Best Hikes in Kauai, Hawaii | 10 Top Trails + Helpful Tips

Kauai rightfully earns the title of Garden Island with its verdant valley, mesmerizing mountain peaks, and effervescent waterfalls. As the oldest and fourth largest island of the Hawaiian archipelago, Kauai is a vacation destination that offers it all and then some.

From the range of eclectic resorts to the buzzing atmospheres of Waimea and Lihue, this is an island getaway you won’t forget anytime soon. While spending your days lazing on the beach or exploring the local shops is nice, finding the best hikes in Kauai is an absolute must.

With undulating hills and scenic ocean vistas at every turn, the Garden Isle is one of the best destinations in the world for epic hikes. So, grab your hiking shoes and get ready to discover the best Kauai trails, from the fabled Sleeping Giant to the Napali Coast.

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Map Of Best Hikes In Kauai

I’ve embedded a Google map below with this itinerary! You can download and save it for offline use, but I recommend printing it out, too, so you’re covered if you find yourself without service on the trail.

The 10 Best Kauai Hiking Trails

Time to get stuck into the top Kauai hikes with all the essential information you need for each trek. Each trail is as unique as the last and offers a glimpse into why Hawaii has some of the best national parks in the USA.

1. Kalalau Trail (Na Pali Coast Trail)

• Mileage: 19.8 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 6,512 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail: Link

To get things going, we might as well dive into what many believe to be the best hike on Kauai. The Kalalau trail starts near the gravel parking lot next to Ke’e Beach, and it will take you around 12 and a half hours to complete the route.

As you trek along the rippling path, you’ll be met with some truly spectacular vistas. The first viewpoint awaits at the ¼ mile mark, but the first real stop is two miles into the trek at Hanakapiai Beach.

From Hanakapiai Beach, you’ll need to ramble and scramble for a further four miles before reaching Hanakoa Campsite. You will need an overnight permit to take on this section of the Na Pali coastline.

Note that the most challenging sections of this extensive trail begin around the four-mile point. So, if you aren’t an experienced hiker, rather cut your hike off at The Gate viewpoint, just before the four-mile marker, to be safe.

The scariest and most dangerous point of the trail is at Crawler’s Ledge, on the seven-mile point. Here, there is no lush vegetation hiding the rugged coastline’s steep drops. If you can make it past this point without turning back, it’s a further 3.1 miles of trekking before you reach Kalalau Beach.

2. Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

• Mileage: 3.8 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 298
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail: Link

Maha’ulepu, also known as Shipwreck Beach, should be your next port of call. The trail begins near the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and travels alongside the famous Poipu Bay Golf Course.

Shipwreck Beach will be on your right as you begin the trail and will slowly fade into the distance as you trek past Makawehi Point. This moderate hike then takes you along the Maha’ulepu Heritage Route, where mesmerizing views of Kauai’s jagged coastline take center stage.

At the 1.6-mile point of this out-and-back trail, you’ll walk past the CJM Country Stables before reaching Gillin’s Beach. Like Shipwreck Beach, this is yet another glorious place to feel the powder-soft sand between your toes and enjoy a little bit of time in the ocean.

All in all, a round trip of this trail will take you around one and a half hours to complete and you won’t need a permit. However, nobody will blame you for spending a little bit longer visiting Makauwahi Cave near the end of the trail.

3. Awa’awapuhi Trail

• Mileage: 5.8 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,863 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail: Link

Situated within Koke’e State Park, the Awa’awapuhi Trail is a three-and-a-half-hour trek that leaves little to the imagination. As you wander along this, you’ll quickly see why Kauai was one of the filming locations for the blockbuster film Jurassic Park.

The hike is a continuous downward trek toward the Nualolo’s valley rim. Just be careful during the first mile, as the path can be wet and muddy after rainfall, making it very easy to slip.

