Downhill the way to and all uphill the way back! This trail goes by Honopu Ridge Trailhead. I hiked on a Sunday afternoon and only passed people in the opposite direction. Also pack out what you packed in! Magnificent vista at the end! Theres a small parking lot near the trailhead on Kokee Road. Here at GuideofUS- Hawaii, we have explored on our own and with some of the best-guided tours available. 3. While the end viewpoint can get quite dangerous and steep if you venture down, the majority of the trail is well defined and quite straightforward. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Walking through the trees the rest of the time. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. BEST OF MAUI: We have a list about the top experiences in Maui and how to put it all together in our Maui Itinerary. It boasts amazing coastlines and lush valleys filled with waterfalls. 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* There is shade on this trail but you will spend enough time in and out of the sun that you will need sunscreen. You find mile markers by each quarter mile, that seems to make the hike easier for us. This is my favorite hike I did in a month on three Hawaiian Islands! How to Hike the Sliding Sands and Halemauu Trail Loop | Haleakala NP. It starts in Koke'e State Park and snakes down and back up the steep walls of the N Pali Coast Forest Reserve and offers stunning views of the shoreline and the ocean, given there's no cloud cover. The park will REOPEN by 3:00 PM on Friday 3/3/23. The trail begins right off Kokee Road at an elevation of 4,120 feet. The trail out towards the lookout took just under an hour and a half and was in shade most of the way. It does have 3 little sections, after you go to the first landing you can venture out to a second then a third. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. By doing a little planning and being prepared you will make your hiking trip one of your best Kauai experiences. 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. Awa'awapuhi Trail. Hikers follow the trail under a large tree limb at the back of the parking area and must keep on the lookout for ribbons marking the way. .Stunning views. None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly. The hike is moderately difficult and traverses the Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. Use caution and do not go too close to the edge as some of the viewpoints are eroded. Then I would visit the sights along Kokee Road. My wife and I (both 57) and our 22 year old daughter hiked the trail in late October 2020. Change), the watchman and mt mcloughlin as seen from our backcountry campsite at crater lake this weekend , some good kings mtn light from a while back , finally made it to silver falls. We wore shorts and short-sleeved shirts. 360-degrees of pure Kauai magic! Backcountry Permit: While there is no charge for permits, they are required of all backcountry campers. You can read more about the "loop" on ourNualolo Trailentry. When we reached it was bit cloudy, but we waited 15 minutes and it cleared. Unlike the neighboring Awa'awapuhi Trail, there are no facilities or even trailhead signs. These two trails could easily be done as day hikes within a short stay on Kauai. Waipo'o Falls via Pu'u Hinahina and Canyon Trail, Pu'u Hinahina Trail, Canyon Trail, and Cliff Trail, Nu'alolo Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail Loop. You can hike each trail separately or combine them into one big day hike, by connecting them with the Nualolo Cliffs Trail. 3 miles into the hike, the views really start to get good. If you want to get on the trail early, consider camping at Koke'e State Park. Permits cost $35 per person per night and must be reserved ahead online. Mar 3, 2019 Matthew Henderson. because they were covered in ice), Hiking Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Cliff trail from canyons to clouds, Hiking Kauai: Kalalau trail to Hanakapiaifalls, Hiking Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Clifftrail. Check it again.Takes about an 90 mins down and lots of time will be spent trying to secure a footing. As the forest starts to thin out, you'll get some brief views of the Napali Coast. Ok.it was a little scary, haha. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. Not much to see until then. As you are heading back, you might notice a spur trail to the left about 0.3 miles from the endpoint. The hike out was almost all uphill but our footing was better and we made better time. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. The hike is mostly through shaded forest and ending at the overlooks with some great views. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. I loved being in the tropical rainforest and seeing the view at the end of the trail was amazing. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. amazing view at the end. and Comments (RSS). Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. 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. 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!). The Awa Awapuhi Hike is a 6 mile out and back hike that brings you through the lush vegetation. 