A walking stick is a great help and you are sure to find them at the trail head, it took us 2 hours to the lookout, we stayed about an hour which did help with rest then it took us 3 hours to get back out we were passed many times by young fast hikers. 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. The trail is only 2 to 3 feet wide in some spots. Its been a wild ride. Muddy but vista is epic. Wear bug spray and good hiking shoes. This is a TOUGH day hike and for the average person, I would not recommend doing the full loop. Took us around 5 hours RT. Camp and Hike in Nualolo Valley, Waimea, Hawaii - The Outbound The grade virtually the whole way is probably 30% or more. Google Maps Link The end of the trail leads to cliffs on the sea side. And of (All equipment on The Awaawapuhi trail is a heavily trafficked hike to a viewpoint of the famous Na Pali coastline. The Koke'e Lodge and Museum will also have maps available, but we'd definitely advise you to go ahead and review the map and become familiar with the area. Definitely slippery going down but fine, especially if you have poles. 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. At the time you'd written this review, had you ever hiked the Kalalua Trail (Na Pali coast trail head Ke'e Beach)? 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. I made my way as about halfway down the spine to the end point before stopping. Best Hikes in the US: Top 20 Must-Do Hikes | Hiking People GREAT HIKES FROM AROUND THE WORLD: For more great hikes, check out our article listing the 20 Best Day Hikes in the World. Awa'awapuhi Trail Details. Since this is a loop, you can hike these trails clockwise or counterclockwise. On day three, head up the coast to Hanalei Bay. Awa'awapuhi Trail. 3 miles down with nothing to see but trees and bush but it's worth it at the end of you are not afraid of heights and go past the gates. You will have to hike the full distance (0.9 miles) to the trail junction. The clouds moved in and out, but the view of the lush, green cliffs against the blue-green water was unmistakable. 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. If it has recently rained, the descents on the clay can be very slippery. The settlement, reached just before a damages trial was to begin next week, must be approved by the Legislature. We found the trail to be fairly muddy and we took our time going down as it was rather slippery. Dont rush if you dont have to. The Honopu Ridge trail is not well kept, so it is somewhat more difficult to follow, moderately strenuous but much shorter in length. Awa'awapuhi Trail. We wore shorts and short-sleeved shirts and were fine, but I did have a bumpy, itchy rash on my legs for the next 24 hours. We didnt mind ending with the walk along the road. If you decide to take all the connecting trails, you're looking at a 9-mile trek. 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. You find mile markers by each quarter mile, that seems to make the hike easier for us. 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. Our best chance at hiking to a view of the Napali Coast would be hiking the Awaawapuhi Trail from Waimea Canyon. 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. 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. The hike back up wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. Awa'awapuhi Trail, Kaua'i - September 6, 2015 What an amazing view in Kaua'i. It does have 3 little sections, after you go to the first landing you can venture out to a second then a third. No, you do not need a permit for the Nualolo Trail. We were standing in the Napali Coast. On our recent visit to Kauai, we wanted to hike this trail again. As of March 11, 2014, the Kauai recreational trail map is temporarily unavailable for distribution or purchase. amazing view at the end. 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. As of now, the trail is closed for the foreseeable future. Overall we are glad we choose this hike but disappointed to miss out on the stunning views of the coast. How was it on our second hike? Awa'awapuhi Trail Best Places to Stay This trail runs through Kokee State Park and passes through various landscapes for a little over six miles round trip. Permits are not needed to hike this trail and the best time to visit is spring and summer. However, if you plan to hike that loop, we recommend you hike down Nualolo and back up Awa'awapuhi. 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. 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. There honestly is nothing fun about this trail, but it definitely feels like an adventure. The 2.5-mile climb up to the 2563ft summit of Lanilili Peak is steady and not overly strenuous. For more experienced hikers I could see this being done in 3 hours. We wore shorts and short-sleeved shirts. 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. Also, try to pick a sunny day (as much as possible). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you soo much foe this post. The beginning of the trail is a relatively mellow stroll through the high forest. 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. