The look out does have a small trail that I would recommend going down but not for the faint of heart. Very helpful. I have a 12 year old and 16 year old daughters and myself and my wife who are in a mid 40's. Dec 16, 2015, 04:52 PM EST. For these reasons, I kept my camera tucked safely in my backpack to keep it from getting damaged and dont have any photos documenting the trail! Bring plenty of water: And remember to drink it, even if its not especially hot outside. 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. The trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. We chose to do this loop in a clockwise direction, starting at the Nualolo Trail trailhead. Beware, however, that the Nualolo trail was closed when we were there. Muddy, quiet forest hike to an amazing and rewarding view! There is shade on this trail but you will spend enough time in and out of the sun that you will need sunscreen. Marvel at the views of the sea as you approach the junction with the Nualolo Cliff Trail. June 16, 2022; Posted by why do chavs wear tracksuits; 16 . It is going down the trails, it could be slippery(with rain) if you are not careful. Its been a wild ride. Worth the hike with breathtaking views at the end where you see the Napoli coast line and the mountain ridges. Awa'awapuhi Trail. It is narrow in spots and can be slippery. 360-degrees of pure Kauai magic! Dont rush if you dont have to. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. Theres a small parking lot near the trailhead on Kokee Road. Im going to recommend five places to stay on Kauai. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Route The trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. The trail descends sixteen hundred feet over three miles through a rainforest to the rim of the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. Don't know about other phones, imagine it would work on an android as it also shows up in google maps. In the evening, head to Luau Kalamaku for the best Polynesian dance show in Kauai. The trail begins right off Kokee Road at an elevation of 4,120 feet. 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. If all that sounds like fun, then by all means go for it. Maybe thats just because we have done so many hikes around the world that our standards are a bit different now. The views of the Napali Coast from the trail are amazing!! Good shoes and a hiking pole or stick (which can be found leaning against a tree about 100 ft in on the trail) are helpful for navigating slick downhill sections. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. 4- Awaawapuhi Trail. Im not going to sugar coat itthis next two miles is a slog on an overgrown trail. The trail getting there is not necessarily anything to write home about but the views at the end are incredible. This trail goes by Honopu Ridge Trailhead. Our Kauai hike on the Awa'awapuhi trail to the Na'Pali Coast. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Bottom line: loved it but would do a longer but flatter hike next time. You can get by with a good pair of walking shoes or running shoes but I recommend wearing hiking shoes if you have them. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. I believe it was a little over 6 miles round trip. Where is the start of the hike located?? If you are allergic to grass, wear or bring long pants. The trail starts near the 3.0 mile point on the Awaawapuhi Trail and meets the Nualolo Trail between the 3 mile and 3 1/4 mile markers. Longitude: -159.6486396. My blog has a post with pictures that you can check out. My mind filled with doubt about the end view at the Awaawapuhi Lookout. Then Awa'awapuhi Trail is your cup of tea. The farther you go, the more exposure you get and the better the view. Took us around 5 hours RT. GREAT HIKES FROM AROUND THE WORLD: For more great hikes, check out our article listing the 20 Best Day Hikes in the World. 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. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. The beautiful nature and mountains that rise up from the sea, are a must see on Kauai. Latitude: 22.14147611 Are there many hikers there? It is before the Kalalau lookout but still takes well over 30 minutes to reach there from Waimea Town. 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. Sections with roots and loose rocks. It can be fogged in but the clouds here are constantly on the move. 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. Read all of our articles about the United States in our. This is a long, tough, hot day hike. We arrived at the official viewpoint and were blown away by the view. The trail out towards the lookout took just under an hour and a half and was in shade most of the way. The trail does need some clearing done at the end of the trail. The Appalachian Trail is intended for foot travel only. Not for those terrified of heights. If you're a regular person who doesn't exercise regularly.the heat, humidity, mud and slippery footings will get to you.Other than that the view is spectacular. