Hā‘upu Ridge from Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge

A cloudy weather system hits and moves past the 2,300-foot-tall Hā‘upu Ridge on Kaua‘i before eventually revealing some sunshine on the mountain covered with greenery, Aug. 1, 2023. USFWS video: Laurel Smith
South from Hulē‘ia National Wildlife Refuge is the Hā‘upu Ridge, a mountain range that runs parallel to the Hulē‘ia River. Hā‘upu Ridge holds immense geological and cultural importance. Geologists identify this mountain range as the southern arc of the volcanic crater that formed the island of Kaua‘i. Erosion sculpted the region’s distinct valleys and streams over millions of years creating the unique topography.
Hā‘upu Ridge serves as a geological divide, separating the arid Kōloa region to the south from the lush northern landscape of Līhu‘e. In Hawaiian mythology, the ridge symbolizes the influence of powerful deities whose tumultuous love affairs shaped the topography between Kōloa and Līhu‘e.
More about the refuge: www.fws.gov/refuge/huleia