You’ll go from 4,120 feet above sea level to 2,500 feet by the end of the trail. It’s great going down, but remember, this means you’ll have to make the steep climb back up. Despite the thigh-burning march that’s to come, don’t forget to spend some time admiring the picturesque views at the trail’s end.

The viewpoint offers a glimpse of Nāpali-Kona Forest Reserve’s surreal beauty, which is bursting with indigenous flora and fauna.

4. Waipo’o Falls via Pu’u Hinahina and Canyon Trail

• Mileage: 2.6 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 859 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail: Link

If you could imagine a lush, tropical version of the Grand Canyon, then get ready to be impressed. The hike of The Canyon Trail in Waimea Canyon State Park is not short of otherworldly views.

I started at the Waimea Canyon Trail Parking Lot, which has plenty of parking. If you have a 4×4 high clearance car, you can shave a couple of miles off and park on Halemanu Road.

I recommend going to the viewpoint because it has one of the best views of the trail. We stopped hiking around the small waterfall area and enjoyed the nice shade. The actual Waipo’o Falls is a lot larger than the waterfall shown below, but it can be seen at other viewpoints. The trail goes over the top of the waterfall, which can disappoint many people.

I really enjoyed this trail, and I am glad we did it with our toddler. The views throughout the whole trail were outstanding, and it was short yet challenging. I would have hesitated if there was mud, but luckily it was pretty dry the day we went.

5. Kuilau Ridge Trail

• Mileage: 3.6 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 682 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail: Link

Kicking off at the Keahua Arboretum, this epic trek will take you around one hour and 45 minutes to complete. It has a gradual incline as you make your way up the ridge between the Kawi and Opaeka’a Streams.

Roughly a mile into the trek, you’ll start to get a true glimpse of the Kuilau Ridge and the sweeping views that are to come. A few hundred feet later, you’ll find some picnic benches, which is the perfect place to soak up the scenery and enjoy a light snack before continuing.

While many people turn back at the picnic site, the best views are yet to come. If you continue through the dense forest for a further 0.6 miles, a breaking of the canopy makes way for some truly epic sights.

Straight ahead, you’ll be able to see the peaks of Makaleha and Pu’u ‘Eu with the leafy Kuilau and Halelea forests on either side. You’ll know you’ve reached the end of the trail as well, thanks to a fairly abrupt sign before a bridge connecting the Kailau and Moalepe Trails.

6. Sleeping Giant Trail, Nounou Mountain

• Mileage: 3.2 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,256 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail: Link

The Sleeping Giant is one of those Kauai trails that offers as much intrigue as it does scenery. Before you wander off, it’s important to note you have two choices — the east or west trail. While the west trail is much easier, the eastern route offers far more visually as you ascend the face of the Sleeping Giant.

Anyways, on to the trek at hand. You’ll begin at the trailhead alongside Haleilio Road and almost imminently begin zig-zagging your way up the meandering path. This hike is pretty much all uphill as you make your way up the Sleeping Giant.

From afar, the ridge looks like a human figure curled up. Hawaiian local legend tells the story of how villagers tricked the giant into eating fish and poi stuffed with rocks, and after a tiresome meal, the giant went to sleep and hasn’t woken since.

It’s an apt name for the mountain, too, as the trail ends at a picnic shelter on the chest of the Sleeping Giant. From here, you’ll be able to soak up the expansive vistas of the Pacific Ocean.

7. Ho’opi’i Falls Trail

• Mileage: 1.8 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 157 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail: Link

Get ready to explore one of the most breathtaking waterfalls of Kauai at the Ho’opi’i Falls Trail. The entire trail is surrounded by dense forest and patches of magical overhanging canopy, making it a great hike if you hope to avoid the midday sun.

This mesmerizing hike wraps around a small hill in the Kawaihau District and starts along the side of Kapahi Road. The trail can get super muddy after heavy rainfall, so be sure to wear good-quality hiking shoes.

