I love your hiking tips. Awa Awapuhi Single Track: Kauai is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Wiamea, Hawaii. Clouds started to sock us in around 2pm. 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 Wear bug spray and good hiking shoes. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. The end of the trail provides rim views down into the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. Read all of our articles about the United States in our United States Travel Guide. This is pretty much your view the entire hike. Awa'awapuhi Trail. If all that sounds like fun, then by all means go for it. Its a boring walk and dangerous, so stay close to the shoulder of the road. The man, reportedly in his 70s, was near a scenic outlook when he fell onto some boulders. 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. thanks for the magical weekend @ciarabarsotti @jamisonbarsotti , country roads (that we didn't take. Kauai is the oldest island in the Archipelago and these cliffs have been shaped over thousands of years. Or would recommend for the Awaawapuhi Trail as far as the best views. 1.Awa'awapuhi and Nu'alolo Loop. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! We learned a lot, not just about the trail, but about hiking in general, which carried on through later experiences. 7 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Lookout "There are 2 ways to get there. However, it is less than $300 a night. See Hapuna site for updates. Do i need a permit? View maps, videos, photos, and reviews of Awa Awapuhi Single Track: Kauai bike trail in Wiamea. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Marvel at the views of the sea as you approach the junction with the Nualolo Cliff Trail. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. 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. Be smart and be safe for the safety of all. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. The grade virtually the whole way is probably 30% or more. Awesome!! 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. And the views at the end were spectacular. Its about a 45-minute drive to reach the trailhead. 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. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. You will have to hike the full distance (0.9 miles) to the trail junction. By doing a little planning and being prepared you will make your hiking trip one of your best Kauai experiences. [KAUAI] UPDATED 3/2/23: Polihale State Park Is CLOSED until further notice due to an electrical outage that has put the water pump out of service. 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. We wanted a shorter day hike that would provide us with expansive views of the Napali Coast of Kauai. In consideration of being permitted to use the OHV trails promoted and maintained by Lewis County, I expressly acknowledge: PARK UPDATES: 4/30/21 - [OAHU] - The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail and parking lot at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline will be CLOSED May 4th through May 6th (Tuesday-Thursday) from 7:00am to 11:00am for maintenance of the trail. The iconic Awaawapuhi Trail is rated as one of the best hiking trails on Kauai for an all-day adventure. This is the hike that will give you that Napali Coast feel that you want. The plant life growing along the trail was very overgrown in spots when we did this, so expect to push your way through if it hasnt recently been bushwhacked. 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. Havent read you mentioning it so i just want to confirm. Discover this 9.7-km out-and-back trail near Kekaha, Kaua'i. The way to the left is where the Nualolo Cliff Trail links with the AwaAwapuhi Trail. Use caution and do not go too close to the edge as some of the viewpoints are eroded. Hilton Garden Inn Value Pick: The Hilton Garden Inn is your number one choice if you are on a budget but still need comfort. Mar 3, 2019 Matthew Henderson. mobile app. Logistics: The Nualolo Ridge Trail is a 7.5-mile hike inside the Kokee State Park. The trail meanders through a wet cloud forest before making some steep descents down muddy terrain. Length 11.0 mi Elevation gain 3,461 ft Route type Loop. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. 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 hiking I am used to mainly start by walking upwards, but this is a 5km downhill walk from about 1255 masl, descending almost 500m. I hiked on a Sunday afternoon and only passed people in the opposite direction. The first time was in 1999. THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. For the Awaawapuhi Nualolo Lookout continue straight ahead to the end of the trail for spectacular panoramic views and great picnic area. 60 Likes, 6 Comments - AdventureSeekerUS (@adventureseekerus) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail. On this trail, you will hike in and out of the trees, and by midday, this part of the hike can feel very warm. The restaurant literally looks out to the waves, which is an awesome spot to start your day with breakfast. There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. Photo [] This is a six-mile, out-and-back trail in Kokee State Park on the island of Kauai. 