With a few of the most spectacular mountaineering trails from Waimea Canyon to the Sleeping Large Path, Kauai mountaineering was made for the adventurous soul. The Hawaiian island’s huge north shore, the place the Na Pali Coast reigns supreme, harbors lots of the greatest hikes in Kauai and Hawaii. Hawaii is dwelling to world-class mountaineering. We’ve uncovered the perfect of them proper right here.
There are family-friendly Kauai hikes, however a few of the trekking right here just isn’t for the faint of coronary heart. With muddy trails, dense forests, and dramatic cliffs, the island makes you’re employed for each mile. Convey alongside your hardest mountaineering sneakers, for a spot that rewards your effort tenfold. End up at spectacular waterfalls or soak within the inspiring vistas. Listed here are our high picks for the perfect hikes on Kauai.
Stunning Hikes in Kauai, Hawaii
Mahaulepu Heritage Path
One of many best hikes to finish on Kauai is the Mahaulepu Heritage Path. With minimal elevation achieve, the trek is extra akin to a lovely coastal stroll. Beginning at Shipwreck Seaside trek alongside the memorable limestone cliffs, go kiawe timber earlier than reaching the Makauwahi caves. Spot extra fossilized marine life hidden among the many lush foliage.
The preliminary trek ends at Mahaulepu Seaside, a distant a part of the island’s southern shoreline. Remoted and fragile, benefit from the lovely scenes earlier than softly wandering again to the trailhead.
- Trailhead: Shipwreck Seaside
- Distance: 4 miles
- Problem: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: 150ft
Sleeping Large Path (Nounou Mountain)
Trekking alongside the ridgeline of Nounou Mountain Path is likely one of the greatest hikes in Kauai. Native legend tells the story of a large who feasted at a celebration in his title earlier than drifting off to everlasting sleep. Naturally, the epic ridgeline resembles the define of the sleeping big and could be seen from varied elements of the island. To begin, the hike guides you thru an immense plantation of timber, earlier than the switchbacks take you up the ridge.
These timber had been planted in unison within the Thirties by the Civilian Conservation Corps and have grown into giants themselves. When you’re above the treeline, you possibly can see endlessly. The ridgeline plateaus providing thrilling mountaineering to match the spectacular views. Arrive earlier than sundown to seize the golden hour from above!
- Trailhead: East of Halelili Street
- Distance: 3.6 miles
- Problem: Reasonable
- Elevation Achieve: 948ft
In search of extra hikes in Hawaii? Take a look at these different locations to hike in Hawaii
Kalalau Path
Should you solely have time to do one full day hike on Kauai Island, then why not do the perfect one? The Kalalau Path is an epic journey suited to extra superior hikers and could be break up right into a multi-day journey. Starting at Ke’e Seaside, the path winds alongside the huge Na Pali Coast and eleven miles alongside you’ll arrive on the distant Kalalau Seaside. The secluded spot rewards beautiful views and the perfect spot to camp anyplace on the island.
Keep for an evening or two earlier than finishing the return journey again to Ke’e Seaside. The path’s size, together with some treacherous terrain, has not stopped it from changing into some of the well-liked hikes in Kauai. Actually, you’ll want to use for a allow earlier than setting off. We advocate making use of round 4 months upfront.
- Trailhead: Ke’e Seaside
- Distance: 22 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 6177ft
Talking of wonderful hikes, Oahu has its fair proportion. You possibly can learn all about them right here.
Waipo’o Falls Path (Waimea Canyon Path)
Earlier than starting this hike, it’s greatest to examine your expectation on the door. The Waipo’o Falls Path is a few of the greatest Kauai mountaineering, however not for the explanations you’d count on. The view in direction of the aforementioned falls is restricted on this trek. Actually, the path leads you to the highest of them.
Which will result in an anti-climax for a lot of hikers, however not for you. Since you’re doing this hike to see the gorgeous views of Waimea Canyon. Typically in comparison with the Grand Canyon, textures, colours and rock patterns of the Waimea canyon promise to blow you away.
