You can view the loop trail by opening Google Earth and viewing ourNualolo and Awaawapuhi Loop Trail map. Its a tough, uphill hike in spots to get to this trail. Its a hot hike and you will sweat a lot. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! Its longer, its steeper, it can be muddy after it rains, and the trail is overgrown in spots. T he Awa'awapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, is a single track hike not for those with a fear of heights. We hiked 2/3/23, trail was very muddy but do able. It has the LARGEST pool in all of Kauai with beautiful, natural-style landscaping throughout the pool areas. Awa Awapuhi Single Track: Kauai is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Wiamea, Hawaii. Best Defenders In Premier League 2019-20, 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. The treacherous trail felt agonizingly long for the first 1.5 miles. There definitely were some muddy spots, and one person in my group fell twice while going downhill, so be careful! awa'awapuhi trail permit. Awa'awapuhi Trail. Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). Some reviews called this an easy to moderate hike. 60 Likes, 6 Comments - AdventureSeekerUS (@adventureseekerus) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail. 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! If you hike early youll have plenty of time to check out the rest of the parks stunning viewpoints. Still, it was enough to make my legs wobbly and fill my stomach with butterflies. 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. By the time we left the viewpoint an hour later there were about 20-30 people showing up and we saw more on the way back. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you soo much foe this post. Wailua's mix of adventure and city makes it a great first stop! This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. When I visited Kauai last fall, I had a chance to hike a few trails in Koke'e State Park on the west side of the beautiful Garden Island. No lingering allowed within park areas. The Awa'awapuhi Trail is about a 6 mile out and back hike through Kokee State Park on the Island of Kauai. Some people go beyond the official end of the trail (unmaintained trail - pass at your own risk) for an epic view. 1.Awa'awapuhi and Nu'alolo Loop. When you arrive at the overlook, the view is spectacular (although no camera will capture it so you cannot show off to anybody). Awaawapuhi Trail DANGER: Do not venture beyond the safety railing at the end of the trail! This is a six-mile, out-and-back trail in Kokee State Park on the island of Kauai. You will feel each and every single step of the way back up as you breathe through the humid air inside the forested path. Breaking News In Yuba County Spoiler. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. The path itself is beautiful but it does not boast views, as you are deep inside the trees and tall grasses. Hi - Your review is quite "glowing" for this trail in terms of the view. Because of the slick condition of the trail, the return ascent was actually slightly easier, but by the end of the 6+ mile hike my wife, daughter and I were spent and sore. Another way to do this hike is to park in the Awaawapuhi Trail parking lot. The first time we did this hike, Tim and I had run out of water long before this point, and doing this part of the trail hot and dehydrated is torture, not to mention dangerous. Wear bug spray and good hiking shoes. Not much to see until then. Took me 1.75 hrs down, had a 30 minute break enjoying the Na pali coast view i had seen by boat yesterday then 1.25 back up. .Stunning views. The trail is very muddy right now. Logistics: The Nualolo Ridge Trail is a 7.5-mile hike inside the Kokee State Park. The beautiful nature and mountains that rise up from the sea, are a must see on Kauai. This is a must do if you have the time! Would we see anything at the Awaawapuhi Lookout? We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Very muddybring hiking poles. more, Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Fall Hike Adventure, Kauai's Ultimate South Island Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure, Wailua River and Secret Falls Kayak and Hiking Tour on Kauai, Half-Day Kayak and Waterfall Hike Tour in Kauai with Lunch, Guided Secret Falls Tour with Snacks and Drinks, LUCKY LADY - Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour, Kauai Adventure Bundle: 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Kauai's Ultimate Guided Shore (NO BOAT) Snorkeling Adventure, A challenging hike leads to gorgeous views. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. I would be covered in mud by the end of the hike, no matter what. Its important that you carry enough water because this part of the trail is hot and can be challenging. Clouds started to sock us in around 2pm. Im not going to sugar coat itthis next two miles is a slog on an overgrown trail. Please Note: Due to erosion, Nu'alolo Cliff Trail is occasionally closed near the junction with Nu'alolo Trial. The hike took us about 2.5 hours each way. The trail out towards the lookout took just under an hour and a half and was in shade most of the way. It also begins to get noticeably warmer. 