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. These photos were taken on the helicopter ride we did two days before this hike. Crawley Magistrates' Court Results January 2021, Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year. Found in Koke`e State Park this trail winds through a highland forest with occasional ridge top views. This is a must do if you have the time! Mahalo! This is a TOUGH day hike and for the average person, I would not recommend doing the full loop. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. The Awa'awapuhi/Nualolo trail is a longer hike and moderately strenuous but pretty easy to follow. 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. Waimea Canyon West Side This trail is about 7 miles round trip and if you can do it add in the other trial which makes it a loop however we knew we could not handle that much walking. There is shade on this trail but you will spend enough time in and out of the sun that you will need sunscreen. BY JIM DOOLEY - The state has agreed to pay $15.4 million to settle a civil lawsuit filed by the families of two hikers who fell to their deaths on a Kauai hiking trail in 2006. This Epic Climb in the Swiss Alps Is Mostly Terrifying -- but Also WorthIt. My travel buddy may back off so I may end up solo. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. The Garden Isle truly is a marvel of Mother Nature there are so many sights to see, trails to hike, and adventures to be had. Total hike time for us was 4 hours but we took our time. A woman at the Kokee Museum told us this was the best of the hikes to the west. 106 Likes, 12 Comments - Eric Chen (@cheneric924) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail is hands down my favorite trail of all time now. Well worth the 6 mile round trip hike. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a great alternative to the Kalepa Ridge Trail because it offers some of the best views of the Npali Coast. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Absolute favorite hike on the Hawaiian islands. The treacherous trail felt agonizingly long for the first 1.5 miles. a moderate hiker age 40 from socal pretty fit and medium build.Please check the gain and loss in elevation. Dramatic green cliffs set against a deep blue sea. There is no cell reception on the mountain. We didnt mind ending with the walk along the road. My blog has a post with pictures that you can check out. You can ask about the condition of the Cliffs trail before you start. Well worth the 6 mile round trip hike. This is a small parking lot and there are no restrooms. There were several groups of older hikers and it seemed to be the trail that was being attempted by all types of tourists. Any confident hiker can make the journey to the top. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Hiking to the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai is a pretty terrifying experience. :) Enjoy this AMAZING hike! After around 90 minutes of awe-inspiring and downhill hiking, the trek culminates at the official viewpoint. 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 Nualolo Trail is worth the extra effort to have this view. Required fields are marked *. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). Its a hot hike and you will sweat a lot. The Nualolo Trail + Awaawapuhi Trail Loop. Small lookouts along the way feed your motivation to reach the end. 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). The best part about this hotel is that it is right on the beach. The trail starts at approximately 4,120 feet and ends at the lookout around 2,500 feet; so be prepared for the climb out. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/kauai/awaawapuhi-trail As user akeldamach87who hiked the trail in 2009shares in a comment, its up to hikers to keep themselves safe: The trail skirts the upper rim of the precipitous Nualolo Valley and permits a loop route from the head of Awaawapuhi Trail to Kokee State Park Headquarters or vise versa. Awaawapuhi Trail is a continual downhill hike from the trail head to the grassy clearing overlooking the valleys. Awesome! Muddy but vista is epic. The walk through the forest was really interesting as we viewed the different vegetation and listened to the various birds. For the majority of the first part of this hike, you will be descending as you hike out towards the coast. Visitors to your site will appreciate you FEES Entrance or parking fees are collected at some national and state parks that the Trail passes through. Turn left here to head out to the vista point. The 3.25 miles down to the valley is almost all downhill. What restaurants are near Awaawapuhi Trail? It looks like I need reservations through Ha'ena State Park. Awaawapuhi Trail, Kekaha: Address, Awaawapuhi Trail Reviews: 4.5/5. 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. Muddy in spots so wear proper shoes. Awaawapuhi trail Discovering Kauai Days 3 and 4. Worth the hike with breathtaking views at the end where you see the Napoli coast line and the mountain ridges. You will hike in and out of forests, through fields of grass that were taller than Tim, and on sketchy forest trails that are overgrown with thorny bushes and small trees. The Honopu Ridge trail is not well kept, so it is somewhat more difficult to follow, moderately strenuous but much shorter in length. 