There are a number of fast detours that grant distinctive views, however the primary path results in an enormous stretch of rock that overlooks a hair-raising drop into Waimea Canyon. The hike attracts respectable crowds due to easy accessibility and the transient journey.
- Trailhead: Koke’e State Park
- Distance: 4 miles
- Problem: Reasonable
- Elevation Achieve: 1600ft
Kuilau Ridge Path
Should you’re after brief but adventurous day hikes in Kauai, then think about trekking the Kuilau Ridge Path. From the Keahua Arboretum hikers have the built-in benefit of starting at elevation. So, from step one, you’re rewarded with immediate views.
Like quite a lot of trails of Kauai, the trail could be muddy, particularly after rain. This will make the path a little bit exhausting to comply with at instances. Nonetheless, any navigational struggles are value it as you wander by historic forests with views of far-off mountain ranges. The path doesn’t result in an epic completion, with the journey right here being extra spectacular than the vacation spot. However the path is accessible and could be accomplished by younger and outdated. Making for an ideal household time out.
- Trailhead: Keahua Arboretum
- Distance: 4.5 miles
- Problem: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: 666ft
Kalepa Ridge Path
Brief and candy however epic nonetheless, Kalepa Ridge is likely one of the most adrenalin pumping mountaineering trails on the island. Relying on the climate, this path can fluctuate from reasonable to troublesome. The slim path follows gnarly terrain and might typically be unsure underfoot. The Kalepa Ridge Path is an unofficial trek, so it sees much less foot site visitors than different Kauai mountaineering trails. You will have to really feel assured mountaineering in a extra distant a part of the state park.
After the path begins, comply with the ridge formation because the views clear and the pure magnificence turns into ever extra obvious. The ridge gives views of probably the most iconic a part of the Na Pali shoreline, the Kalalau Valley. Come right here for sundown to benefit from the colourful sky with simply your family and friends.
- Trailhead: Koke’e State Park
- Distance: 1.9 miles
- Problem: Reasonable/Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 610ft
Nualolo Ridge Path
In case your hike alongside the Honopu Ridge Path wasn’t exhausting sufficient in your legs, then problem your self on Nualolo Ridge Path. One of many hardest Kauai hikes begins with a pointy descent with even better views of the Na Pali Coast. The difficulty? Effectively, muddy downhill trails by the rainforest are powerful in your legs, however alongside the way in which you’ll bump into a number of unbelievable views. Cease right here to understand the colourful colours and relaxation your weary limbs.
Quickly rugged meadows take over, opening up the world round you. You could even spot the elusive I’iwi honeycreeper. The issue of the hike scares off many potential trekkers, leaving you to benefit from the paradise in peace. When you’ve reached the top of the downhill, all that’s left is the stroll again up!
- Trailhead: Koke’e State Park Ranger Station
- Distance: 7.6 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 2280ft
Okolehao Path
Switching our consideration to Kauai’s north shore, this trek is a mountaineering path that provides you with one heck of a exercise. Muddy and never all the time properly signposted, the Okolehao Path helps you overlook the wrestle with picturesque views of Hanalei Bay, the valley and the historic Kilauea Lighthouse.
The mountaineering path begins in dense forests earlier than the timber depart, forsaking taro meadows and the possibility to see additional afield. The sharp climb is roughly 2.5 miles in size and at instances you’ll have to make use of the chains to maintain your footing.
- Trailhead: Ohiki Street
- Distance: 5 miles
- Problem: Reasonable
- Elevation Achieve: 1250ft
Honopu Ridge Path
An unforgettable solution to expertise the gorgeous Na Pali Coast is on the Honopu Ridge Path. The five-mile out and again hike comes with wonderful coastal views together with the possibility to see the mountains shoot out of the Pacific Ocean up shut. The trick right here is to finish the hike on a transparent day. Whereas the path is all the time enjoyable, the wonderful views can simply be coated by wandering clouds. The skinny path is properly marked and guides you alongside the breathtaking coast with dramatic drop offs to at least one facet.
