Mt. Waialeale

Mount Wai'ale'ale means rippling water or overflowing water in Hawaiian. It is usually spelled as Mt. Waialeale in English. The mountain has an elevation of 5,148 feet. It is considered a shield volcano and also the second highest point in Kauai, Hawaii. Each year the mountain receives about 452 inches of rain. In 1982 the record was broken with 683 inches of rain at the summit. It is considered one of the rainiest locations on Earth.

The high amount of rain provides plenty of water for the rainforest, making it one of the greenest locations on the entire island. Alakai Wilderness Preserve as part of the mountain area has a boggy area known for its various rare plants. There is a trail to the area, but it is most difficult due to the wet ground. It is easier to travel by helicopter over the forest to examine the rare plants. A lot of the species are in some way named for the mountain like Astelia waialealae, Melicope waialealae and Dubautia waialealae.

The helicopter tours bring guests to the top of the crate, as well as being able to see the waterfalls that line the crater walls. If the weather is right one can go into the crater by helicopter.