Join a private guided hike of Kuilau RidgeTrail to get a complete jungle experience while you learn about the history and culture that gave birth to the pristine land on eastern Kauai. Take in all the exotic flora including rainbow eucalyptus, and albizia trees, along with panoramic views jungles, waterfalls, and mountain range. Walk the same path that the ancient Hawaiians used to build their communities. The word kuilau (koo-E-lau) means “to string together leaves or grass.” Plant fibers were used for everything from thatching roofs (pili grass huts) to making large sails for ocean voyaging canoes (from the hala three-leaf).  After a quick stop at the impressive and beloved ‘O’paeka’a Falls, the hike will begin as a gentle climb up a trail that is lined with impressive Sydney blue gum trees (Eucalyptus saligna). Growing over 150 feet tall the eucalyptus in this area can tower over the massive albizia trees. You may feel yourself shrink as you hike through. As you make your way higher, views of several mountain ranges begin to emerge, including the Kahili Mountain to the south, Wai’ale’ale Mountain and Mount Kawi to the west and the Makaleha Mountains to the north. On overcast days, you’ll still be rewarded with dense, green views of the gulches that dominate the area; their abundant native and introduced plant species offer much to discover. These plants include wild orchids, ‘ohi’a lehua blossoms, gala, and the la’i or ti plant (a popular material for making hula skirts, among many other uses). Back at the arboretum, you will take a short stroll through the famous “rainbow eucalyptus” trees (Eucalyptus deglupta). If time permits, you will have the option of taking a quick dip in a cool mountain stream and/or walking up a small hill to once again see the cloud-covered Wai’ale’ale Summit, known as "The wettest place on earth" (averaging over 450 inches of rainfall annually). This is a private tour — it will just be you and your private group. Because of this, you are free to go at your own pace and hike as much, or as little, as you would like for the duration of the tour you have selected. Your guide will contact you before the start of your tour to help plan a custom itinerary.