I recommend parking in the large lot for the Kokee Museum, which is 0.2 miles from the trailhead. The one portion of the Cliffs trail that connects the Nualolo and the Awa'awapuhi is narrow--it is a very short section. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. I slipped and fell twice. Slippery to start on the way down, but got much better after first mile. NUALOLO CLIFF TRAIL ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] way to continue to the lookout. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. Kauai's Awa'awapuhi Trail is a moderately difficult hike which starts in Kkee State Park and traverses the gorgeous Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. 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 this trail, you will hike in and out of the trees, and by midday, this part of the hike can feel very warm. Here are some of our favorite Kauai guided tours, as well as helpful maps to get you oriented. It was muddy, but less of a problem than other hikes we went on. When we did this, the Nualolo Cliffs Trail was overgrown in many spots, making progress very slow. 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. Unfortunately, our view at the end was instructed by sea mist, but we did get a glimpse of the canyon on one side and some mountain goats. Nice hike out to the overlook of the Na Pali Coast. Huddersfield Town Shirt Sponsor 20/21, Awaawapuhi Trail DANGER: Do not venture beyond the safety railing at the end of the trail! This itinerary gives you great views of both Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast and can easily be done in 8 hours, without doing a massive day hike. 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. It was so unbelievably beautiful and we decided that this was a must-see for us. Hiking out, you'll no doubt respect each and every foot of that; especially if you're concluding this hike as a part of theNualolo Trail/Nualolo Cliff Trail"loop." The Awaawapuhi Trail is just over 6 miles round trip and safer than the Nualolo trail, though the mud adds a degree of excitement. 11 Of The Best Hikes In The USA | Priority Pass This 6.2 mile out-and-back hike offers amazing views from cliffs of Awa'awapuhi and Nualolo Valley. Its been a wild ride. Momoa was working at an outdoor shop in Des Moines, Iowa, and after he agreed, the crew packed into vans and headed off. We didnt mind ending with the walk along the road. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Tim and I reached the end of the trail, exhausted and dehydrated, and learned the very valuable lesson of carrying enough water on a hike. The 2.5-mile climb up to the 2563ft summit of Lanilili Peak is steady and not overly strenuous. [OAHU] UPDATED 2/28/23: Kaena Point State Park Mokuleia Section The vehicle access road will continue to beCLOSED due to heavy rains and saturated road conditions. At the 10 mile point, you reach the trailhead for the Awaawapuhi Trail and Kokee Road. How was it on our second hike? 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. Kaua'i - Awa'awapuhi Trail Side Ridge (GoPro POV) - YouTube 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. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 46 min to complete. Clouds and rain were an obvious given here, but thats part of the wonder of this beautiful island. The end of the trail leads to cliffs on the sea side. Even when we returned their was no parking. Bottom line: loved it but would do a longer but flatter hike next time. Start early: This will help you avoid any potential afternoon storms. Is the Nualolo Trail and Awaawapuhi Trail Loop Worth It? None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly. The weather in Kauai changes every 20 minutes there was certainly no way of controlling that. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. 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* Its a hot hike and you will sweat a lot. The trail starts off with a short, steep climb through the woods but it doesnt last long. On day three, head up the coast to Hanalei Bay. I used them last year while in oahu and next week I'll be heading to kauai. 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. Description Kauai's Awa'awapuhi Trail is a moderately difficult hike which starts in Kkee State Park and traverses the gorgeous Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. Plus, the parking lot was completely full at the Kokee Museum so we did not have to wait for a parking space, since our car was already here. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. The treacherous trail felt agonizingly long for the first 1.5 miles. My blog has a post with pictures that you can check out. The trail is a continual downhill hike from 4,120 feet elevation to the valley rim of Nualolo at 2,500 feet. State To Pay $15.4 Million Settlement After Hikers Die on Kauai Trail Hiking to the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai is a pretty terrifying experience. The photo below shows the location of the Awaawapuhi Trail vista point. By Nualolo Trail (between cabins and Kokee Lodge), or Awaawapuhi trail near 17 mm (past Kokee Lodge). The dramaticdrop-offs on either side of the Awaawapuhi ridge were something you dont see anywhere else in the world. If you are in good shape and up for a challenge, there is the option continuing onto the Nualolo cliff trail and then Nualolo trail, making the total hike 10 miles. Small lookouts along the way feed your motivation to reach the end. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. The grassy area at the end of the trail provides an excellent place to picnic. 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. I do workout a lot on a peloton but my wife does not. 6.5mi Dec 9, 2018 Amanda Jo. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. We arrived at the official viewpoint and were blown away by the view. 3. There are a few steep sections but for the most part, its a gradual climb. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. We also heard helicopters in the distance above us. Kauai's beautiful Na Pali coast. This is pretty much your view the entire hike. Hello Jovie. At the end of the trail is a lookout over Awa Awa'apuhi and Nualolo valleys, the Na Pali Coast and Pacific Ocean. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. For more accommodation recommendations you can check my favorites in the Kauai Where to Stay Guide. Points of Interest & Landmarks Historic Walking Areas. 