From dramatic ridgelines overlooking Nāpali Coast to hidden waterfalls, Kaua’i is a hiker’s paradise. Known as the Garden Isle, Kaua’i is home to lush rainforests, towering waterfalls, dramatic cliffs, and some of the most breathtaking hikes in Hawai’i. Some of Kaua’i’s most unforgettable adventures begin on the hiking trails.

One of the things I was most excited about when moving to Kaua’i was exploring all the amazing hiking trails. Over the past several years, I’ve dragged my husband along on hikes around the island. We’ve spent countless weekends chasing waterfalls, watching sunrises from mountain summits, and getting completely covered in Kaua’i mud.

Whether you’re looking for an easy coastal walk, family friendly trails, or a challenging hike along one of the most recognizable coastlines in the world, this guide covers the best hikes on Kaua’i. In this guide, you’ll find relevant information for each hike including trailhead and parking information, trail details (distance, elevation gain, difficulty), and local tips from our experiences hiking these trails.

Best Hikes on Kaua’i: The Ultimate Kaua’i Hiking Guide

Jump to a Section:

• Safety Tips
• What to Pack
• Easy Hikes
• Moderate Hikes
• Difficult Hikes
• FAQ

There are some important things to know before you head out hiking on Kaua’i. As always, please remember to practice the principles of Leave No Trace – stay on marked paths, pack out all your trash, and don’t approach wildlife.

Safety/Know Before You Go

• Leptospirosis: There is a risk of leptospirosis in streams during and after heavy rain
• Flash Floods: Check weather before hiking near streams – during and after heavy rain increases the risk of flash floods
• Mud: Most trails stay muddy year round, wear sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes
• Limited Cell Service: Many of the trails are in areas where there is minimal to no cell service. Download offline maps before leaving and always give someone your itinerary
• Permits: Ha’ena State Park trails (Kalalau and Hanakāpīʻai Falls) require advance permits that have limited availability
• Water: Always pack more water than you think you need. Kaua’i is a tropical island so it gets hot and humid and the hikes often have steep elevation gain and sun exposed paths which increase sweating and water loss, especially if you aren’t used to the humidity.

What to Pack for Hiking on Kaua’i

Kaua’i trails are often muddy or have water crossings. Here are a few essentials that will help you plan for the best hike.

• Waterproof Hiking Shoes + Water Shoes: I always wear my Danner boots when hiking, they are comfortable, offer great support, and are waterproof. But if the hike has multiple stream crossings, I’ll wear these water shoes instead! For a cheaper alternative, my friend swears by these ones from Amazon.
• Hydration + Water bottle: Always pack more water than you think you need! Pack water in a hydration backpack and probably some additional reusable water bottles.
• Reef-safe sunscreen: You can purchase reef safe suncreen online before your trip or buy some in shops on island. There are plenty of options available, but these are some of my favorites: Aloe Up Face Sunscreen, Aloe Up SPF 50, Blue Lizard SPF 50, Thrive SPF 50.
• Bug Spray: If you’re like me and mosquitoes love you, bug spray is a must! I’ve found this all natural mosquito repellant and it actually works really well! They also come in wipes too.
• GPS: I download all the trail maps from AllTrails for offline use to help keep me on track. Or you can bring a Garmin handheld GPS

Easy Hikes on Kaua’i

Moalepe Trail

Who doesn’t love a hike with a trail swing? Moalepe Trail on Kaua’i’s east side is a perfect family hike. It’s quiet, peaceful, has beautiful views, and a trail swing. It’s rated on AllTrails as moderate, but I hike it with some friends who were visiting and we all agreed we would consider it an easy hike. There’s minimal elevation gain and it’s very gradual, so you don’t really feel it.

The trailhead is at the end of a residential street and there’s a small dirt lot across the street to park. The trail is a 5 mile out and back trail. You begin your hike walking along what looks like an access road. There are beautiful views of Kaua’i’s lush vegetation along the hike. At 1.5 miles you reach the tree swing. There’s a small stump by the swing so you can get up, and I just lowered myself off the front to get down. It’s actually one of the most sturdy and balanced tree swings I’ve sat on. You don’t feel wobbly as you swing and take in the views.

