Kauai Hiking Trails
Kauai Hiking will surprise you. Kauai is a small volcanic island with an abundance of natural wonders just waiting for you to to explore. Hike the rain forest of Kokee, the bogs of the Alakai swamp and the hanging valleys of the Napali Coast. Kauai hiking trails offers hundreds of trail choices for every level of experience. Hike Kauai Trails and connect with nature. It won't take long to realize that Kauai is a hikers paradise waiting to be explored.
Find Kauai Hiking Tips Here...
Location: West Side, Kokee State Park Awaawapuhi Trail
The Awaawapuhi Trail will take you on an ultimate journey as you descend from 4,120 feet elevation in the Kokee State Park to the valley rim of Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys at 2,500 feet.
Location: North Shore, Haena Hanakapiai Trail
The hike to Hanakapiai beach is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful hiking trails in all Hawaii, weaving along two miles of the famous Na Pali coast.The hike to Hanakapiai beach is by far one of the most beautiful trails in all Hawaii. The first two mil
Location: North Shore, Napali Coast Kalalau Trail
Kalalau is famous for its breathtaking beauty, hanging valleys and jagged emeald green cliffs. Hike through lush valleys, forge up steep inclines of jagged sea cliffs, cool off in cool mountain streams and drop back to sea level on the beach of Kalalau.
Location: East Side, Keahua Arboretum Kuilau Ridge Trail
Kuilau Ridge Trail is a great walk for enjoying the many species of plant life on Kauai as well as amazing panoramas of Makaleha Mountains. Enjoy an easy hike through a forested area with beautiful views of Kauai's interior.
Location: West Side, Kokee State Park Kukui Trail
The Kukui Trail is is found at the beginning of the Iliau Nature Loop Trail. As you follow the Kukui Trail into Waimea Canyon, along the first mile you will be treated to two amazing opportunities for photos, each with a bench to rest your feet.
Location: South Shore, Poipu Mahaulepu Beach Trail
Mahaulepu is a special part of Kauai History Heritage site and the last stretch of accessible coastline on the south shore that has not been developed. Malama Mahaulepu is helping to effort to keep this place 2 miles easy picturesque hike along coastline
Location: East Side, Wailua Moalepe Trail
The Moalepe Trail on the East Side of Kauai offers wonderful views of the Makaleha jagged green ridges and far off ocean views. The trail-head is at the end of the pavement on Olohena Road in the upper Wailua Homesteads.
Location: East Side, Wailua Houselots Nounou East
The Nounou East trail is lined with flowering low lined shrubs compared to the shady forested side of the West Kuamoo Trail off Hwy 580. The east side trail will meet up with great views of the entire East Side of Kauai with mountain and ocean panoramas.
Location: East Side, Wailua Homesteads Nounou Kuamoo
This trail is a favorite hike that will lead you over the Opaekaa Stream across a quaint wooden bridge and through a forest of strawberry guavas. For a quick hike and nice picnic area you can stop at the covered picnic table at the .75 mile.
Location: East Side, Wailua Homesteads Nounou West
The west trail of the Sleeping Giant is mostly shaded. Starting from a rural neighborhood in the Wailua Homesteads the trail winds through groves of pines to the top for a spectacular 360 degree view of the east side of Kauai.
Location: North Shore, Hanalei Valley Okolehao Trail
This hikes steady incline will reward you with captivating views of Hanalei Bay, verdant valleys, Bali Hai, Kilauea Lighthouse and the beginning of the Napali Coast.
Location: West Side, Kokee State Park Pihea Trail - Alakai Swamp
The Pihea trail also known as the Alakai Swamp trail. Cross over bogs on a wooden boardwalk along the swamp.
Location: North Shore, Kapa Ka Street Powerline Trail
This spectacular yet difficult trail can be accessed from either the North Shore or the upper East Side in Wailua. The hike literally cuts through the island and is usually done as a one way with a pick up on the other end.
Location: West Side, Kokee State Park Waimea Canyon Trail
This trail descends into a forested trail that will leed you to the canyons edge. Part of the Canyon Cliff trail.
Location: West Side, Kokee State Park Waipoo Falls
You won’t be disappointed by this lovely hike that starts off amongst the forested bird-lands on the rim of Halemanu Canyon. The beginning of this trail will take you along the .75 mile Halemanu Road to the trail head of the canyon trail and Waipoo Falls
Hiking on Kauai gives you an opportunity to explore areas that are inaccessible by car and allows you to experience a tranquility and peaceful part of our natural environment. There are hundreds of hiking trails on Kauai with every level of difficulty. Explore flora and fauna unique to this Pacific Island and the many varieties of native plants and animals, that make Kauai forest and valleys their home. Kauai's hiking trails are an important part of Hawaiian culture and history. As you hike along some of Kauai's historical trails you will find yourself amongst historic and archeological sites. It is important to preserve and respect these areas as well as stay safe while exploring.
Hiking Tips
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Always tell someone where you are hiking (name and location of trail) you plan to hike and when you plan on returning.
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Never hike alone
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Get Information about the trail and learn your route before you start
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Know your level of fitness and pick a trail that matches for fitness level
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Check Weather Conditions.
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Wear Proper Clothing - Dress in layers so you can protect your skin from the tropical sun. Wearing a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen is recommended. It is always a good idea to have a light rain jacket. Kauai weather changers quickly.
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Wear proper Shoes - Hiking boots offer traction and ankle support to prevent slipping and injuries on muddy trails and slick or sharp rocks.