For more experienced hikers I could see this being done in 3 hours. For the first mile and a half, you will be descending through the forest. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. Longitude: -159.6486396. Its a long hike, there is a lot of elevation gain, and it can get very hot. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). 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. Awaawapuhi Trail (Kekaha) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. The one portion of the Cliffs trail that connects the Nualolo and the Awa'awapuhi is narrow--it is a very short section. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. The trail begins right off Kokee Road at an elevation of 4,120 feet. Kekaha Beach Bungalow FREE WIFI, 2 min walk to the beach. Check the forecast: Dont even think about attempting the trail if theres any significant rain in the forest. Most areas of the Appalachian Trail do not require fees or permits, but a few do. This is a good hike it's listed as a moderate hike it's 3.25 miles the the vistas. I used them last year while in oahu and next week I'll be heading to kauai. 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. Hi, caricenzerbush. 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. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. It was sunny and dry when we walked. Great hiking - Trail was 7 miles round trip but we did little over 10 miles with all the deviations. Here are my hiking essentials. Good closed toe hiking/trail shoes are required, and bring extra dry socks. Way back, I checked out the Nu'alolo Cliffs trail to the stream crossing 0.3 miles in - hoping to frolic in a waterfall. [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. For Days 1 and 2 click here. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. (LogOut/ The trails in Kauai are often slippery and muddy. Kauai the day of the heaviest rainfall in a 24-hour period, 2019 Havasu Falls Hiking and Camping Travel Guide, The trail is well-marked with .5-mile markers. Additional Info If I did it again, heres what I would do: Park at the Kokee Museum and hike the Nualolo Trail out-and-back. Consider hiking the Awaawapuhi Trail instead. Clouds started to sock us in around 2pm. Its a boring walk and dangerous, so stay close to the shoulder of the road. It is possible to be both of these trails in one trek but will add on over 5 miles to your total [], HONOPU RIDGE TRAIL ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] Honopu Ridge Trailhead is just after the AwaAwapuhi Trailhead. You need to keep an eye out for a small sign with cars parked on the left side going to Koke SP, after the campground. By doing a little planning and being prepared you will make your hiking trip one of your best Kauai experiences. The Awa'awapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii is breathtaking, offering gorgeous views of Kauai's famed Na Pali coast. Awa'awapuhi Trail. Well worth the 6 mile round trip hike. This was as far as I could make myself go without letting vertigo sink in. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. Posted By : / yamaha fg series history / Under : . Clouds and rain were an obvious given here, but thats part of the wonder of this beautiful island. The settlement, reached just before a damages trial was to begin next week, must be approved by the Legislature. We didnt mind ending with the walk along the road. The hiking I am used to mainly start by walking upwards, but this is a 5km downhill walk from about 1255 masl, descending almost 500m. Take your time: Enjoy the experience and take time to take in your surroundings. I hiked on a Sunday afternoon and only passed people in the opposite direction. Vegan Activist T-shirt, Awa'awapuhi is a bit shorter, not as steep and you don't get any views until right at the end. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). Dont rush if you dont have to. 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. The hike would be out of the question for the length of our trip. We were standing in the Napali Coast. Downhill the way to and all uphill the way back! [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Honestly just an ok view unless you're willing to hike the last .1 mi sketchy section. The trail meanders through a wet cloud forest before making some steep descents down muddy terrain. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The rocks can be very crumbly and no step is certain on the ridges out in Kokee State Park. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Also pack out what you packed in! 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. Find out more about me here! Congrats! When Jason Momoa was 15 or so, a group of adult climbers invited him on an ice-climbing trip. For a nice day hike, you can backtrack to the Nualolo junction and continue along the Nualolo Cliff Trail to the Nualolo Trail which ends at the Kokee State Park headquarters. Beware, however, that the Nualolo trail was closed when we were there. The grassy area at the end of the trail is a popular place to picnic and enjoy the views. The Awaawapuhi Trail is just over 6 miles round trip and safer than the Nualolo trail, though the mud adds a degree of excitement. Permits are not needed to hike this trail and the best time to visit is spring and summer. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. The trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. Young And Dangerous 2 Netflix, Best hike we did during our visit! The walk through the forest was really interesting as we viewed the different vegetation and listened to the various birds. 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. Fabulous views, but if you're afraid of heights, can be daunting toward the end. The Awa Awapuhi Hike is a 6 mile out and back hike that brings you through the lush vegetation. I would not go so far as buy cleats but if you have them then they would be a great plus. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Visitors will be treated to diverse tropical flora and fauna along the trail as well as spectacular views of the ocean and Napoli Coast. Those over 60, i highly recommend a helicopter trip instead. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! If you are in average condition (maybe exercise for 2-4 hours per week), the climb back up is VERY difficult. The trail is quite rocky at the start and we heard that it is very slippery if its rained. Going to Kauai in 2 weeks and looking to hike the Napali Coast and the Awa'awapuhi Trail in particular. Then Awa'awapuhi Trail is your cup of tea. 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. 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* Know before you go. The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Kokee trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. For the first mile and a half, you will be descending through the forest. Entire family made it all the way to the top. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. If you are traveling with kids, are looking for an easier hike with views of the Napali Coast, or have a fear of heights, I recommend the Awaawapuhi Trail over the Nualolo Trail. Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year, Thanks! 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. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Enter "Awa'awapuhi Trail Parking" in Google Map. Please Note: Due to erosion, Nu'alolo Cliff Trail is occasionally closed near the junction with Nu'alolo Trial. As the forest starts to thin out, you'll get some brief views of the Napali Coast. Julie Last updated: January 27, 2023 United States 2 Comments. The trail starts near mile marker 17 at a parking area and takes . Weather permitting, you should get a breathtaking view of the lusciously green Awa'awa'puhi valley and Nualolo Aina Valley. 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. There was no view whatsoever. For the first 2 miles, you will be hiking downhill, either through a forest or through dense brush and grass. It takes about three hours to hike this West Kauai trail and it has many incredible viewpoints. My wife and I (both 57) and our 22 year old daughter hiked the trail in late October 2020. You can buy snacks, cold drinks, and ice cream from the general store here. 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. We had to turn back at the 1mile mark because of a heavy downpour and the conditions deteriorating. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. KAUAI: Plan your visit to Kauai with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Kauai. 3 miles into the hike, the views really start to get good. And the views at the end were spectacular. It looks like I need reservations through Ha'ena State Park. Awa'awapuhi Trail & Napali Coast access? 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. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you soo much foe this post. Hilton Garden Inn Value Pick: The Hilton Garden Inn is your number one choice if you are on a budget but still need comfort. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Mahalo! The beautiful nature and mountains that rise up from the sea, are a must see on Kauai. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. Looks tough but not too hard and I am 65 with minor health issues. Enjoy! There is shade on this trail but you will spend enough time in and out of the sun that you will need sunscreen. You will hike in and out of forests, through fields of grass that were taller than Tim, and on sketchy forest trails that are overgrown with thorny bushes and small trees. It takes you on a route along the south side of Koaie Canyon, with good scenery, wildlife and swimming holes. Your Awa Awapuhi Trail stock images are ready. Perhaps it is the view of the folding spires of NaPali that makes this trail so exceptional. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. 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. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. 106 Likes, 12 Comments - Eric Chen (@cheneric924) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail is hands down my favorite trail of all time now. Bring plenty of water: And remember to drink it, even if its not especially hot outside. Please familiarize yourselves with our refunds and changes policies prior to purchasing your permits. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. 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. The trailhead for the Awa'awapuhi Trail is off Kokee Road. Don;t worry too much and carry what you need but don't load yourself down as it is a long day. 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. In mid-January, Schuyler, David, and I took a trip to Kauai, the un-official hiking island of Hawaii. No, you do not need a permit for the Nualolo Trail. Starting at 4,120 feet you'll descend to 2,500 feet to the trail's endwhich concludes at a cliff with broad views of the valleys and the immense Pacific ocean. At 3.75 miles, you reach the end of the trail. NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER: Permit holders and trail users are advised to comply with any and all NYS COVID-19 Executive Orders/Mandates. It was a steady climb back to the car, but easier footing. If you only plan to hike the Nualolo Trail, you will retrace your steps back to the car from here. I wanted to write a review about this trail since much has been written about it. If you only have time for one hike on the west side of Kauai, this is your trail. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Definitely slippery going down but fine, especially if you have poles. We walked the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail, on the north end from Ke'e Beach.