For all hiking enthusiasts, or just folks who’d like to do some ambling while on island, below are a few select hikes that should result in numerous “oohs” and “ahhs” along the way…
North Shore Hiking Trails
With something for everyone, the North Shore offers hikes through forests and pastures, up ridgelines and along the dramatic and epic coastal cliffs.
Wai Koa Loop – Beginner to Moderate
This 5-mile loop located in Kilauea is suitable for hikers and bikers alike. While we give it an “Intermediate” rating, don’t fret, as the difficulty is due more to its length rather than any aggressive terrain or elevation gain.
Starting out through the Kilauea Woods, with soaring Albizias and Norfolk Island Pines, it’s a pleasant introduction to the amount of lush greenery that visitors will encounter along the trail. Continuing through the United States’ largest Mahogany Forest, with approximately 86,000 Honduras Mahogany trees, the trail comes to a clearing where the West Makaleha Mountains offer the first expansive views and put everything in perspective.
Moving along, hikers will pass community gardens, guava orchards, and a large hydroponic facility that supplies many local restaurants with greens. Passing Kalihiwai Lagoons, which once grew fresh water prawns and today holds tilapia, bass, and koi, the pinnacle stop on the journey will be the historic stone dam lookout and gardens.
Over 130 years old, this dam was constructed as a water source for sugar plantations of days gone by. Still providing irrigation to Wai Koa Plantation, this hidden treasure holds numerous pockets of peace and serenity and offers a phenomenal inland contrast to Kauai’s mostly coastal activities.
Getting There - In Kilauea, look for Kauai Mini Golf on Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56). The trail starts and ends there.
Stay Nearby - Honu Lani | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Beautifully decorated, and well maintained this perfect retreat is surrounded with lush tropical vegetation and greenery! Perched above with breathtaking views of the Ocean and the Mountains.Kilauea is conveniently located on the North Shore of Kauai between Kapaa and Hanalei It is minutes away from an abundance of shopping, fine restaurants, and world class golf. Anini Beach is a beautiful, tropical ocean front community that has been home to various celebrity residents. It is known for its long barrier reef and calm water inside the reef.
Okolehau Trail – Moderate to Difficult
Cross the Hanalei Bridge and instead of continuing into Hanalei town, take an immediate left to follow Ohiki Road to find parking at the trailhead. This 2.5 mile climb is tough, but well worth it for the extensive views of Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Valley, Makana, Kilauea Lighthouse and the Napali Coast. Prepare to climb as the first portion of the trail is steep and covered in thick, native foliage. The trail offers two plateaus along the trail to stop and take in the views. Stop at the first vista if this is enough, or continue along the ridgeline for additional views into Hanalei Valley.
Getting There - Coming down the hill from Princeville, cross the one-lane bridge to Hanalei and turn left to drive between the river and taro field. After 0.5 miles look for parking on the left. The trailhead is across the road.
Stay Nearby - Camp Magic | 3 Bedrooms, 2 Bathrooms
Camp Magic is located just across the street from Hanalei Bay and beach where you can indulge all your ocean adventures or just relax on the warm sand and enjoy the mountain views. You might even get to experience a rainbow over the mountains with waterfalls cascading gently behind. Hanalei is one of the most beautiful places in the world! Ideally located, this is one of the few private retreats on Kauai where you can easily walk to meet your desires.
East Side Hiking Trails
Kauai’s East Side offers several unique inland hikes that lead to waterfalls, postcard-worthy vistas, and the feeling of being in the middle of nowhere and everywhere all at once.
Ho’opi’i Trail – Moderate
Though this 2.2-mile trail can be a bit tricky to find, the hypnotic sounds of gushing water as a reward may make the effort worthwhile. The hike starts out on a dirt path (once a dirt road) guarded by an old metal gate covered in shrubbery.
Descend the dirt path (muddy path after rains) until you level off and a few distinct trail options appear on the left. They all go in the same direction, the Kapaa Stream, so pick one and keep an eye out for the smaller single-track trail that meanders along the stream. Once you hear the Upper Falls, keep an eye out for a route down. Use caution as this can be very slippery and note that whatever you go down, you’ll have to go back up.
If you’d like to continue to the Lower Falls, make your way back up to the single-track trail and continue in the direction of the stream. After working its way inland, the trail forks. Take the option to the left, back towards the stream.
Once you reach a T, the option to the left will lead you to the top of the falls, with no way of getting to the bottom, and the option to the right will lead uphill, past the falls, and offer another option to the left to go to the bottom of the falls.
Choose your own adventure and be safe, especially on the slippery slopes heading down to the falls. Whenever your heart’s desires (or your camera’s memory cards) are full, return the way you came.
Getting There - Turn right onto Kapahi Rd. off of Kawaihau Rd., drive 0.3 miles and look for unmarked trailhead on left. Park on the side of the road.
Stay Nearby - Plantation Hale | 1 Bedrooms, 1 Bathroom
Located right on the Royal Coconut Coast, you’re in a perfect central location at Plantation Hale, Kapaa. Walk across the street to the Coconut Plantation Marketplace to shop at any of the boutiques or pick up groceries. Walk 50 steps in a slightly different direction to award winning Hukilau Lanai for dinner, cocktails and live music or Spa Makaiwa for a massage or facial.
Nounou Mountain Trail, a.k.a. “Sleeping Giant” – Moderate to Difficult
On the east side of Kauai in Kapaa, look west into the mountains. If you look closely enough, you might just see what looks like a giant figure napping! This is the famous Sleeping Giant who naps the whole day with his head to the South and feet stretched towards the North. This popular trek offers gorgeous ocean views and expansive views of the entire Wailua Valley from Anahola to Lihue. The trailhead is located at the end of the suburban Haleilio Road, which connects directly to the main State Highway 56 in Wailua.
This 3.2 mile trail consists of steep switchbacks that climb the face of the sleeping giant! Hikers will enjoy thick foliage and if you’re lucky, smell the guava along the trail. When you reach a junction near the top, take the path to the left. Here you will find a picnic table with space to relax and enjoy the views. It is always recommended to stay on designated trails for your safety and the maintenance of the natural environment.
We recommend starting early while it’s still cool and the light is spreading throughout the valley.
Getting There - Take Haleilio Rd. off of Kuhio Hwy (Hwy 56) for one mile until you see telephone pole 38 and the trailhead sign nearby.
Stay Nearby - Niulani Lanikai | 4 Bedrooms, 4 Bathrooms
Niulani Lanikai offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and is located in the popular Kauai town of Kapa’a. You’ll find yourself just steps away from the Kauai Village Shopping Center, pristine beaches, cool and funky boutiques, the incredible restaurants of Kapa’a and many of Kauai’s most popular attractions.
