We hiked a rough trail on the southeast side of Kauai up a anrrow ridge to a viewpoint and back.    The ridge was a windy, narrow, but afforded great views.  On the way back down we ran into a mongoose tearing apart a rat.    During the hike we stopped to take a few photos of flowering plants.

On the approach to the narrow trail, there were a number of orchids in bloom.    There are 3 types of orchids growing wild in Hawaii.   The swamp orchid (Phaius Tankervilliae) is found in shaded damp forests, jungles, and cloud forests.

swamp orchid

There are a number of different ferns in the area, including some invasive species.

We have come across ground orchids (spathoglottis plicata) quite a few times, our favorite.   They are often found on the east (windward) side and they grow in minimal soil and nutrient areas, often among grasses.    We have also spotted them on the edge of cliffs.

Philippine orchid

Ohia lehua (metrosideros polymorpha) is an evergreen tree in the myrtle family.   The blooms appear as “tufts” of bright colors at the ends of stems on the upper part of the tree or shrub.   It grows in many environments on all of the Hawai’an islands.

ohia lehua

We passed through a small grove of paperbark trees.  There is a much larger grove on the Moalepe Trail on the east side of the island.

On our way back down we passed by more swamp orchids, so exotic and unexpected in the wet rainforest.

swamp orchid

Kahili Ridge is a more difficult trail and access is quite difficult so it does not have many visitors.   It feels remote, wild, and natural.   Another quiet wapyoint on the Garden Isle.