… from Kauai Trails
Kauai is a little island only from the outside. Kauai is a big island on the inside, especially when you see it on foot.
Lono was another benevolent god; he ruled clouds, rain, and harvests … Legend said Lono had sailed away from Hawaii long ago and would return in a floating heiau (temple) decked with poles flying long white banners from their crosspieces.
The trail crosses an intrusion of black rock along here. Water seeps from springs that emerge at its face, which is exposed on the side of the trail, and runs into a shallow pool formed in the same rock, which the trail traverses, before spilling down the slope. At the top of the switchbacks, you’re at the highest point on the Kalalau Trail, 840 feet.
Wild goats are very alert and shy; you can’t get close to them. It’s possible you’ll surprise wild pigs rooting along the trail. Slow your pace to give them time to get away.
The passionflower vines you see along the Kukui Trail produce the edible passionfruit, the delicately flavored lilikoi … [when ripe] it turns yellow to purplish-brown and its skin is deeply wrinkled.
Kauai Trails: Walks, Strolls and Treks on the Garden Island
1st EDITION 1991
2nd EDITION 1997
3rd EDITION May 2002
2nd printing April 2003
3rd printing May 2005
4th printing February 2008
5th printing July 2009
Copyright © 1991, 1997, 2002 by Kathy Morey
Front cover photo copyright © 2002 by Douglas Peebles
All interior photos and maps copyright © 2002 by Kathy Morey
Cover and book design: Jaan Hitt
ISBN 978-0-89997-305-0
Manufactured in the United States of America
| Published by: | Wilderness Press1345 8th StreetBerkeley, CA 94710(800) 443-7227; FAX (510) [email protected]www.wildernesspress.com |
Visit our website for a complete listing of our books and for ordering information.
| Cover photo: | Kalalau Valley, Na Pali Coast, Kauai | |
| Frontispiece: | Na Pali Coast, Kauai |
All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced in any form, or by any means electronic, mechanical, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the publisher, except for brief quotations used in reviews.
SAFETY NOTICE: Although Wilderness Press and the author have made every attempt to ensure that the information in this book is accurate at press time, they are not responsible for any loss, damage, injury, or inconvenience that may occur to anyone while using this book. You are responsible for your own safety and health while in the wilderness. The fact that a trail is described in this book does not mean that it will be safe for you. Be aware that trail conditions can change from day to day. Always check local conditions and know your own limitations.
Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Morey, Kathy.
Kauai trails: walks, strolls and treks on the garden island/Kathy Morey. — 3rd ed.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical and references
ISBN 0-89997-305-1
1. Kauai (Hawaii)—Guidebooks. 2. Hiking—Hawaii—Kauai—Guidebooks. I. Title 919.69
CIP
Contact the Library of Congress
Dedication
To my husband, Ed Schwartz, who generously supported me, financially as well as emotionally, as I researched and wrote this book.
Acknowledgments
For their encouragement, help, advice, endless patience, and financial support during the first two editions: my husband, Ed Schwartz, and Wilderness Press’s president and editor-in-chief, Thomas Winnett. For their hard work during the preparation of this edition: at Wilderness Press, Jessica Lage and Jaan Hitt (who redesigned and produced the book), and managing editor Jannie Dresser, who has been endlessly patient and encouraging. Wilderness Press has a new crew in charge, as Tom Winnett is in semi-retirement now. The new crew is, and the “old” crew continues, doing a great job. Thanks!
For sending useful information to and answering endless questions from a total stranger during the first edition’s preparation: Division of Forestry and Wildlife, Kauai District (particularly Mr. Alvin Kyono and Mr. Thomas Telfer, who once answered and double-checked, respectively, a questionnaire from me which was six pages long); Division of State Parks, Kauai District; Hawaii Visitors Bureau.
Mr. Edwin Q. P. Pettys of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife was extremely helpful in 1993 when I updated this book in the wake of Hurricane Iniki (September 1992). He must set a good example, because while I was at Kawaikoi Stream Camp in 2000, one of his rangers, apparently worried about a woman camping alone, took the trouble to check on me, brought me some mokihana berries that I treasured until they turned to fragrant dust, and regaled me with legends and facts about the Alakai Swamp. Thanks!
I am deeply indebted to readers who have written me with their compliments, criticisms, and new information. Until I became an author, I could imagine neither how important readers’ inputs are nor how much I should enjoy receiving them. Hikers and correspondents Hideo Shimizu and Jim Granice have been particularly helpful. And, thanks to Suzanne Hessefort for her suggestions for Trip 17.
Andrew Doughty, co-author with Harriett Friedman of The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, was a generous source of last-minute details for the previous edition.
I hope I have accurately and adequately reflected the information these people, and many others, provided directly or indirectly. Any misunderstandings or errors are the fault of Rusty, the cat next door. No, they’re my responsibility.
—K.M.
Contents
Some notes about this Third Edition
Getting Information About Kauai
Spoken Hawaiian: An Incomplete and Unauthoritative Guide