Best Kauai Hikes: The Top-Rated Hiking Trails & Walks

Planning your next trip to Hawaii? For outdoor adventurers, no visit would be complete without completing the best Kauai hikes. The westernmost of the main Hawaiian islands perfectly captures the spirit of adventure and is home to incredible landscapes like the Waimea Canyon and the highest rain forest on earth.

On Kauai, hikers will have a buffet of options, from short hikes to waterfalls, to epic multi-day hikes gliding along unforgettable coasts. One thing is for sure: The Kauai island views never disappoint. 

Ready for the ultimate Kauai hiking adventure? Experience all the best hiking trails in Kauai with this complete guide.

Where to go hiking on Kauai

Waimea Canyon Trail 

One of the most popular Kauai hikes, the Waimea Canyon Trail takes you to some of the most awe-inspiring views on the island. The popular hike is also called the Waipoo Falls Trail, and, for this reason, many hikers believe they’ll be rewarded with splendid views of the waterfall.

Waimea Canyon State Park

But as you’re lacing up your boots and ready to embark on this adventure, it’s important to know a thing or two about the trail. Most important is that the path leads you to the top of Waipoo Falls with limited front-on views of the tumbling stream.

With that in mind, you won’t have a sense of anti-climax as you reach the highest point on the trail. From here, you’ll stand upon a jaw-dropping cliff high above the canyon floor.

  • Distance: 4 miles
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Kuilau Ridge Trail

Just out of Wailua in Haena State Park, Kuilau Ridge Trail is a family-friendly out and back trail. One that’s perfect for all hiking abilities. Driving up to the trailhead, you’ll have completed the majority of the elevation gain on this hike. If that doesn’t have you smiling, then the trail’s immediate gorgeous views should do the trick.

Kuilau Ridge Trail

You’ll trade beautiful viewpoints with dense rain forest that show off the best of Kauai’s nature. Ferns overlap the muddy trail and giant trees form an elegant row behind, guiding you through your own version of Jurassic Park.

Eventually, you’ll reach a plateau along Kuilau Ridge from which you’ll be able to look upon the valley spread out before you.

  • Distance: 4.5 miles
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy

Hanakapiai Falls Trail

Beginning from Kee Beach, the Hanakapiai Falls Trail traverses the breathtaking coastline of Kauai’s North Shore. To begin, you’ll share the path with hikers on the famed Kalalau Trail, before cutting inland through thick bamboo forests to reach a spellbinding waterfall.

Hanakapiai Falls

After the trail turns inland, it begins a steep descent continuing on and on. When hiking in Kauai, patience is a virtue, a fact best exemplified on this trail. Roots stick out and become your greatest nemesis. But it’s an enemy that’s quickly forgotten as the 300-foot Hanakapiai Falls comes into view.

The falls cut through lush forests, tumbling into turquoise waters that make for a rewarding and refreshing dip.

  • Distance: 8 miles
  • Time: 4 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Kalalau Trail

If the aforementioned trail is the appetizer, then the Kalalau Trail is the main course. This multi-day hike is one of the top hiking trails in Kauai. A trek more suited to experienced hikers, the Kalalau Trail starts off at Kee Beach and guides you alongside the stunning scenery of the Na Pali Coast.

Kalalau Trail

The coastal trail arrives at Hanakapiai Beach, the last turnaround point before venturing off into the wilderness. Treacherous terrain follows as the trail meanders between monstrous peaks and the Pacific Ocean.

After 11 thigh-burning miles, you’ll arrive at the secluded Kalalau Beach. It’s a joyful feeling to experience such a memorable location with only those who hiked in. It’s such a popular trail, however, that you’ll have to plan ahead to get a permit.

  • Distance: 11/22 miles
  • Time: 8 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Honopu Ridge Trail

Located in Koke’e State Park, the Honopu Ridge Trail is another way to capture the beauty of the Na Pali Coast. Although it’s a shorter hike, you can expect to feel the effects once you’re done.

Koke'e State Park

The well-marked trail takes you steeply up to the first viewpoint. Take a well-earned rest as you gaze upon the beauty of the Honopu Valley Waterfall. Once rested, continue onto amazing views of the sprawling coast, with the colorful mountains shooting out of the Pacific.

If you have the Honopu Ridge Trail in your Kauai itinerary, then try to aim for a clear day, as you’ll find yourself at just the right level for the clouds to block everything.

