Mt. Waialeale
Kauai, Hawaii
In the center of Kauai sits Mt. Waialeale, among the wettest places on earth. This emeraldine mountain is characterized by beautiful jungle expanses and a massive cliffside dubbed the "Wall of Tears" due to its numerous waterfalls. Movie buffs take note: The mountain was used as a backdrop for some of the opening scenes of Jurassic Park.
Mt. Waialeale is a challenging place to access, and just getting to the mountain's base requires a ride in a 4x4 vehicle followed by a seriously long hike. While some brave outdoors people join specially permitted guides on day hikes in this hard-to-reach area, most people view it from the sky on a small charter jet or by signing up for a private or small-group helicopter tour.
Mt. Waialeale is best viewed from the sky, and few operators can take visitors on hikes here.
Bring a camera with a zoom lens for the best aerial pictures rather than flying on your own.
Be prepared for the possibility of cancellation due to inclement weather.
Most people see the mountain from above by heading over to Lihue to hop on an aircraft. Lihue is located right on the main road that circles most of the island, just under an hour's drive from Hanalei and about 25 minutes from Kapa'a. Bus number 400 connects Lihue to other spots up the shore.
For the best views, visit during the dry season, which runs from April–October. Just be aware that the summer months can get crowded with visitors from the mainland, particularly from June–August, when children are out of school. Morning visits are enjoyable when temperatures tend to be a bit cooler.
While Mt. Waialeale is undoubtedly a sight to behold, Kauai’s most popular spot for flightseeing tours is the Na Pali Coast near Hanalei, on the island's northern coast. You can also hike along this part of the shore (although permits are required for overnight backpacking trips) or visit on a boat or kayaking tour.
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