The 7 Finest Day Hikes on Kauai
A part of the Hawaiian Island archipelago, Kauai is sometimes called ‘the Backyard Isle’ as a result of lush tropical rainforests that cowl a lot of its floor.
Kauai is the fourth-largest and the oldest of the primary islands of Hawaii, courting again 5.1 million years. Residence to the picturesque Na Pali Coast and the 10-mile-long Waimea Canyon, Kauai attracts vacationers from across the globe.
Like all the Hawaiian islands, Kauai has loads of water actions on supply. The largest draw, nevertheless, is the hikes, as they permit you to immerse your self in all the wonder the island has to supply. We all know your time is restricted, so we’ve taken the freedom of rounding up seven of the most effective hikes the island has to supply.
Discover our favourite hikes by area, or try all of them under.
Table of Contents
The 7 Finest Day Hikes on Kauai
West Kauai Area
Waimea Canyon Path to Waipo’o Falls
Waimea Canyon, sometimes called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, is an absolute should in your journey to Kauai. Positioned in Koke’e State Park, the Canyon Path is a 3-mile out-and-back hike that provides gorgeous views of Waimea Canyon.
The favored hike follows the rim of Waimea Canyon and gives two views of the 800-foot falls, ending on the high of the falls. Moreover, the hike is understood for its birdwatching, wildlife, rainforests, and spectacular views. With roughly 1,066 toes of elevation achieve, the hike is rated as average, making it very best for households and youngsters.
- To get there: 30-minute drive from Waimea by way of Hwy 550
- Distance: 3 miles spherical journey
- Issue: Average
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Kalalau Path to Hanakapi’ai Seashore
Positioned close to Hanalei, the Kalalau Path begins at Kee Seashore and winds alongside the well-known Na Pali Coast. Though all the Kalalau Path is outstanding, climbing the primary 2 miles of the path to Hanakapi’ai Seashore is a good way to get a style of the splendor of the Na Pali Coast with out committing to an in a single day journey.
Though the day trek isn’t extremely lengthy, it may be a bit strenuous, because it features a honest quantity of climbing and descent. The path will be harmful when muddy, so it’s finest to go to in the course of the drier summer season months.
- To get there: 20-minute drive from Hanalei by way of Hwy 560
- Distance: 3.7 miles spherical journey
- Issue: Average to troublesome
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Awa’awapuhi Path
Positioned close to Wainiha, the Awa’awapuhi Path begins in Koke’e State Wilderness Park and winds its method by way of the Napali-Kona Forest Reserve. The path begins at 4,120 toes and descends to the valley rim of Nualolo and Awa’awapuhi valleys at 2,500 toes.
Navigating by way of the rainforest and excessive desert terrain and providing breathtaking views of the Na Pali coast, the 6-mile path is a well-liked one amongst guests and locals alike. Alongside the way in which, hikers are handled to views of a variety of native vegetation, and the path finishes at a grassy clearing excellent for picnicking. Should you’re within the temper for some further credit score, take the Nualolo Cliff Path junction in your method again so as to add on a further 5 miles.
- To get there: 20-minute drive from Waimea
- Distance: 6 miles spherical journey
- Issue: Average
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East Kauai Area
Sleeping Big East Path
Legend has it {that a} large laid down for a nap after a feast in his honor and by no means awoke — in case you view the mountains from the close by city, you may see how the mountains earned their nickname. Positioned close to Kapa’a, the Sleeping Big is a brief and candy path that’s lined with wildflowers and gives ocean views.
The dog-friendly path is roughly 3.2 miles out and again and ends at a picnic space on the “chest” of the enormous the place hikers are handled to views of the coast, Wailua River, and Mount Waialeale. There are three completely different path choices to succeed in the highest, however the East Path is the extra average route with roughly 950 toes of elevation achieve.
- To get there: 10-minute drive from Kapa’a
- Distance: 3.2 miles spherical journey
- Issue: Average
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Uluwehi ‘Secret’ Falls
Attending to Secret Falls requires a bit of additional legwork, however is nicely definitely worth the added effort.
With a purpose to entry the falls, you need to paddle for 45 minutes up the Wailua River after which full a 20-minute hike by way of the jungle. To your efforts, you’ll get up-close views of a fantastic 100-foot waterfall, full with a swimming gap on the base.
The hike to the falls is one in all Kauai’s best-known secrets and techniques, so renting tools and going alone is a simple possibility. However, in case you’d choose to go together with a information, there are a variety of firms that supply each day excursions to the falls.
- To get there: Close to the city of Wailua
- Distance: A couple of miles by way of kayak, paddle, or canoe, after which one-mile hike
- Issue: Average
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Kuilau Ridge Path
Positioned close to Kapa’a, the Kuilau Ridge Path is a brief and candy hike that’s very best for households and hikers of all ranges.
The out-and-back hike meanders by way of the dense rainforest as much as Kuilau Ridge the place there are panoramic views of the encompassing Makaleha Mountains. The dog-friendly path options stream crossings, a waterfall, and a variety of native and non-native flora.
With roughly 660 toes of elevation achieve, hikers, runners, bikers, and horseback riders commonly frequent the path.
- To get there: 25-minute drive from Kapa’a
- Distance: 3.6 miles spherical journey
- Issue: Simple to average
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South Kauai Area
Makawehi Lithified Cliffs Path
Located on the south shore, the Makawehi Lithified Path runs alongside the cliffs from Shipwreck Seashore to Mahaulepu Seashore. The traditional limestone cliffs started as sand dunes and have been weathered by wind and waves through the years, leading to distinctive caverns and rock shows.
Based on geologists, the area was once underwater, so fossils from fishes and different marine organisms are seen alongside the paths. A variety of completely different trails wind their method alongside the cliffs, some providing views of the coastlines and others glimpses at sandstone and limestone pinnacles. The entire trails are simple, making them excellent for households and youngsters.
- To get there: 10-minute drive from Koloa
- Distance: About 2 miles
- Issue: Simple to average
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