  • Distance: 5 miles
  • Time: 2.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Nualolo Cliff Trail

We all know the saying “what goes up must come down,” but have you heard of the opposite? On the Nualolo Cliff Trail, hikers will begin by losing 1,600 feet of elevation gain as they descend deep into the Nualolo Valley. The good news? You’ll once again look over the unforgettable coastline.

Nualolo Cliff Trail

Located in Koke’e State Park, the narrow, and at times muddy trail drops into the jungle. Along the way, you’ll come across dispersed viewpoints flooded with the sight of majestic cliffs and dark blue ocean.

At just shy of two miles, hikers will reach the turnaround point, noted for its epic views. Take some time to recuperate and take in the vibrant scenery before heading back up.

  • Distance: 3.8 miles
  • Time: 2.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging  

Pihea Trail

Skirting along the edge of the Kalalau Valley, the Pihea Trail is a wonderful way to experience native flora and fauna along with an alpine swamp. The path begins at the Pu’u O Kila Lookout, featuring dramatic vistas of the world’s highest rain forest.

Pihea Trail

Afterward, the path will guide you through beautiful forests of Ohi’a trees, koa, and ferns. In the canopy, you’ll hear the birds chirping. If you look closely enough, you may even spot a charming red I’iwi bird.

After two miles of scenic forests, the Pihea Trail connects to the Alaka’i Swamp Trail. Dirt path makes way for boardwalks that do their best to protect you from the muddy environment.  

  • Distance: 7.7 miles
  • Time: 3.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Kalepa Ridge Trail

Although short, the Kalepa Ridge Trail will have your legs working and your heart pumping throughout. This epic trail traverses rugged terrain that can sometimes be loose underfoot. Unlike other hikes in Kauai, this trail is not officially recognized, leading to less foot traffic and more private views.

Na Pali Coast on Kauai

The Kalepa Ridge Trail heads up over a narrow ridge, which may as well be called a cliff. Also known as the Airplane Trail, the hike features sheer drop-offs aren’t for the faint of heart. But those who make the trip will be able to look down upon the jungles of the Na Pali Coast and the famous Kalalau Valley.

Despite being an often hair-raising experience, its short length and vast views make it one of most popular places to go on Kauai to take in the sunset.

  • Distance: 1.9 miles
  • Time: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging

Mahaulepu Heritage Trail

With so many quad-burning hikes already mentioned, why don’t we tackle something a little less daunting? The Mahaulepu Heritage Trail follows Kauai’s southern coast with minimal elevation gain, showcasing local history as much as its beauty.

Mahaulepu Heritage Trail

The easy hike begins at Shipwreck Beach. The trail jumps up onto limestone cliffs, a fragile environment home to marine life fossilized within its ancient rock. Continue on, meandering between the kiawe trees and the cliffs harboring the sounds of crashing waves below.

Eventually, you’ll reach the Makauwahi Caves, where you can continue your search for fossils now hidden behind coastal shrubs. The trail ends at the remote Mahaulepu Beach, one of the most beautiful beaches on Kauai, where you can cool off before the return trek.

  • Distance: 4 miles
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Easy

Sleeping Giant Trail

Many years ago, a giant was convinced by local villagers to feast upon rocks that hid in fish and poi. Overtime, the giant grew tired, until he fell into an everlasting slumber. Today the giant forms the ridgeline of Nounou Mountain which you can walk along the Sleeping Giant Trail.

Sleeping Giant

One of the best Kauai hiking trails, the trek begins in typical fashion through dense jungle. The switchbacks lead you through a pine forest planted by conservation corps in the 1930s. The towering trees envelop the canopy until they quickly disperse, replaced by a plateau and endless views.

One of the top sights on the Nounou Mountain Trail is another natural formation with a striking resemblance, King Kong’s Head.

  • Distance: 3.6 miles
  • Time: 1.5 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Makaleha Falls Trail

Following the Makaleha Stream all the way to the waterfall, the thrilling Makaleha Falls Trail will leave you muddied but with a smile on your face. The Makaleha Falls hike will be an adventurous one as you course through the wet jungle, crossing the stream multiple times.

Aside from water crossings, hikers will have to contend with slippery moss-covered boulders and low-hanging branches, all the while trying to stay on the right trail. But you’ll soon be laughing at the chaotic nature of the hike as the multi-tiered falls come into view.

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The waterfalls split a narrow canyon, home to great cliff jumping. Continue on to discover Hidden Falls.