The one disadvantage of this hike is the shrubs and branches that dwell alongside the slim path. Should you can, convey alongside some trousers or leggings to keep away from scratches en masse. From the primary viewpoint, you’ll gaze upon the gorgeous Honopu Valley Waterfall. The second viewpoint gives long-range vistas so far as Nualolo Ridge.
- Trailhead: Koke’e State Park
- Distance: 5 miles
- Problem: Reasonable
- Elevation Achieve: 1595ft
Makawehi Lithified Cliffs Path
After exploring a few of the epic adventures available on Kauai mountaineering trails, let’s change tack for a minute. Climbing the Makawehi Lithified Cliffs is much less a trek and extra of an tour again in time.
The extraordinary cliffs on the east finish of Shipwreck Seaside are produced from sand dunes, slowly compacted by hovering winds and surf breaks over a millennia. The result’s spectacular rock caverns, numerous colors and several other fossilized fish and different marine life. Some of the well-liked hikes on Kaui for folks of all ages, take the time to understand the historical past on show. However don’t overlook to lookup and benefit from the southern views alongside the ocean cliffs.
- Distance: Hiker’s Selection
- Problem: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: Minimal
- Trailhead: Poipu Street/Shipwreck Seaside
Awaawapuhi Path
The long-lasting Awaawapuhi Path is rated as among the finest mountaineering trails on Kauai for an all-day journey. Like quite a lot of Kauai mountaineering trails, you’ll comply with a ridgeline with steady views of the Na Pali Coast. After round 90 minutes of awe-inspiring and downhill mountaineering, the trek culminates on the official viewpoint. With stark drop-offs on both facet, the ridge ends with a postcard-worthy view.
You possibly can proceed to enterprise down however may have to take action off-trail and the crumbling path could be troublesome to navigate. On the return journey, take your thoughts off the thigh-burning climb on the Awaawapuhi path with views in direction of the engulfing mountains on both facet.
- Trailhead: Koke’e State Park
- Distance: 6.2 miles
- Problem: Reasonable
- Elevation Achieve: 1945ft
Makaleha Falls Path
One of many nice hikes in Kauai, the Makaleha Falls hike, can be remembered as a lot for the mud because the waterfalls. The mountaineering path follows the Makaleha Stream for its entirety, with a number of water crossings in your journey.
The spectacular falls might tempt folks of all talents to strive the hike, nevertheless it’s rated troublesome for a cause. Count on some sections of bouldering mossy rocks and ducking by aimless branches, all of the whereas making an attempt to maintain monitor of the particular path. Finally you’ll spot the mesmerizing two-tiered falls. There’s a spot for cliff leaping and you’ll proceed on to Hidden Falls.
- Trailhead: Kahuna Street
- Distance: 2.6 miles
- Problem: Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 849ft
Hanakapiai Falls Path
Should you hiked the Kalalau Path, you’ll additionally start the trek in direction of Hanankapiai Falls. For those who didn’t get a allow to finish Kalalau, you possibly can nonetheless trek the complete Hanakapiai Falls Path, which is a superb various.
After following the spellbinding north shore shoreline and Hanakapiai Seaside, minimize inland to seize the 300ft waterfall surrounded by dense jungle. The hike to the falls is a climb that doesn’t let up, with the steep incline and tree roots being your largest nemeses. However the Hanakapiai Falls are among the finest on the island, the turquoise waters distinction with the dense inexperienced jungle surrounds. Whereas they’ll additionally reward you with a refreshing tumbling bathe.
- Trailhead: Ke’e Seaside
- Distance: 8 miles
- Problem: Reasonable
- Elevation Achieve: 2664ft
Alaka’i Swamp Path
Some of the distinctive Kauai mountaineering trails is Alaka’i Swamp. AKA an alpine swamp, the path helps showcase the various fascinating crops and animals that exist within the island’s excessive altitude areas. Though the path follows a raised boardwalk, don’t suppose you’re going to come back out of this clear. Beginning on the lookout, proceed on the Pihea Path for beautiful views of the Kalalau Valley.
The boardwalks will quickly take over and information you thru monstrous hapu’u ferns earlier than ending on the Kilohana Lookout. Full the fascinating expertise with vistas of Hanalei Bay.