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. The photo below shows the location of the Awaawapuhi Trail vista point. Aside from the coastal views, the trail offers a great chance to observe endemic wildlife such as birds, lizards, and frogs. We had the viewpoint all to ourselves for a bit. Unlike the neighboring Awa'awapuhi Trail, there are no facilities or even trailhead signs. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Silent Beauty Synonyms, You get a bigger bang for your buck if you only hike the Nualolo Trail OR the Awaawapuhi Trail out-and-back. None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly. The farther you go, the more exposure you get and the better the view. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? 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. Mahalo! Summed Up The 6.5-mile, out-and-back Awa'awapuhi Trail The scenery and foliage along the way are well worth it. 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. You start above the clouds and hike down under the clouds to the viewpoint and then the way back is the strenuous uphill. Impeccable views due to sunny weather with blue skies. As the forest starts to thin out, you'll get some brief views of the Napali Coast. Is the Nualolo Trail and Awaawapuhi Trail Loop Worth It? We have been doing the Awaawapuhi trail when we come here. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Clean your shoes off with the brushes and spray provided at the trailhead. Congrats! The hike isn't too bad and wasn't muddy when we went. Awa'awapuhi Trail. The views from the end of the trail are just as they sayspectacular. The trail descends sixteen hundred feet over three miles through a rainforest to the rim of the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. Julie Last updated: January 27, 2023 United States 2 Comments. Where is the start of the hike located?? muddy but doable. I believe it was a little over 6 miles round trip. 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. The Awa'awapuhi trail is a great option for those who want to enjoy the N Pali Coast but don't feel like braving one of the most dangerous trails in the world to do that. Thanks! Its also more crowded than the Nualolo Trail. The trail may be accessed by transiting Koke'e State Park, which remains closed. Trailhead Location: Kokee Road in Kokee State Park. 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. At this point, you have hiked 6.6 miles. Good closed toe hiking/trail shoes are required, and bring extra dry socks. 87 Followers, 108 Following, 30 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from Awaawapuhi trail (@awaawapuhitrail) Hey yall! Most people stop on the grassy/sandy cliffs at the turn-around point for lunch as they offer great views of the coastline. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Very muddybring hiking poles. Some reviews called this an easy to moderate hike. For more information read our privacy policy. Did this hike yesterday. You find mile markers by each quarter mile, that seems to make the hike easier for us. Most people stop there but it is possible to venture down the ridge although this can be quite dangerous. The hike took us about 2.5 hours each way. 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." KAUAI: Plan your visit to Kauai with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Kauai. I slipped several times but was able to catch myself. Kokee State Park is in the northwest of Kauai; the closest popular tourist area is Waimea, to the south. Awaawapuhi Trail Kauai Found in Koke`e State Park, Kauai, Hawaii.A trial winds through highland forests with infrequent ridge top views. Enter "Awa'awapuhi Trail Parking" in Google Map. The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of Permits, regulations, and fees. The hike back up wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. 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. So when there is a fresh rain you will want to go slow or you have a good chance of wiping out. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a spectacular hike, with the most magnificent views of the Na Distance: 6.5 miles, round-trip Location: West side, Kohe e State Park Difficulty: Moderate. 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. From the edge of the trail, there are drop-offs to the canyon below. This 6.2 mile out-and-back hike offers amazing views from cliffs of Awa'awapuhi and Nualolo Valley. 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. During summer only (May 15 Sept 7) kayak landings are allowed ONLY with a valid camping permit. 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. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Its a bummer to see peoples toilet paper, orange rinds and plastic on the trail! 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. This is a long, tough, hot day hike. Awa'awapuhi Trail, Hawaii You couldn't have the best hikes in the USA without including one from . 