Kauai Must See and Do

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a double-tiered waterfall, then you’re about to bring that dream to life at gorgeous Wailua Falls. Right after mile marker 1 on Highway 56 there will be a road on your left, Ma‘alo Road (Highway 583), accompanied by a sign pointing you in the direction of the falls. Take the short drive up this road which will end at a parking lot overlooking the falls. If you’re lucky, the sun will be at the right angle, and you’ll get a beautiful rainbow extending out from the base of the falls in the mist.

Wailua Falls is approximately 85 feet high (not 170+ feet as some books have reported) and drops into a pool over 30 feet deep. Don’t even think of diving off this waterfall as the leap can be, and has been proven, fatal. Ancient Hawaiians once learned as much when proving their manhood (or foolishness, take your pick). ... Wailua Falls details continued

Koke'e and Waimea State Parks are two of the premier parks on the island of Kauai. Inside these adjacent state parks exist some of the most stunning trails that exist in all of Hawai'i, and the diversity of the trails is unmatched.

Using the list below, you should be able to select the trails that interest you most. We have included the trail name, total mileage, time estimate, and a brief description with each listing. In the event we have photographs readily available for a specific hike (or have a third party source we like), we'll also direct you to the appropriate gallery.

Additionally, some of the major trails in Koke'e and Waimea State Park we'll post about in greater detail, so be sure to check our Kauai Hiking Trails section for additional information on these hikes (i.e.; Alakai Swamp Trail, Pihea Trail, Kukui Trail, etc).

Kokee and Waimea State Park Map
If you're looking for a good map of the area, we've created one (a PDF document) for you to download and print out at home. The Koke'e Lodge and Museum will also have maps available, but we'd definitely advise you to go ahead and review the map and become familiar with the area. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. We'll be improving the map as time allows, and we'll also add additional maps here in the near future. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions.

Download: Kokee and Waimea State Park Trail Map
... Kokee and Waimea State Park Hiking Trails details continued

After two miles on the Pihea Trail is the junction with Alakai Swamp Trail. The scenery drastically changes from open valley to rainforest as you head into Alaka‘i Swamp, the world’s highest rainforest and swampland fed by the abundant precipitation on Wai‘ale‘ale’s slopes. The trail is said to be the highlight of many visitors’ journeys to the island, and it’s one of our favorite hidden gems as well. As a bonus, in the last few years the trail has been greatly enhanced with boardwalks. No longer do hikers have to trudge through the mud to reach the magical lookout of Kilohana at the end of the journey.
... Alakai Swamp Trail details continued

Labeled "the" hike on Kauai, the Kalalau Trail is a 11 mile trek into paradise. A vast array of verdant valleys, waterfalls, sea caves, and gorgeous vistas lay ahead of you. If spending 3-5 days to hike the entire trail isn't exactly on the agenda, then consider the popular day hike to Hanakapiai Beach, approximately 2 miles along the trail (four miles round trip).

Ke`e Beach to Hanakapia`ai Beach
2 miles (4 round trip)

As you begin the trail you'll traverse through a lush jungle-like scene of pothos and other philodendron. The trail can be steep and rocky in places, but trust us - it's the climb you'll notice most. Use extreme caution in any wet portions (granted, it's almost all wet along this stretch), and expect mud if it has rained recently. After the first leg of the climb, at about half a mile, you emerge on a red dirt path that borders the cliffside overlooking the gorgeous Na Pali coastline. Azure blue waters lie beneath you to the right overlooking Ke`e Beach below. You've climbed to the highest point between Ke`e and Hanakapi`ai; about 500 feet above sea level. The short portion of the trail to this point can be a lot of work, but this is one of the most gorgeous views of the hike. If you can't or don't want to day-hike to Hanakapi`ai Beach, at least try to make it to this overlook (one mile round trip). During the winter months you will be rewarded with views of outstanding waves, while in the summer you may see a group of kayakers floating along the current on the calm seas.

After you finish your first mile you'll really start to be rewarded with stunning view of the Na Pali coast. You're well on your way down to Hanakapia`ai beach now, and be sure to enjoy the trek down - it's mostly uphill on the way back.

Just shy of two miles, the trail dips steeply downward through several switchbacks and you'll soon find yourself at Hanakapia`ai Stream. Use extreme caution crossing the stream and if it's rained recently and the flow is high, do NOT cross at all. If you want to cross without getting your feet wet, you can sometimes skip across the rocks if you head inland a few meters; otherwise use the rope to help guide yourself through the stream.