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. You can hike each trail separately or combine them into one big day hike, by connecting them with the Nualolo Cliffs Trail. Your email address will not be published. The view was special and now that were done with it we fell a sense of accomplishment, however in the heat of survival on the trail none of us can say we actually enjoyed it. The view point is worth the trek! The Appalachian Trail is intended for foot travel only. 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. See our full list in our Hiking Guide. 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 * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. There were no signs or other indications of the closure. At about the three mile mark is the junction of the Nualolo Cliff Trail. I made my way as about halfway down the spine to the end point before stopping. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. 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. Recommend that you use good traction devices especially if it's wet. Normally takes us 3. Hi, caricenzerbush. A 2.1-mile footpath connecting the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi trails, the Nualolo Cliff Trail lets hikers forgo any tedious retracing of steps. AWAAWAPUHI TRAIL ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era Start early: This will help you avoid any potential afternoon storms. 37 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Trail "Great 6-mile round-trip hike with a very rewarding ending. Did this hike yesterday. PRO HIKING TIP: If you are afraid of heights, this trail could be very challenging. I love your hiking tips. There isn't one, but if type it in on an iPhone it will take you to the parking lot. Please Note: Due to erosion, Nu'alolo Cliff Trail is occasionally closed near the junction with Nu'alolo Trial. Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year, Awa'awapuhi Trail. 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. Bring a minimum of 3 liters of water per person, although 4 liters is better. Awa'Awapuhi Trail - Kauai - YouTube The 6-mile round trip hike is" The trail meanders through a wet cloud forest before making some steep descents down muddy terrain. The treacherous trail felt agonizingly long for the first 1.5 miles. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. Tim and I reached the end of the trail, exhausted and dehydrated, and learned the very valuable lesson of carrying enough water on a hike. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! But the views are much better than those from the Awaawapuhi Trail. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Mud, forest, shade, all leading to awesome views! Maybe thats just because we have done so many hikes around the world that our standards are a bit different now. It genuinely surprised every time we passed the half-mile trail markers. 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. When Jason Momoa was 15 or so, a group of adult climbers invited him on an ice-climbing trip. Also arrive early, once in Waima its still about 45 minutes up the mountain. If you only have time for one hike on the west side of Kauai, this is your trail. The rocks can be very crumbly and no step is certain on the ridges out in Kokee State Park. [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. Top 10 Hiking Trails To Do & Experience | Kauai Hawaii How To Hike the Awa'awapuhi Trail in Hawaii - Matador Network and 1 hour back up. I recommend choosing between the Awaawapuhi Trail OR the Nualolo Trail. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Your Awa Awapuhi Trail stock images are ready. Its a boring walk and dangerous, so stay close to the shoulder of the road. Similar to the Nu'alolo Trail, you'll begin by hiking through the woods for several miles. You can buy snacks, cold drinks, and ice cream from the general store here. 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. Awa'awapuhi or Honopu Ridge Trail or both? - Waimea Forum 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 had the viewpoint all to ourselves for a bit. Due to the extremely muddy conditions we found it a most difficult hike. awa'awapuhi trail permit - Straightupimpact.com How to Hike the Nu'alolo Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail Loop | Kauai and Comments (RSS). Its important that you carry enough water because this part of the trail is hot and can be challenging. 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. Its about a 45-minute drive to reach the trailhead. NUALOLO CLIFF TRAIL ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] way to continue to the lookout. We slogged the 3.2 miles to the end, but it was Way more difficult than normal. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It is before the Kalalau lookout but still takes well over 30 minutes to reach there from Waimea Town. 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 Awaawapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, is a single track hike not for those with a fear of heights. Hawaii horror as hiker remembers 'seeing her face' as pal plunges to is that right?? The Awa'awapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii is breathtaking, offering gorgeous views of Kauai's famed Na Pali coast. When you reach the vantage point for one of the most breathtaking views I've seen. " Awesome hike with breathtaking views of the Na Pali coast " Aug. 2022 After about 3.2 miles, you will reach a clearing that overlooks the valleys, at 2,500 feet. 37 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Trail "Great 6-mile round-trip hike with a very rewarding ending. If you can walk six miles and are on the island of Kauai, go on this hike! 