A woman at the Kokee Museum told us this was the best of the hikes to the west. The Nualolo Trail + Awaawapuhi Trail Loop. You will feel each and every single step of the way back up as you breathe through the humid air inside the forested path. Momoa was working at an outdoor shop in Des Moines, Iowa, and after he agreed, the crew packed into vans and headed off. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. 7 Vancouver, BC, Parks for Nature, Hiking, Mountain Biking, andMore, The 400-Mile Jordan Trail Is the Ultimate Hike for Culture and Nature Buffs, This Angels Landing Video Gives a POV of Zion's Famously Scary Hike, This Strenuous Hike in Yosemite Is Worth It for the Epic Views, Hike With a Shelter Dog on an Adorable 'Dog Field Trip' in Kauai, Hawaii, This Is Why Capitol Peak, Colorado, Is the State's Hardest 14K Mountain, Hike To the Top of 2,000-Foot-Tall Cliffs in This British ColumbiaPark, Discover Stunning Crater Lakes at This Extinct Volcano Outside Mexico City, The "World's Most Dangerous Footpath" Is Now Totally Safe ToHike, Download the On this trail, you will hike in and out of the trees, and by midday, this part of the hike can feel very warm. Awa'awapuhi Trail & Napali Coast access? If you think you will have trouble with this, its not worth hiking the Nualolo Trail in my opinion, since you need to hike this narrow trail to get to the best views. Walk 0.2 miles south on Kokee Road to the trailhead. 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. 16 Beautiful and Best Hikes in Kauai, Hawaii | The Planet D Awa'awapuhi Trail is a spectacular hike, with the most magnificent views of the Na Distance: 6.5 miles, round-trip Location: West side, Kohee State Park Difficulty: Moderate. Honestly just an ok view unless you're willing to hike the last .1 mi sketchy section. The weather in Kauai changes every 20 minutes there was certainly no way of controlling that. 3. The trail is a continual downhill hike from 4,120 feet elevation to the valley rim of Nualolo at 2,500 feet. PRO HIKING TIP: If you are afraid of heights, this trail could be very challenging. Took me 1.75 hrs down, had a 30 minute break enjoying the Na pali coast view i had seen by boat yesterday then 1.25 back up. My travel buddy may back off so I may end up solo. The Awa Awapuhi Hike is a 6 mile out and back hike that brings you through the lush vegetation. If all that sounds like fun, then by all means go for it. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. Trailhead Location: Kokee Road in Kokee State Park. Good shoes and a hiking pole or stick (which can be found leaning against a tree about 100 ft in on the trail) are helpful for navigating slick downhill sections. Mar 3, 2019 Matthew Henderson. Found solitude along this somewhat rugged trail but no flowing water at the stream. Well worth the 6 mile round trip hike. Awaawapuhi Trail (Kekaha) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. If you are young and healthy, it is probably only mildly challenging. You find mile markers by each quarter mile, that seems to make the hike easier for us. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. You can get by with a good pair of walking shoes or running shoes but I recommend wearing hiking shoes if you have them. awa'awapuhi trail permit The trail is not too difficult, just bring lots of water if it's hot. All rights reserved. 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. And trust us when we say that with a guided tour, you get to see and experience things in a way you simply cannot do independently. The plant life growing along the trail was very overgrown in spots when we did this, so expect to push your way through if it hasnt recently been bushwhacked. While the end viewpoint can get quite dangerous and steep if you venture down, the majority of the trail is well defined and quite straightforward. Discover this 9.7-km out-and-back trail near Kekaha, Kaua'i. Its important that you carry enough water because this part of the trail is hot and can be challenging. The hike is mostly through shaded forest and ending at the overlooks with some great views. Breath taking Views - Tough trail if you are a beginner. Crawley Magistrates' Court Results January 2021, Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year. Crawley Magistrates' Court Results January 2021, Footing is extremely unstable, and the drop to the valley floor below is over 2,000 feet. Show 16 More Check-Ins Feb 24, 2019 Daniel Alba. Awaawapuhi Trail - Hiking on Kauai | Kauai.com It is before the Kalalau lookout but still takes well over 30 minutes to reach there from Waimea Town. From the edge of the trail, there are drop-offs to the canyon below. A walking stick is a great help and you are sure to find them at the trail head, it took us 2 hours to the lookout, we stayed about an hour which did help with rest then it took us 3 hours to get back out we were passed many times by young fast hikers. When we refer to Wailua, we will include the surrounding Wailua River State Park, and a few waterfalls that are in short driving distance from town. There isn't one, but if type it in on an iPhone it will take you to the parking lot. Awaawapuhi Trail (Kekaha) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go The view was special and now that were done with it we fell a sense of accomplishment, however in the heat of survival on the trail none of us can say we actually enjoyed it. Located in the Hawaiian highlands of Kokee, the Awaawapuhi trail is a spectacular trail that stretches 5 kilometres. Total hike time for us was 4 hours but we took our time. Took us around 5 hours RT. We had to turn back at the 1mile mark because of a heavy downpour and the conditions deteriorating. So when there is a fresh rain you will want to go slow or you have a good chance of wiping out. Since this is a loop, you can hike these trails clockwise or counterclockwise. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Awa'awapuhi Trail Hiking Trail - Kauai - Hawaii 98% of travelers recommend this experience. We were very unprepared for this hikebut we were young and fit and muddled through. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Its a tough, uphill hike in spots to get to this trail. Weather permitting, you should get a breathtaking view of the lusciously green Awa'awa'puhi valley and Nualolo Aina Valley. Seeaosite for updates. Very helpful. ALL PERMITS REQUIRE A FEE - THERE IS NO FREE CAMPING IN HAWAII STATE PARKS OR FOREST RESERVES. Visitors to your site will appreciate you FEES Entrance or parking fees are collected at some national and state parks that the Trail passes through. