Kauai Hiking Trails
Whether you want a quick morning hike or a full day trek, Kauai is the island hikers dream of. Be sure to evaluate the many trails we feature below and definitely take some time to evaluate the dozens of trails in Koke'e State Park. We've rated all of the trails below as either Strenuous, Moderate, or Easy and we've included distances as well. Get a hiker's view of the trails through our many videos and photos.
There are currently 16 Hiking Trails on 
for Kauai.
Difficulty: Not Rated
Location: West Kauai
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...
Tagged: waimea canyon, kokee state park, scenery, trail
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 11 miles one way (4 miles round trip to Hanakapiai and back)
Location: Na Pali Kauai
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 from Kee Beach...
Difficulty: Very Difficult
Distance: Approx. 8 Miles Round trip
Time required: Varies, several hours.
Location: Central Kauai
The 'Blue Hole' is at the base of Wai'ale'ale, which is known as the wettest spot on earth. Locals refer to this location as the Wailua river headwaters; it's where you see the falls coming down the wall. This page is meant to direct you to the Weir where you can see into the Wai'ale'ale basin....
Tagged: blue hole, waialeale, bamboo, scenery, trail, waterfalls
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 4 miles round trip from Hanakapi'ai Beach (8 miles round trip from Ke'e Beach)
Location: Na Pali Kauai
After hiking two miles of rugged terrain to Hanakapiai Beach along the Kalalau Trail you may be tempted to turn back and head back towards Ke'e Beach. But if you aren't too tired and have some time, consider taking a two-mile (four miles round trip) hike inland to see Hanakapi'ai Falls. It can take...
Tagged: napali, scenery, trail, waterfalls
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.5 miles round trip
Location: East Kauai
This is one of three Nounou Mountain Trails. It is referred to as the "Sleeping Giant Trail" because you will be hiking right across the big guy's chest. The "giant's" profile is most easily seen from nearly anywhere in Kapa'a - it's easiest to spot his chin first. The "Sleeping Giant Trail" is a...
Tagged: east kauai, hike, scenery, trail
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 8 miles RT to Kilohana Lookout (first and last two miles along Pihea trail)
Time required: 5-7 hours
Location: West Kauai
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...
Tagged: kokee state park, scenery, trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 3.6 miles round trip from above Waipo'o Falls
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...
Tagged: waimea canyon, scenery, trail, waterfalls
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 6.2 miles (round trip). 11.3 miles for entire loop and lookouts (including hike from your vehicle to the trailhead).
Location: West Kauai
The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Koke'e trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about half way. The only thing to...
Tagged: hike, kokee state park, napali, trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 4.5 miles round trip
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...
Tagged: east kauai, easy hike, waialeale, scenery, trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2 miles one way to Alaka'i Swamp Juncture (8 miles RT to Kilohana Lookout)
Location: West Kauai
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...
Tagged: hike, kokee state park, kalalau, trail
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 7.5 miles (round trip). 11.3 miles for entire loop and lookouts (including hike from your vehicle to the trailhead).
Location: West Kauai
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...
Tagged: hike, kokee state park, napali, trail
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 4.2-5 Miles Round Trip
Location: West Kauai
Honopu Ridge Trail is a 4.2 to 5 mile (round trip, depending on how far you go) hike that takes you to incredible views of Honopu Valley and a portion of the Na Pali Coastline. The total distance depends on how far you hike out on the ridge at the end but we estimate that to the logical and safe...
Tagged: difficult hike, adventure, napali, scenery, trail
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 5 miles round trip
Location: West Kauai
Kukui Trail offers some absolutely gorgeous views of Waimea Canyon. The first part of the trail descends sharply, switch backing through the forest, at first, and then out in the open along the side of the mountain. Expect the trail to be eight inches wide on slippery dirt with nothing to one side...
Tagged: waimea canyon, hike, scenery, trail
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Varies by how far you hike out on the ridge
Location: West Kauai
If the view of Kalalau Valley from the official lookout or from Puu o Kila lookout just isn't enough for you, then this may be the hike for you. First and foremost we need to point out this is NOT an official "trail," and that by hiking here, you do so at your own risk. For that reason, we highly...
Tagged: adventure, kokee state park, kalalau, napali, scenery, trail
Difficulty: Difficult
Distance: 3 miles round trip
Time required: Varies, several hours.
Location: East Kauai
If you're feeling extra adventurous on your trip to Kauai and want to do another excellent hike, then we'd highly suggest you consider the Makaleha Falls hike in central Kauai. The trail meanders along the stream through lush vegetation as you head towards the falls. The view from near the end is...
Tagged: hike, trail, waterfalls
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: 2.1 miles (one-way) between trails. 11.3 miles for entire loop and lookouts (including hike from your vehicle to the trailhead).
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"...
Tagged: kokee state park, napali, trail
71° F