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. The grassy area at the end of the trail provides an excellent place to picnic. The Nualolo Cliff Trail ends at the much wider and better maintained Awaawapuhi Trail. The weather had other plans for the duration of our stay, however. The permit can be obtained at visitor contact stations during business hours. They are NOT available at the camping locations or pavilion site. We arrived at 9am and the parking lot was almost full. Awaawapuhi Trail Kauai Found in Koke`e State Park, Kauai, Hawaii.A trial winds through highland forests with infrequent ridge top views. Overall we are glad we choose this hike but disappointed to miss out on the stunning views of the coast. Find the parking lot near mile marker 17 along Koke'e Road and suit up for one of the most amazing views on the whole island. Awa'awapuhi is a bit shorter, not as steep and you don't get any views until right at the end. Awesome! The trail descends sixteen hundred feet over three miles through a rainforest to the rim of the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. The view from your trail is stunning, each and every photo was amazing! Thanks for sharing this alternative!! Hilton Garden Inn Value Pick: The Hilton Garden Inn is your number one choice if you are on a budget but still need comfort. My travel buddy may back off so I may end up solo. From the endpoint of each of these trails, you get spectacular views of the coastline. It is a peaceful hike. Dramatic green cliffs set against a deep blue sea. Discover this 9.7-km out-and-back trail near Kekaha, Kaua'i. Run where its flat or down hill going and coming it goes faster. Some reviews called this an easy to moderate hike. The clouds moved in and out, but the view of the lush, green cliffs against the blue-green water was unmistakable. Im so interested to have the Nualolo trail. And out of the two, all four of us unanimously agree that the Nualolo Trail is the more thrilling and enjoyable of the two trails. This trail isnt too difficult, won't take up too much of your day, and it brings you to breathtaking views, overlooking the Nualolo and Awa'awapuhi valleys. Awaawapuhi Trail is one of the more popular hikes in the Kokee Park and subsequently has a large, signposted parking lot. In mid-January, Schuyler, David, and I took a trip to Kauai, the un-official hiking island of Hawaii. Here are some of our favorite Kauai guided tours, as well as helpful maps to get you oriented. Starting at 4,120 feet youll descend to 2,500 feet to the trails endwhich concludes at a cliff with broad views of the valleys and the immense Pacific ocean. Awa'awapuhi Trail, Kaua'i - September 6, 2015 What an amazing view in Kaua'i. The first mile of the trail can be muddy and slippery after recent rain. Ride ONLY on designated trails and obey all traffic controldevices. It also begins to get noticeably warmer. It really helps to have a GPS device here that has the trail map on it, whether it is a Garmin GPS device, a hiking watch, or All Trails. It genuinely surprised every time we passed the half-mile trail markers. I wanted to write a review about this trail since much has been written about it. The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Kokee trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. Posted By : / yamaha fg series history / Under : . I hiked all over Kauai for over a month and documented all of my adventures. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. We were on the Garden Island after all. KAUAI: Plan your visit to Kauai with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Kauai. If you are allergic to grass, wear or bring long pants. Hi - Your review is quite "glowing" for this trail in terms of the view. There is no cell reception on the mountain. The hike would be out of the question for the length of our trip. Impeccable views due to sunny weather with blue skies. 6.5mi Dec 9, 2018 Amanda Jo. Did this hike yesterday. This Epic Climb in the Swiss Alps Is Mostly Terrifying -- but Also WorthIt. 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. 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. Muddy but vista is epic. Are you a dessert first person? Muddy, moderate workout totally worth it! The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Kokee trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. Crawley Magistrates' Court Results January 2021, Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year. It doesnt have a designated parking lot but there is a spot 50 yards past the trailhead [], 15 BEST HIKES ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] CLICK HERE to read the full blog post about Awaawapuhi Trail []. 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. Not for those terrified of heights. Some people go beyond the official end of the trail (unmaintained trail - pass at your own risk) for an epic view. The trail starts at approximately 4,120 feet and ends at the lookout around 2,500 feet; so be prepared for the climb out. 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. One of the best here. Its $5 per person to enter the state park, which is generally open from sunrise to sunset, so try to be off the trail before dark. 