Kauai Hiking tips
- Inform yourself about the trail by getting maps and information from the local forest, county, and state agencies.
- Since most of the hiking trails on Kauai are composed of volcanic rock, shoes or boots with a good grip and support are essential.
- Try to avoid hiking after heavy rains or if rain is in the forecast. Hiking can be very dangerous when the trail is wet or slippery.
- A hat, insect repellent, sunscreen and long pants are recommended to protect yourself from scrapes, insects, thorny bushes, and the sun.
- Bring snacks and plenty of bottled water, river and stream water are not safe for drinking and must be purified.
- Cold weather gear should be brought if you plan on hiking late in the afternoon, or if you're going to hike in the higher altitudes where temperatures can drop significantly in a matter of minutes.
- Stay on the trails, and never hike alone or wander from your hiking buddies. The dense plantlife makes it very easy to get separated or lost.
- If you get lost in the evening, do not move, wait until daylight in order to seek help. Nights on a mountain in foreign terrain can get very dangerous and movement can be very hazardous.
- During the winter months, flash flooding can occur so be extra cautious when hiking close to the rivers and streams.
- Tell a non-hiker where you are planning to hike, and if possible, carry a fully charged cell phone.
- Remember to be courteous to your surroundings and help maintain the natural beauty of Kauai by carrying out all your trash.
Kauai Hiking Trail List | North | East | South | West | Kalalau Trails
Lumahai Beach
TrailPowerline Trail
Moloaa Beach Trail | Nonou Mountain
(Sleeping Giant) Trails - East Side
- Kaumoo-Nonou
- West Side
Keahua Trails - Keahua Arboretum
- Moalepe
- Kuilau Ridge
Lydgate State Park Trail | Salt Pond Trail
Elizabeth Trail | Polihale State Park Trail
Waimea Canyon Trails - Iliau Nature Loop
- Kukui
- Waimea Canyon
- Koaie Canyon
Kokee State Park Trails - Halemanu-Kokee
- Waininiunua
- Kumuwela
- Puu Ka Ohelo/Berry Flat
- Ditch
- Puu Ka Ohelo/Berry Flat
- Alakai Swamp
- Kawaikoi Stream
- Poomau Canyon
- Kohua Ridge
- Mohihi-Waialae
- Nature
- Milolii Ridge
- Nualolo
- Nualolo Cliff
- Awaawapuhi
- Kaluapuhi
- Pihea
- Cliff
- Canyon
- Black Pipe
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NA PALI OVERLOOK TRAILS
These trails start on the left side of the road heading up towards Koke'e, and head towards the ocean, leading to views of spectacular valleys and cliffs (palis) along Kauai's northwestern coastline. (All of the other Koke'e trails start on the right side of the road, or towards the interior of the island.) These are tough trails for the well-equipped hiker. Many unwary hikers lured by the easy 1000 feet downhill descent, find themselves challenged by the steep climb back up to the trailhead.
ALAKAI SWAMP TRAILS
Alaka'i Swamp trails are the wettest in Koke'e and thigh-deep mud is not uncommon here, slowing a hiker's pace to one mile per hour through the swamp. Wear tabis or old, tightly laced sneakers that you don't mind getting muddy. At the end of the hike, it is considered forgivable etiquette to start a mud fight and run like hell.
The Alaka'i gray mud is difficult to wash off, so be prepared to burn your clothing and shoes, and wear your badge of courage on your skin until your next molt.
The major eruptions that formed Kaua'i six million years ago created a huge caldera thirteen miles in diameter. The Alaka'i Swamp sits on the old caldera floor, layers of dense lava, thirty miles square, which receives hundreds of inches of rain annually. Few foreign plants invaded this weird world, where a wealth of native plants abound, specially adapted to swampy conditions.
The swamp's elevation at 4000 feet protects native birds from disease-spreading mosquitoes, so this is an ideal place for bird watching.
Fortunately, attempts to build a road through the swamp in the 1950's failed, leaving a wide scar along the first mile of the Pihea Trail along the rim beyond Pu'u O Kila Lookout
Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail is considered by many to be the premier hike in all of Hawaii. For the best weather conditions hike the trail between May and September to see 11 miles of the most beautiful tropical coastline you've ever seen.
Hidden beaches lush rain forest, cascading waterfalls, spectacular cliffside views, incredible plantlife, a true garden of paradise. The trail begins at the end of Rt. 56, close to Ke'e Beach (15 minutes north of Hanalei).
Make sure to sign in at the start of the trail at the registration box if you plan on hiking or camping (permits are required for overnight camping) beyond Hanakapi'ai.
The first two mile hike of the trail (the 3-hour hike includes climbing and is quite strenuous) takes you to Hanakapi'ai Falls where you can relax - take a break and swim in the cool pond.
Hike another two miles and you'll arrive at Hanakapi'ai Beach. A truly breathtaking hidden beach - swim with the dolphins and snorkel with the green sea turtles (be careful, there are no lifeguards and strong currents and riptides are common).
Beyond Hanakapi'ai you'll find thicker foliage and steeper climbs as you head to the Hanakoa Valley.
