After around 90 minutes of awe-inspiring and downhill hiking, the trek culminates at the official viewpoint. Posted By : / yamaha fg series history / Under : . 3. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. I do workout a lot on a peloton but my wife does not. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. But one intrepid hiker and photographer, Scott Sharick, kicked it up a notch by going beyond where the trailhead ends and walking out onto a horrifyingly narrow ridge with a GoPro in hand to capture the moment. Its easy to wander off the trail here and you can double check your position with the GPS. 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. This was a moderately difficult hike but 110% worth it for the view of the NaPali Coast and ocean. When Jason Momoa was 15 or so, a group of adult climbers invited him on an ice-climbing trip. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. 6miles round trip. 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. Swimming holes should be avoided after rains, because of quick rising waters and the possibility of flash flooding. Elijah Adebayo Twitter, Know before you go. Awa'awapuhi Trail & Napali Coast access? 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 .Stunning views. :) Enjoy this AMAZING hike! Note: This post contains affiliate links. We walked the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail, on the north end from Ke'e Beach. Photo [] There is no bathroom at the trailhead so stop That record-breaking rainstorm 48 hours earlier certainly didnt help our situation. The trail is known for its views and its diverse terrain, which includes muddy parts, rocky parts, and some sandy parts. (LogOut/ The trails in Kauai are often slippery and muddy. The Awaawapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, is a single track hike not for those with a fear of heights. 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. Very muddybring hiking poles. Awa Awapuhi Hike Trail guide on the beautiful Island of Kauai. 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 hike is mostly through shaded forest and ending at the overlooks with some great views. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Unlike the neighboring Awa'awapuhi Trail, there are no facilities or even trailhead signs. Plus, the parking lot was completely full at the Kokee Museum so we did not have to wait for a parking space, since our car was already here. Find out more about me here! While the end viewpoint can get quite dangerous and steep if you venture down, the majority of the trail is well defined and quite straightforward. It is going down the trails, it could be slippery(with rain) if you are not careful. I dont know of any guides to recommend. Nice hike out to the overlook of the Na Pali Coast. (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! You can get by with a good pair of walking shoes or running shoes but I recommend wearing hiking shoes if you have them. It does have 3 little sections, after you go to the first landing you can venture out to a second then a third. Continue straight ahead (to your right) to the end of the trail and a spectacular view from your 2,500-foot perch. Dec 16, 2015, 04:52 PM EST. The hike took us about 2.5 hours each way. During summer only (May 15 Sept 7) kayak landings are allowed ONLY with a valid camping permit. Its about a 45-minute drive to reach the trailhead. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. Penoke, Rocky Gap, and Willow Creek trails, maximum machine width allowed is . Clouds started to sock us in around 2pm. Awa'awapuhi Trail. We had to turn back at the 1mile mark because of a heavy downpour and the conditions deteriorating. Overall I would say do it if you can. Downhill most of the way uot and be ready for gradual climb the whole way back. Since this is a loop, you can hike these trails clockwise or counterclockwise. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. After about 3.2 miles, you will reach a clearing that overlooks the valleys, at 2,500 feet. Awaawapuhi Trail Kauai Found in Koke`e State Park, Kauai, Hawaii.A trial winds through highland forests with infrequent ridge top views. NUALOLO CLIFF TRAIL ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] way to continue to the lookout. If you are doing this hike as a loop, you will need to backtrack up the trail for 0.9 miles until you get to the Nualolo Cliffs Trail. 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 of the Napali Coast from the trail are amazing!! 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. 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. muddy but doable. It only takes about an hour and a half each way along the total of six miles out and back journey. Beach gear to use! All rights reserved. It's a steady descent along a narrow path through a jungle. An elderly man reportedly fell 30 feet head first off the Mariner's Ridge Trail Sunday during a club outing. The hike out was almost all uphill but our footing was better and we made better time. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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 . Seeaosite for updates. 