1.Awa'awapuhi and Nu'alolo Loop. This is a moderate one way trail in Hawaii. It's all downhill (which means all uphill on the way back) to the grassy point that overlooks the sheer cliffs of Awa`awapuhi and Nualolo valleys resting 2,000 feet below. At 2.25 miles, the vegetation begins to thin out and you start to get your first views of the coast. 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. The path itself is beautiful but it does not boast views, as you are deep inside the trees and tall grasses. Its about a 45-minute drive to reach the trailhead. A 2.1-mile footpath connecting the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi trails, the Nualolo Cliff Trail lets hikers forgo any tedious retracing of steps. The trailhead is on the left of the parking lot. Beware, however . KAUAI: Plan your visit to Kauai with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Kauai. Great views! We walked the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail, on the north end from Ke'e Beach. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. Clean your shoes off with the brushes and spray provided at the trailhead. The view from your trail is stunning, each and every photo was amazing! 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. Awaawapuhi Trail - Hiking on Kauai | Kauai.com For the first mile and a half, you will be descending through the forest. You can continue past the overlooks (even though you are cautioned not to) in order to get even more amazing views. 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). Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Its a mostly uphill, challenging walk back to the trailhead. If you hike early youll have plenty of time to check out the rest of the parks stunning viewpoints. You can hike each trail separately or combine them into one big day hike, by connecting them with the Nualolo Cliffs Trail. Hello Jovie. My wife and I selected this trail for is moderate hiking difficulty and for the amazing views at the end of the trail. Awaawapuhi Trail Details. The 6-mile round trip hike is" Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. June 16, 2022; Posted by why do chavs wear tracksuits; 16 . This trail goes by Honopu Ridge Trailhead. 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. We hiked 2/3/23, trail was very muddy but do able. 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. Awa'awapuhi Trail Overview. 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. When we did this, the Nualolo Cliffs Trail was overgrown in many spots, making progress very slow. Awaawapuhi Trail. The grade virtually the whole way is probably 30% or more. 37 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Trail "Great 6-mile round-trip hike with a very rewarding ending. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. (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! Not much to see until the very end, but absolutely magnificent when you reach it. Its a hot hike and you will sweat a lot. 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. 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. It was muddy as there was rain for the previous 4 days. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. 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. Honop Ridge Trail | Outdoor Project A woman at the Kokee Museum told us this was the best of the hikes to the west. 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). This trail gives you a clear overview on the west side of the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon area. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Great hiking - Trail was 7 miles round trip but we did little over 10 miles with all the deviations. The trail getting there is not necessarily anything to write home about but the views at the end are incredible. Don't try this -- ever. Jan 12, 2023 H awaii's Awa awapuhi Trail is an incredible experience for anyone lucky enough to have a day to spend hiking in Hawaii. Hike down the road first, then do the loop. If you are in average condition (maybe exercise for 2-4 hours per week), the climb back up is VERY difficult. I look forward to hearing back from you - THX Cari. 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. The views are amazing though at the halfway point of the hike, and youll see several helicopters getting up close to the cascading valley! 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. 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. This time, perfect view. Walk-ins permitted. The beginning of the trail is a relatively mellow stroll through the high forest. You will feel each and every single step of the way back up as you breathe through the humid air inside the forested path. Run where its flat or down hill going and coming it goes faster. The view point is worth the trek! Tim and I were visiting Hawaii on our honeymoon and this was the first real hike each of us had ever done. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. 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. We often do the loop, but if The weather moooostly cooperated and we got in a few hikes to some epic viewpoints, the first of which was the Awaawapuhi trail in Kokee state park!. 11 Best Hikes in Kauai (2023 Guide) - Trips To Discover This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Awesome!! Weather permitting, you should get a breathtaking view of the lusciously green Awa'awa'puhi valley and Nualolo Aina Valley. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. 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. Visitors will be treated to diverse tropical flora and fauna along the trail as well as spectacular views of the ocean and Napoli Coast. 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. Backcountry Permit: While there is no charge for permits, they are required of all backcountry campers. 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. Growing up in the small town of Norwalk, on the outskirts of . You can read more about the "loop" on our Nualolo Trail entry. The scenery along the three-mile, downhill hike . We slogged the 3.2 miles to the end, but it was Way more difficult than normal. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Return hike is easier without slipping but it is all uphill. How to Hike the Nu'alolo Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail Loop | Kauai But photographer Scott Sharick upped the ante for the vertigo-inducing trek when he decided to hold a GoPro stick while walking along . 