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. If you have little time and have to choose one trail, then this is your trail!Getting ThereFrom Lihue, take Kaumualii Highway 50 to Waimea. Bring plenty of water: And remember to drink it, even if its not especially hot outside. Kaua'i - Awa'awapuhi Trail Side Ridge (GoPro POV) 94,875 views Jun 19, 2010 298 Dislike Share Save dgcpinoy 3.31K subscribers June 17, 2010: I went back to hike Awa'awapuhi Trail to a vista. If it's muddy to start it will only get worse so it's best if there have been a few dry days before you set out. Here are my hiking essentials. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER: Permit holders and trail users are advised to comply with any and all NYS COVID-19 Executive Orders/Mandates. Small lookouts along the way feed your motivation to reach the end. We went on a day when it said cloudy with little chance of rain. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. If you are looking for another hike to do, consider hiking the Waipoo Falls Trail. You will feel each and every single step of the way back up as you breathe through the humid air inside the forested path. It looks like I need reservations through Ha'ena State Park. Young And Dangerous 2 Netflix, The Kalalau Trail can be visited as a day hike for the first 2 miles, beyond that, you'll be required to get a camping permit whether or not you camp. Awaawapuhi Trail is my favorite hike in the Kokee State Park. 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. Of the two, I think the Nualolo Trail is the better choice. 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. The Hilton has a beautiful pool, has private beach access and hot tubs so you are still getting an awesome value and the resort experience. Worth the hike with breathtaking views at the end where you see the Napoli coast line and the mountain ridges. I tip-toed around the muddy trail with my brand-new hiking sandals at first. 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. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. 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. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. If you're the active type, avoid the urge to stop at the scenic lookouts and start the day with the Awa'awapuhi Trail, where a rocky ledge from which incredible views of the Na Pali Coast is waiting for you. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. The path itself is beautiful but it does not boast views, as you are deep inside the trees and tall grasses. I slipped several times but was able to catch myself. The trail ends abruptly on the ridge top, at 2,500 ft. elevation, affording spectacular views down sheer palis (cliffs) into Awaawapuhi and Nualolo Valleys overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The one portion of the Cliffs trail that connects the Nualolo and the Awa'awapuhi is narrow--it is a very short section. Recommend that you use good traction devices especially if it's wet. Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year, These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. It is considered a moderate hike on paper, but it can be difficult due to the elevation gain and loss. I do workout a lot on a peloton but my wife does not. Its drop is a massive 2,425ft whereby contrast Niagara Falls only drops 156ft. We wanted a shorter day hike that would provide us with expansive views of the Napali Coast of Kauai. The trail starts near mile marker 17 at a parking area and takes . Our best chance at hiking to a view of the Napali Coast would be hiking the Awaawapuhi Trail from Waimea Canyon. Waimea Canyon West Side The trail is much wider than the Nualolo Trail and the Nualolo Cliff Trail, so no more thorny bushes on your legs or tree branches whacking you in the face. Julie Last updated: January 27, 2023 United States 2 Comments. Nov 29, 2018 Owice Aittaleb. Silent Beauty Synonyms, Muddy, quiet forest hike to an amazing and rewarding view! And this time around, we could share the experience with our kids. The trail is known for its views and its diverse terrain, which includes muddy parts, rocky parts, and some sandy parts. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. No, you do not need a permit for the Nualolo Trail. [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. Awesome view of Na Pali and Forest reserve. 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." It tends to get very muddy and foggy along the trail and has an overall elevation gain of 1,180 feet. Be sure to take your time and be extra cautious when going through these areas. Marvel at the views of the sea as you approach the junction with the Nualolo Cliff Trail. Footing is extremely unstable, and the drop to the valley floor below is over 2,000 feet. The end of the trail leads to cliffs on the sea side. The grade virtually the whole way is probably 30% or more. Seeaosite for updates. There is no bathroom at the trailhead so stop That record-breaking rainstorm 48 hours earlier certainly didnt help our situation. The trail is quite rocky at the start and we heard that it is very slippery if its rained. Bring a minimum of 3 liters of water per person, although 4 liters is better. I love your hiking tips. As for the trail, the ground was wet and slick, the texture of clay, with tangled roots nearly the entire 3+ miles. Don't try this -- ever. (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! Route The trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. a moderate hiker age 40 from socal pretty fit and medium build.Please check the gain and loss in elevation. 