As you continue on the trail after the swing, there are a few spots where the vegetation is overgrown. But the trail is easy to follow and it’s only a mile further to your turnaround point. When you come to the wooden bridge, you reach your turnaround point. The trail connects here with the Kuilau Trail which you can continue on for a longer hike. If you do this, plan ahead and leave someone’s car at the Kuilau Trailhead so you can get back to your car at Moalepe Trailhead or have someone pick you up.

Trailhead: Olohena Rd, Kapa’a

Length: 5 miles

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 741

Time: 2 hours

Ho’opi’i Falls Trail

If you’re a Jurassic Park fan, you definitely want to hike to Ho’opi’i Falls. These waterfalls were featured as the Mano de Dios amber mines at the beginning of Jurassic Park.

Located on Kaua’i’s east side, these are some of the easier waterfalls you can hike to on Kaua’i. The trail is very family friendly with minimal elevation gain or technical aspects. It’s pretty covered and shaded the entire way, so it’s a really beautiful walk through a tropical jungle. The trail can stay muddy after heavy rain because of the heavy tree cover, not much sun can dry up the path.

The trail dead ends next to the top of the waterfalls. About 20 feet before the end of the trail, there’s a small opening on the right where you can climb up to another path. Continue down this path until you get to a large opening on the left where you can go down and explore the bottom of the waterfalls.

The trailhead for Ho’opi’i Falls is on a narrow residential street. Parking has been blocked off and moved to a lot just down the street. Please be respectful of this! Residents and emergency service vehicles were unable to get past because of people blocking driveways or parking in the road.

Looking for more waterfalls to explore? Check out my guide to Kaua’i’s waterfalls here.

Trailhead: Parking Here on Kawaihau Rd, Trailhead Here on Kapahi

Length: 2 miles

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 190 feet

Time: 1 hour

Note: The trailhead is on a narrow residential street. Parking on this street has been blocked off and moved to the lot down the street.

Makauwahi Cave Trail

The Makauwahi Cave is a unique experience and it’s a very easy hike! It’s a short half mile hike that starts just past CJM Stables in Koloa, so it’s a great family friendly trail. The trail is a mix of sandy and hard dirt, and there are beautiful ocean views. When you come to a fork in the trail, you can go either way because it loops around Makauwahi Cave. I recommend going right because you have a better view into the cave. Going left takes you above the cave but you can’t really see into it.

The cave itself is currently closed to enter, but you used to be able to crawl through a hole in the wall. But you can still look into the cave from the path that circles the top. There is a bridge on the other side of the path that leads to a more secluded beach.

Trailhead: From Poipu, head past the Grand Hyatt towards CJM Stables. Turn right as if going to CJM Stables but keep left on the dirt road. Parking area mapped here. There are several sandy paths on the left that will take you to the Makauwahi Cave Trail.

Length: Less than 1 mile

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: 100 feet

Time: 30 minutes

Pihea Trail

If you’re looking for an easier hike but still want breathtaking views, check out Pihea Trail in Waimea Canyon. The trailhead is actually at the end of the road at the last lookout in Koke’e State Park. As soon as you leave the parking lot and head up to the lookout, you’re greeted with stunning views overlooking Kalalau Valley and Nāpali Coast. This is also the trailhead as the hike begins as you head down the dirt path. The trail takes you towards the far ridge with views of Kalalau Valley from the opposite side.

The trail itself is very easy to follow and isn’t too challenging. It’s not very long and you don’t gain a lot of elevation. The elevation gain feels more gradual with some steep sections as you scramble up rocks. But it is a little more technical with having to navigate tree roots, uneven terrain, and climb up boulders. This trail tends to almost always be muddy, which makes it slippery. Even more so after rain.

Trailhead: Pu’u O Kila Lookout, Waimea Canyon

Length: 2.5-3 miles

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Elevation Gain: ~500 feet

Time: 1-2 hours

Note: The trailhead is at one of the Waimea Canyon lookouts, so there is a $10 parking and $5 per person visitor fee. But this permit is valid for all of the lookouts in Waimea Canyon, so do this hike on a day you’re exploring Waimea Canyon. Parking and entrance is free for kama’aina, just show your ID to the attendant and they’ll give you a resident pass.

Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail

Starting at Shipwreck Beach behind the Grand Hyatt in Koloa, Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is a gorgeous coastal walk. This is a great spot for whale watching in the winter and spotting other marine life like monk seals and honu throughout the year. Maha’ulepu Beach is a gorgeous, secluded cove that is great to relax on the beach and jump in the water for a refreshing swim.

There are several side trails you can explore while walking Maha’ulepu Heritage trail.

Trailhead: Shipwreck Beach, Koloa

Length: 3.7 miles

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Easy

Elevation Gain: ~400 ft

Time: 1-2 hours

Moderate Hikes on Kaua’i

Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls

Canyon Trail in Waimea Canyon leads you to waterfalls and some of the most breathtaking views of the canyon. You don’t actually get up close to Waipo’o Falls (the falls you see from the lookouts in Waimea Canyon), but you can hear them in the distance.

The trail winds through the canyon with several lookout points into the valleys below. There are a few waterfalls along the trail that you can stop and enjoy.

Trailhead: Pu’u Hinahina Lookout, Waimea Canyon – at the back of the parking lot

Length: 3.6 miles

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Elevation Gain: ~1,100 ft

Time: 2-3 hours

Sleeping Giant Hike

If you’re looking for a sunrise hike, Sleeping Giant is the best sunrise hiking trail on Kaua’i. There are two trailheads to reach the summit, Sleeping Giant East Trail and Sleeping Giant West Trail.

Sleeping Giant East Trail is longer at 3.5 miles and more elevation gain. There are switchbacks which make the ascent more gradual and some rock faces you need to scale/scramble up. But there are stunning views overlooking Kapa’a, Wailua, and Lihue on your ascent.

Sleeping Giant West Trail is shorter at about 1.8 miles with less elevation gain, but the trail is pretty much straight up hill. You get less of the sweeping views but you hike through a Cook Pine forest with towering trees. It’s beautiful and totally instagram worthy.

The two trails converge less than half a mile from the summit. If you’re coming from the East Trail, take a left at the fork. If you’re coming from the West Trail, continue straight. Don’t forget the turn on your hike back down! I almost walked straight past the turnoff to go back down to the East Trailhead my first time. To be fair, it was raining and really muddy/slippery so I was focused on where my feet went.

Right before the summit, there’s the Nounou shelter where you can rest and have a picnic. There’s a beautiful arch through the trees where there is a bench and beautiful views of Kapa’a and Wailua. As you continue up to the summit, you’ll scramble up another section of rock wall. If you head up to the left, you’ll be on the giants chin and be treated to stunning, sweeping views of Kaua’i’s east side and the Pacific Ocean. If you take the trail to the right, you’ll reach the actual highest point of the mountain.

There are small to mid sized parking lots at both trailheads, but this is a very popular hike so it does get busy. For your first time, I’d recommend the East Trail because you get incredible views much earlier.

Kauapea Beach (Secret Beach)

If you’re looking for a beautiful and quiet beach to explore, hike the short but technical trail to Kauapea Beach. Also known as Secret Beach, it’s a great spot to watch surfers or enjoy a quiet escape away from the crowds. It’s not a long hike, but it’s steep and often muddy/slippery.

Secret Beach isn’t known for being very swimmable and there are no lifeguards or amenities here.

Trailhead: Going North, turn right onto Kalihiwai Road and take the first right onto an unmarked dirt road (Secret Beach Road). Drive to the end of the road and park in the small lot (about 10 cars). Parking lot and Trailhead mapped here

Length: 0.6 miles

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Easy to moderate

Elevation Gain: ~160 ft

Time: ~20 minutes (depends how long you stay at the beach)

Difficult Hikes on Kaua’i

Awa’awapuhi Trail

With insane views of the ridges and drop offs that make up Nāpali Coast, the Awa’awapuhi Trail is one of the best hikes on Kaua’i. The trail is becoming very popular because of how stunning and instagram worthy the views are. The trailhead is in a small marked parking lot just before the Kalalau Lookout in Kōke’e State Park which can fit about 20 cars (check out my guide to Waimea Canyon + Kōke’e State Parks here). There are no amenities at the trailhead or on the trail, but there are restrooms at the official lookouts in Waimea Canyon and at the Kōke’e Lodge & Museum.

