Kauai Hikes

1 - 10 of 10

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... Read more
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... Read more
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... Read more
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... Read more
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... Read more
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... Read more
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,... Read more
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... Read more
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... Read more
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... Read more

About Kauai Hikes

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.
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.

At a Glance:

Highlights: A great activity for exercise plus you can get deeper into the natural beauty of the islands while exploring.

Activity Level: Mild to strenuous

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

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.

Price Range: $0 to $150 per person

Our Top Kaua'i Hikes:

1. Napali Coast Trail
2. Pihea Trail, Koke'e State Park
3. Waimea Canyon Trail, Koke'e State Park
4. Sleeping Giant, Nounou East Trail

Public Resources:

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

Hawai'i State Parks:

http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/Kauai/

Local Weather Link:

http://www.hawaiiweathertoday.com/kauai.php

Doppler Rain Radar Link:

http://radar.weather.gov/ridge/radar.php?rid=hki&product=N0R&overlay=11101111&loop=no