Bring plenty of water: And remember to drink it, even if its not especially hot outside. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Keawa Heiau State Recreation Area Aiea Loop Trail isCLOSEDdue to high winds and heavy rain, the heiau area is OPEN. The Awa'awapuhi trail is a great option for those who want to enjoy the N Pali Coast but don't feel like braving one of the most dangerous trails in the world to do that. And dont miss the Kilauea Iki Trail, one of the best hikes in the park. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. The hike goes gradually downhill for 3 miles primarily through the trees (but with some scenic outlooks), before ending at a ridge with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, Napali Coast, and the Awa'awapuhi and Nualolo Valley. The weather had other plans for the duration of our stay, however. We also heard helicopters in the distance above us. Luke Mcnally Fifa 21, I recommend choosing between the Awaawapuhi Trail OR the Nualolo Trail. 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 The beautiful nature and mountains that rise up from the sea, are a must see on Kauai. Bring a minimum of 3 liters of water per person, although 4 liters is better. 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. Awaawapuhi Trail is one of the more popular hikes in the Koke'e Park and subsequently has a large, signposted parking lot. Located in Kokee State Park in Kauai, the Nualolo Trail and the Awaawapuhi Trail are two separate trails that head out along the ridgelines of the Na Pali Coast. After around 90 minutes of awe-inspiring and downhill hiking, the trek culminates at the official viewpoint. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. This trail is about 7 miles round trip and if you can do it add in the other trial which makes it a loop however we knew we could not handle that much walking. My travel buddy may back off so I may end up solo. the trail ends abruptly on the ridge top, at 2, 500 ft. elevation, affording spectacular views down sheer cliffs into awaawapuhi and nualolo valleys overlooking the pacific ocean. There was no view whatsoever. We were standing in the Napali Coast. Permits for A.T. long-distance hikers are available by self-registration on the Trail at the parks north and south entry points. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Both will require walking along Kokee Road at some point. Unlike the neighboring Awa'awapuhi Trail, there are no facilities or even trailhead signs. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. The grassy area at the end of the trail is a popular place to picnic and enjoy the views. Hawaiis Awa awapuhi Trail is an incredible experience for anyone lucky enough to have a day to spend hiking in Hawaii. By doing a little planning and being prepared you will make your hiking trip one of your best Kauai experiences. The trail ends abruptly on the ridge top, at 2,500 ft. elevation, affording spectacular views down sheer palis (cliffs) into Awaawapuhi and Nualolo Valleys overlooking the Pacific Ocean. Awa'awapuhi Trail, Hawaii You couldn't have the best hikes in the USA without including one from . This trail goes by Honopu Ridge Trailhead. All Rights Reserved. However, it is less than $300 a night. " Awesome hike with breathtaking views of the Na Pali coast " Aug. 2022 There were several groups of older hikers and it seemed to be the trail that was being attempted by all types of tourists. Our best chance at hiking to a view of the Napali Coast would be hiking the Awaawapuhi Trail from Waimea Canyon. We didnt mind ending with the walk along the road. We had to turn back at the 1mile mark because of a heavy downpour and the conditions deteriorating. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. Take trekking poles or find a good walking stick in the woods (this is what we did), it really helps. The hike is mostly through shaded forest and ending at the overlooks with some great views. When you reach the vantage point for one of the most breathtaking views I've seen. During summer only (May 15 Sept 7) kayak landings are allowed ONLY with a valid camping permit. Distance: 6.2 miles out and back. It was a steady climb back to the car, but easier footing. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly. Prefer your gain before the pain? But it also makes for a longer journey. 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 NUALOLO CLIFF TRAIL ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] way to continue to the lookout. The beginning of the trail is a relatively mellow stroll through the high forest. 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. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. SeeSand Island site for updates. The treacherous trail felt agonizingly long for the first 1.5 miles. This is done to help stop Rapid Ohia Death, a disease that is killing Ohia trees in Hawaii, and to help prevent the spread of seeds that could still be on your shoes from other hikes. Wear bug spray and good hiking shoes. Not too much to see but the view at the end is spectacular! Take your time and watch your step; in some of the narrower sections you could slip and fall off of the trail. Most of the trail is in a forest, so its shady most of the way. However, if you plan to hike that loop, we recommend you hike down Nualolo and back up Awa'awapuhi. Required fields are marked *. It was muddy, but less of a problem than other hikes we went on. We started at 8am and there wasn't anyone else on the trail except for 1 other couple. The Awaawapuhi Trail is one of the more moderate difficulty hikes in Kokee State Park. But photographer Scott Sharick upped the ante for the vertigo-inducing trek when he decided to hold a GoPro stick while walking along . The state was found at fault last year in the case . This trail isnt too difficult, won't take up too much of your day, and it brings you to breathtaking views, overlooking the Nualolo and Awa'awapuhi valleys. This time, perfect view. Its important that you carry enough water because this part of the trail is hot and can be challenging. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Like a lot of Kauai hiking trails, you'll follow a ridgeline with continuous views of the Na Pali Coast. The Awa'awapuhi Trail is located in Kokee State Park, in the Waimea area of Kaua'i, and features a 3.1 mile (one way, 7.2 mile round trip) hike that many would consider difficult. 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. Layers and water helpful! The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Kokee trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. Crawley Magistrates' Court Results January 2021, Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year. Its a bummer to see peoples toilet paper, orange rinds and plastic on the trail! Awaawapuhi Trail is a continual downhill hike from the trail head to the grassy clearing overlooking the valleys. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! The hike isn't too bad and wasn't muddy when we went. Kauai's beautiful Na Pali coast. But the views are much better than those from the Awaawapuhi Trail. Silent Beauty Synonyms, The trail leads you through a range of different plant life as you slowly head down in elevation for just over three miles. HAWAII VOLCANOES: In our article Best Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we cover the must-have experiences. This trail starts in Kokee State Park at 4100 ft of elevation and winds its way through heavy jungle down to 2,500 feet. Here at GuideofUS- Hawaii, we have explored on our own and with some of the best-guided tours available. The hike is moderately difficult and traverses the Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. GPS lat 22.1414 long -159.6487. It's called the Awa'awaphui Trail in Koke'e State Park just past Waimea Canyon State Park on the west coast of Kaua'i. Theres a small parking lot near the trailhead on Kokee Road. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. I could not do the third as it looked to risky however it would have been amazing. It looks like I need reservations through Ha'ena State Park. Chilly if you start early, but toasty on the return. It boasts amazing coastlines and lush valleys filled with waterfalls. This trail gives you a clear overview on the west side of the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon area. The permit can be obtained at visitor contact stations during business hours. Don;t worry too much and carry what you need but don't load yourself down as it is a long day. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. Reaching the overlook is worthy! Shaded and muddy trail . Your Awa Awapuhi Trail stock images are ready. Best hike we did during our visit! By Nualolo Trail (between cabins and Kokee Lodge), or Awaawapuhi trail near 17 mm (past Kokee Lodge). The marked features are managed for public recreational use. I love your hiking tips. As user akeldamach87who hiked the trail in 2009shares in a comment, its up to hikers to keep themselves safe: If you have little time and have to choose one trail, then this is your trail!Getting ThereFrom Lihue, take Kaumualii Highway 50 to Waimea. This is a six-mile, out-and-back trail in Kokee State Park on the island of Kauai. This trail starts about a half mile up the Waimea River from the bottom of Kukui Trail. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. 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. You decend close to 2000 ft we got up early and hit it before too many people showed when getting there we were the third car there when leaving there was 20-25 cars and no more parking if you do it go early. 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 end of the trail leads to cliffs on the sea side. Don't forget to check ourKokee State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. Its mind-blowing to stand at the lookout and take it all in. As of March 11, 2014, the Kauai recreational trail map is temporarily unavailable for distribution or purchase. In consideration of being permitted to use the OHV trails promoted and maintained by Lewis County, I expressly acknowledge: PARK UPDATES: 4/30/21 - [OAHU] - The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail and parking lot at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline will be CLOSED May 4th through May 6th (Tuesday-Thursday) from 7:00am to 11:00am for maintenance of the trail. We were looking at helicopters passing way below us but they were still high up. And just note that there is no cell service along the trail, so dont expect to text, send photos, or be able to contact friends or family by phone while hiking this trail. This is the hike that will give you that Napali Coast feel that you want. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Summed Up The 6.5-mile, out-and-back Awa'awapuhi Trail The scenery and foliage along the way are well worth it. View maps, videos, photos, and reviews of Awa Awapuhi Single Track: Kauai bike trail in Wiamea. amazing view at the end. The view from your trail is stunning, each and every photo was amazing!