As you trek alongside the Kapa’a Stream, you’ll gradually hear the roaring sound of Ho’opi’i Falls with each step. The majority of the hike to the falls is descending, so most of the elevation gain occurs on the way back.

While you may be tempted to dive into the water, just be careful as the area is prone to flash floods, and strong currents can be dangerous. It’s also worth noting that some of the trail goes through private property, so be sure to ask for permission before tackling this route.

8. Okolehao Trail

• Mileage: 2.6 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 921 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail: Link

There’s a slim chance that you’ll find better 360-degree views of Kauai Island than on the Okolehao Trail. You’ll find this hike near the North Shore’s Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, with parking alongside Ohiki Road.

Hopefully, you’ve done some endurance hiking training because it’s a thigh-burning trek up towards Kakau’opua Peak. It does get very slick at certain points, so some trekking poles can definitely come in handy.

You’ll know you’ve reached the lookout point when you reach the bench for resting, and the canopy breaks away, leaving some stunning vistas. You’ll be able to see the crystal clear waters of Hanalei Bay to the north, with the lush tropical forest making up the rest of the landscape.

The trail continues all the way to Kakau’opua Peak, but it gets extremely muddy at this point, and even steeper. As such, it’s best to head back after reaching the Okolehao Viewpoint, with the round trip taking around two hours.

9. Hanakapiai Trail

• Mileage: 7.7 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 2,480 feet
• Difficulty: Hard
• Trail: Link

Although technically a part of the Kalalau Trail, this is an extension that’s well worth an entry. You will take on the trail much like the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail, heading all the way to Hanakapiai Beach.

You’ll just need a day pass to access this hike, as it will only take you around five hours to complete this route. From Hanakapiai Beach, it’s a slow and steady uphill trek towards Hanakapiai Falls.

The first mile of this section will be easier, but it does get more strenuous after the first river crossing. There are a couple of sections where you’ll need to scrabble over large rocks and fallen trees.

The final 218 yards of the trail is where you’ll experience the greatest elevation gain, with the small section having a 626-foot incline. Despite this, it’s totally worth the effort, as your views of 400-foot high falls.

10. Uluwehi Secret Falls via Wailua River

• Mileage: 6.1 miles out and back
• Elevation Gain: 597 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trail: Link

Last but certainly not least, we have the Uluwehi Secret Falls Trail. What makes this hike so unique is the fact the initial two miles of the route aren’t actually hiked.

Starting near Wailua Beach, it’s a two-mile kayak upstream. As you head along the Wailua River, consider stopping just before the kayak docking point at the Kamokila Hawaiian Village. You’ll be able to explore the rich history and cultural diversity of the Hawaiian islands in this little village, making it a great stop before taking on the hike.

Once you’ve docked your kayak, the main trail begins. It’s a one-mile trek through dense forest before you reach the Uluwehi Secret Falls. Despite what the name suggests, these aren’t actually as secluded as you may think, with the trek becoming a must for many travelers to the island.

Despite their popularity, there’s no denying the innate beauty of the location. You can soak up the views while wading in the natural pools below the falls. Just bear in mind that, like many other trails in Kauai, it’s best to avoid the route after heavy rain due to strong currents and flash floods.

How to Get to Kauai, Hawaii

You will most likely need to fly into Honolulu International Airport (HNL) on Oahu and then catch a connecting flight to Kauai’s Lihue Airport (LIH). The flight from Honolulu to Kauai is fairly short, taking around 25 minutes, with the most popular airline being Hawaiian Air.

Once on the island, you can either use the local bus service or rent a car. You can get Kauai Bus day passes for $5, but it’s worth noting the bus routes don’t really go to the island’s west coast, and they aren’t always reliable. The routes are primarily focused along the north, south, and east coast of the island, so you need to utilize a taxi service to reach the western hiking trails.

As such, renting a car is the best option, as you’ll be able to explore the island at your leisure.

