The Ultimate Guide to Hiking in Kauai

Kauai, also known as the Garden Island, is one of the most beautiful and diverse islands in Hawaii. It's home to some of the most scenic hiking trails in the world, from rugged coastlines to lush rainforests and stunning waterfalls. If you're planning a trip to Kauai and looking for the ultimate hiking experience, here's a guide to some of the best trails on the island.

  1. Kalalau Trail - The Kalalau Trail is one of the most popular and scenic hikes on Kauai. The trail is 11 miles long and takes you along the rugged coastline of the Na Pali Coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and mountains. The trail starts at Ke'e Beach and ends at Kalalau Beach, passing through several valleys and waterfalls along the way. The trail can be challenging, with steep inclines and narrow paths, but the views are well worth it.
  2. Hanakapiai Trail  - The Hanakapiai Trail is a shorter alternative to the Kalalau Trail, but still offers stunning views of the Na Pali Coast. The trail is 8 miles round trip and takes you to Hanakapiai Beach, passing through lush rainforests and offering stunning views of the ocean. The trail can be challenging, with steep inclines and narrow paths, but the views are well worth it.
  3. Awaawapuhi Trail - The Awaawapuhi Trail is one of the most scenic hikes on Kauai, offering stunning views of the Na Pali Coast and Waimea Canyon. The trail is 6.2 miles round trip and takes you to a lookout point overlooking the ocean and mountains. The trail can be challenging, with steep inclines and narrow paths, but the views are well worth it.
  4. Sleeping Giant Trail - The Sleeping Giant Trail is a popular hiking trail on Kauai, taking you to the top of the Sleeping Giant Mountain for stunning views of the island. The trail is 3.2 miles round trip and takes you through lush forests and up steep inclines to the summit. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the ocean and mountains.
  5. Kuilau Ridge Trail - The Kuilau Ridge Trail is a scenic hike through the lush forests of Kauai, offering stunning views of the island. The trail is 2.1 miles round trip and takes you through lush rainforests and up to a ridge for stunning views of the ocean and mountains. The trail is well-maintained and offers a relatively easy hike.
  6. Waimea Canyon Trail - The Waimea Canyon Trail is a scenic hike through the stunning Waimea Canyon, known as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. The trail is 3.7 miles round trip and takes you to the top of the canyon for stunning views of the island. The trail is well-maintained and offers stunning views of the canyon and the ocean.
  7. Nualolo Trail - The Nualolo Trail is a scenic hike on the Na Pali Coast, offering stunning views of the ocean and mountains. The trail is 3.8 miles round trip and takes you through lush rainforests and up to a ridge for stunning views of the ocean and mountains. The trail can be challenging, with steep inclines and narrow paths, but the views are well worth it.
  8. Ho'opi'i Falls Trail - The Ho'opi'i Falls Trail is a popular hiking trail on Kauai, taking you to two stunning waterfalls. The trail is 2 miles round trip and takes you through lush rainforests and up to two stunning waterfalls. The trail is well-maintained and offers a relatively easy hike.

Other blog posts

See all