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10 Hiking Trails in Kauai That You Shouldn't Miss
Relaxing and pristine Kauai (the Garden Island) is the least commercially developed of the Hawaiian islands. Waterfalls, scenic drives and more than 60 beaches dot the landscape. Some beaches have great snorkeling, others offer child-friendly tidal pools and some are perfect for all kinds of water sports. Dry-land activities include hiking the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali coastline, taking a day trip to Waimea Canyon and experiencing life on a sugar plantation at Grove Farm Homestead Museum.
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1. Kalalau Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 1,655 reviews
This place is temporarily closed. Kauai's hiking trail along the Na Pali coast.
Reviewed By wolverineJACK21 - Midland, United States
My family just got back from Kauai. We stayed near the NaPali coast. We had anyone from age 29-64 with us. There is a new rule now where you MUST have a park pass weeks ahead of time before being able to hike the Kalalau trail. We made this mistake and got sent away the first time. If you can’t get a pass, the best way to get access to the park is via the shuttle. The shuttle pass comes with entry to the park which is nice. The shuttle system is actually pretty efficient too. We took our shuttle from Princeville. After arriving, you have a 0.5 mile easy hike to the trailhead. There are bathrooms and a beach with a lifeguard here. If you want to hike, the trail itself is well marked and reasonably safe for the first two miles. It is mainly rocks but is wide and easily hike-able for people of all ages. There are tiny streams that you may have to step over but nothing too crazy. At the end, you hike down to a river. We went during the winter and the river was too high and too fast to cross. I recommend bring water shoes in a backpack to cross the river so that your hiking shoes aren’t soaked. It was at least waist high when we went. There is a small beach that you can hike down to which is nice. Overall, this trail is beautiful. I’m bummed we couldn’t make it to the waterfall on the other side of the river but highly recommend this.
2. Poipu Coast Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 8 reviews
An amazing two-mile hiking trail.
Reviewed By Latnam - Bellevue, United States
The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is a great hike for all skill level which starts at Shipwreck Beach near the Grand Hyatt and travels along the shore and ends near the Makauwahi Cave. The trail includes great views of the coast, cultural heritage sites, and beaches. Hikers should definitely bring water.
3. Nu'alolo Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 50 reviews
Hiking trail located in Kokee State Park.
Reviewed By U1378YVjeffb - Milford, United States
We hiked the ‘Cliffs’ version of this trail, a loop where you start on the Nualolo trail, hike into the vista, backtrack 3/4 mile to the Cliffs trail junction, take the Cliffs trail 2 miles over to its junction with the Awaawapuhi trail, do the vista there and then hike back out to the road on the Awaawapuhi trail, leaving you a 1.7 mile walk down the road back to your car at the Nualolo trailhead. Total distance of about 13 miles w elevation gain about 2200 feet. Fantastic day, BUT some important notes! First 1.25m of the Nualolo was a steep downhill, heavy w mud wallows, making hiking poles essential and slowing us considerably. It had been raining for weeks apparently, though none for three days when we hiked. The mud varies apparently, but it’s no joke and you should not underestimate it. Trail eventually dried out for the most part and the Nualolo vista is incredible. The Ciffs connector trail was a surprise - interesting in its own right but unblazed w few markers, narrow, little used, subject to blocking w deadfalls, sometimes faint and challenging to follow. Hikers w substantial experience will enjoy it, but we encountered some novices having real trouble. The Awaawapuhi vista was fine, though nowhere near as spectacular as the Nualolo. And the mud factor on the hike out along the Awaawapuhi trail was far less troublesome than on the Nualolo. With the mud and the lingering here and there and our usual modest pace, it took us 9 hours to cover the entire loop (!) and we hiked back down the road to our car under the stars. Start the hike early if you are doing the whole thing!! By the way, the distances on the occasional state park trail markers and official maps seem to be off about 20% from what you’ll get on a GPS tracker. That is, the hike is longer than the ‘official’ distances indicate. The attendant at the museum/info center told us that the Nualolo trail is 4.5 miles one way to the vista versus the 3.75 given as the ‘official’ distance. My GPS says she was right. Weird, but there it is and plan your tome accordingly!
4. Kohua Ridge Trail
5. Hanakapi`ai Trail
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 93 reviews
Reviewed By tphybridtx - Cedar Hill, United States
Once you step foot at the base of the trail in Ha’ena State Park you will be confronted with a continual barrage of mud, mosquitos and a mountainous terrain. This trail is 4 miles in; first two miles take you to Hanakapi’ai Beach and the last two miles take you to the Hanakapi’ai Falls. For fit, experienced hikers, I’m sure this is rated as a moderate to sometimes difficult trail. But for those in average to good workout shape this is a challenging hike at every level. Overweight, lack of water/food/good shoes, the occasional danger and the almost half a mile mountain climb will cause many to turn back before the falls. You will climb up and down rock, cross numerous streams and face very slippery downhill muddy paths on your journey. The falls are worth the effort; you will be alone or almost alone once you arrive. Take a swim. Eat, drink and then begin you return home. It will take the most fit at least five hours round trip if you plan on going to beach as well. I would prepare for six to seven hours. Take plenty of water and wear hiking shoes. I have a more detailed report about the hike on the Hanakapi’ai Falls review.
6. Kauai Path
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 839 reviews
Reviewed By NicolleZ - Holt, United States
Great for all ages, my sister and parents and I had a wonderful bike ride along the coast. The paved path made for easy riding and there were plenty of pull-offs and scenic overlooks. You might even see a sea turtle or two! The rented bikes had baskets and bells on them. Bring water, sunscreen and a hat!
7. Kalepa Ridge Trail
8. Po’omau Canyon Ditch Trail
9. Ho'opi'i Falls
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 190 reviews
One of Kauai's best hiking trails.
Reviewed By melaniem598
We loved this hike. It was very muddy... but I think they all are! Where good runners and they will get muddy! Walk slow as the mud does get pretty slippery! Our youngest is 8 and we were able able to do this hike. The hardest part is climbing down the cliff ( and back up) after we had an amazing time in the falls and swinging on the rope swing!!! Careful of the huge rock when you drop off the rope. ( We had someone stand there so no one hit it and swung the rope back) what an experience!!! If you hike do this for sure!
10. Canyon Trail
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 438 reviews
Reviewed By DBM1961 - Quebec City, Canada
We are two middle-aged adults who did the Canyon Trail to atop Waipoo Falls, adding on the the cliff trail overlook. It was rated as a moderate hike on the park's website and I agree. We did not find it too physically challenging, but we did go slow. One does have to plan where to step so the "technical" aspect for me was more challenging than the endurance aspect. But that made it fun. I would suggest going early in the day to beat the crowds. I would also suggest checking the weather before going. I would not want to do this hike if it was wet. The views, especially the cliff trail overlook, are amazing!