>>>Rent A Car Here<<<

What Is the Best Time to Go Hiking in Kauai 

With the island having a tropical climate, it only really has two notable seasons — wet and dry. That said, there are certain months that offer their own benefits. While the shoulder months of April, May, September, and October are great for fewer crowds, the peak season in June has its benefits.

That said, here’s a deeper dive into the wet and dry seasons so you can plan your hiking trip accordingly.

Dry Months | April to October

Kauai is known for being the wettest island in Hawaii, but fortunately, April marks the start of the dry season. You can still expect around half the days in April to be rainy, though, so you’re not entirely out of the woods yet.

May is possibly the best time to visit during this season, as it’s relatively dry and offers warm, humid weather. It’s also just before the peak tourist season between June and August, so you’ll still be able to find slightly cheaper accommodation. This is also one of the best times of year to go snorkeling on the island.

The driest month of the year is June, so it makes sense why it’s also the peak tourist time. With predominantly sunny weather, you can explore the island without too many worries about rain, but keep in mind accommodation and transportation will be slightly more expensive.

July and August are still fairly dry, but rainfall does begin to pick up. That said, the showers are generally short-lived and won’t ruin your day. This is also the peak travel time for families, as most schools break up during this month.

September and October are the last few months of the dry season and offer fewer crowds. These are also good months for off-season rates, despite the fact they fall within the hurricane season.

Wet Months | November to March

November marks the last month of the hurricane season, bringing in increased rainfall. Despite the almost 18 days of rain, November is still a fairly good month for travel if you want to miss the peak December crowds.

December through February is definitely the cooler time of year, but that doesn’t mean you need to pack a full winter getup. Even during the coolest month of February, the average temperature is still around 72 °F. You’ll only need slightly warmer layers at night or on a particularly rainy day.

If there were a month you shouldn’t visit Kauai, it would be March. During this month, there’s an average of 8.85” of rain. In other words, when it rains in March, it pours.

How Much Time Do You Need for a Kauai Hiking Itinerary

If you want to experience all the best things to do in Kauai, then spending at least 5 days is ideal. While that will allow you to enjoy all the top sights and hikes of the island, it won’t offer too much downtime.

If you want to enjoy it all with some opportunities to rest or just have a beach day at your hotel, then 7 to 10 days is fantastic. This really depends on your budget and what you’re hoping to do during your time on the Garden Isle.

Where to Stay in Kauai, Hawaii

Choosing where to stay in Kauai during your getaway is no easy feat. You want to make sure it’s in the ideal location for easy access to the top hikes.

The South Shore offerings are ideal as they provide quick access to all the top treks, and the North Shore is just an hour’s drive away.

Budget | Kauai Shores Hotel

If you want a budget-friendly stay with all the bells and whistles of luxury lodging, look no further than the Kauai Shores Hotel. Each room has air-conditioning, which is a must when in Hawaii.

After a day of hiking throughout the island, you can spend some quality time soaking in one of the two pools. The 6-acre courtyard is another great place to relax, while the wellness center provides a quiet escape from modern life with yoga classes and massage services.

The rooms have a bespoke color palette, picking up on the greens, browns, and oranges of Kauai’s landscape. And to top it all off, the Lava Lava Beach Club serves up a delectable array of American eats. >>>Check Rates and Availability

Mid-Range | The ISO

For a stay boasting mesmerizing sea views with a tapestry of sunset colors, there’s no better place than The ISO. The on-site Bull Shed restaurant provides an American fine dining experience you won’t forget anytime soon.

Once you’ve lined your stomach, you can head to Waipouli Beach, which is less than a five-minute walk away. As for the rooms, they offer a calming atmosphere, allowing soft cream tones and accents of blue and green to sweep you off your feet.

