The hike would be out of the question for the length of our trip. Dramatic green cliffs set against a deep blue sea. Kauai is the oldest island in the Archipelago and these cliffs have been shaped over thousands of years. There is no cell reception on the mountain. Awa'awapuhi Trail. We were looking at helicopters passing way below us but they were still high up. 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. Nov 29, 2018 Owice Aittaleb. Great hiking - Trail was 7 miles round trip but we did little over 10 miles with all the deviations. Awa'awapuhi Trail Location: Koke'e State Park, Kekaha, Kauai, HI Difficulty: Moderate to strenuous Distance: 6.7 miles When to go: June to August Awa'awapuhi Trail is 3.3 miles (one way) well-marked hike descends 1,200 feet to a truly amazing vista of the cathedrals of the Na Pali Coast. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We have our permits for the Kalalau Trail for mid July and are so bummed we wont be able to hike it due to damage. And of (All equipment on The Awaawapuhi trail is a heavily trafficked hike to a viewpoint of the famous Na Pali coastline. Even when we returned their was no parking. Enjoy the awesome views from here. This is not a hike that I would recommend for newbie hikers. You can buy snacks, cold drinks, and ice cream from the general store here. For more experienced hikers I could see this being done in 3 hours. 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. Awa'awapuhi Trail. I was determined to shoot the sunrise from Lydgate Beach Park and Dipali wanted to We parked in the parking lot near by mile marker 17 on Highway 550. Reaching the overlook is worthy! We have been doing the Awaawapuhi trail when we come here. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). NOTICE AND DISCLAIMER: Permit holders and trail users are advised to comply with any and all NYS COVID-19 Executive Orders/Mandates. For more accommodation recommendations you can check my favorites in the Kauai Where to Stay Guide. For best results, use the customized Trip Planning Widget for Awa'awapuhi Trail Parking on your website.It has all the advantages mentioned above, plus users to your site can conveniently access it directly on your site. 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. a moderate hiker age 40 from socal pretty fit and medium build.Please check the gain and loss in elevation. Looks tough but not too hard and I am 65 with minor health issues. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. The 6-mile round trip hike is" One of the best here. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. 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. I recommend parking in the large lot for the Kokee Museum, which is 0.2 miles from the trailhead. Going back is tougher since it is uphill. Walking through the trees the rest of the time. 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. In mid-January, Schuyler, David, and I took a trip to Kauai, the un-official hiking island of Hawaii. If you want to get on the trail early, consider camping at Koke'e State Park. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. GPS Device. At the 10 mile point, you reach the trailhead for the Awaawapuhi Trail and Kokee Road. As for the trail, the ground was wet and slick, the texture of clay, with tangled roots nearly the entire 3+ miles. However, be forewarned - it's a tough hike. It was muddy, but less of a problem than other hikes we went on. The trail is easy to follow and well maintained. 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. Congrats! Thank for your continued support. Not much to see until the very end, but absolutely magnificent when you reach it. It only takes about an hour and a half each way along the total of six miles out and back journey. After around 90 minutes of awe-inspiring and downhill hiking, the trek culminates at the official viewpoint. Awa'awapuhi Trail. They had live music playing and this was a great spot to unwind, refuel, and cool off before visiting more sights along in Kokee and Waimea State Parks. It is a peaceful hike. See Hapuna site for updates. The dramaticdrop-offs on either side of the Awaawapuhi ridge were something you dont see anywhere else in the world. 3 comments share save hide report Visitors will be treated to diverse tropical flora and fauna along the trail as well as spectacular views of the ocean and Napoli Coast. I think it was actually both the height of the cliff and the accomplishment of making it to the lookout that made me weak in the knees. 6.5mi Dec 9, 2018 Amanda Jo. The trail is quite rocky at the start and we heard that it is very slippery if its rained. These landscapes are what thousands of people travel to Kauai for. If I did it again, heres what I would do: Park at the Kokee Museum and hike the Nualolo Trail out-and-back. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk. Are you a dessert first person? Logistics: The Nualolo Ridge Trail is a 7.5-mile hike inside the Kokee State Park. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Worth the hike with breathtaking views at the end where you see the Napoli coast line and the mountain ridges. The trail begins right off Kokee Road at an elevation of 4,120 feet. You will feel each and every single step of the way back up as you breathe through the humid air inside the forested path. The weather in Kauai changes every 20 minutes there was certainly no way of controlling that. First off my family of four did the trail after much reading about it, it was very hard for all of us who do not hike on a regular basis. A GPS device that has trail maps makes it a lot easier to hike the Nualolo Cliff Trail. Permits are not needed to hike this trail and the best time to visit is spring and summer. The rocks can be very crumbly and no step is certain on the ridges out in Kokee State Park. If you have a frightening fear of heights, like I do, it\'s scary, but not debilitating. Have lunch at the Kokee Museum. Breaking News In Yuba County Spoiler. There were no signs or other indications of the closure. Do not underestimate the effects of heat and humidity and it only takes one fall to hurt your back, hips or anything else. Located in the Hawaiian highlands of Kokee, the Awaawapuhi trail is a spectacular trail that stretches 5 kilometres. Huddersfield Town Shirt Sponsor 20/21, I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Run where its flat or down hill going and coming it goes faster. The trail starts at approximately 4,120 feet and ends at the lookout around 2,500 feet. If you are doing this hike as a loop, you will need to backtrack up the trail for 0.9 miles until you get to the Nualolo Cliffs Trail. Archaeological Sites in camping areas are protected by law. 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. Its about a 45-minute drive to reach the trailhead. The scenery along the three-mile, downhill hike . Know before you go. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/kauai/awaawapuhi-trail Awaawapuhi Trail Kauai. Small lookouts along the way feed your motivation to reach the end. Please familiarize yourselves with our refunds and changes policies prior to purchasing your permits. Chilly if you start early, but toasty on the return. This time, perfect view. Consider hiking the Awaawapuhi Trail instead. I used them last year while in oahu and next week I'll be heading to kauai. This forest reserve area is managed as wilderness because of the rich variety of native dryland plant species thriving in it (a plant guide is available). At about the three mile mark is the junction of the Nualolo Cliff Trail. 90% of travelers recommend this experience. The trail is 3.25 miles one way, with about 1600 feet of descent (yep, this is a DOWN then UP trail ughhhh). The trailhead is easily google-able (and google actually takes you to the correct location) and is on the main road through the park. There is a decently sized dirt lot and no payment stall (so parking is free, we presume? We didnt get a ticket, at any rate). For this hike you will want to arrive early to get a spot in the lot and a little solitude while hiking. We started around 9:30am and the trail was lightly trafficked, and we had the viewpoint at the end of the trail almost to ourselves. By the time we were hiking back up to the parking lot, the trail was a zoo and the parking lot and surrounding roadside were completely parked up. 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. Be sure to take your time and be extra cautious when going through these areas. I hiked all over Kauai for over a month and documented all of my adventures. Momoa was working at an outdoor shop in Des Moines, Iowa, and after he agreed, the crew packed into vans and headed off. Elijah Adebayo Twitter, There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. I took 2 hours going down (muddy and slippery but doable with a pole and decent shoes), 1 hour at the viewpoint (solo picnic!) Weather permitting, you should get a breathtaking view of the lusciously green Awa'awa'puhi valley and Nualolo Aina Valley. Found in Koke`e State Park this trail winds through a highland forest with occasional ridge top views. This was as far as I could make myself go without letting vertigo sink in. Even though it rained all night last night, the hike was totally do-able. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Earth Trekkers is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to Amazon.com. Most areas of the Appalachian Trail do not require fees or permits, but a few do. We hiked 2/3/23, trail was very muddy but do able. Kauai Shores Hotel Luxury (but value also):A luxury feels with the resort-style property, palm trees, and a beautiful pool area. The beginning of the trail is a relatively mellow stroll through the high forest. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. The trailhead is on the left of the parking lot. Welcome to my world. Awa'awapuhi Trail, Hawaii You couldn't have the best hikes in the USA without including one from . Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. Here at GuideofUS- Hawaii, we have explored on our own and with some of the best-guided tours available. Muddy but vista is epic. If you have hiked Kalaua, I was just wondering how the views compare - because for me that hike was life changing. Additional Info GREAT HIKES FROM AROUND THE WORLD: For more great hikes, check out our article listing the 20 Best Day Hikes in the World. Slippery to start on the way down, but got much better after first mile. Make sure you have plenty of water and wear cloths that you don't mind getting muddy, that means shoes. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Awa'awapuhi Trail. Then I would visit the sights along Kokee Road. Awa'awapuhi Trail. Awaawapuhi Trail is a continual downhill hike from the trail head to the grassy clearing overlooking the valleys. Vegan Activist T-shirt, Great views! The walk through the forest was really interesting as we viewed the different vegetation and listened to the various birds. 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. 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. Wailua's mix of adventure and city makes it a great first stop! The Awa'awapuhi Trail is about a 6 mile out and back hike through Kokee State Park on the Island of Kauai. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. This 6.2 mile out-and-back hike offers amazing views from cliffs of Awa'awapuhi and Nualolo Valley. The trailhead is on the left of the parking lot. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Breath taking Views - Tough trail if you are a beginner. It can be fogged in but the clouds here are constantly on the move. Luke Mcnally Fifa 21, Like an address I can punch in my GPS to start the hike. Covid-19 Protocols: Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. 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. Marvel at the views of the sea as you approach the junction with the Nualolo Cliff Trail. Having a map will help keep you from getting lost or walking farther than you have to. This trail also heads along the cliffs. 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. Awa'awapuhi Trail. Hi - Your review is quite "glowing" for this trail in terms of the view. Shaded and muddy trail . This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Hi. We also heard helicopters in the distance above us. The view from here is very nice, but its not nearly as good as that from the Nualolo Trail. Loved this hike! The trail is a continual downhill hike from 4,120 feet elevation to the valley rim of Nualolo at 2,500 feet. Be smart and be safe for the safety of all. Most people stop on the grassy/sandy cliffs at the turn-around point for lunch as they offer great views of the coastline. Its all easy to the grassy point that oversees the sheer cliffs of Awa`awapuhi and Nualolo valleys resting 2,000 feet below.Awaawapuhi Trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. However, if you plan to hike that loop, we recommend you hike down Nualolo and back up Awa'awapuhi. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. The hardest part of the hike is over. Hike down the road first, then do the loop. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. But keep your eyes up: there are some tricky parts of the trail, including steep sections and a few slippery sections due to mud, especially in the first mile. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a 3 mile blue singletrack trail located near Waimea Hawaii. It was sunny and dry when we walked. We found the trail to be fairly muddy and we took our time going down as it was rather slippery. Required fields are marked *. The hike to the viewpoint is downhill, so prepare yourself for the thigh burner on the way out. 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. But some of us used stick and it helps. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. The trail begins right off Kokee Road at an elevation of 4,120 feet. 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. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a great alternative to the Kalepa Ridge Trail because it offers some of the best views of the Npali Coast. The sheer cliffs of the Napali Coast may look daunting from the ground but that's because they are best viewed from the summit of the Awa'awapuhi Trail. There is no bathroom at the trailhead so stop That record-breaking rainstorm 48 hours earlier certainly didnt help our situation. Also, try to pick a sunny day (as much as possible). As other have mentioned, not much to see in the way of views until the end, but interesting flora. Don't Look Down! 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. This once joined the official Nualolo Cliffs Trail but it is now closed. Growing up in the small town of Norwalk, on the outskirts of . This is a moderate one way trail in Hawaii. The permit can be obtained at visitor contact stations during business hours. Its a long, challenging hike and we got through it, but it wasnt pretty. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. I slipped and fell twice. The only lookout is at the end. 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 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. He was thrilled. Im going to recommend five places to stay on Kauai. 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. The best part about this hotel is that it is right on the beach. Crawley Magistrates' Court Results January 2021, The end of the trail leads to cliffs on the sea side. First 3.7 miles there has some slick muddy patches you navigate while going downhill. Sections with roots and loose rocks. Awesome view of Na Pali and Forest reserve. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. 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. Julie Last updated: January 27, 2023 United States 2 Comments. This is a small parking lot and there are no restrooms. This is a must do if you have the time! 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. Turn left here to head out to the vista point. Use caution and do not go too close to the edge as some of the viewpoints are eroded. 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. HAWAII VOLCANOES: In our article Best Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, we cover the must-have experiences. Most of the time, you are in the trees with very little view. Because the Awaawapuhi Trail drops you so low, you feel like you are almost down in the valley looking up towards the top of the other ridges. 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. It has incredible drop-offs and epic views down to the Na Pali Coast. Bring plenty of water: And remember to drink it, even if its not especially hot outside. 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 Don't forget to check ourKokee State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. I towered over the view, soaking in the sounds of the waves crashing and watching waterfalls slither down the folds in the cliffs.