After crossing the stream, to your right is Hanakapiai Beach. Some pit toilets, that leave much to be desired, are also to your left (near where the trail continues and/or heads back to Hanakapi`ai Falls). In the summer months, there is plenty of sand on the beach, but in the winter you'll be surprised to see only lava boulders at times. Every year the current carries the sand into the ocean only to return it in the spring! Do NOT swim at the beach here, the rip currents are deadly (you probably saw the sign on the way down totaling all the drownings here). Total elevation gain (going and returning along all inclines) between Ke`e and Hanakapi`ai is 1060 feet and the hike takes approximately an hour and a half at a moderate pace.

Hanakapia`ai Beach to Hanakapi`ai Falls
2 mile side hike (4 round trip)

As a side trip (extended day hike) you can follow the un-maintained Hanakapiai Falls trail upstream for two more miles to reach this spectacular 100-foot high Hanakapiai Falls. Please note this is an additional 2 miles (4 miles round trip) not included on the Kalalau Trail. It can take up to two hours just to reach the falls, and requires numerous stream crossings. If it's rained recently, don't go. Total elevation gain to the falls from Hanakapi'ai beach is 760 feet. This is a fairly strenuous hike ... The Kalalau Trail details continued

Hanakapi'ai Falls isn't a waterfall most visitors will ever seen. Nestled deep inside Hanakapi'ai Valley on the Na Pali coast (aerial Hanakapi'ai view), it'll take some effort to reach. After hiking two miles of rugged terrain of the Kalalau Trail you'll have to another two miles inland, along one of the most rugged trails we've ever taken, to reach this 410 foot beautiful falls located on the back valley wall.
Take notice of the native plant life as well as the small bamboo forests you will pass through. ... Hanakapiai Falls details continued

Pihea Trail is located in Koke'e State Park starting at the Pu'u o Kila overlook (the end of Highway 550). At the beginning of this incredible trail it skirts along the Kalalau Valley starting passing through forest of Ohi‘a trees, ferns, koa, and other native vegetation. This is an excellent place to bird watch if time allows, you might even catch a glimpse of the ‘I‘iwi, a gorgeous red bird. It is medium-sized with a curved peach bill. As you finish the first mile of the trail a short but extremely steep side trail leads to the Pihea Vista. It’s pretty, but it’s not worth the effort, especially since you’ve only just begun the trail. Beyond this point, the Pihea Trail is covered mostly with boardwalk. ... Pihea Trail details continued

If you are looking to try your hand at snorkeling, this is a great place. It is such a supreme snorkeling location because it has a massive reef that is so large it can be seen from space. As can be seen on the following page, even the view from a helicopter is impressive and shows the magnitude of the reef. The waters are generally calm which also makes the beach popular for scuba divers. There is a slight rip current, but most of the time it is weak.

Two roads provide beach access, one 4/10 mile past mile marker 8 and the other 6/10 mile past mile marker 8 (the latter is the better of the two). Parking can be a hassle because you will have to park along the side of a narrow road. The roads are a bit hard to find, but there are a few signs placed by residents that let you clearly know which roads do NOT lead to Tunnels Beach. Please show aloha and don’t park at those spots.
... Tunnels Beach details continued

Mauka on Highway 56, right around mile marker 6, you'll cross over Wailua River. If you're heading north, make sure you’re in the left lane as the right splits off onto its own unique little bridge. You’ll be looking for Kuamo'o Road (Highway 580) on the mauka side of the highway. Head up Kuamo‘o Road until you see a pullout for Opaeka'a Falls on your right, shortly before the second mile marker.

From this overlook, you can get a spectacular view of 150+ foot Opaeka'a Falls. The falls are at their best in full sunlight (late morning usually). So if you visit on a cloudy day, definitely try to return at a sunnier hour. Best of all, the falls are flowing year round. You’re always certain to see it in action. ... Opaekaa Falls details continued

This isn’t just another Waimea Canyon lookout, as many suspect. It’s a view into the heart of the Kalalau Valley, one of the most photographed and well recognized valleys in all of Hawai‘i. This is primarily because the valley and surrounding coast have served as the backdrop for countless films including King Kong (the original), Mighty Joe Young, Jurassic Park, and Six Days Seven Nights. Kalalau Lookout is also the highest elevation most people reach in Kaua‘i by road, 4,000 feet. As we mentioned before, here you will find one of the greatest views in all of Hawai‘i. Kalalau Valley is the largest valley on the island at two miles wide. Amazingly, it was inhabited up until 1919. ... Kalalau Lookout details continued

At the end of Lawa‘i Road is one of the most magnificent gardens on Kaua‘i, the National Tropical Botanical Garden. It is actually two gardens in one: the 252-acre McBryde Gardens and the 100-acre Allerton Gardens.

The Allerton Gardens were once a private estate and are full of fountains, lush greenery, and interesting flowers. It is also home to the famous Moreton Bay fig trees that were featured in the movie" Jurassic Park." If you can remember the scene were Dr. Alan Grant and the kids discover the dinosaurs eggs, well, that’s the tree. Below is a photograph of this magnificent plant.

