Kawaikini is a shield volcano on the Hawaiian Island of Kauaûi and in Kauaûi County and measures in elevation. It is the summit of the island's inactive central shield volcano, Mount Waialeale. Other peaks on Kauaûi include: Waiûaleûale (5,148 feet), NÃÂmolokama Mountain (4,421 feet), Kalalau Lookout (4,120 feet), Keanapuka Mountain (4,120 feet), Haupu (2,297 feet) and Nounou (1,241 feet).
A rain gauge placed on the nearby Waialeale lake records daily rainfall and regularly lands Kauaûi's peaks on the National Climatic Data Center's list of places averaging the highest annual rainfall. This high rainfall makes reaching the summit difficult on most days.
The rain is not the only barrier to reaching Kawaikini. The Alakai Wilderness Preserve is located to the west and its miles of dense, swampy forest limit access to the summit. To the north, east, and south, Kawaikini is protected by steep, wet cliffs.
Ka wai kini literally translates to "the multitudinous water" in the Hawaiian language, referring to the island's high rainfall.