Kauai West Shore - Waimea

Island of Kauai

Adventures on Land - Hiking

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The best hiking on the island is here in the area around Koke`e State Park and Waimea Canyon. There are about 45 miles of trails, with 20 paths to
choose from. They range from dry canyon trails to wet and muddy swamps, while other trails take you to places that overlook the Na Pali Coast. Those that take you to the Na Pali Overlook start on the left side of the road that heads up toward Koke`e. The other trails start on the right side of the road. Be aware that some of these trails descend over 1,000 feet. It’s easy to go down, but very tough climbing back up.

The Awa`awapuhi Trail is just about 6½ miles long. It is graded as difficult. It starts near the 17 mile marker. You’ll come across a variety of native dryland plants. The trail ends on top of the ridge, 2,500 feet in elevation. There are spectacular cliff-to-ocean views into Awa’awapuhi and Nualolo
Valleys overlooking the Pacific Ocean. At the end of the trail, you can enjoy the picnic area.

Nu’alolo Cliffs Trail is 4.2 miles and graded as moderate. It starts along the Awa`awapuhi Trail and also connects to the Nualolo Trail. If you’re an experienced hiker and in good shape, you can hike the A`awapuhi, Nualolo and Nualolo Cliff Trails for an all-day excursion. Make sure you bring plenty of water, for this is a very strenuous hike. The Canyon Trail is 3.6 miles and is the most popular trail. It’s very scenic as it follows the northern rim of Waimea Can-yon and takes you to a spectacular waterfall in Waipoo Falls. The trail ends at Kumuwela Lookout with a beautiful view that cuts across Waimea Canyon to the ocean.

The Kukui Trail is a difficult five miles, with a steep drop of 2,000 feet into Waimea Canyon, ending at the Wiliwili campsite on the canyon floor. Remember, if you go down, you must somehow climb back up.

Cliff Trail is a short easy trail that leads to aWaimea Canyon overlook. Feral goats can be seen along the cliffs. You can start at the Halemanu Trail off of Koke`e Road. For a more adventurous journey, hop on the Canyon Trail.

Another short and easy trail is the Iliau Nature Loop. You can pick up the trail on your right between mile markers eight and nine. It’s a quick 20-minute loop with markers identifying plants along the way. There are also views of Waimea Canyon. The long (11.5 miles one-way) but moderate Waimea Canyon Trail starts at the end of the Kukui Trail and leads to Waimea Town. The trail travels along the Waimea River. Note that camping is not allowed south of Waialae Stream due to private ownership agreements. The forest trails around Koke`e State Park are wonderful for observing the different plants, ranging from native mokihana and maile to invasive species such as banana poke.

Berry Flat Loop is an easy trail that leads through a variety of trees, including the redwood and sugi groves, eucalyptus and koa.

Halemanu-Koke`e Trail offers easy hiking through the Halemanu forest. You’ll catch a glimpse of quite a number of plants, such as koa and o`hia trees, mokihana, maile, invasive species like blackberry and banana poka. This trail is also good for birdwatching.

Kawaikoi Stream Loop is a pretty easy trail and incredibly scenic. You’ll need a 4WD vehicle and should drive to the Mohihi-Camp 10 Road. The trailhead is three-quarters of a mile past the Forest Reserve entrance sign. The area is good for trout fishing and camping.

Alaka`i Swamp trails are the wettest in Koke`e and thigh-deep mud is not uncommon here. It can slow a hiker’s pace to one mile per hour through the swamp. Wear old, tightly laced sneakers that you don’t mind getting muddy.

Alaka`i Swamp is a seven mile trail that starts at a parking area by the past the entrance sign to the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve sign. This difficult trail offers incredible birdwatching opportunities as it winds across the Alakai Swamp through native rain forests and bogs. It ends at the edge of Wainiha Pali and, on a clear day, you are treated to views of Wainiha and Hanalei Valleys. At Pu`u O Kila Lookout (at the end of the road past Koke`e State Park), you can pick up the Pihea Trail. It’s a 7½-mile trail perfect for viewing native birds and vegetation. The trail ends at Kawaikoi Camp and the Pihea Overlook, the highest rim point of Kalalau Valley. Do not venture beyond the Pihea Overlook because the terrain get very steep. If you need to rent hiking gear, your best options are Kayak Kaua`i in Wailua or Peddle n Paddle

in Hanalei. Good places to buy gear are KMart and Wal-Mart in Lihu`e.
Division of State Parks can be found online at www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/dsp.html. You can download maps and brochures
of different parks, including Koke`e State Park.

If you want to hike with a group, check out the Sierra Club at www.hi.sierraclub.org. The Kaua`i chapter regularly schedules group hikes all over the island, including the Waimea/Koke`e areas. There’s a $5 donation for the hike. Another option for a guided hike is through Koke`e Museum. The museum sponsors “WonderWalks” throughout the summer. Call the museum at 808-335-9975 for a schedule.

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