The last part of the trail takes you to the lush Kalalau valley - through overgrown pastureland and gorgeous rivers to an awesome white sandy beach. Camping permits for up to three nights are available in Lihue at the County building. Tip: Some boating companies will drop you off at Kalalau Beach Park - and will pick you up at a pre-designated time.
WAIMEA CANYON TRAILS
These trails start on the left side of the road heading up towards Koke'e, and head towards the ocean, leading to views of spectacular valleys and cliffs (palis) along Kauai's northwestern coastline. (All of the other Koke'e trails start on the right side of the road, or towards the interior of the island.) These are tough trails for the well-equipped hiker. Many unwary hikers lured by the easy 1000 feet downhill descent, find themselves challenged by the steep climb back up to the trailhead. | WAIMEA CANYON TRAILS | | Trail | Miles | Hiking Time | Description | | (Round Trip) | (Round Trip) | |  | | Canyon Trail (Waipo'o Falls) | 3.4 | 2:30 | This popular scenic trail spurring off the Cliff Trail to follow the north rim of >Waimea Canyon. Half-way through, picnic at Waipo'o Falls. The trail ends at Kumuwela Lookout with its beautiful view which cross-cuts the island through <>Waimea Canyon, from the mountain to the ocean. | | | Koaie Canyon Trail | 6.0 | | A moderate trail. From the bottom of Kukui Trail, this trail starts a half mile further up the Waimea River. It takes you on a route along the south side of Koaie Canyon, with good scenery and swimming holes. Do not go during rainy weather due to flash floods. | | | Kukui Trail | 5.0 | 3:30 | Difficult trail. First trail on your right half-way up to Koke'e, between mile markers 8 and 9. Kukui Trail is a steep hike to the bottom of Waimea Canyon, which drops 2000 ft. in elevation and ends at Wiliwili campsite on the canyon floor. (See Waimea Canyon Trail) | | | Kumuwela Trail | 1.6 | 1:00 | A forest trail used primarily as an access to the Canyon Trail and to the Ditch Trail. | | | Waimea Canyon Trail | 11.5 (one-way) | | Moderate trail. Starts at the bottom of Waimea Canyon at the end of Kukui Trail, this trail leads to coastal >Waimea Town. This trail fords >Waimea River several times. No camping south of Waialae Stream is allowed due to private ownership agreements. An entry permit is required from a self-serve box at the Kukui Trail register. Locals sometimes rubber tube out on Waimea River to >Waimea Town, instead of hiking back up the mountain. (See Kukui Trail) |
FOREST TRAILS
Nature lovers will delight in the array of plants found in the Koke'e rain forest, from redwoods and Japanese sugi cedars planted by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930's, to native maile and mokihana, which are favored as lei making material. Early morning walks offer glimpses of rare native birds. These shady trails vary in grade from gentle to moderate, and some lead to fishing and hunting areas. These trails will usually be wet during the winter months, so bring rain gear.
The Mohihi-Camp 10 Road is a 4 mile long dirt road that provides access to many of the Forest Trails and Alaka'i Swamp Trails. The road starts 100 yards past Koke'e State Park headquarters, on the right side of Koke'e Road (Route 552) heading up. 4-wheel drive is required, and only during dry conditions because of steep and exceedingly slippery, muddy conditions. Do not ford stream crossings during rainy or threatening conditions. Streams can quickly become dangerous torrents. If caught stranded on one side, wait until the stream subsides, instead of risking a crossing. It may take time, but be patient. Better late than dead. | FOREST TRAILS | | Trail | Miles | Hiking Time | Description | | (Round Trip) | (Round Trip) | | | | Berry Flat Loop | 2.0 | 1:00 | This easy trail is flat and intriguing. Walk through a variety of trees, including the redwood, ohia, lehua, eucalyptus, sugi pine, and koa. See the white strawberries and banana poka. | | | Halemanu-Koke'e Trail | 2.4 | 1:10 | This is one of the more recreational trails with easy hiking. The koa and ohia dominates the Halemanu forest. Some of the other plants are the mokihana, maile, pukiawe, the mountain naupaka, halapepe, aalii, ukiuki, as well as the forest's pests, the blackberry and the banana poka. Native forest birds include the iiwi, apapane, elepaio, and amakihi. | | | Kaluapuhi | 4.0 | 1:30 | A forest trail leading to a plum grove. | | | Kawaikoi Stream Loop | 3.6 | 1:30 | Easy trail. This is likely the most scenic mountain stream-side trail in <>Hawaii. 4-wheel drive down the Mohihi-Camp 10 road, and the trail starts .75 mile beyond the Forest Reserve entrance sign, upstream from "Sugi Grove." Well-maintained, easy trail which loops around Kawaikoi Stream. Trout fish during season. Camping allowed. (See CAMPING) | | | Maile Flats Trail | 5.0 | | Moderate trail. This trail starts approximately 2 miles beyond the Forest Reserve entrance sign on the Mohihi-Camp 10 Road. It serves primarily as a hunter access route for pig and goat hunting but also provides views of <>Waimea Canyon and dryland koa forest. | | | Water Tank Trail | 2.0 | :30 | This trail provides a good example of native koa/'o'hia forest. |
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