Nualolo Trail

For the Nualolo Trail you will start at Koke'e Ranger Station. It wouldn't hurt to check the board at the station for closures, information, etc. If you're looking for a full day hike, consider making the Nualolo trail the first part of a three-trail-trek. Near the end of this trail is the Nualolo Cliff Trail which will take you over to Awa'awapuhi Trail (another great hike). If you plan to hike this "loop" trail, please make note that the trail heads are 1.5 miles apart. So the distance between should be added to your total mileage unless you are able to catch a ride between them. If you are hiking between the trail heads, we are now advising hikers to park at Awa`awapuhi trailhead and hike the road down in the morning BEFORE they start their hike; thus allowing them to conclude the hike at their vehicle (versus having to then hike the final stretch at the end). Either way, it's definitely wiser to hike the trails in a clockwise manner, ending at Awa`awapuhi so as to ensure you are uphill from the Nualolo trailhead and can hike down to your vehicle. You can view the loop trail by opening Google Earth and viewing our Nualolo and Awaawapuhi Loop Trail map.

The trail starts off at approximately 3,660 feet with a challenge, uphill along a series of switchbacks - you'll huff and puff until about 1/4 a mile in when you reach the top of the ridge. Then you get to head back down again - be careful if it's wet, it can get slippery along this stretch. At a half-mile in the trail will finally level off - you'll be surrounded by a number of ferns, karaka nut, and Ohia trees. Keep an eye out for local birds, this is a great place to do some birdwatching. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the 'I'iwi.

When you've reached the one mile point you'll pass through a couple of grassy areas amongst some ferns. Another mile (2 miles in) you'll begin to notice the vegetation change - the rain isn't as plentiful here, and if you've been hiking any portion in a mist or the rain, it'll likely get drier from here on out. As you gaze out at the ocean, you'll notice Ni'ihau and Lehua islet. Ni'ihau is the last remnant of "old Hawaii." The residents speak only Hawaiian, and no visitors are permitted without prior approval. At this two mile point you'll bear north and cross a narrow saddle. The views here are incredible, just watch your step. Shortly after this point the footing can get tricky through a series of deep clay-like ruts. Do not get the dirt on your clothing, it'll never come out. After you cross another narrow saddle you'll climb steeply for a short segment before you reach a narrow ridge surrounded by vegetation. The views are really starting to get good now.

At the three mile point you'll come to a junction with an old Hunter's route. Bear right to continue the trail. Don't let the steep slot that comes next deter you, keep going until you reach the junction of Nualolo Cliff Trail. If you're up for a long day hike (and don't mind hiking 1.5 miles back to your car at the end) you can always take Nualolo Cliff Trail over to Awa'awapuhi Trail. But for now, keep going straight to the Vista. You don't want to miss the views there. The Lolo Vista Point is a little more than a quarter mile from this juncture. It's windy out there, and the cliff isn't made of the most stable soil, so use extreme caution. If it has rained recently, you may want to skip this last part of the trail altogether. The views from the junction are wonderful as well, so don't risk it if it's wet.

In the event it's dry and you are fortunate to make it out to the Lolo Vista Point, the views speak for themselves. The views into Nualolo Aina Valley are simply breathtaking. This is your reward.

Now it's time to head back. You're now at approximately 2,234 ft above sea level and no doubt you've thought about having to regain the 1,400+ feet you dropped on the way down. If you have extra water, this may be the time to leave some of it behind.

As we noted, if you've planned ahead, the Nualolo Cliff Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail are a great way to improve on an already great hike. Just remember you'll end at a mile and a half up the road, and need to hike back down Highway 550 to the Ranger Station (hey, at least it's downhill). Use extreme caution hiking along the road. It's narrow and many folks drive faster than they should along this highway. As noted above, a tip we've heard and followed is to actually park at Awa'awapuhi early in the morning and then hike down to the Nualolo trailhead. You avoid hiking on the road when there is a lot of traffic and when you're done, you're already at your car (which you'll probably be thankful for). We actually took this advice in April 2008 and it worked out really well; no cars were buzzing by that time of the morning, it was crisp and cool, and it was really relieving to be at the car after concluding such a long hike.

Another trail that offers similar views of Na Pali and yet another photogenic valley is Honopu Ridge Trail, which is a few miles further up the road (Highway 550).

Kokee and Waimea State Park

Don't forget to check our Koke'e State Park Hiking page for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. On that page we've also posted a map of the entire area (Koke'e and Waimea State Parks) 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. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions.

Location: Nualolo Trail is located in the West Kauai