hiking in kauai

Hiking in Kauai can provide you with one of the most intimate island experiences available.  Whether you are looking for a brief jaunt or an overnight adventure, you can find it on Kauai.  Travel through tunnels and see the native foliage or get up close to Kauai’s waterfalls and feel their spray as a culmination to your hike. Combine your Kauai hiking with other outdoor activities such as horse back riding.

na pali coast

• Level of Difficulty: Moderate-Strenuous
• Distance: .25-11 miles (one-way)
• Distance from Villas at Poipu Kai: 50 miles
• Trailhead: Ke’e Beach

The Na’Pali coast - traversable only by water, air, or hike - offers one of the most strenuous and rewarding hikes on the island. Hikers can walk the trail for any distance desirable, but landmarks are located at .25, .5, 2, 4, 6, and 11 miles. Experienced hikers may wish to go the entire distance to Kalalau Beach (11 miles one-way), a feat for which they are greatly rewarded with a peaceful, secluded beach. Though the abrupt cliffs and intermittent waterfalls provide stunning views and breathtaking topography, this trail is not a nature walk. Hikers should prepare well with durable hiking shoes and plenty of water. Hazards include falling rocks and steep drop offs. Hikers may also want to make it a two-day affair and bring camping gear to stay overnight on Kalalau Beach. Most however, take the 8 mile round trip to Hanakapi’ai Beach - only available during summer months - to make exploring the coast an enjoyable, challenging day trip.

secret falls / uluwehi falls

• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: 2 miles (one-way)
• Distance from Villas at Poipu Kai: 19 miles
• Trailhead: Wailua River (reached by kayak)

For explorers wanting a multi-dimensional experience, this hike is ideal. The trailhead for the Secret Falls hike is reached by a two mile kayak excursion through the Wailua River (rented or guided). After wading through the river, and reaching the trailhead, the hike is a mild 1.8 miles, about 45 minutes each way. Because the trail follows the river, it can be slippery and muddy, so prepare accordingly. Hikers meet lush greenery and exotic wildlife en route to the 100 falls rising 100 feet in the air - a gorgeous view at the end of an enjoyable hike. In all, one should plan on 4-5 hours to thoroughly experience the adventure. Note: this is a very popular hike so, at peak times in the year, hikers can plan on crowds.

wailua falls

• Level of Difficulty: Strenuous
• Distance: 1.5 miles (round trip)
• Distance from Villas at Poipu Kai: 15 miles
• Trailhead: north from Lihue, follow Maalo Road in Hanamaulu

Though this hike is short, the incline is steep and hazards are many. The view at the end, however, is completely worth it. The Wailua Falls can be seen from the parking lot where many cautious viewers stop. If you are in for adventure, take one of the two trails leading out from the parking lot to get a better view. The trail consists of switchbacks, that descend 200 feet and take hikers to the bottom of the breathtaking, two-tiered falls that plunge 90 feet. Lush greenery and and rainforest scenery characterize the topography, making it the recognizable opening scene of “Fantasy Island.” A “bucket-list waterfall experience” to be had.

canyon trail at waimea state park

• Level of Difficulty: Moderate
• Distance: 3.6 miles (round trip)
• Distance from Villas at Poipu Kai: 30 miles
• Trailhead: Halemanu Road, after the kukui trail

While many hikes lay between Waimea and Kokee State Parks, the Canyon Trail is the most popular. This moderately strenuous hike takes visitors up the heart of Waimea Canyon providing uniquely beautiful vistas of the island not found anywhere else. The trail itself is dry and compact. Hazards may include loose gravel and steep drop offs created by erosion. Though not considered a “waterfall hike”, the trail does take hikers past small waterfalls and pools - ideal for cooling off. Those who finish the hike are rewarded with a stunning view from the Kumuwela look-out. With no fog, this view cross-cuts the island of Kauai granting an unobstructed vista that includes the canyon’s breadth and ocean’s endless expanse. Truly, this is the best way to experience what Mark Twain called “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” It is magnificent.

shipwreck beach

• Level of Difficulty: Easy
• Distance: upt to 2 miles (one way)
• Distance from Villas at Poipu Kai: 1 mile
• Trailhead: Shipwreck Beach

While many hikes lay between Waimea and Kokee State Parks, the Canyon Trail is the most popular. This moderately strenuous hike takes visitors up the heart of Waimea Canyon providing uniquely beautiful vistas of the island not found anywhere else. The trail itself is dry and compact. Hazards may include loose gravel and steep drop offs created by erosion. Though not considered a “waterfall hike”, the trail does take hikers past small waterfalls and pools - ideal for cooling off. Those who finish the hike are rewarded with a stunning view from the Kumuwela look-out. With no fog, this view cross-cuts the island of Kauai granting an unobstructed vista that includes the canyon’s breadth and ocean’s endless expanse. Truly, this is the best way to experience what Mark Twain called “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” It is magnificent.