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Kawaikini
Mount Waialeale
Kawaikini.jpg
Highest point
Elevation 5,243 ft (1,598 m)
Prominence 5,243 ft (1,598 m)
Listing
Geography
Kawaikini is located in Hawaii
Kawaikini
Kawaikini
Location in Hawaii
Location Kauai County, Hawaii, United States
Parent range Hawaiian Islands
Geology
Mountain type
Volcanic arc/belt Hawaiian–Emperor seamount chain
Climbing
First ascent Ancient Hawaiians (Unknown Time)
Easiest route Mountaineering Trek

Kawaikini is the highest point on the Hawaiian Island of Kauai and in Kauai County and measures 5,243 feet (1,598 m) in elevation. It is the summit of the island's inactive central shield volcano, Mount Waialeale. Other peaks on Kauai include: Waialeale (5,148 feet), Namolokama Mountain (4,421 feet), Kalalau Lookout (4,120 feet), Keanapuka Mountain (4,120 feet), Haupu (2,297 feet) and Nounou (1,241 feet).

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.

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