  • Distance: 2.6 miles
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging

Okolehao Trail

Hikers looking for a gym session should head to the start of the Okolehao Trail on Kauai’s North Shore. Prepare to get the legs working as you venture along the muddy trail that can be hard to follow. But what keeps you sane are the views of the spectacular Hanalei Bay and the Kilauea Lighthouse.

Hanalei Bay Beach

The Okolehao Trail immediately swings upwards, guiding you through the rain forest before reaching sprawling taro meadows. As the trees become rarer, you’ll be able to see well beyond the trail as you venture further and further up Hihimanu Ridge.

  • Distance: 5 miles
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate  

Awaawapuhi Trail

As one of the best all-day hikes on Kauai, the Awaawapuhi Trail is a much sought-after experience. In typical Kauai fashion, hikers will venture along a ridgeline that soon drops towards the Pacific Ocean as it traverses the edge of the Na Pali Coast.

Awaawapuhi Trail

The views on the Awaawapuhi Trail begin from the get-go, with the sheer drop on either side opening up a whole range of vistas to enjoy as you trek downhill.

After 90 minutes, the ridge juts out of the coastline like an unfinished bridge. From this vantage point, you’ll have uninhibited 360-degree views.

  • Distance: 6.2 miles
  • Time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Kauapea Beach (Secret Beach)

The trek to Kauapea Beach is merely a means to an end. The steep downhill hike delivers nothing noteworthy. Unlike every other hiking trail in our guide, the destination here is everything. After the two-mile trek down to what is also known as Secret Beach, you’ll get where we’re coming from.

Secret Beach

Upon arrival, the secluded white sand beach will be all to yourself. It’s a spacious and tranquil paradise in which to rest your weary legs and where the soft sand is the perfect mattress. Behind you are towering cliffs, soaked with vast jungle colors. To the front is nothing but calm seas and the far horizon.

  • Distance:  2 miles
  • Time: 1 hour
  • Difficulty: Easy

Ho’opi’i Falls Trail

Guiding you to not one but two majestic falls, the Ho’opi’i Falls Trail delivers excellent bang for your buck. It won’t be long until you reach the first waterfall, just 20 minutes into the hike. Take a quick dip in the refreshing pool before putting the boots back on.

Ho'opi'i Falls Trail

Our next stop was made famous by Jurassic Park. Although Ho’opi’i Falls is smaller than other waterfalls in Kauai, you can see why the beautiful location was chosen.

With all the time in the world, take in the waterfall, dividing the dense jungle, before climbing up the edge and diving into the pool.

  • Distance: 4 miles
  • Time: 2 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Alaka’i Swamp Trail

The junction between the Pihea Trail and the Alaka’i Swamp Trail marks a drastic change in scenery. The O’hia forests make way for a dense jungle landscape, home to the highest rain forest and swamp in the world.

Alaka'i Swamp Trail

The trail is a delight, but only if you navigate the boardwalk with the knowledge that you’ll, at some point, fall and get dirty. Ready for whatever comes, trek deep into the swampland made possible by ample rainfall on Mount Wai’ale’ale, unsurprisingly, one of the wettest locations in the world.

After 3.5 miles of extraordinary scenery, you’ll reach the breathtaking Kilohana Lookout. Gaze over Wainiha Valley at what feels like the roof of the world.

  • Distance: 7 miles
  • Time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Moderate

Kukui Trail

Another way to capture the beauty of Waimea Canyon is with a hike along the Kukui Trail. From the trailhead, trek down towards the valley with the path creating a series of switchbacks through the forests.

Kukui Bay

The trees dissipate and you’ll find yourself hugging the side of the mountain, with a stunning drop off to one side. While safe and scenic, it promises to get the heart racing. The path turns to red rock as you join the forest once more alongside wild chickens.

When the knee-high grass appears, you’ll know you’re close to your destination, the Waimea River. Here, you can reward yourself with a swim surrounded by the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.

  • Distance: 5 miles
  • Time: 3 hours
  • Difficulty: Challenging
Treksplorer

Ryan O'Rourke is a seasoned traveler and the founder & editor of Treksplorer, a fiercely independent guide to mid-range luxury travel for busy people. With over 20 years of extensive travel experience, Ryan has journeyed through over 50 countries, uncovering hidden gems and sharing firsthand, unsponsored insights on what to see & do and where to eat, drink & stay. Backed by his travel experience and in-depth research, Ryan’s travel advice and writing has been featured in publications like the Huffington Post and Matador Network. You can connect with Ryan on Twitter/X at @rtorourke.

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