... National Tropical Botanical Garden details continued

The journey of the north shore ends at one of the most popular beaches on Kaua‘i, Ke‘e Beach. The beach marks the end of Highway 560 and the portion of Kaua‘i that can be seen by car. The rest of north Kaua‘i is occupied by the Na Pali Coast, a series of rugged seaside cliffs stretching along the northwest shore that is not navigable by vehicle. Parking is available on either side of the road and near the coast. We’ve seen Ke‘e at many times of day, and it is equally crowded. Parking may be difficult, but usually is not too much of a problem.

Ke‘e is very popular with snorkelers and families. One of the most striking aspects of this beach is its breathtaking view of the Na Pali Coast, which begins here. When you are facing the ocean, Na Pali can be glimpsed to your left. The best time for photographs is early morning (on a clear day) or right at sunset. The last time we were there, we saw a couple taking advantage of a gorgeous sunset to exchange their vows.

... Ke’e Beach details continued

As you continue to drive north past Kapa‘a you’ll pass through the town of Anahola around mile marker 13. Continue north along the Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56) until you come to Kolo Road shortly after mile marker 23. The road will be on your right. After you have turned onto Kolo Road you are going to want to take Kilauea Road makai (towards the ocean) to Kilauea Lighthouse and the national wildlife refuge that has been set up there. You have also now officially entered North Kaua‘i.

Before heading down to the lighthouse parking lot on the peninsula, take a moment to stop at the upper lot and view the lighthouse from the overlook. Then continue on down to the lower parking lot.
Kilauea Lighthouse is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands. The lighthouse was built in 1913 with the largest hand blown clamshell lens in the world. It was later replaced with a beacon in the 1970’s. The lighthouse is open to look around on the ground level. Today the lighthouse remains one of Kaua‘i’s most popular attractions. Native vegetation and an informative visitor center attracts thousands of tourists to this site to bird watch, view the sweeping cliff and ocean vistas, and revel in Kaua‘i’s past. ... Kilauea Lighthouse details continued

Hanalei is a leisurely little town situated on a beautiful crescent-shaped bay. The town is about as eclectic as it gets, everyone from surfer dudes to new-age folks call this place home.

To get to Hanalei after visiting the lookout at mile marker 0, you’ll head west on Highway 560 and travel down into the valley on a graded road. At the bottom of the road is a one-lane rickety looking bridge. Don’t let appearances fool you, it has been around for many years and is quite safe. It does, however, have a 15-ton weight limit. Since the bridge is one-lane, drivers must use bridge etiquette - all vehicles on one side cross together and then all vehicles on the other side cross. ... Hanalei details continued

This golden sand beach is your reward for completing the challenging first two miles on the Kalalau Trail. However, don't give in to the temptation to take a dip following that hike. As the sign on the way down to the beach says...many people have drowned at this beach because of its treacherous and unpredictable nature. Last time there were a lot of notches on that sign.

Total elevation gain is about 1060 feet between Ke`e and Hanakapi`ai (that's coming and going) and the hike takes approximately an hour and a half at a moderate pace. ... Hanakapiai Beach details continued

Dubbed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mark Twain, Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific and truly a dramatic sight to behold. The canyon measures ten miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,500-feet deep. It was carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Wai‘ale‘ale’s summit. Today it is the home of the Waimea River, so named for the red hue of the water. In fact, Waimea means “red waters.” ... Waimea Canyon details continued

The island of Ni'ihau lies 17 mile off the west coast of Kauai. This "forbidden" island is inhabited by approximately 200 full-blooded Hawaiians that keep completely to themselves.

Less than a mile up the Waimea Canyon Drive between mile markers 13 and 14 is the large Pu‘u Hinahina Lookout. The viewing area perched above the jagged crumbling slopes looks straight down the head of another gorge. Hundreds of colors paint the canyon walls like a masterpiece of the natural world. More than any other, two colors are mixed in different proportions as the day goes on. By the evening, one side glows with crimson highlights, the other basks in shades of dark green.
... Niihau Lookout details continued

Koke'e State Park is located at 4,000 foot atop Waimea Canyon ridge. The park encompasses 4,345 acres of land and has over 45 miles of trails. A 20-square mile highland bog is known as the Alaka'i Swamp and is a unique experience. Check out our hiking guide at Kauai Hiking Trails.

Koke‘e Museum & Lodge is located between mile markers 15 and 16 on Waimea Canyon Drive with the parking lot on your left. Parking is free and a stop here is a good time investment, especially if it’s one of those days the weather just won’t cooperate with you at the canyon. As we’ve said before, weather changes fast on Kaua‘i, so if you’re experiencing undesirable weather, head over to the lodge for a while before trying the overlooks again.

... Kokee State Park and Museum details continued