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. 3 miles into the hike, the views really start to get good. Awaawapuhi Trail is my favorite hike in the Kokee State Park. These affiliates don't cost you anything extra and help me keep the site going. Unfortunately, our view at the end was instructed by sea mist, but we did get a glimpse of the canyon on one side and some mountain goats. We slogged the 3.2 miles to the end, but it was Way more difficult than normal. Not for those terrified of heights. It gains about 1,950 feet of elevation along the route. This trail starts about a half mile up the Waimea River from the bottom of Kukui Trail. Permits cost $35 per person per night and must be reserved ahead online. If you only have time for one hike on the west side of Kauai, this is your trail. The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Kokee trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. please pack a frozen water bottle and chilled ones with a energy bar for those who dont regularly hike. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. You find mile markers by each quarter mile, that seems to make the hike easier for us. The Nualolo Trail + Awaawapuhi Trail Loop. After the first mile the forest begins to dissipate, only making guest appearances once in awhile as the barren terrain of NaPali comes into view. Check the forecast: Dont even think about attempting the trail if theres any significant rain in the forest. 360-degrees of pure Kauai magic! 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. For more accommodation recommendations you can check my favorites in the Kauai Where to Stay Guide. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! 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. There is a sign on either side of the trail at this point marking the start of the Nualolo Cliff Trail. My mind filled with doubt about the end view at the Awaawapuhi Lookout. Penoke, Rocky Gap, and Willow Creek trails, maximum machine width allowed is . It is narrow in spots and can be slippery. GREAT HIKES FROM AROUND THE WORLD: For more great hikes, check out our article listing the 20 Best Day Hikes in the World. The hike would be out of the question for the length of our trip. I have a 12 year old and 16 year old daughters and myself and my wife who are in a mid 40's. Be sure to take your time and be extra cautious when going through these areas. This is a long, tough, hot day hike. Hike down the road first, then do the loop. If you are young and healthy, it is probably only mildly challenging. Also arrive early, once in Waima its still about 45 minutes up the mountain. The trail starts near mile marker 17 at a parking area and takes . Awa'awapuhi Trail, Kaua'i - September 6, 2015 What an amazing view in Kaua'i. Difficulty: Moderate. The Nualolo Trail is the tougher of the two. And just note that there is no cell service along the trail, so dont expect to text, send photos, or be able to contact friends or family by phone while hiking this trail. We walked the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail, on the north end from Ke'e Beach. You can ask about the condition of the Cliffs trail before you start. It takes about three hours to hike this West Kauai trail and it has many incredible viewpoints. There will still be many steep descents, sometimes on a sandy trail and at other times on muddy dark red clay. The trail is quite rocky at the start and we heard that it is very slippery if its rained. As of now, the trail is closed for the foreseeable future. Archaeological Sites in camping areas are protected by law. Run where its flat or down hill going and coming it goes faster. This is a small parking lot and there are no restrooms. Are you a dessert first person? Then I would visit the sights along Kokee Road. It was sunny and dry when we walked. This is done to help stop Rapid Ohia Death, a disease that is killing Ohia trees in Hawaii, and to help prevent the spread of seeds that could still be on your shoes from other hikes. Take your time and watch your step; in some of the narrower sections you could slip and fall off of the trail. The trail may be accessed by transiting Koke'e State Park, which remains closed. Kauai's Awa'awapuhi Trail is a moderately difficult hike which starts in Kkee State Park and traverses the gorgeous Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. We found the trail to be fairly muddy and we took our time going down as it was rather slippery. The first mile of the trail can be muddy and slippery after recent rain. 7 Vancouver, BC, Parks for Nature, Hiking, Mountain Biking, andMore, The 400-Mile Jordan Trail Is the Ultimate Hike for Culture and Nature Buffs, This Angels Landing Video Gives a POV of Zion's Famously Scary