- Trailhead: Pu’u Kila Lookout
- Distance: 7.7 miles
- Problem: Reasonable/Troublesome
- Elevation Achieve: 1332ft
Kauapea Seaside (Secret Seaside)
The preliminary steep descent could also be enjoyable for sort two hikers, however that’s not why the hike to Kauapea Seaside has made this checklist. Right here, the vacation spot is extra vital than the journey. The hike merely delivers a distant and delightful surroundings to you on a silver platter.
Secret Seaside is spacious, with comfortable sand that dances between your toes. The backdrop of greens, browns and ocean mist is sort of a view from a fairytale. Discover the tidal swimming pools, or if the ocean is calm, get pleasure from a swim.
- Trailhead: Kialauea
- Distance: 2 miles
- Problem: Simple
- Elevation Achieve: 800ft
Ho’opi’i Falls Path
For action-packed day hikes on Kauai mountaineering trails, then don’t go up the trek to Ho’opi’i Falls. The brief two-mile trek to the falls is filled with journey. Alongside the way in which, you’ll go two falls, the primary providing magnificent spots for cliff leaping. The second waterfall is the primary attraction and was a filming location in Jurassic Park.
The path is surrounded by hovering jungle that envelopes you in each course. However in these two spots, they disperse, opening up a magical world. Ho’opo’i Falls options a big swimming gap for a well-earned dip.
- Trailhead: Ho’opi’i Falls Trailhead
- Distance: 4 miles
- Problem: Reasonable
- Elevation Achieve: 600ft
Frquently Requested Questions on Kauai Climbing Trails
With the perfect hikes in Kauai sorted, what else ought to you recognize concerning the mountaineering trails right here? Let’s have a look.
What’s it prefer to hike on Kauai?
The sheer number of hikes on Kaui from the north shore to the south ought to make each adventurer giddy. However trekking on the Hawaiian island isn’t any simple feat.
The gorgeous nature that gives us with limitless vistas doesn’t come and not using a wrestle. Nearly all of the hikes right here will current a problem to trekkers, with mud, timber, roots and uncertain footing being the most important enemies. So you should definitely convey sturdy mountaineering boots and many persistence.
What’s the perfect simple hike on Kauai?
Among the finest simple mountaineering trails on Kauai is the trek to Kauapea Seaside. The brief and candy trek leads you to a spectacular distant stretch of powder-like sand.
What’s the perfect exhausting hike on Kauai?
For strenuous hikes, it doesn’t get any higher than the Kalalau Path. Ending on the secluded Kalalau Seaside, the 11-mile journey rewards you with distant tenting alternatives and the possibility to see the assorted distinctive landscapes discovered on the island.
When’s the perfect time to go to Kauai?
In brief, there’s no dangerous time to go to Kauai. A few of you’re certain to benefit from the dry season, however others will wrestle with the humidity and warmth. The moist season begins in November and runs by to March. This a part of the 12 months brings decrease temperatures however the larger probability of muddy or broken trails. So convey alongside a lightweight rain jacket.
Because of this, spring and the primary half of fall present the perfect of each worlds. Whereas not as low cost because the winter months, the shoulder seasons are cheap in comparison with the peak of the summer season’s tourism.
Wish to study extra about mountaineering on one other island? Learn our information to the perfect hikes in Maui.
Closing Ideas
Climbing in Hawaii will get the center pounding, sweat dropping and the legs soiled. The backyard isle is a rugged, wild and alive panorama with steep descents and sharp climbs.
The island’s north shore, additionally dwelling to Koke’e Sate Park, has an unbelievable quantity of spectacular hikes in an in any other case small space. Together with the Awa’awapuhi Path and the Nualolo Valley.
Adventures don’t finish right here with the jap coast dwelling to the Sleeping Large Path and the Kuilau Ridge Path. A number of days might not minimize it if you wish to do as many as potential. Nevertheless it’s certain to give you a lifetime of unbelievable reminiscences.
Has the perfect Kauai hikes piqued you interested by hikes within the US? Take a look at our picks for the perfect treks in america.
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