3 miles down with nothing to see but trees and bush but it's worth it at the end of you are not afraid of heights and go past the gates. Similar to the Nu'alolo Trail, you'll begin by hiking through the woods for several miles. We had a group of 7 middle aged folks with college kids and allotted 4 hours for the hike but ended up being close to 6 hours with 3 of them barely making it back. The trail offers a moderately-challenging hike with amazing views of the surrounding landscape, including waterfalls, cliffs, tropical forests, and the stunning Na Pali Coast. You may run into a few fellow hikers on your way, as mountain goats like to cling to the steep slopes. We were standing in the Napali Coast. Awesome!! GPS lat 22.1414 long -159.6487. 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. Thanks, Mehek! Hi, caricenzerbush. We were looking at helicopters passing way below us but they were still high up. I recommend parking in the large lot for the Kokee Museum, which is 0.2 miles from the trailhead. Muddy in spots so wear proper shoes. 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. Awaawapuhi Trail 4.5 218 reviews #7 of 15 things to do in Kekaha Hiking Trails Write a review What people are saying By DlB824 " Breathtaking views " Oct. 2022 This is a good hike it's listed as a moderate hike it's 3.25 miles the the vistas. When we did this, the Nualolo Cliffs Trail was overgrown in many spots, making progress very slow. Its been a wild ride. The trail is in Kokee State Park on the island of Kauai and is a moderately-challenging hike with stunning views of the surrounding landscape. At the end of the trail is a lookout over Awa Awa'apuhi and Nualolo valleys, the Na Pali Coast and Pacific Ocean. Additional Info During summer only (May 15 Sept 7) kayak landings are allowed ONLY with a valid camping permit. I slipped and fell twice. The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of the most awe inspiring vistas on Kauais Napali Coast. 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. The treacherous trail felt agonizingly long for the first 1.5 miles. Its a long hike, there is a lot of elevation gain, and it can get very hot. Its about a 45-minute drive to reach the trailhead. Bottom line: loved it but would do a longer but flatter hike next time. Great views! We hiked 2/3/23, trail was very muddy but do able. It gains about 1,950 feet of elevation along the route. Elijah Adebayo Twitter, At 2.25 miles, the vegetation begins to thin out and you start to get your first views of the coast. See our full list in our Hiking Guide. Make sure you have plenty of water and wear cloths that you don't mind getting muddy, that means shoes. There will still be many steep descents, sometimes on a sandy trail and at other times on muddy dark red clay. 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. Hawaiis Awa awapuhi Trail is an incredible experience for anyone lucky enough to have a day to spend hiking in Hawaii. Aside from the coastal views, the trail offers a great chance to observe endemic wildlife such as birds, lizards, and frogs. " Awesome hike with breathtaking views of the Na Pali coast " Aug. 2022 This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. I could not do the third as it looked to risky however it would have been amazing. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. The Awa\'awapuhi trail (3 miles) was in relatively good condition and it wasn\'t muddy with most of the path well-defined. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. I would describe our conditioning as slightly better than average. Permits may ONLY be purchased online or in person at District Offices. 3 comments share save hide report Walk-ins permitted. The 6-mile round trip hike is" None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly. The Awa'awapuhi Trail is located in Kokee State Park, in the Waimea area of Kaua'i, and features a 3.1 mile (one way, 7.2 mile round trip) hike that many would consider difficult. The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of Permits, regulations, and fees. It felt good to stretch out our legs and since it was downhill, it went by fast. This photo gives you an idea of how narrow the trail can be in some sections. Its easy to wander off the trail here and you can double check your position with the GPS. But you will hike up and over hundreds of tree roots. A beautiful overlook at the end! Even though it rained all night last night, the hike was totally do-able. Total hike time for us was 4 hours but we took our time. You get your first glimpse of the Awa'awa'puhi Valley at about 1.75 miles. After the first mile-and-a-half the forest begins to thin out and the rugged Napali coast comes into view as well as glimpses into the Awaawapuhi Valley. The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of the most awe inspiring vistas on Kauai's Napali Coast. Hiking shoes. HAWAII VOLCANOES: In our article Best Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we cover the must-have experiences. Trail goes all the way down to view point and comes back" This trail also heads along the cliffs. The trail may be accessed by transiting Koke'e State Park, which remains closed.