Hike, This Strenuous Hike in Yosemite Is Worth It for the Epic Views, Hike With a Shelter Dog on an Adorable 'Dog Field Trip' in Kauai, Hawaii, This Is Why Capitol Peak, Colorado, Is the State's Hardest 14K Mountain, Hike To the Top of 2,000-Foot-Tall Cliffs in This British ColumbiaPark, Discover Stunning Crater Lakes at This Extinct Volcano Outside Mexico City, The "World's Most Dangerous Footpath" Is Now Totally Safe ToHike, Download the Those over 60, i highly recommend a helicopter trip instead. Entries (RSS) Enjoy! It has incredible drop-offs and epic views down to the Na Pali Coast. This is not a hike that I would recommend for newbie hikers. At about the three mile mark is the junction of the Nualolo Cliff Trail. Fabulous views, but if you're afraid of heights, can be daunting toward the end. This hike primary trail can be used both directions. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. So for hikes in Hawaii the immense vistas of Waihe'e Gorge, tumbling waterfalls and the wild northern coast of Maui makes the Waihe'e Ridge Trail a must-do. And dont miss the Kilauea Iki Trail, one of the best hikes in the park. Even though it rained all night last night, the hike was totally do-able. Nualolo Trail + Nualolo Cliffs Trail + Awaawapuhi Trail (the Full Loop), Best Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Doors Off Helicopter Tour of Kauai: Everything You Need to Know. 37 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Trail "Great 6-mile round-trip hike with a very rewarding ending. Looks tough but not too hard and I am 65 with minor health issues. Length 11.0 mi Elevation gain 3,461 ft Route type Loop. This is a moderate one way trail in Hawaii. Its about a 45-minute drive to reach the trailhead. Its a short, easy, downhill walk to the viewpoint at the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail. The Honopu Ridge trail is not well kept, so it is somewhat more difficult to follow, moderately strenuous but much shorter in length. After about 3.2 miles, you will reach a clearing that overlooks the valleys, at 2,500 feet. The final 0.75 miles are mostly along a cliff. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. My wife and I selected this trail for is moderate hiking difficulty and for the amazing views at the end of the trail. The hike is mostly through shaded forest and ending at the overlooks with some great views. Momoa was working at an outdoor shop in Des Moines, Iowa, and after he agreed, the crew packed into vans and headed off. 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. SeeSand Island site for updates. Found solitude along this somewhat rugged trail but no flowing water at the stream. mobile app. Footing is extremely unstable, and the drop to the valley floor below is over 2,000 feet. This trail goes by Honopu Ridge Trailhead. At this point, you have hiked 6.6 miles. 87 Followers, 108 Following, 30 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Awaawapuhi trail (@awaawapuhitrail) Hey yall! However, it is less than $300 a night. 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. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. 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 Awa'awapuhi valleys at 2,500 feet. Go early before the trail gets too muddy from foot traffic. A bit hard packed and slick on the way down, with occasional muddy spots, but easy going as long as you take it slow. 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 Nu'alolo Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail Loop is a 11 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Waimea, Hawaii, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. Do i need a permit? Route The trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. This trail starts in Kokee State Park at 4100 ft of elevation and winds its way through heavy jungle down to 2,500 feet. You dont see any in our photos because we started very early but we saw a bunch of hikers on the return part of the hike. The trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. But you will hike up and over hundreds of tree roots. Don't try this -- ever. Even though rainy/foggy at top, gorgeous down at bottom! How to Hike the Sliding Sands and Halemauu Trail Loop | Haleakala NP. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Awa'awapuhi Trail. It is before the Kalalau lookout but still takes well over 30 minutes to reach there from Waimea Town. If you have hiked Kalaua, I was just wondering how the views compare - because for me that hike was life changing. 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. It only takes about an hour and a half each way along the total of six miles out and back journey. The hike to the viewpoint is downhill, so prepare yourself for the thigh burner on the way out. The Grand Hyatt Resort Best Family Resort:With the bestkids clubon the island,wildlife talksin thelobby, and a five-acrepool complexthat includes an enormouslazy-river pool, awaterslide, and a saltwaterlagoonbig enough forkayaking, the Grand Hyatt is unbeatable for keeping kids busy and parents happy. Don't forget to check ourKokee State Park Hikingpage for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. In my opinion,these are the 15 best hikes on Kauai! If you are allergic to grass, wear or bring long pants. Like an address I can punch in my GPS to start the hike. Tim and I were visiting Hawaii on our honeymoon and this was the first real hike each of us had ever done. 