity and several endemic species. Much of the Waialeale plateau remains undeveloped and largely inaccessible to the public, reflecting its status as a protected watershed and wilderness landscape.

Access and significance: Public access to the summit is extremely limited; there are no paved roads to the top, and the interior is typically visited only by researchers and through approved, guided activities. Waialeale’s exceptional rainfall and rugged ecology contribute to Kauai’s distinctive interior landscape and watershed systems.