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. The Awaawapuhi Trail is just over 6 miles round trip and safer than the Nualolo trail, though the mud adds a degree of excitement. The trail has a fairly steady and moderate grade all the way down to the viewpoint, which is great, given the aforementioned extreme mud. The entire trail is also forested, with only a few hints of a view before you reach the end of the trail. There are pesky trail markers at every 0.25 miles, which is mildly infuriating, showing you your slow squelchy progress through mudpit after mudpit . 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. If I did it again, heres what I would do: Park at the Kokee Museum and hike the Nualolo Trail out-and-back. On thatpage, we've also posted a map of the entire area (Kokee and Waimea State Parks) for you to download and print out at home. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument IsCLOSED due to high winds and heavy rain. On day three, head up the coast to Hanalei Bay. 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. Covid-19 Protocols: Wear a mask, maintain social distancing, and be respectful of others. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of Permits, regulations, and fees. Visitors will be treated to diverse tropical flora and fauna along the trail as well as spectacular views of the ocean and Napoli Coast. The best part about this hotel is that it is right on the beach. Nice hike out to the overlook of the Na Pali Coast. I would describe our conditioning as slightly better than average. When you reach the vantage point for one of the most breathtaking views I've seen. Permits cost $35 per person per night and must be reserved ahead online. thanks for the magical weekend @ciarabarsotti @jamisonbarsotti , country roads (that we didn't take. It's called the Awa'awaphui Trail in Koke'e State Park just past Waimea Canyon State Park on the west coast of Kaua'i. Recommend that you use good traction devices especially if it's wet. At this point, you have hiked 6.6 miles. There will still be many steep descents, sometimes on a sandy trail and at other times on muddy dark red clay. Must do in Kauai! Shaded and muddy trail . We were looking at helicopters passing way below us but they were still high up. Sign in Sign up for FREE Prices and download plans Like the Awaawapuhi Trail, you will lose quite a bit of elevation on the way out, and then gain it all back on your return. This trail goes by Honopu Ridge Trailhead. There honestly is nothing fun about this trail, but it definitely feels like an adventure. During summer only (May 15 Sept 7) kayak landings are allowed ONLY with a valid camping permit. To get to the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail (and Kokee Road), it is a 3 mile hike and the majority of this will be uphill. The one portion of the Cliffs trail that connects the Nualolo and the Awa'awapuhi is narrow--it is a very short section. The hike back up wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. 106 Likes, 12 Comments - Eric Chen (@cheneric924) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail is hands down my favorite trail of all time now. If youre planning to hike the Awa awapuhi Trail, heres what to know to best prepare yourself and make the most of the gorgeous experience. Check it again.Takes about an 90 mins down and lots of time will be spent trying to secure a footing. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. If you can walk six miles and are on the island of Kauai, go on this hike! Bottom line: loved it but would do a longer but flatter hike next time. Hi. Please familiarize yourselves with our refunds and changes policies prior to purchasing your permits. We had the viewpoint all to ourselves for a bit. please pack a frozen water bottle and chilled ones with a energy bar for those who dont regularly hike. 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. What time of day did you hike? All Rights Reserved. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Prefer your gain before the pain? Thank for your continued support. 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 beautiful nature and mountains that rise up from the sea, are a must see on Kauai. Once you get to the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail, you will be at your car and you do not have to end with the hike down the road. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. Another way to do this hike is to park in the Awaawapuhi Trail parking lot. Eric Chen on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail is hands down my favorite As user akeldamach87who hiked the trail in 2009shares in a comment, its up to hikers to keep themselves safe: 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. 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. Awa'awapuhi/Nu'alolo Trail--how scary is it? - Fodor's The trailhead for the Awa'awapuhi Trail is off Kokee Road. Im so interested to have the Nualolo trail. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Awaawapuhi Trail, Kekaha: Address, Awaawapuhi Trail Reviews: 4.5/5. The trail is a continual downhill hike from 4,120 feet elevation to the valley rim of Nualolo at 2,500 feet. For more accommodation recommendations you can check my favorites in the Kauai Where to Stay Guide. I was one part excited about seeing the view and one part anxious that if there was indeed a view today, it might not be as clear the following day when we were scheduled for our helicopter ride. And this time around, we could share the experience with our kids. 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. You can continue past the overlooks (even though you are cautioned not to) in order to get even more amazing views. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. The Appalachian Trail is intended for foot travel only. Everything To Know About Hiking Hawaii's Awa Awapuhi Trail Carla Herreria Russo. awa'awapuhi trail permit. The trail descends sixteen hundred feet over three miles through a rainforest to the rim of the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. 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 Awa'awapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii is breathtaking, offering gorgeous views of Kauai's famed Na Pali coast. 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. I am 66 y/o, in good health but I don't do specific condition training. It felt good to stretch out our legs and since it was downhill, it went by fast. This is the one good view along the Nualolo Cliff Trailmost of the time you are in the trees, brush, or tall grass. How To Hike the Awa'awapuhi Trail in Hawaii - Matador Network 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. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Yes, we had to climb back up 1600 feet on the return, but the trail was almost always in shade, and we had enough water. These landscapes are what thousands of people travel to Kauai for. In this guide, learn how to plan a trip around the world. Like a lot of Kauai hiking trails, you'll follow a ridgeline with continuous views of the Na Pali Coast. 