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. Here at GuideofUS- Hawaii, we have explored on our own and with some of the best-guided tours available. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Awaawapuhi Trail. This trail gives you a clear overview on the west side of the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon area. 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). Its a mostly uphill, challenging walk back to the trailhead. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. For Days 1 and 2 click here. (LogOut/ We have been doing the Awaawapuhi trail when we come here. For more experienced hikers I could see this being done in 3 hours. In this guide, we cover the full loop (the Nualolo Trail to the Nualolo Cliff Trail to the Awaawapuhi Trail) and what we recommend doing instead, if you dont want to do the full loop. We wore shorts and short-sleeved shirts. It boasts amazing coastlines and lush valleys filled with waterfalls. The trail getting there is not necessarily anything to write home about but the views at the end are incredible. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. The Awa'awapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii is breathtaking, offering gorgeous views of Kauai's famed Na Pali coast. Or would recommend for the Awaawapuhi Trail as far as the best views. Hilton Garden Inn Value Pick: The Hilton Garden Inn is your number one choice if you are on a budget but still need comfort. 106 Likes, 12 Comments - Eric Chen (@cheneric924) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail is hands down my favorite trail of all time now. 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. The settlement, reached just before a damages trial was to begin next week, must be approved by the Legislature. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. 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. Entire family made it all the way to the top. Best hike we did during our visit! Your Awa Awapuhi Trail stock images are ready. All Rights Reserved. For the Awaawapuhi Nualolo Lookout continue straight ahead to the end of the trail for spectacular panoramic views and great picnic area. Enjoy the awesome views from here. The one portion of the Cliffs trail that connects the Nualolo and the Awa'awapuhi is narrow--it is a very short section. We also heard helicopters in the distance above us. The best part about this hotel is that it is right on the beach. Don't Look Down! The restaurant literally looks out to the waves, which is an awesome spot to start your day with breakfast. If theres any vista proving that pushing to the end of a hike is always worth it, its the Awaawapuhi Lookout of the Napali Coast. Heading into Kauais interior and remote terrain offers dome of the most beautiful backdrops on the world. Do I need a permit/ reservation to enter the park (or just to park my vehicle)? Lots of people. 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. From the endpoint of each of these trails, you get spectacular views of the coastline. 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. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. is that right?? You get a bigger bang for your buck if you only hike the Nualolo Trail OR the Awaawapuhi Trail out-and-back. This is my Journey Era. Most people stop there but it is possible to venture down the ridge although this can be quite dangerous. 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. It felt good to stretch out our legs and since it was downhill, it went by fast. Vegan Activist T-shirt, The trail is a continual downhill hike from 4,120 feet elevation to the valley rim of Nualolo at 2,500 feet. Wailua is a city on Kauai located on the East side of the island, near the airport. 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. For a shortlist of shorter hikes on Kauai, you can check out my Easy Hikes Guide for Kauai. Visitors will be treated to diverse tropical flora and fauna along the trail as well as spectacular views of the ocean and Napoli Coast. We arrived at 9am and the parking lot was almost full. The weather in Kauai changes every 20 minutes there was certainly no way of controlling that. 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. 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. Our best chance at hiking to a view of the Napali Coast would be hiking the Awaawapuhi Trail from Waimea Canyon. These valleys are part Going up Waimea Canyon and into Kokee State Park, the trail starts at a small parking area right at mile marker 17.