All upslopes lead to the central peak of Kauai, but there a few outlier peaks too that rise 3000 – 4000 feet, all connected to Mt. Waialeale by ridges, but separated by gorges and pali (cliffs).  Since the jungle/forest is impenetrable, trails from the coast to these peaks are very few. The exception are a small number of routes that have a route cut straight up a ridge. The challenge is that these ridges tend to become very narrow and steep as they climb. If conditions have been wet, we add “slippery” to the description too.  Kahili Mountain Ridge fits this profile very well.

To find the trailhead, drive on the main highway and a short way west of the turn-off to Koloa-Poipu, turn mauka (toward the mountain) on a side road to the Kahili Adventist School. Enter the school property and park between the banyan tree and the rudrakshra tree near the office. There was a sign “hikers park here.”  Follow the double track past the school toward the ridge and continue past all the cabins. At the upper edge of the property, watch for a green water tower and then just follow the trail.

The lower section is easy through dense ferns and forest. A few parts are so grown over that we have to go through muddy fern tunnels. Then it starts to get steep. In dry conditions, it is hard work, but manageable. Some scrambling is required and in wetter conditions this can be challenging, especially on the return downhill.

Fine views extend in 3 directions and we were pleased by paper bark trees, o’hia, eucalyptus, and wild orchids along the way. When the ridge turns north, the ridge narrows and there are cliffs to be careful of on the east side. Higher up, there are sheer drop-offs on both sides and the ridge is only 2 feet wide. We continued up very carefully until we came to fog. We chose to make this our turn-around spot with slippery conditions, wind, and fog dissuading us from venturing farther. From watching videos of the uppermost part of the hike, we could see that the whole hike is best done in dry, sunny conditions. We found the descent treacherous on the narrow, steep, slippery trail.

Pick a dry clear day if you do this hike.   It is a good workout, but not for those with a fear of heights.   For our part, we went up and own with a few slips on the way down.     On a turn, we spotted a mongoose (a recent invader to Kauai) on the trail, preying on a rat.   It scuttled off, but the severed head of the rat lay on the ground apart from the body.   We enjoyed the views from above of the neighboring ridges, over the ridges to the west coast, Waita Reservoir under the Hoary Head Range, and the forests of the east shores.   Next time we will wait for drier conditions and go all the way to the top.