360-degrees of pure Kauai magic! Awa'awapuhi Trail. Most of the time, you are in the trees with very little view. Our Kauai hike on the Awa'awapuhi trail to the Na'Pali Coast. Even though rainy/foggy at top, gorgeous down at bottom! It gains about 1,950 feet of elevation along the route. This is the hike that will give you that Napali Coast feel that you want. Im not going to sugar coat itthis next two miles is a slog on an overgrown trail. A 2.1-mile footpath connecting the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi trails, the Nualolo Cliff Trail lets hikers forgo any tedious retracing of steps. 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. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. Worth the hike with breathtaking views at the end where you see the Napoli coast line and the mountain ridges. The view from the end of the trail is beautiful. Hi, caricenzerbush. Since this is a loop, you can hike these trails clockwise or counterclockwise. For the first mile and a half, you will be descending through the forest. Awaawapuhi Trail is a continual downhill hike from the trail head to the grassy clearing overlooking the valleys. I recommend choosing between the Awaawapuhi Trail OR the Nualolo Trail. The trail meanders through a wet cloud forest before making some steep descents down muddy terrain. The Awa'awapuhi Trail starts at 4,120 feet and descends gradually to 2,500 feet over 3.25 miles to the viewpoint, and returns uphill. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. There honestly is nothing fun about this trail, but it definitely feels like an adventure. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. They are unique and they are absolutely incredible! Beware, however . Not much to see until then. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Great when dry. Do not underestimate the effects of heat and humidity and it only takes one fall to hurt your back, hips or anything else. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! The Awa'awapuhi Trail is about a 6 mile out and back hike through Kokee State Park on the Island of Kauai. How To Avoid Hotel Quarantine In Canada, No lingering allowed within park areas. At 3.75 miles, you reach the end of the trail. It felt good to stretch out our legs and since it was downhill, it went by fast. Some reviews called this an easy to moderate hike. The grassy area at the end of the trail is a popular place to picnic and enjoy the views. Lyrics, Song Meanings, Videos, Full Albums & Bios: Clap Your Hands (Frederick Alonso Remix), Aqua, Desert Storm, Isar Flowing, Freedom Is Timeless, Drunken Butterfly (Reto Ardour Remix), Sundays Best (Funtom Remix), Lives And The Evenings, Ma House's Deep Dont rush if you dont have to. And dont miss the Kilauea Iki Trail, one of the best hikes in the park. Downhill 1600 feet slipping and sliding, we all took a tumble. There is also a restaurant that serves burgers, salads, sandwiches, smoothies, cocktails, and beer. Change), You are commenting using your Google account. Without a GPS, you risk stumbling off the trail on the Nualolo Cliff Trail, where it is very overgrown. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Most people stop on the grassy/sandy cliffs at the turn-around point for lunch as they offer great views of the coastline. The first time was in 1999. This is my favorite hike I did in a month on three Hawaiian Islands! Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. If you want to get on the trail early, consider camping at Koke'e State Park. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. The Awa'awapuhi Trail starts at around 4k feet in elevation and guides you through a brillant forest with sweeping views of the Na Pali Coast down to just below 2.5k feet. The Honopu Ridge trail is not well kept, so it is somewhat more difficult to follow, moderately strenuous but much shorter in length. AWAAWAPUHI TRAIL ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. After taking in the views from our narrow perch and witnessing many, many, MANY helicopter tours flying by (tranquil, it was not), we finally decided to head back to the viewpoint and partake in some serious snacking before the climb back up. We were joined by roosters begging for food, tiny adorable mice begging for food, and red-crested cardinals begging for food (Im sure these little buggers are fed from hiker scraps all day long). My only question was. You can continue past the overlooks (even though you are cautioned not to) in order to get even more amazing views. If you dont have hiking shoes please purchase one unless you want to discard your shoes after the trip.Those with any kness, lower back or ankle issues please be careful you will slip and fall so a trekking pole is highly recommended especially for those who are older.Also, the heat and humidity is quite intense and it will make this trail alot more difficult than it actually seem based on specs. Awaawapuhi Trail. Permits may ONLY be purchased online or in person at District Offices. That way, you can use the restroom before and after the hike, and grab a bite to eat once finished the hike. 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 Nu'alolo Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail Loop is a 11 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Waimea, Hawaii, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. By doing a little planning and being prepared you will make your hiking trip one of your best Kauai experiences. Julie Last updated: January 27, 2023 United States 2 Comments. The look out does have a small trail that I would recommend going down but not for the faint of heart. 106 Likes, 12 Comments - Eric Chen (@cheneric924) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail is hands down my favorite trail of all time now. The hike took us about 2.5 hours each way. It is going down the trails, it could be slippery(with rain) if you are not careful. I will say that we recommend several things before you head out. The first mile of the trail can be muddy and slippery after recent rain. Its a short, easy, downhill walk to the viewpoint at the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail. The Awaawapuhi Trail Hike The Nualolo Trail + Awaawapuhi Trail Loop. What time of day did you hike? Clouds started to sock us in around 2pm. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. You can get by with running shoes (I did the first time I did this but I slipped a lot) but hiking or trail running shoes with good traction will make your life a lot easier. 