Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Kauai Shores Hotel Luxury (but value also):A luxury feels with the resort-style property, palm trees, and a beautiful pool area. Photo: David Nemecek/Shutterstock, There are a few tips that can help you make the most of your experience on the Awa awapuhi Trail and in Kokee State Park. If you have any questions about how to hike the Nualolo Trail and Awaawapuhi Trail Loop, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below. Find the parking lot near mile marker 17 along Koke'e Road and suit up for one of the most amazing views on the whole island. Are there many hikers there? Read all of our articles about the United States in our. Permits for A.T. long-distance hikers are available by self-registration on the Trail at the parks north and south entry points. Another way to do this hike is to park in the Awaawapuhi Trail parking lot. The trail is quite wide in most parts and even though it had been raining a lot, the trail was in good condition. The hike out was almost all uphill but our footing was better and we made better time. Posted By : / yamaha fg series history / Under : . Those over 60, i highly recommend a helicopter trip instead. So for hikes in Hawaii the immense vistas of Waihe'e Gorge, tumbling waterfalls and the wild northern coast of Maui makes the Waihe'e Ridge Trail a must-do. Know before you go. Chilly if you start early, but toasty on the return. The 2.5-mile climb up to the 2563ft summit of Lanilili Peak is steady and not overly strenuous. A GPS device that has trail maps makes it a lot easier to hike the Nualolo Cliff Trail. As the forest starts to thin out, you'll get some brief views of the Napali Coast. I hiked all over Kauai for over a month and documented all of my adventures. The Hilton has a beautiful pool, has private beach access and hot tubs so you are still getting an awesome value and the resort experience. Most of the trail is in a forest, so its shady most of the way. The weather in Kauai changes every 20 minutes there was certainly no way of controlling that. These landscapes are what thousands of people travel to Kauai for. Any views at smaller lookouts along the way did nothing to boost my confidence. The Awa'awapuhi/Nualolo trail is a longer hike and moderately strenuous but pretty easy to follow. For more experienced hikers I could see this being done in 3 hours. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. Once you reach the end we recommend that you DO NOTventure beyond the railings, since there are precipitous drops on both sides and the ground can be deceptively slippery even when dry, as the small red rock scree erodes easily. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. It doesnt have a designated parking lot but there is a spot 50 yards past the trailhead [], 15 BEST HIKES ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] CLICK HERE to read the full blog post about Awaawapuhi Trail []. Havent read you mentioning it so i just want to confirm. You can get by with running shoes (I did the first time I did this but I slipped a lot) but hiking or trail running shoes with good traction will make your life a lot easier. This is my favorite hike I did in a month on three Hawaiian Islands! The views of the Napali Coast from the trail are amazing!! The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Kokee trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. However, if you plan to hike that loop, we recommend you hike down Nualolo and back up Awa'awapuhi. Like an address I can punch in my GPS to start the hike. In the gif, the intrepid hiker appears to be at the end of the 6-mile trail, overlooking the Awaawapuhi Valley on the left and the Nualolo Valley on the right (and almost certain death on both the left and the right). I will say that we recommend several things before you head out. Mar 3, 2019 Matthew Henderson. Magnificent vista at the end! By the time we left the viewpoint an hour later there were about 20-30 people showing up and we saw more on the way back. 4- Awaawapuhi Trail. The hike took us about 2.5 hours each way. Wailua River and Secret Falls Kayak and Hiking Tour on Kauai 287 Recommended from $125.00 per adult LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Half-Day Kayak and Waterfall Hike Tour in Kauai with Lunch 211 Recommended Adventure Tours from $130.37 per adult Kauai ATV Backroads Adventure Tour 234 Half-day Tours from $379.06 per group (up to 2) LIKELY TO SELL OUT* Your Awa Awapuhi Trail stock images are ready. Vista view is beautiful. The trail is much wider than the Nualolo Trail and the Nualolo Cliff Trail, so no more thorny bushes on your legs or tree branches whacking you in the face. The Awaawapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, is a single track hike not for those with a fear of heights. slippery down hill, check weather, long hike for fog. Growing up in the small town of Norwalk, on the outskirts of . This forest reserve area is managed as wilderness because of the rich variety of native dryland plant species thriving in it (a plant guide is available). Thank for your continued support. The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of Permits, regulations, and fees. In the evening, head to Luau Kalamaku for the best Polynesian dance show in Kauai. If you are allergic to grass, wear or bring long pants. The trail is quite rocky at the start and we heard that it is very slippery if its rained. Well worth the 6 mile round trip hike. The grassy area at the end of the trail is a popular place to picnic and enjoy the views. Momoa was working at an outdoor shop in Des Moines, Iowa, and after he agreed, the crew packed into vans and headed off. Make sure you have plenty of water and wear cloths that you don't mind getting muddy, that means shoes. If you decide to take all the connecting trails, you're looking at a 9-mile trek. But keep your eyes up: there are some tricky parts of the trail, including steep sections and a few slippery sections due to mud, especially in the first mile. Wailua is a city on Kauai located on the East side of the island, near the airport. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Shaded and muddy trail . It is considered a moderate hike on paper, but it can be difficult due to the elevation gain and loss. In my opinion,these are the 15 best hikes on Kauai! The Awaawapuhi Trail will take you on an ultimate journey as you ascend from 4,120 feet elevation in the Kokee State Park to the valley rim of Nualolo and Awa'awapuhi valleys at 2,500 feet. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. I could not do the third as it looked to risky however it would have been amazing. It only takes about an hour and a half each way along the total of six miles out and back journey. The hike isn't too bad and wasn't muddy when we went. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. Distance: 7.6 miles out-and-back Total Ascent: 2,200 feet Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 3 to 5 hours, Distance: 6 miles out-and-back Total Ascent: 1,800 feet Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 4 hours, Distance: 11.9 miles Total Ascent: 3,200 feet Starting Elevation: 3,700 feet Highest Elevation: 4,100 feet Lowest Elevation: 2,300 feet Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 5 to 7 hours. Jan 12, 2023 H awaii's Awa awapuhi Trail is an incredible experience for anyone lucky enough to have a day to spend hiking in Hawaii. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Although I cant compare it to the Kalalau Trail, the Awaawapuhi Trail was a major highlight of our Kauai trip and led to one of the most beautiful coastal views Ive ever seen. Hi. Our best chance at hiking to a view of the Napali Coast would be hiking the Awaawapuhi Trail from Waimea Canyon. Kokee State Park is in the northwest of Kauai; the closest popular tourist area is Waimea, to the south. The Napali Forest Reserve area is managed as wilderness because of the rich variety of native plant species that thrive here. Awaawapuhi Trail 4.5 218 reviews #7 of 15 things to do in Kekaha Hiking Trails Write a review What people are saying By DlB824 " Breathtaking views " Oct. 2022 This is a good hike it's listed as a moderate hike it's 3.25 miles the the vistas. Lyrics, Song Meanings, Videos, Full Albums & Bios: Clap Your Hands (Frederick Alonso Remix), Aqua, Desert Storm, Isar Flowing, Freedom Is Timeless, Drunken Butterfly (Reto Ardour Remix), Sundays Best (Funtom Remix), Lives And The Evenings, Ma House's Deep The settlement, reached just before a damages trial was to begin next week, must be approved by the Legislature. 7 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Lookout "There are 2 ways to get there. Both will require walking along Kokee Road at some point. This trail gives you a clear overview on the west side of the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon area. The look out does have a small trail that I would recommend going down but not for the faint of heart. Awa'awapuhi Trail. You will feel each and every single step of the way back up as you breathe through the humid air inside the forested path. If theres any vista proving that pushing to the end of a hike is always worth it, its the Awaawapuhi Lookout of the Napali Coast. [KAUAI] Kkee State Park - Beginning TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2023, road repair work will be conducted