Kaua'i - Hawaii - page 880

The south end of the trail begins across the stream at the Keahua Arboretum, at the
end of Kuamoʻo Rd. Consider starting from the Princeville end ( Click here ), where it's
less messy. Just south of Princeville, look for the Princeville Ranch Stables turnoff. This
is Poʻoku Rd. The trail starts about 2 miles down this road, near an obvious water tank.
Get creative with a car shuttle and you can hike from Princeville to Wailua.
Smith's Motor Boat Service BOAT TOUR
MAP
( 821-6892; www.smithskauai.com ; Wailua Rd; 1½hr tour adult/child $20/10; departures at
9:30am, 11am, 2pm, 3:30pm) If you're curious to see the legendary Fern Grotto , this
covered boat ride is your only chance. Bear in mind that since the heavy rains and rock-
slides of 2006, visitors cannot enter the grotto - which looks a bit parched, frankly - but
must stay on the wooden platform quite a distance from the shallow cave.
THE SOURCE: MT WAIʻALEʻALE
Translated as 'rippling water' or 'overflowing water,' and with the earned nickname
of the Rain Machine, Mt Waiʻaleʻale averages 460 to 500 inches of rainfall annually,
with a yearly record of 683 inches in 1982, and is widely regarded as one of the
wettest places on earth. Its steep cliffs cause moist air to rise rapidly and focus
rainfall in one area. Believed by ancient Hawaiians to be occupied by the god Kane,
it's located in the center of the island and is the source of the Wailua, Hanalei and
Waimea Rivers, as well as the Alakaʻi Wilderness Preserve and almost every visible
waterfall on the island.
Kayaking
Majestic and calm, the Wailua River spans 12 miles, fed by two streams originating on
Mt Waiʻaleʻale. It's the only navigable river across the Hawaiian Islands, and kayaking
the Wailua has become a tourist must-do. Fortunately, the paddle is a doable 5 miles for
all ages and fitness levels. Tours usually don't pass the Fern Grotto and instead take the
river's north fork, which leads to a mile-long hike through dense forest to Uluwehi Falls
(Secret Falls), a 130ft waterfall. The hike scrambles over rocks and roots, and if muddy it
will probably cause some slippin' and slidin'. Tip: wear sturdy, washable, nonslip san-
dals such as Chacos. Note that at research time the waterfall was no longer flowing due
to a prolonged drought, so confirm conditions before signing on, lest you be disappoin-
ted.