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. Bring plenty of water: And remember to drink it, even if its not especially hot outside. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you soo much foe this post. For a shortlist of shorter hikes on Kauai, you can check out my Easy Hikes Guide for Kauai. When we reached it was bit cloudy, but we waited 15 minutes and it cleared. Heading into Kauais interior and remote terrain offers dome of the most beautiful backdrops on the world. If you are young and healthy, it is probably only mildly challenging. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. A long climb awaits. Top 3 Hikes in Kauai - Our Beautahful World As other have mentioned, not much to see in the way of views until the end, but interesting flora. Visitors will be treated to diverse tropical flora and fauna along the trail as well as spectacular views of the ocean and Napoli Coast. Hawaii's Awa Awapuhi Trail Is a Must-Do Hike on Kauai 3 miles into the hike, the views really start to get good. The beautiful nature and mountains that rise up from the sea, are a must see on Kauai. Best Hikes in the US: Top 20 Must-Do Hikes | Hiking People We learned a lot, not just about the trail, but about hiking in general, which carried on through later experiences. This was as far as I could make myself go without letting vertigo sink in. Footing is extremely unstable, and the drop to the valley floor below is over 2,000 feet. Discover this 9.7-km out-and-back trail near Kekaha, Kaua'i. (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! The trail is easy to follow and well maintained. First 3.7 miles there has some slick muddy patches you navigate while going downhill. 1.Awa'awapuhi and Nu'alolo Loop. You can continue past the overlooks (even though you are cautioned not to) in order to get even more amazing views. Clean your shoes off with the brushes and spray provided at the trailhead. muddy but doable. The Garden Isle truly is a marvel of Mother Nature there are so many sights to see, trails to hike, and adventures to be had. See the Wonders of Kauai's Nualolo Valley on This - Hawaii Magazine Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a spectacular hike, with the most magnificent views of the Na Distance: 6.5 miles, round-trip Location: West side, Kohe e State Park Difficulty: Moderate. Unlike the neighboring Awa'awapuhi Trail, there are no facilities or even trailhead signs. Awa'awapuhi Trail, Hawaii You couldn't have the best hikes in the USA without including one from . The trail begins right off Kokee Road at an elevation of 4,120 feet. We chose the Awaawapuhi Trail, and Im glad that we did. Awaawapuhi Trail Location West Kauai Region multiple_stop Length [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. Awa'awapuhi Trail. You can view the loop trail by opening Google Earth and viewing ourNualolo and Awaawapuhi Loop Trail map. awa'awapuhi trail permit - Radomin.pl The Awaawapuhi Trail will take you on an ultimate journey as you descend from 4,070 feet elevation in the Kokee State Park to the valley rim of Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys at 2,500 feet. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! All Rights Reserved. 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. Honestly just an ok view unless you're willing to hike the last .1 mi sketchy section. 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. 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. See Hapuna site for updates. Don't know about other phones, imagine it would work on an android as it also shows up in google maps. We wore shorts and short-sleeved shirts and were fine, but I did have a bumpy, itchy rash on my legs for the next 24 hours. Most people stop there but it is possible to venture down the ridge although this can be quite dangerous. Take your time: Enjoy the experience and take time to take in your surroundings. I tip-toed around the muddy trail with my brand-new hiking sandals at first. Overall we are glad we choose this hike but disappointed to miss out on the stunning views of the coast. Kauai is the oldest island in the Archipelago and these cliffs have been shaped over thousands of years. We walked the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail, on the north end from Ke'e Beach. 4- Awaawapuhi Trail. Having a map will help keep you from getting lost or walking farther than you have to. 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. The views of the Napali Coast from the trail are amazing!! There definitely were some muddy spots, and one person in my group fell twice while going downhill, so be careful! Of the two, I think the Nualolo Trail is the better choice. Any views at smaller lookouts along the way did nothing to boost my confidence. All downhill on the way out, all uphill on the way back (opposite of what I'm used to) and oddly not as bad as I thought it would be. Seeaosite for updates. Ride ONLY on designated trails and obey all traffic controldevices. It boasts amazing coastlines and lush valleys filled with waterfalls. 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]. Awa'awapuhi Trail & Napali Coast access? Eric Chen on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail is hands down my favorite The Nualolo Trail is worth the extra effort to have this view. 3 comments share save hide report The trail is only 2 to 3 feet wide in some spots. Its about a 45-minute drive to reach the trailhead. If you are in good shape and up for a challenge, there is the option continuing onto the Nualolo cliff trail and then Nualolo trail, making the total hike 10 miles. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. It is considered a moderate hike on paper, but it can be difficult due to the elevation gain and loss. Jan 12, 2023 H awaii's Awa awapuhi Trail is an incredible experience for anyone lucky enough to have a day to spend hiking in Hawaii. Use caution and do not go too close to the edge as some of the viewpoints are eroded. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. Also pack out what you packed in! If it has recently rained, the descents on the clay can be very slippery. The view point is worth the trek! I am 66 y/o, in good health but I don't do specific condition training. Photo: David Nemecek/Shutterstock, There are a few tips that can help you make the most of your experience on the Awa awapuhi Trail and in Kokee State Park.