The trail is mostly shaded and easy to navigate with mile marker signs every quarter to half mile. It almost feels like this will be an easy hike because the first half is all downhill to the viewpoint. But remember that you will have to hike back up that 2,000 feet of elevation on your way back! The first quarter mile after leaving the viewpoint is probably the toughest section. It’s a steep, steady incline. After that, the incline becomes more gradual with more level spots. But you’re still climbing up 2,000 feet! Don’t be surprised if you take longer to hike out than you did to hike in.

Most of the trail is wide and comfortable to walk, but as you continue past the sign noting the end of the trail onto the ridge it becomes very narrow with steep drop offs on both sides. It really makes you appreciate the immense size of the cliffs as you look at the drop offs into the deep valleys below. But be very careful if you decide to do this as it can be very dangerous. If you are afraid of heights, feel uncomfortable, or the trail is slippery from rain, don’t hike down the ridge!

Make sure you pack plenty of water for this hike. While it is mostly shaded, it’s a longer, more strenuous hike. And you’re still on a tropical island, so it’s humid. Check out my guide to hiking Awa’awapuhi Trail for more detailed information!

Length: 6.5 miles

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation Gain: ~2,000 feet

Time: 3-4 hours

Makaleha Falls Hike

If you’re looking for a hidden gem and are up for the challenge, Makaleha Falls is one of my favorite hikes on Kaua’i. It’s a secluded spot to have some lunch, swim, and hang out at waterfalls that feel private.

The trail isn’t very long, but it is technical. You will duck under branches and roots, scramble up rocks, climb over boulders and downed trees, trek through mud, and watch your step for roots. You cross the creek several times so I highly recommend wearing quick drying water shoes or these sneakers that are quick drying and breathable while still providing protection for your feet.

The trail is not as well known so it is overgrown and can be hard to navigate. Even if you have the AllTrails map downloaded for offline use. It recorded our distance inaccurately showing us zigzagging around all over the place. I still recommend downloading the maps to help us stay headed in the right direction. While it wasn’t perfect, it definitely helped!

I’m pretty sure our first time we took a different path in than on our way out. The hike has been getting some more action lately, so the trail is getting a little easier to follow. We recently noticed that there are arrows and x’s marked into some of the trees to help guide you. I’ve found there are red ants in the first half mile of the hike, so be careful where you put your hands and where you sit.

Important Note: This is not a hike or spot you want to swim at during or after heavy rain. There is an increased risk of flash flooding the rain pushes a lot of mud and bacteria into the stream and increases the possibility of getting lepto.

Trailhead: Small parking area here; Trailhead starts here

Length: 3-4 miles

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Moderate/Hard

Elevation Gain: 800-1000 feet

Time: 2+ hours – depending how long you stay at the waterfalls

Note: This is a less well known trail so you likely won’t come across many other people on your hike, but the parking area is small at the end of a residential street.

Nualolo Ridge Trail

Similar to Awa’awapuhi Trail, Nualolo Ridge takes you out onto one of the ridges that makes up Nāpali Coast. But while it’s a similar out and back hike, going downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back, it’s also entirely different. You end up on a neighboring ridge with incredible views looking into Nu’alolo deep valleys.

The trail itself is easy to follow, but tends to be more overgrown. I found this hike a little more exposed than Awa’awapuhi, so make sure you pack plenty of water. It tends to be more muddy and slippery on this trail. There are a variety of fruits and tree droppings that make the path slippery, and of course rain makes the ground and tree roots slick.

Trailhead: Just past the Koke’e Cabins and before Koke’e Lodge – Trailhead mapped here. If the parking lot is full, you can park at the Lodge and campground and walk back to the trailhead

Length: 7.6 miles

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation Gain: ~2,700 ft

Time: 5-6 hours

Hanakāpīʻai Falls Trail

If you’re looking to do the ultimate waterfall hike while on Kaua’i or just love chasing waterfalls, add Hanakāpīʻai Falls to your list. Hanakāpīʻai Falls are a massive 300 foot waterfall with a beautiful swimming hole at the bottom. And it’s easily the best waterfall to hike to and swim in on Kaua’i.