along Kkee Road between the meadow/lodge area and the first Kalalau Lookout. Do i need a permit? Awaawapuhi Trail Location West Kauai Region multiple_stop Length Downhill the way to and all uphill the way back! Its all easy to the grassy point that oversees the sheer cliffs of Awa`awapuhi and Nualolo valleys resting 2,000 feet below.Awaawapuhi Trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. The trail may be accessed by transiting Koke'e State Park, which remains closed. Now, its a 1.8 mile walk along Kokee Road back to your car and its mostly downhill from here. Awa'awapuhi Trail, Kaua'i - September 6, 2015 What an amazing view in Kaua'i. Thanks for sharing this alternative!! Overall I would say do it if you can. It is a peaceful hike. These two trails could easily be done as day hikes within a short stay on Kauai. Very helpful. I loved being in the tropical rainforest and seeing the view at the end of the trail was amazing. By doing a little planning and being prepared you will make your hiking trip one of your best Kauai experiences. Great views! Theres a small parking lot near the trailhead on Kokee Road. please pack a frozen water bottle and chilled ones with a energy bar for those who dont regularly hike. When I visited Kauai last fall, I had a chance to hike a few trails in Koke'e State Park on the west side of the beautiful Garden Island. My only question was. Footing is extremely unstable, and the drop to the valley floor below is over 2,000 feet. The trail offers a moderately-challenging hike with amazing views of the surrounding landscape, including waterfalls, cliffs, tropical forests, and the stunning Na Pali Coast. Logistics: The Nualolo Ridge Trail is a 7.5-mile hike inside the Kokee State Park. Route The trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. It has incredible drop-offs and epic views down to the Na Pali Coast. There was no view whatsoever. The trail begins right off Kokee Road at an elevation of 4,120 feet. Heading down the Awaawapuhi Trail might give you some false confidence about how easy the hike will be. If you can walk six miles and are on the island of Kauai, go on this hike! FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Great when dry. Or would recommend for the Awaawapuhi Trail as far as the best views. I wanted to write a review about this trail since much has been written about it. We wore shorts and short-sleeved shirts and were fine, but I did have a bumpy, itchy rash on my legs for the next 24 hours. Kauai's beautiful Na Pali coast. As it is an easier trail it is also a bit more crowded. It tends to get very muddy and foggy along the trail and has an overall elevation gain of 1,180 feet. I believe it was a little over 6 miles round trip. The trail is not too difficult, just bring lots of water if it's hot. The Worlds Most Dangerous Footpath Is Now Totally Safe To Hike, Abiqua Falls Is a Secret Waterfall Hidden Deep in the Oregon Forest, The 13 Best Places To Go Hiking in Hawaii, Best Hikes With Stunning Views in the Ozark Mountains, 7 Easy Hikes on Oahu, Hawaii, That Are Perfect for Kids, Heres How To Visit Niihau, Hawaiis Forbidden Island, These Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park Basecamps, 8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, Orlando, 8 La Condesa Airbnbs To Settle Into Mexico Citys Coolest Neighborhood. Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. From the edge of the trail, there are drop-offs to the canyon below. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Are you a dessert first person? Be sure to spray and wipe your shoes before and after at the trailhead to do your part in mitigating Rapid Ohia Death! These photos were taken on the helicopter ride we did two days before this hike. Hilton Garden Inn Value Pick: The Hilton Garden Inn is your number one choice if you are on a budget but still need comfort. Wear bug spray and good hiking shoes. Waipo'o Falls via Pu'u Hinahina and Canyon Trail, Pu'u Hinahina Trail, Canyon Trail, and Cliff Trail, Nu'alolo Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail Loop. It was muddy as there was rain for the previous 4 days. 6miles round trip. My blog has a post with pictures that you can check out. The trailhead is on the left of the parking lot. Mahalo! :) Enjoy this AMAZING hike! The path itself wasnt too challenging up to this point but it is clay dirt over rock and tree roots, so there are lots of places that get extremely slippery in the rain. For more information read our privacy policy. 