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. If you are looking for another hike to do, consider hiking the Waipoo Falls Trail. 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. 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. State To Pay $15.4 Million Settlement After Hikers Die on Kauai Trail Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Heading down the Awaawapuhi Trail might give you some false confidence about how easy the hike will be. 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. Route The trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. We had lunch at the Kokee Lodge. You can also start at the Awaawapuhi Trail trailhead, but this parking lot is small (it can hold about 15 cars) and there are no facilities. In my opinion,these are the 15 best hikes on Kauai! Its a long, challenging hike and we got through it, but it wasnt pretty. This is a good spot to take a break, drink some water, and refuel before hiking up the trail. Im so interested to have the Nualolo trail. It is before the Kalalau lookout but still takes well over 30 minutes to reach there from Waimea Town. The Awaawapuhi Trail is one of the more moderate difficulty hikes in Kokee State Park. When you arrive at the overlook, the view is spectacular (although no camera will capture it so you cannot show off to anybody). After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. This trail goes by Honopu Ridge Trailhead. Thanks for sharing this alternative!! muddy but doable. Even though it rained all night last night, the hike was totally do-able. Hike down the road first, then do the loop. Awaawapuhi Trail - Hiking on Kauai | Kauai.com Do not underestimate the effects of heat and humidity and it only takes one fall to hurt your back, hips or anything else. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. 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. Awa'awapuhi Trail - Na Pali Coast Kauai - Ten Digit Grid 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. 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!). This is my Journey Era. You decend close to 2000 ft we got up early and hit it before too many people showed when getting there we were the third car there when leaving there was 20-25 cars and no more parking if you do it go early. Summed Up The 6.5-mile, out-and-back Awa'awapuhi Trail The scenery and foliage along the way are well worth it. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. There is shade on this trail but you will spend enough time in and out of the sun that you will need sunscreen. The dramaticdrop-offs on either side of the Awaawapuhi ridge were something you dont see anywhere else in the world. Backcountry Permit: While there is no charge for permits, they are required of all backcountry campers. Show 16 More Check-Ins Feb 24, 2019 Daniel Alba. Elijah Adebayo Twitter, If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. Hiker Snaps Terrifying Selfie From 'Edge of the World' - EcoWatch Small lookouts along the way feed your motivation to reach the end. Awaawapuhi Trail (Kekaha) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go Thank for your continued support. PRO HIKING TIP: If you are allergic to grass or sensitive to coming into contact with plants, consider wearing or bringing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt. If you hike early youll have plenty of time to check out the rest of the parks stunning viewpoints. 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. By Nualolo Trail (between cabins and Kokee Lodge), or Awaawapuhi trail near 17 mm (past Kokee Lodge). 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. This is a moderate one way trail in Hawaii. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Trail goes all the way down to view point and comes back" For the first 2 miles, you will be hiking downhill, either through a forest or through dense brush and grass. Way back, I checked out the Nu'alolo Cliffs trail to the stream crossing 0.3 miles in - hoping to frolic in a waterfall. Beware, however . Clouds and rain were an obvious given here, but thats part of the wonder of this beautiful island. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Do i need a permit? The end of the trail provides rim views down into the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. Is the Nualolo Trail and Awaawapuhi Trail Loop Worth It? These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! 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. Downhill the way to and all uphill the way back! We are a bunch of 60 year olds who think were fairly fit. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. In the evening, head to Luau Kalamaku for the best Polynesian dance show in Kauai. Mahaulepu Heritage Trail: Map, Photos, & Is It Worth It? Photo [] Find out more about me here! 106 Likes, 12 Comments - Eric Chen (@cheneric924) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail is hands down my favorite trail of all time now.