Best Hiking Trails on Kaua’i, Hawaii

About 90% of Kauaʻi is inaccessible by road; therefore, one of the best ways to experience the natural beauty of the oldest and northernmost island in the Hawaiian chain is by foot. This island features a range of hiking trails, from casual coastal walks to epic treks along the famous Na Pali Coast. No matter what trail you choose, you will be rewarded with unforgettable views and memories of Kauaʻi.

Awa’awapuhi

Best hike for panoramic views
6.5 miles round trip, moderately difficult

Kokeʻe State Park on Kauaʻi’s west end offers over 50 miles of hiking trails, and Awaʻawapuhi boasts one of the best views on the island. This 6-mile trek meanders through rainforests and desert-like terrain, ending at a 2500ft perch above the fabled Na Pali Coast. Along the way, spot various species of native rainforest and dryland plants, including ohia trees and koa.

Don’t let the well-graded, moderately short hike fool you; the trail starts at an elevation of 4120ft and descends to the lookout, meaning it’s all uphill on the return. Take your time at the end to enjoy the sweeping vistas of Awaʻawapuhi and Nuʻalolo valleys, making it an ideal picnic spot before the trek back.

Nuʻalolo Cliffs

Best day hike
11.4-mile loop, difficult

For experienced hikers spending a full day at Kokeʻe State Park, consider the challenging 11-mile loop that combines the enchanting Nuʻalolo and Awaʻawapuhi trails. This winding route offers spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast, providing better glimpses into verdant valleys along the coastline with fewer hikers.

The trail begins with a downward path through a thick forest of ohia and koa trees. Although it may be muddy at times, hikers will be rewarded with cascading waterfalls, pristine valleys, and breathtaking coastal views.

Pihea to Alakaʻi Swamp

Best hike for a unique landscape
8 miles round trip, moderate

A truly unique experience awaits at the Alakaʻi Swamp—a roughly 8-mile hike. This trek includes a climb to Pihea Summit and a walk along a boardwalk through a montane swamp, an ecosystem zone found in only a few places across Hawaii. Located on elevated flatlands near Mt. Waiʻaleʻale, this area features stunted native vegetation due to soggy soil and high winds.

Starting at the Pihea Summit trailhead, this hike allows glimpses of unique wildlife, including the Hawaiian honeycreeper. The best time to visit the swamp is during the less rainy summer months, where you can enjoy leafy vistas without the worry of damp conditions.

Canyon Trail to Waipoʻo Falls

Best hike to view Waimea Canyon
3 miles round trip, easy to moderate

While many visitors stop at Waimea Canyon State Park’s lookout to view the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, hiking the Canyon Trail to Waipoʻo Falls lets you stand atop the waterfall for a new perspective. This 3-mile round-trip trek is well-marked and easy for novice hikers. Enjoy stunning views along the way, reaching Waipoʻo Falls where the twin cascades await.

Kalalau

Best hike for adventurous backpackers
22 miles round trip, difficult

The trek to the remote Kalalau Valley is a challenging, bucket-list adventure, requiring commitment and preparation. The 11-mile hike along the Na Pali Coast weaves through lush valleys, streams, and dramatic mountains to the isolated Kalalau Beach. Many hikers choose to camp at Kalalau Beach, enabling them to enjoy the natural beauty surrounding them.

The best time to undertake this hike is during summer when conditions are generally drier. Exploring the beach area, surrounding caves, or simply relaxing rejuvenates weary travelers for the return journey.

Hanakapi‘ai Falls

Best waterfall hike
8 miles round trip, moderately difficult

Running alongside Kauaʻi’s north shore, the Na Pali Coast features stunning vistas—the best way to experience its rugged beauty is by hiking to Hanakapi‘ai Falls. This 8-mile hike challenges experienced hikers as it follows the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi‘ai Beach and includes a scenic stop at a cascading 300ft waterfall.

The best time for this adventure is in summer, when lower stream levels make the crossing easier. Although swimming is not permitted at the beach due to dangerous rip currents, many hike further into the canyon to enjoy the vibrant swimming hole below the waterfall.

Nounou Mountain (aka Sleeping Giant)

Best hike with views of East Kauaʻi
3.8 miles round trip, moderately easy

Nounou Mountain, known as Sleeping Giant, offers spectacular views over Waiʻaleʻale and the Wailua River. With three trails leading up the mountain, the East Trail is favored by many hikers. This route features a climb of 1000ft elevation through diverse tropical landscapes, leading to a scenic meadow perfect for resting.

More adventurous hikers can trek to the summit for even broader views of the eastern coastline. Starting early ensures that outdoor enthusiasts can avoid the heat of midday.

Kuilau Ridge

Best easy hike
4.3 miles round trip, easy

This 4.3-mile trail is ideal for families short on time but eager to enjoy the outdoors. Following a wide road, the scenic hike begins at an elevation of about 1200ft, providing stunning views of Nounou and Waiʻaleʻale right from the start. A gradual climb offers hikers glimpses of lush vegetation before leading under a canopy of ironwood, where picnic tables await.

Okolehao

Best hike with views of Hanalei Bay
3.6 miles round trip, moderate

For breathtaking views of magical Hanalei Bay, hike to Hihimanu Ridge. Established by prohibition-era bootleggers, this 3.6-mile trail winds upward through scenic landscapes, featuring an opportunity to visit a historical heiau along the way. The grassy summit offers stunning panoramic views of Kilauea Point and the Na Pali Coast.

Mahaʻulepu Heritage

Best family-friendly hike
4 miles round trip, easy

This coastal trail runs about 4 miles along Kauaʻi’s rugged southern shore, offering views of limestone cliffs, tide pools, and the Pacific Ocean. During winter months, you may encounter Hawaiian green sea turtles, monk seals, and even migrating humpback whales. Starting at the popular Keoneloa Beach, this easy hike is complemented by facilities for families and is suitable for all ages.

Don’t miss the detour to Makauwahi Cave, the state’s largest open-ceiling limestone cave, where a free guided tour provides insights into this remarkable environment.