2013
Like the other Hawaiian islands, Kauai is the top of an enormous volcano rising from the ocean floor. Kauai’s formation began nearly 6 million years ago as the Pacific plate passed over the Hawaii hotspot causing lava to begin to flow. The 5,243′ Kawaikini is the highest peak on this mountainous island. Near the center of this island is Kauai’s second highest peak, 5,148′ Wai’ale’ale; to its northeast, 460″ of annual rainfall has eroded deep valleys in the central mountains, carving out canyons with many incredibly scenic waterfalls.
Much of Kauai’s southwest coast is lined with high bluffs and cliffs, along with beaches, interspersed with fields of sugar cane and coffee plantations. Most of the island has bright red soil resulting from millions of years of weathering of the original black basalt that comprises most of the island. The incredible greens, contrasted against the island’s bright reds, marks its signature landscape.
