Overview

Get ready for an unforgettable journey that blends the thrill of exploration with the wonders of nature. With a manageable yet exciting difficulty level, this 2-3 hour escapade promises to ignite your sense of adventure. Covering a distance of 2-3 miles round-trip and boasting an elevation gain of 640 feet, this hike packs a punch of excitement and awe-inspiring beauty.

Highlights:

• View 151-foot Opaeka’a Falls
• Diverse array of impressive native and non-native tree and plant species, including ʻōhiʻa, ieʻie vine, massive albizia trees and colorful “rainbow eucalyptus”
• Expansive views of Mount Waiʻaleʻale Mountain, the Makaleha Mountains, and several distant waterfalls
• Opportunities for bird watching

Activity Times:

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Tour Schedule

Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
Duration: 3 hours
Distance: 2-3 miles (round-trip)
Elevation Gain: 640ft

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Immerse Yourself in the Beauty of Kauai

Description

Following a brief pause at the roadside overlook for a glimpse of the striking ‘O’paeka’a Falls, our journey takes us further into the lush path that winds through the heart of the island. The hike commences as a gentle ascent along a spacious, well-kept trail. Bordering the trail are the impressive Sydney blue gum trees (Eucalyptus saligna), which can reach towering heights of over 150 feet. Occasional clusters of albizia trees, notable for their impressive size, also dot the landscape.

As we ascend, panoramic vistas of multiple mountain ranges gradually come into view. Even on cloudy days, we're treated to rich, verdant scenes of the densely foliated ravines dominating the foreground. These valleys are teeming with both native and introduced plant species, creating an environment ripe for exploration. Among these plants, one can find wild orchids, delectable guava (during its season), vibrant ‘ōhiʻa lehua blossoms, the versatile hala tree (used for crafting hats, mats, baskets, and canoe sails), and the ti plant (used extensively, including for crafting hula skirts).

Upon reaching the point where we turn around, we encounter a spacious open area furnished with covered picnic tables. From here, we're treated to expansive views of Kahili Mountain to the south, Wai’ale’ale Mountain and Mount Kawi to the west, and the Makaleha Mountains to the north.

On our way back to the arboretum, we'll take a leisurely stroll through an area densely populated by the renowned and often photographed "rainbow eucalyptus" trees (Eucalyptus deglupta). Depending on the time and conditions, we might have the opportunity to take a refreshing dip in a cool mountain stream or ascend a small hill for another glimpse of the majestic Wai’ale’ale Summit. This summit holds the distinction of being one of the wettest places on Earth, receiving an average annual rainfall of over 450 inches, which often veils it fully or partially in clouds.

Know before you book:

• You must be able to walk on unpaved, uneven, likely muddy terrain.
• The area has the potential to be rainy, so you should pack layered clothing, a rain jacket and closed-toe shoes.
• You may want to bring a towel, change of clothes, and slippers to change into after the hike.