The best hikes on Kauai, from a trail builder

Kauai's trails are some of the most beautiful in the world and some of the hardest to keep in one piece. Rain falls almost daily in the mountains, the soil turns to grease, and roots and rock do the rest. Distances on Kauai feel longer than the numbers suggest, so pick by effort, not by miles.

Distances below are approximate round trips. Conditions change after every storm, so check current trail status with the state parks before you go.

The list at a glance

North shore

Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpī'ai Beach

The first two miles of the most famous trail in Hawai'i, along the Nā Pali Coast to a wild beach. It's rocky, rooty and climbs right away, with views that stop you every few minutes. Reservations are required for Hā'ena State Park, so book entry, parking or the shuttle ahead of time. Do not swim at Hanakāpī'ai Beach: the currents there are deadly.

Hanakāpī'ai Falls

Continue up the valley from the beach to a very tall waterfall. This section is narrower and muddier, with several stream crossings. Leave early, turn around if the stream is rising, and give yourself the whole day. More in our Kauai waterfalls guide.

East side

Sleeping Giant (Nounou Mountain)

A steady climb above Kapa'a to a ridge with views across the east side. There are a few approaches; the east side route is the classic. The final scramble near the top is exposed, so stop at the picnic area if heights or wet rock make you uneasy.

Kuilau Ridge Trail

Starts near the Keahua Arboretum and climbs gently along a green ridge with views of the mountains behind Wailua. It's one of the friendliest trails on the island, good for families and a nice first hike after you land. Expect mud after rain, like everywhere here.

Waimea Canyon and Kōke'e

The west side is higher, cooler and drier on top, with completely different scenery. Bring a layer: it can be cold and cloudy at the trailheads.

Awa'awapuhi Trail

Down a forested ridge to a narrow viewpoint high above the Nā Pali valleys. The view is unreal. The catch: the hike is all downhill on the way out, which means it's all uphill on the way back, in the afternoon heat. Stay behind the railing at the end.

Pihea and the Alaka'i Swamp

From the end of the road in Kōke'e, along the rim and then down into one of the highest swamps on earth on a long boardwalk, ending at the Kilohana lookout over Hanalei Bay on a clear day. That boardwalk is there for a reason: without it, hikers turned the bog into knee-deep mud and trampled plants found nowhere else. Stay on it.

Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls

Through red dirt and open ridges to the top of Waipo'o Falls, with Waimea Canyon spread out below. Moderate, with a steady climb back out. The red dirt stains everything, so wear clothes you don't love.

South shore

Māhā'ulepū Heritage Trail

An easy coastal walk east of Po'ipū along limestone cliffs, dunes and quiet beaches. It's the driest hike on this list, a good choice when the mountains are rained out. Watch your footing near the cliff edges and keep your distance from resting monk seals.

How to hike Kauai mud

Most trail injuries I've seen on Kauai happen on the way down, on mud, in the wrong shoes. A few habits make a huge difference:

• Walk through the mud, not around it. Stepping on the wet rocks and roots at the edge is how ankles roll and trails get wider.
• Small steps, weight over your feet. Going downhill, bend your knees and keep your hips over your heels.
• Use a pole or two. A third point of contact saves knees and wrists.
• Wear shoes with real lugs that you don't mind ruining. Running shoes with worn treads are a gamble.
• Start early. Mountain rain usually builds in the afternoon, and streams rise fast.
• Never cross a rising or muddy stream. Wait. The water drops as fast as it comes up.

What a trail builder looks for

After years of building and repairing trails, you start reading them differently. A few things tell you a trail is cared for, and why it matters:

If you own land with a trail that's falling apart, or want to open one to guests, that's work we do: site and trail development.

Want a trail that ends at a rope?

The best hike I know ends at the top of a waterfall, and then you go down it. We run private waterfall rappel trips on Kauai for every level.

See private rappel trips

Questions

What is the best hike on Kauai?

For most people, the Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpī'ai Beach: the Nā Pali Coast on foot in a half day. With a full day and strong legs, continue to Hanakāpī'ai Falls. On the west side, Awa'awapuhi has the most jaw-dropping view.

What is the easiest good hike on Kauai?

Kuilau Ridge on the east side and the Māhā'ulepū Heritage Trail on the south shore are both easy and beautiful.

Do I need a permit or reservation to hike on Kauai?

Most day hikes don't, but the Kalalau Trail starts inside Hā'ena State Park, which requires advance reservations for entry or parking. Going beyond Hanakāpī'ai on the Kalalau Trail requires a camping permit.

When is the best time to hike Kauai?

Mornings, any time of year. Summer is drier on most trails; winter brings more rain, fuller waterfalls and more frequent closures. Always check the forecast for the mountains, not the beach.

What shoes should I wear hiking on Kauai?

Shoes with deep lugs that can get soaked and stained red. Trail runners or light hiking shoes work well; avoid smooth soles and flip-flops.