The hike to Hanakāpīʻai Falls starts by following the Kalalau Trail. Around mile 2 at Hanakāpīʻai Beach, you’ll veer off to the falls. The trail is unmaintained but it’s frequented often so easy to follow. But it is more rugged with rocks and downed trees. This trail gets very slippery during and after heavy rain and there is a risk for flash floods. Make sure you check the forecast before attempting this hike.

You will need a day pass from Go Haena to hike to the beach or the waterfalls. If you hike past Hanakāpīʻai Beach or Falls, you will need a camping permit.

Trailhead: Ke’e Beach, Ha’ena

Length: ~8 miles

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

Elevation Gain: ~2,400 ft

Time: ~5 hours

Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau Trail has been named as one of those Bucketlist Hikes you have to do. And it absolutely is! It is one of the best hikes on Kaua’i, some people plan their entire trips around this hike. It is a challenging hike with beautiful views of the coastline as you hike 11 miles one way to Kalalau Beach. It’s around 22 miles round trip, so I recommend spending at least two nights camping so you have time to experience Kalalau rather than waking up and hiking back out the next morning.

The trail is frequently muddy and prone to flash flooding at stream crossings. There are multiple stream crossings, so make sure you keep an eye on the weather before your trip. The majority of this trail is fully exposed to sun and the elements.

Keep an eye out for wildlife as you hike! It’s pretty common to see goats along the trail and the coastline is a great spot to watch for marine life, especially humpback whales in the winter.

You will need permits to hike the full trail and camp overnight and they can be found here. Please note that they do sell out incredibly fast, often in minutes after they become available at midnight HST. Permits are $35 for nonresidents and $25 for residents per night.

Please know your limitations before attempting to hike this trail! You will gain over 3,500 feet in elevation each way on this trail, gaining over 7,000 for the entire trail. There are a lot of rescues on this trail for inexperienced hikers attempting this trail or people not arriving prepared.

Trailhead: Ke’e Beach, Ha’ena

Length: 22 miles

Trail Type: Out + Back

Difficulty: Difficult

Elevation Gain: ~3,500 one way for ~7,000 round trip

Time: 7-11 hours each way

Note: Hiking all the way to Kalalau Beach and camping requires an overnight permit which are very hard to get. There are a limited number available and they sell out almost instantly when they become available online (90 days out).

FAQ

What are the best hikes on Kaua’i?

Awa’awapuhi Trail for dramatic Nāpali Coast views, Sleeping Giant for sweeping sunrise views, Makaleha Falls for a hidden waterfall experience, and Kalalau Trail for the ultimate bucketlist hike!

Do I need permits to hike on Kaua’i?

Permits are only required for Ha’ena State Park Trails, which include Kalalau Trail and Hanakāpīʻai Falls Trail. To hike to Hanakāpīʻai Falls, you need a park reservation. To hike past Hanakāpīʻai Beach or Waterfalls, you will need a camping permit.

Some hikes in Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks have trailheads leaving from the main lookouts. There is a parking and visitor fee ($10/vehicle + $5/per person).

What should I wear hiking on Kaua’i?

Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes with good grip. The trails are almost always muddy. Bring water shoes for any hikes with stream crossings or to waterfalls. Wear breathable, moisture wicking clothing.

What is the easiest hike on Kaua’i?

Makauwahi Cave Trail that is short with minimal elevation change, Moalepe Trail that has a minimal, gradual incline, or Mahaulepu Heritage Trail that is relatively flat and hugs the coastline with beautiful ocean views. All three trails are family friendly!

What is the hardest hike on Kaua’i?

Kalalau Trail because it’s 22 miles round trip and you’ll gain a total of 7,000 feet in elevation with all of peaks and valleys.

Are Kaua’i hiking trails safe?

Yes! There are no predators on the hiking trails. You might come across some wild goats grazing. The biggest concern on Kaua’i trails is risk of leptospirosis in streams after heavy rainfall, flash flood potential during or after heavy rainfall, and muddy slippery conditions.

Can I hike to waterfalls on Kaua’i?

Yes! Ho’opi’i Falls, Makaleha Falls, and Hanakāpīʻai Falls are all great waterfalls you can hike to and swim in.