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. But the views are much better than those from the Awaawapuhi Trail. I tip-toed around the muddy trail with my brand-new hiking sandals at first. What time of day did you hike? Other hikers had seen the coastline, so we probably would too. It took me 2 hours to get back up with frequent stops to rest. We were very unprepared for this hikebut we were young and fit and muddled through. It was muddy as there was rain for the previous 4 days. If I did it again, heres what I would do: Park at the Kokee Museum and hike the Nualolo Trail out-and-back. At about the three mile mark is the junction of the Nualolo Cliff Trail. Walk 0.2 miles south on Kokee Road to the trailhead. On this trail, you will hike in and out of the trees, and by midday, this part of the hike can feel very warm. Clouds started to sock us in around 2pm. Some reviews called this an easy to moderate hike. Like a lot of Kauai hiking trails, you'll follow a ridgeline with continuous views of the Na Pali Coast. We had lunch at the Kokee Lodge. Covid-19 Protocols: Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. and Comments (RSS). Distance: 7.6 miles out-and-back Total Ascent: 2,200 feet Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 3 to 5 hours, Distance: 6 miles out-and-back Total Ascent: 1,800 feet Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 4 hours, Distance: 11.9 miles Total Ascent: 3,200 feet Starting Elevation: 3,700 feet Highest Elevation: 4,100 feet Lowest Elevation: 2,300 feet Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 5 to 7 hours. 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. and 1 hour back up. Awesome view of Na Pali and Forest reserve. The Awaawapuhi Trail is one of the more moderate difficulty hikes in Kokee State Park. It only takes about an hour and a half each way along the total of six miles out and back journey. Check the forecast: Dont even think about attempting the trail if theres any significant rain in the forest. Change), You are commenting using your Google account. If you can walk six miles and are on the island of Kauai, go on this hike! Do i need a permit? Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. There is no cell reception on the mountain. At the 10 mile point, you reach the trailhead for the Awaawapuhi Trail and Kokee Road. Rivalling the more popular Na Pali Coast Trail, the Awaawapuhi trail allows you to see the gorgeous nature of Hawaii.And because of the trails altitude, which rests between 4,000 and 2,500 feet, you will get a spectacular vantage point throughout the hike. Definitely slippery going down but fine, especially if you have poles. The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of Permits, regulations, and fees. Visit the Kalalau Lookout, the Puo O Kila Lookout (walk a tenth of a mile down the Pihea Vista Trail for a GREAT view of Kalalau Valley), the Puu Hinihina Lookout, the Waimea Canyon Lookout, and the Waipoo Falls Lookout. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. 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). The view from the end of the trail is beautiful. A woman at the Kokee Museum told us this was the best of the hikes to the west. Youll hike through tall brush, slip and slide on wet, muddy ground, and be a hot, sweaty mess at the end of this hike. You find mile markers by each quarter mile, that seems to make the hike easier for us. Downhill the way to and all uphill the way back! You'll seea series of marked plants along the trail and if you pick up the "Awa'awa'puhi Botanical Trail Guide" at the Kokee Museum it will guide you through the maze of native and introduced plants. But one intrepid hiker and photographer, Scott Sharick, kicked it up a notch by going beyond where the trailhead ends and walking out onto a horrifyingly narrow ridge with a GoPro in hand to capture the moment. Mud, forest, shade, all leading to awesome views! No, you do not need a permit for the Nualolo Trail. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. Now, its a 1.8 mile walk along Kokee Road back to your car and its mostly downhill from here. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. 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. I look forward to hearing back from you - THX Cari. The beginning of the trail is a relatively mellow stroll through the high forest. Most people stop on the grassy/sandy cliffs at the turn-around point for lunch as they offer great views of the coastline. Archaeological Sites in camping areas are protected by law. Not much to see until then. The one portion of the Cliffs trail that connects the Nualolo and the Awa'awapuhi is narrow--it is a very short section. Turn left here to head out to the vista point. What restaurants are near Awaawapuhi Trail? Photo [] The first mile of the trail can be muddy and slippery after recent rain. 