Kawaikini, Mountain summit in Kauai County, United States.
Kawaikini is the highest point on the island of Kauai, reaching an elevation of 1,598 meters (5,243 feet). Steep cliffs surround the summit on three sides.
Ancient Hawaiians built an altar at the summit, marking their earliest known presence at this location. The exact time of these early visits remains unclear.
The name Kawaikini comes from the Hawaiian language and means 'the multitudinous water,' reflecting the powerful rainfalls that characterize this location.
Reaching the summit requires mountaineering skills and careful planning because dense swamps, steep slopes, and extremely wet conditions persist year-round. Visitors should be prepared for challenging terrain and constant moisture.
A rain gauge positioned near the summit records some of the highest annual rainfall totals on Earth. This measurement reveals one of the wettest places in the world.
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