87 Followers, 108 Following, 30 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Awaawapuhi trail (@awaawapuhitrail) Hey yall! Trailhead Location: Kokee Road in Kokee State Park. Don't know about other phones, imagine it would work on an android as it also shows up in google maps. You dont see any in our photos because we started very early but we saw a bunch of hikers on the return part of the hike. The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Kokee trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. You dont want to be on a rocky overlook or narrow, muddy trail in the middle of pouring rain. Awesome! The trail is in Koke'e State Park on the island of Kauai and is a moderately-challenging hike with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. Awaawapuhi Trail DANGER: Do not venture beyond the safety railing at the end of the trail! When we reached it was bit cloudy, but we waited 15 minutes and it cleared. At the end of the trail is a lookout over Awa Awa'apuhi and Nualolo valleys, the Na Pali Coast and Pacific Ocean. [OAHU] UPDATED 2/28/23: Kaena Point State Park Mokuleia Section The vehicle access road will continue to beCLOSED due to heavy rains and saturated road conditions. Hawaii's official trail and access website administered by the N Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, State of Hawaii Nu'alolo Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail Loop is a 11 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Waimea, Hawaii, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. After the first mile-and-a-half the forest begins to thin out and the rugged Napali coast comes into view as well as glimpses into the Awaawapuhi Valley. Overall we are glad we choose this hike but disappointed to miss out on the stunning views of the coast. The Nualolo Trail is the tougher of the two. Kinda boring except for the view at the end. Permits may ONLY be purchased online or in person at District Offices. YELP 365 - 244/365 Beware, however . When you reach the vantage point for one of the most breathtaking views I've seen. Summed Up The 6.5-mile, out-and-back Awa'awapuhi Trail The scenery and foliage along the way are well worth it. I was one part excited about seeing the view and one part anxious that if there was indeed a view today, it might not be as clear the following day when we were scheduled for our helicopter ride. [KAUAI] UPDATED 3/2/23: Polihale State Park Is CLOSED until further notice due to an electrical outage that has put the water pump out of service. If you only have time for one hike on the west side of Kauai, this is your trail. muddy but doable. Discover this 9.7-km out-and-back trail near Kekaha, Kaua'i. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a 6.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Kekaha, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as mod. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 46 min to complete. The trailhead for the Awa'awapuhi Trail is off Kokee Road. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Im going to recommend five places to stay on Kauai. Its important that you carry enough water because this part of the trail is hot and can be challenging. The beginning of the trail is a relatively mellow stroll through the high forest. There will still be many steep descents, sometimes on a sandy trail and at other times on muddy dark red clay. That way, you can use the restroom before and after the hike, and grab a bite to eat once finished the hike. Wailua's mix of adventure and city makes it a great first stop! I took 2 hours going down (muddy and slippery but doable with a pole and decent shoes), 1 hour at the viewpoint (solo picnic!) Awa'awapuhi Trail in Kkee State Park - Hawaii This trail is located near Kekaha Hawaii on the small island of Kauai (famous for its beautiful mountains!). We have our permits for the Kalalau Trail for mid July and are so bummed we wont be able to hike it due to damage. The trail out towards the lookout took just under an hour and a half and was in shade most of the way. The trail getting there is not necessarily anything to write home about but the views at the end are incredible. The path itself is beautiful but it does not boast views, as you are deep inside the trees and tall grasses. I would describe our conditioning as slightly better than average. Be sure to take your time and be extra cautious when going through these areas. The end of the trail provides rim views down into the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. Latitude: 22.14147611 The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of the most awe inspiring vistas on Kauais Napali Coast. This is the hike that will give you that Napali Coast feel that you want. How was it on our second hike? The walk through the forest was really interesting as we viewed the different vegetation and listened to the various birds.