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. This hike is straight down then straight back up, yet it's so pretty. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. The best part about this hotel is that it is right on the beach. KAUAI: Plan your visit to Kauai with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Kauai. Vegan Activist T-shirt, Its mind-blowing to stand at the lookout and take it all in. The settlement, reached just before a damages trial was to begin next week, must be approved by the Legislature. Julie Last updated: January 27, 2023 United States 2 Comments. You can also start at the Awaawapuhi Trail trailhead, but this parking lot is small (it can hold about 15 cars) and there are no facilities. When we refer to Wailua, we will include the surrounding Wailua River State Park, and a few waterfalls that are in short driving distance from town. Awa'awapuhi is a bit shorter, not as steep and you don't get any views until right at the end. Way back, I checked out the Nu'alolo Cliffs trail to the stream crossing 0.3 miles in - hoping to frolic in a waterfall. Awa'awapuhi Trail. My father and I had were sitting on the porch of our condo looking over the Hanalei Bay, trying to decipher what we should do for the day. Looks tough but not too hard and I am 65 with minor health issues. I recommend parking in the large lot for the Kokee Museum, which is 0.2 miles from the trailhead. Hiking shoes. Awa'awapuhi Trail in Kkee State Park - Hawaii This trail is located near Kekaha Hawaii on the small island of Kauai (famous for its beautiful mountains!). When you reach the falls, you will be in awe of its size and beauty. Beware, however, that the Nualolo trail was closed when we were there. The way to the left is where the Nualolo Cliff Trail links with the AwaAwapuhi Trail. Hilton Garden Inn Value Pick: The Hilton Garden Inn is your number one choice if you are on a budget but still need comfort. Awa'awapuhi Trail Overview. Total hike time for us was 4 hours but we took our time. Thanks! The walk through the forest was really interesting as we viewed the different vegetation and listened to the various birds. The Nualolo Trail is worth the extra effort to have this view. Visitors to your site will appreciate you FEES Entrance or parking fees are collected at some national and state parks that the Trail passes through. Mahalo! Its a long hike, there is a lot of elevation gain, and it can get very hot. However, if you plan to hike that loop, we recommend you hike down Nualolo and back up Awa'awapuhi. When we did this, the Nualolo Cliffs Trail was overgrown in many spots, making progress very slow. PRO HIKING TIP: If you are afraid of heights, this trail could be very challenging. Or would recommend for the Awaawapuhi Trail as far as the best views. Not too much to see but the view at the end is spectacular! Best Defenders In Premier League 2019-20, Run where its flat or down hill going and coming it goes faster. There isn't one, but if type it in on an iPhone it will take you to the parking lot. Note: This post contains affiliate links. The final 0.25 miles is the best, when you are walking on a trail along the cliff, with awesome views north along the Na Pali Coast. Google Maps Link These views are great but they do not compare to those from Kalaua or Nualolo. [KAUAI] UPDATED 3/2/23: Polihale State Park Is CLOSED until further notice due to an electrical outage that has put the water pump out of service. We were standing in the Napali Coast. We hiked 2/3/23, trail was very muddy but do able. That had to mean the weather was clear enough for helicopter tours, right? You can continue past the overlooks (even though you are cautioned not to) in order to get even more amazing views. The trail is in Koke'e State Park on the island of Kauai and is a moderately-challenging hike with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. What would you like to know about this attraction? 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. You can view the loop trail by opening Google Earth and viewing ourNualolo and Awaawapuhi Loop Trail map. Any confident hiker can make the journey to the top. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. The trail starts near mile marker 17 at a parking area and takes . 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. For more information read our privacy policy. Use caution and do not go too close to the edge as some of the viewpoints are eroded. 90% of travelers recommend this experience. 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 grade virtually the whole way is probably 30% or more.
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