Hikes in Kauai

<div class="aboutUsText"><p>The island of Kaua'i is home to some of the best hiking in the Hawaiian Islands. With a relatively small area of the island developed, it is easy to take a trail that quickly gets you deep into nature.  The State Park at Koke'e provides the contrast of Hawaiian mountain top rainforest in one direction, and the scenic Waimea Canyon rim in the other. Even close to the east side resorts there are several great hikes that provide exercise and a deeper sense of peace as you walk the trails.<br>Whether an experienced hiker, or a relative new comer, Kaua'i hiking will not disappoint as long as you are prepared before you go.  Check the weather, check your gear and take a walk on the wild side. </p></div>

<h2>At a Glance:</h2>

<p>Highlights: A great activity for exercise plus you can get deeper into the natural beauty of the islands while exploring.<br><br>Activity Level: Mild to strenuous<br><br>Options: A private, or professional tour provider can take you to a variety of locations. Research via web or through trail guides can give you great self-guided hike. The State Parks have marked trails and orientation for safest self-guided touring<br><br>Warnings!: Hazards vary by terrain, but the islands are inherently lava rock that is brittle, jagged, and often unstable. Be aware of unstable rocks or boulders in the hiking environment, watch for slippery algae covered rocks by streams or ocean edges. Flash flooding can occur in streams so be aware of the weather in the area and mountains above. Before venturing into the islands hikes it is best to be prepared for the conditions at hand, sunscreen, hydration, rain protection, and bug repellent are all recommended preparations before going hiking in Hawai'i. <br><br>Price Range: $0 to $150 per person</p></div>

<h2>Our Top Kaua'i Hikes:</h2>

<p>1. Napali Coast Trail<br>2. Pihea Trail, Koke'e State Park<br>3. Waimea Canyon Trail, Koke'e State Park<br>4. Sleeping Giant, Nounou East Trail</p></div>

<h2>Public Resources:</h2>

<p>The State of Hawai'i maintains a trail system throughout the islands, visit this  website for details: https://hawaiitrails.ehawaii.gov/island.php?island=Kauai</p></div>

<h2>Hawai'i State Parks:</h2>

10 articles and guides about Hawaii. Page 1 of 1.

Articles on this page

Wailua arboretum
Wailua, Kauai
At the top of the Opekaa Falls Road, the road ends in a great spot for a forest walk or freshwater swim. A little known state arboretum with picnic shelters, and stands of tall trees surrounding green meadows. There is even a view toward Mount Waialeale the wettest spot on earth, and the lush green rainforests it supports. This location is more of a stroll through a park then a hike, yet it has the ability to be walked repeatedly for exercise or provide a restful place for your non-exer
Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
Poipu, Kauai
This coastal hiking area consists of several unmarked coastal trails that interconnect heading east along the ocean between "Shipwreck Beach" and the Maha'ulepu Beach adjacent to the Poipu Bay Golf Course. The 4-mile hike contours the rugged coastline with spectacular scenery all the way, but even a short walk at either end of the trail can be rewarding.Highlights: Spectacular wild and rugged coastal hiking reveals the rare oceanfront region of Poipu that r
Black Pipe Trail to Canyon Trail in Koke'e State Park
Waimea, Kauai
The end of the Canyon Trail in Koke'e State Park is the red earth plateau seen to the left, above the twin waterfalls. The views from the trail are some of the best you will get of the Waimea Canyon. The Koke'e State Park has many trails to explore that reach portions of the spectacular Waimea Canyon, all are free and public accessible. The most rewarding is a combination of two trails accessed by a 4-wheel drive road that you can hike out to a central vista in the midst of the Canyon.
Iliau Nature Loop Trail in Koke'e State Park
Waimea, Kauai
When visiting the Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Parks there are a number of popular hikes to choose from, however this often overlooked trail is one of the most spectacular viewpoints of the canyon with very little commotion and crowds. It makes a great opportunity to get out of the vehicle and stretch your legs before exploring further portions of the park.At a Glance:Highlights: Spectacular views and lots of native p
Sleeping Giant
Wailua, Kauai
The mountain known as the "Sleeping Giant" has several great hiking trails that are maintained by the State. It is the best place to get out into nature on Kauai's East side. The "Sleeping Giant" is a mountain situated alongside the East side communities of Wailua and Kapaa. There are several State trails accessing the mountain that are great hiking and quickly remove you from the feeling of being in town. Upon reaching the summit several vistas reveal the lush green
Limahuli Gardens
Haena, Kauai
This hiking trail is actually a part of the Limahuli Garden National Tropical Botanical Garden next to Haena State Park near the end of the Kuhio Highway on Kauai's epic North Shore. What makes this hike special is the mix of cultural and plant based educational exhibits that the trail winds through as you ascend 200 feet up the hillside eventually revealing an epic view of the rock prominence known as Makana and the peninsula below. The lay out of the garden favors spending sometime re
Napali Coast
Haena, Kauai
The Na Pali Coast, also know as the Kalalau Trail, is a scenic wonder and a hiking experience unlike anything else in Hawai'i. The trail wraps along an ancient footpath and is the only access to the area. This hiking trail is truly epic, starting at sea level and climbing up to 800 feet in elevation then descending down to sea level again over 2 miles. From your first steps to your last nature takes center stage, with layer upon layer of greenery carpeting the landscape and the sounds o
Nature Trail at Koke'e State Park
Waimea, Kauai
There are many hikes in the epic category to be found in the Kokee Park in the western Kauai mountains, but this little hike is the often overlooked jewel of the area. Though not extreme, nor very long, the insights given by this interpretive trail behind the Kokee Museum will give you better understanding of the layers of the Hawaiian forest. The added bonus being that it is a relaxing and easy to accomplish hike for all ages and abilities. At a G
Ke Ala Hele Makalae - Kealia Coastal Walk
Kapaa, Kauai
The path by the sea - this is a great place to take an ocean front walk on the windward eastern coast of Kauai, just north of Kapaa town. Starting from the Kealia Beach and walking northward along the Ke Ala Hele Makalae path, you can stretch your legs and walk to Kuna Bay and a remote beach called "Donkey's" a little more then 1.5 miles one way. This pathway is an old railroad terrace that runs the coastline with amazing views and paved access for level sa
Pihea Trail in Koke'e State Park
Waimea, Kauai
The Pihea Trail curves along the back of the Kalalau Valley providing access to of one of Hawaii's most picturesque views. Be prepared for hiking in the clouds, at this elevation cloud mists blow through the native forest obscuring and revealing rare windows into the natural world. In the mountains of Kaua'i there are trails that reach portions of the mountains that are usually inaccessible, except by helicopter on most of the Hawaiian islands. The Koke'e State Park has many t