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. See Polipoli site for updates. Youll hike through tall brush, slip and slide on wet, muddy ground, and be a hot, sweaty mess at the end of this hike. At the time you'd written this review, had you ever hiked the Kalalua Trail (Na Pali coast trail head Ke'e Beach)? If you have a frightening fear of heights, like I do, it\'s scary, but not debilitating. 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. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. Nice hike out to the overlook of the Na Pali Coast. Prefer your gain before the pain? The grassy area at the end of the trail provides an excellent place to picnic. Theres a small parking lot near the trailhead on Kokee Road. The beginning of the trail is a relatively mellow stroll through the high forest. Awaawapuhi Trail DANGER: Do not venture beyond the safety railing at the end of the trail! ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. The trailhead is on the left of the parking lot. Heading into Kauais interior and remote terrain offers dome of the most beautiful backdrops on the world. Must do in Kauai! For the first 2 miles, you will be hiking downhill, either through a forest or through dense brush and grass. Awaawapuhi Trail is my favorite hike in the Kokee State Park. And of (All equipment on The Awaawapuhi trail is a heavily trafficked hike to a viewpoint of the famous Na Pali coastline. As other have mentioned, not much to see in the way of views until the end, but interesting flora. The hike out was almost all uphill but our footing was better and we made better time. We chose the Awaawapuhi Trail, and Im glad that we did. 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. This trail gives you a clear overview on the west side of the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon area. Nov 29, 2018 Owice Aittaleb. Enjoy! It takes you on a route along the south side of Koaie Canyon, with good scenery, wildlife and swimming holes. The path itself wasnt too challenging up to this point but it is clay dirt over rock and tree roots, so there are lots of places that get extremely slippery in the rain. Your email address will not be published. One of our favorites is the Awa Awa'apuhi trail. Even though it rained all night last night, the hike was totally do-able. Its a tough, uphill hike in spots to get to this 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! Perhaps it is the view of the folding spires of NaPali that makes this trail so exceptional. Each of these trails can be done individually but the loop is amazing. Awa'awapuhi Trail. Fabulous views, but if you're afraid of heights, can be daunting toward the end. Weather permitting, you should get a breathtaking view of the lusciously green Awa'awa'puhi valley and Nualolo Aina Valley. Below is a photo of the end of the Nualolo Trail and vista point. Walking through the trees the rest of the time. I would describe our conditioning as slightly better than average. Save your energy for the trip back as its mostly uphill to get back to the trailhead. None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly. Its safe to do solo and there should be a fair amount of hikers on the trail. If you want to get on the trail early, consider camping at Koke'e State Park. In mid-January, Schuyler, David, and I took a trip to Kauai, the un-official hiking island of Hawaii. There honestly is nothing fun about this trail, but it definitely feels like an adventure. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. As it is an easier trail it is also a bit more crowded. For a shortlist of shorter hikes on Kauai, you can check out my Easy Hikes Guide for Kauai. Are you a dessert first person? Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. Mud!!! When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. The settlement, reached just before a damages trial was to begin next week, must be approved by the Legislature. You can continue past the overlooks (even though you are cautioned not to) in order to get even more amazing views. No, you do not need a permit for the Nualolo Trail. Enjoy the awesome views from here. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a spectacular hike, with the most magnificent views of the Na Distance: 6.5 miles, round-trip Location: West side, Kohee State Park Difficulty: Moderate. (LogOut/ The trails in Kauai are often slippery and muddy. We started at 8am and there wasn't anyone else on the trail except for 1 other couple. 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. Even though rainy/foggy at top, gorgeous down at bottom! Wailua's mix of adventure and city makes it a great first stop! Awa'awapuhi is a bit shorter, not as steep and you don't get any views until right at the end. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. The view from here is very nice, but its not nearly as good as that from the Nualolo Trail. This time, perfect view. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. This itinerary gives you great views of both Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali Coast and can easily be done in 8 hours, without doing a massive day hike. This trail starts about a half mile up the Waimea River from the bottom of Kukui Trail. 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). This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States.