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!). There were no signs or other indications of the closure. The clouds moved in and out, but the view of the lush, green cliffs against the blue-green water was unmistakable. Points of Interest & Landmarks Historic Walking Areas. It was muddy, but less of a problem than other hikes we went on. A GPS device that has trail maps makes it a lot easier to hike the Nualolo Cliff Trail. 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. 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. All five of these spots are in great locations but each one is a little different. 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. The Awa Awapuhi Hike is a 6 mile out and back hike that brings you through the lush vegetation. 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. 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. My blog has a post with pictures that you can check out. Awa'awapuhi Trail Distance: 6 miles out-and-back Total Ascent: 1,800 feet Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 4 hours Nua'lolo Trail + Nua'lolo Cliffs Trail + Awa'awapuhi Trail (the Full Loop) Distance: 11.9 miles Total Ascent: 3,200 feet Starting Elevation: 3,700 feet Highest Elevation: 4,100 feet Lowest Elevation: 2,300 feet Our website uses cookies. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. 3 miles into the hike, the views really start to get good. Also, try to pick a sunny day (as much as possible). As it is an easier trail it is also a bit more crowded. Its a tough, uphill hike in spots to get to this trail. This is a small parking lot and there are no restrooms. For a nice day hike, you can backtrack to the Nualolo junction and continue along the Nualolo Cliff Trail to the Nualolo Trail which ends at the Kokee State Park headquarters. The Best Kalepa Ridge Trail Alternative Hikes - Mike & Laura Travel The Awaawapuhi Trail will take you on an ultimate journey as you descend from 4,070 feet elevation in the Kokee State Park to the valley rim of Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys at 2,500 feet. 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 Awa'awapuhi Trail is about a 6 mile out and back hike through Kokee State Park on the Island of Kauai. We had lunch at the Kokee Lodge. Waimea Canyon West Side The trail is quite wide in most parts and even though it had been raining a lot, the trail was in good condition. The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Kokee trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. Welcome to my world. Awa'awapuhi or Honopu Ridge Trail or both? - Waimea Forum We had to turn back at the 1mile mark because of a heavy downpour and the conditions deteriorating. 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 The Awaawapuhi Trail is one of the more moderate difficulty hikes in Kokee State Park. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. 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. . We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. I saw an abandoned pair of flip flops covered in mud on the first mile. 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. I wanted to write a review about this trail since much has been written about it. 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. Awaawapuhi Trail is my favorite hike in the Kokee State Park. Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. Please Note: Due to erosion, Nu'alolo Cliff Trail is occasionally closed near the junction with Nu'alolo Trial. 8 Epic Hiking Trails in North America to Add to Your Bucket List Very helpful. and Comments (RSS). There is no bathroom at the trailhead so stop That record-breaking rainstorm 48 hours earlier certainly didnt help our situation. The trail leads you through a range of different plant life as you slowly head down in elevation for just over three miles. What restaurants are near Awaawapuhi Trail? 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. Lots of people. We briefly stumbled off the trail twice and I have heard of others doing it too. Koloa Landing Resort Luxury (high-end): I was lucky enough to spend three nights reviewing Koloa Landing Resort and honestly the place is just phenomenal. At the 10 mile point, you reach the trailhead for the Awaawapuhi Trail and Kokee Road. It is before the Kalalau lookout but still takes well over 30 minutes to reach there from Waimea Town. Longitude: -159.6486396. Awaawapuhi Trail (Kekaha) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go. Vista view is beautiful. Its a boring walk and dangerous, so stay close to the shoulder of the road. As of now, the trail is closed for the foreseeable future. If you are young and healthy, it is probably only mildly challenging. We arrived at the official viewpoint and were blown away by the view. 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. Marvel at the views of the sea as you approach the junction with the Nualolo Cliff Trail. 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. We wanted a shorter day hike that would provide us with expansive views of the Napali Coast of Kauai. 60 Likes, 6 Comments - AdventureSeekerUS (@adventureseekerus) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail. The Awaawapuhi trail is in Waimea Canyon, specifically Kokee State Park, on Kauais west side of the island. Dec 16, 2015, 04:52 PM EST. And trust us when we say that with a guided tour, you get to see and experience things in a way you simply cannot do independently. Awa'awapuhi Trail. Do I need a permit/ reservation to enter the park (or just to park my vehicle)? This trail gives you a clear overview on the west side of the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon area. We were very unprepared for this hikebut we were young and fit and muddled through. Best hike we did during our visit! Breath taking Views - Tough trail if you are a beginner. Its a 6.4-mile round trip, with an almost 2,000-foot elevation change each way, but the payoffs are incredible. And the views at the end were spectacular. I just had to see those cliffs by the ocean in real life. It does have 3 little sections, after you go to the first landing you can venture out to a second then a third. Are there many hikers there? This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. These will give you extra traction, which is very important if it has recently rained and the trail is muddy. Awa'awapuhi is a bit shorter, not as steep and you don't get any views until right at the end. Just a short distance from here is a large parking lot for the Kokee Museum, restrooms, and the Kokee Lodge (a great place for cold drinks and food once finished the hike).