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. :) Enjoy this AMAZING hike! We are older and wiser and there was something very nostalgic about returning to a place where Tim and I first hit a hiking trail together. It really helps to have a GPS device here that has the trail map on it, whether it is a Garmin GPS device, a hiking watch, or All Trails. Use caution and do not go too close to the edge as some of the viewpoints are eroded. Its $5 per person to enter the state park, which is generally open from sunrise to sunset, so try to be off the trail before dark. The Awaawapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, is a single track hike not for those with a fear of heights. Marvel at the views of the sea as you approach the junction with the Nualolo Cliff Trail. 360-degrees of pure Kauai magic! The trail may be accessed by transiting Koke'e State Park, which remains closed. The trail is 3.25 miles one way, with about 1600 feet of descent (yep, this is a DOWN then UP trail ughhhh). The trailhead is easily google-able (and google actually takes you to the correct location) and is on the main road through the park. There is a decently sized dirt lot and no payment stall (so parking is free, we presume? We didnt get a ticket, at any rate). For this hike you will want to arrive early to get a spot in the lot and a little solitude while hiking. We started around 9:30am and the trail was lightly trafficked, and we had the viewpoint at the end of the trail almost to ourselves. By the time we were hiking back up to the parking lot, the trail was a zoo and the parking lot and surrounding roadside were completely parked up. Koloa Landing Resort Luxury (high-end): I was lucky enough to spend three nights reviewing Koloa Landing Resort and honestly the place is just phenomenal. Most people stop there but it is possible to venture down the ridge although this can be quite dangerous. 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. Kauai's Awa'awapuhi Trail is a moderately difficult hike which starts in Kkee State Park and traverses the gorgeous Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. Sections with roots and loose rocks. The reason why I love this trail and what makes it my favorite out in the west is because of the magnitudeof the dropoffs and the gorge. is that right?? Its a short, easy, downhill walk to the viewpoint at the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail. The trail descends sixteen hundred feet over three miles through a rainforest to the rim of the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. 37 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Trail "Great 6-mile round-trip hike with a very rewarding ending. (LogOut/ The trail has a downward The climb back up was sweaty and squelchy and full of hikers heading down but otherwise uneventful. Kauai hike #1 in the bag! Awa'awapuhi Trail. The hike is moderately difficult and traverses the Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. Im glad we did it, Im glad we got to share this with Tyler and Kara, and I am also glad that we can share with you what we learned. I would not go so far as buy cleats but if you have them then they would be a great plus. You can read more about the "loop" on our Nualolo Trail entry. Way back, I checked out the Nu'alolo Cliffs trail to the stream crossing 0.3 miles in - hoping to frolic in a waterfall. For the Awaawapuhi Nualolo Lookout continue straight ahead to the end of the trail for spectacular panoramic views and great picnic area. The Nualolo Cliff Trail ends at the much wider and better maintained Awaawapuhi Trail. AWAAWAPUHI TRAIL ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era Longitude: -159.6486396. Hike the Awa'awapuhi Trail on Kauai's Napali Coast Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. When we did this, the Nualolo Cliffs Trail was overgrown in many spots, making progress very slow. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Outside Magazine - By: Alexandra Gillespie 3h. This is not a hike that I would recommend for newbie hikers. Awa'awapuhi Trail Location: Koke'e State Park, Kekaha, Kauai, HI Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Distance: 6.7 miles When to go: June to August Awa'awapuhi Trail is 3.3 miles (one way) well-marked hike descends 1,200 feet to a truly amazing vista of the cathedrals of the Na Pali Coast. 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 Awaawapuhi valleys at 2,500 feet. On our recent visit to Kauai, we wanted to hike this trail again. If you dont like back tracking you could take the Nualolo Cliff Trail junction on your way out, but it will add 5 miles to your trip and you will have to walk the road back to your car. Dramatic green cliffs set against a deep blue sea. Awa'awapuhi Trail Best Places to Stay This trail runs through Kokee State Park and passes through various landscapes for a little over six miles round trip. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. 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. Awa'awapuhi Trail, Hawaii You couldn't have the best hikes in the USA without including one from . For more information read our privacy policy. Honop Ridge Trail | Outdoor Project The path itself is beautiful but it does not boast views, as you are deep inside the trees and tall grasses. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Downhill most of the way uot and be ready for gradual climb the whole way back. This trail is muddy and step although I consider myself in shape I was very sore for about 3 days after and my wife just had to push through it and swore to me that she would never do this again. In the evening, head to Luau Kalamaku for the best Polynesian dance show in Kauai. Awa'awapuhi Trail. Some people go beyond the official end of the trail (unmaintained trail - pass at your own risk) for an epic view. They are unique and they are absolutely incredible! You will have to hike the full distance (0.9 miles) to the trail junction. Definitely slippery going down but fine, especially if you have poles. The view from the end of the trail is beautiful. You can ask about the condition of the Cliffs trail before you start. Hike down the road first, then do the loop. Hiking to the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai is a pretty terrifying experience. Those over 60, i highly recommend a helicopter trip instead. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. One of the best here. How To Hike the Awa'awapuhi Trail in Hawaii - Matador Network However, if you plan to hike that loop, we recommend you hike down Nualolo and back up Awa'awapuhi. 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. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Not much to see until the very end, but absolutely magnificent when you reach it. How to Hike the Nu'alolo Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail Loop | Kauai NUALOLO CLIFF TRAIL ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] way to continue to the lookout. It also begins to get noticeably warmer. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Weird Things is proudly powered by Awa'awapuhi Trail. Aside from the coastal views, the trail offers a great chance to observe endemic wildlife such as birds, lizards, and frogs.
