Location: Central Kauai

This old road turned trail gently guides you up 760 feet to a glorious view of the Makaleha Mountains. At the beginning of the path you'll catch glimpses of Kawaikini and Mt. Waialeale, the wettest place on earth, to the west. The Makaleha Mountains are to the north. Even though your view for the first part of the trail is blocked by the ridge, you are treated to a smorgasbord of native and non-native plants from guava to the hala tree.

Location: West Kauai

The Nualolo Cliff Trail is one of the most breath taking hikes on the island of Kaua`i. And it's location means only the most dedicated outdoors man will ever seen it; it's only accessible by hiking over three miles down the Nualolo Trail or the Awa`awapuhi trail. Consider the trail the "bridge" that connects the other two trails in a sort of giant loop. In fact, that's exactly how we recommend folks hike it.

The Nualolo Cliff Trail begins between the 3 mile and 3.25 mile markers on the Nu'alolo Trail and meets the Awa'awapuhi Trail near the 3 mile point. For the experienced hiker, plan an all-day loop hike down Nu'alolo Trail, along the Nu'alolo Cliff Trail, and back up Awa'awapuhi Trail, or vice versa (though we recommend the first option). View a map of the Nualolo Cliff Trail Loop.

Another good reason to hike the loop clockwise is so you can decide early on if you want to experience the "cliff" portion of this trail. As you leave the Nualolo trail (likely just coming back from Lolo Vista Point) you'll notice the trail narrow and for a portion (about a quarter mile) you'll question your sanity for taking this trail to begin with. To say it's along the edge of a cliff is a literal fact, and while it's passable - extreme caution is needed during that short portion. Beyond that the trail is significantly easier as it heads towards Awa`awapuhi, occasionally providing you some incredibly scenic lookouts on your left into Nualolo Valley.

New Photo Gallery of Loop Trail
Nualolo, Nualolo Cliff, and Awa'awapuhi Trail Loop Gallery

Location: West Kauai

One of the most popular family hikes, these ridge-top trails provide great views of Waimea Canyon. Most hikers only go as far as Waipo’o Falls along the Canyon Trail; others only take the short walk to the end of the Cliff Trail.

Heading north on Hwy 550 to just beyond the 14 mile marker (there is a 'Koke`e State Park' entrance sign) You should see Halemanu road splitting off the paved road to the right. The best place to park is on the makai (left) side of Highway 550, directly opposite Halemanu Road.

The walk down Halemanu Road to the beginning of the trail(s) is 0.8 mile, with a right hand turn when you reach the top of the hill at 0.6 miles. At the trails junction (with the signs) Cliff Trail is to the right and is 0.4 mile round trip. Canyon Trail forks downhill to the left and is 0.8 mile to the location above Waipo’o Falls. Please note that you CANNOT see the falls since you are actually above them (most folks do not realize then when they start the hike). There is a small pool surrounded by yellow ginger upstream from the main (hidden) falls. The trail includes a climb of several hundred feet in elevation, and steep drop offs along the Canyon rim. Round trip from Hwy 550 to Waipo’o Falls is 3.6 miles.