As you come to expect from a Hawaiian hotel, each room has air-conditioning. When you consider ISO’s affordable rates, this hotel is a great option for any traveler. >>>Check Rates and Availability

Luxury | Sheraton Kauai 

If you don’t mind splashing the cash, the Sheraton Kauai is a resort like no other. From its central location near Kauai’s top parks to its private access to Kiahuna Beach, there are plenty of reasons to stay here.

Each room has air-conditioning and either breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean or the garden with its lush vegetation. There are three fantastic on-site restaurants to pick from, each providing a unique atmosphere and menu. 

When you’re not spending your day hiking, you can make the most of the wellness facility, where a hot tub and massage services await. When you consider how expensive some luxury stays can get on Kauai, this is actually a very affordable option too. >>>Check Rates and Availability 

Camping in Kauai

There’s no shortage of camping options in Kauai, making a backpacking trip very doable. While there are private sites, like Kumu Camp or Camp Sloggett, the state parks offer a range of fantastic campgrounds.

You can easily spend a couple of days in Koke’e State Park before hopping over to Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Camping is much cheaper and offers quick access to the best hikes in each park.

The only downside is you’ll be compromising comfort, which isn’t the end of the world. >>>Compare Campgrounds and Reserve Campsites 

Read More: Where to Stay in Kauai | 11 Best Hotel & Lodging Options

Tips to Consider for Your Kauai Hiking Trip

Here are a few more essential tips to consider when planning your Hawaiian getaway:

• Beware of the hurricane season: The official hurricane season in Kauai is from June 1st to November 30th. Visit the CPHC website to keep track of hurricane activity.

• Park fees: While there are no park fees for Hawaiian residents, you will have to pay an entrance and parking fee if you are a non-resident. Find more information about park fees and permits on the official website.

• Choose your accommodation carefully: Ensure your rental house is in a Visitor Destination Area. If not, it’s probably not a registered rental home with the Kauai government.

• Pack accordingly: With Kauai being a tropical destination with slightly unpredictable weather, be sure to pack a bit of everything. As such, grab this hiking checklist before you leave.

• Leave no trace: Kauai has an extraordinarily diverse and delicate natural environment. Be sure to practice the 7 leave no trace principles.

• Respect all “Kapu” or “No Trespassing” signs: Hawaii has strict laws against trespassing. Stick to the marked public paths and respect the Kapu signs when you see them.

FAQs About the Best Hiking Trails in Kauai

A lot has been covered, but you may still have a few teasing questions. To help put your mind at ease, here are all the short answers you need to the most asked questions about hiking Kauai.

What Is the Most Famous Hiking Trail in Kauai? 

No one can dispute that the Kalalau Trail is the most iconic hike on the island. This Napali coast trail stretches across 19.8 miles of breathtaking scenery, with lush forest on one side and the cerulean blue ocean on the other.

Which Hawaiian Island Has the Most Beautiful Hikes? 

As you might have guessed, Kauai is the undisputed winner of this award. While there are some lovely hikes in Oahu, the raw beauty and range of natural vistas on Kauai are hard to beat.

Can You Hike to Jurassic Falls in Kauai? 

Unfortunately, there is no official trail to Jurassic Falls — also known as Manawaiopuna Falls. The only way you can get up close to this legendary landmark is with a panoramic helicopter tour. 

What Side of Kauai Is Best to Stay on? 

The East Coast definitely has the better lodging options. You’ll also find Lihue along this part of the island, which is where you’ll fly into when arriving in Kauai. For the convenience of transport and access to the best hikes on the island, the East Coast is your best bet.

Tours In Kauai

Things To Pack When Visiting Kauai

Final Thoughts on the Best Hikes Kauai Has to Offer

Just like that, you have the ultimate Kauai hiking guide at hand. Whether you choose to embark on a coastal trail or head up the local mountains for sweeping vistas, there’s really no limit to what you can experience in Kauai.

Before booking your flights and heading to the middle of the Pacific Ocean, check out this guide to planning a trip to Hawaii. It covers all the essentials you’ll need to know.

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