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. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. And of (All equipment on The Awaawapuhi trail is a heavily trafficked hike to a viewpoint of the famous Na Pali coastline. Clean your shoes off with the brushes and spray provided at the trailhead. 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. 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. You may run into a few fellow hikers on your way, as mountain goats like to cling to the steep slopes. The end of the trail provides rim views down into the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly. Don't know about other phones, imagine it would work on an android as it also shows up in google maps. GREAT HIKES FROM AROUND THE WORLD: For more great hikes, check out our article listing the 20 Best Day Hikes in the World. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Youll hike through tall brush, slip and slide on wet, muddy ground, and be a hot, sweaty mess at the end of this hike. The trail meanders through a wet cloud forest before making some steep descents down muddy terrain. The Awaawapuhi Trail is shorter, less steep, and better maintained. The trail does need some clearing done at the end of the trail. Im Jackson, an Australian adventure traveler who has been on the road for eight years now. However, it is less than $300 a night. We didnt mind ending with the walk along the road. Our Kauai hike on the Awa'awapuhi trail to the Na'Pali Coast. Route The trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. If you are traveling with kids, are looking for an easier hike with views of the Napali Coast, or have a fear of heights, I recommend the Awaawapuhi Trail over the Nualolo Trail. We have been doing the Awaawapuhi trail when we come here. The one portion of the Cliffs trail that connects the Nualolo and the Awa'awapuhi is narrow--it is a very short section. GPS lat 22.1414 long -159.6487. This is a view looking down the Nualolo Trail (towards the coast) and the junction with the Nualolo Cliff Trail (which branches off to the right where Tyler is crouching under the fallen tree). However, Hawaii can experience sudden changes in weather throughout all seasons, so youll need to plan your hike for a day when the skies are mostly clear. Make sure you have plenty of water and wear cloths that you don't mind getting muddy, that means shoes. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Any views at smaller lookouts along the way did nothing to boost my confidence. Aside from the coastal views, the trail offers a great chance to observe endemic wildlife such as birds, lizards, and frogs. There will still be many steep descents, sometimes on a sandy trail and at other times on muddy dark red clay. By doing a little planning and being prepared you will make your hiking trip one of your best Kauai experiences. 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. This trail goes by Honopu Ridge Trailhead. I hope my travels give you the motivation to set off on an epic adventure of your own. And this time around, we could share the experience with our kids. Total hike time for us was 4 hours but we took our time. The first mile of the trail can be muddy and slippery after recent rain. You can read more about the "loop" on ourNualolo Trailentry. 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. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. When we reached it was bit cloudy, but we waited 15 minutes and it cleared. At the end of the trail is a lookout over Awa Awa'apuhi and Nualolo valleys, the Na Pali Coast and Pacific Ocean. Julie Last updated: January 27, 2023 United States 2 Comments. Your email address will not be published. View maps, videos, photos, and reviews of Awa Awapuhi Single Track: Kauai bike trail in Wiamea. The hike isn't too bad and wasn't muddy when we went. The trail getting there is not necessarily anything to write home about but the views at the end are incredible. Dramatic green cliffs set against a deep blue sea. You'll seea series of marked plants along the trail and if you pick up the "Awa'awa'puhi Botanical Trail Guide" at the Kokee Museum it will guide you through the maze of native and introduced plants. What time of day did you hike? Mahalo! Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Im so interested to have the Nualolo trail. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. This is the hike that will give you that Napali Coast feel that you want. I look forward to hearing back from you - THX Cari. One of our favorites is the Awa Awa'apuhi trail. Enjoy! Backcountry Permit: While there is no charge for permits, they are required of all backcountry campers. is that right?? Congrats! Im going to recommend five places to stay on Kauai. I dont care what the other websites say; hiking theAwaawapuhi Trail for 6.7 miles round trip is not easy. One of the best here. 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. This is my favorite hike I did in a month on three Hawaiian Islands! Two are a luxury pick, one is a family choice, the other is a value selection. The Kalalau Trail can be visited as a day hike for the first 2 miles, beyond that, you'll be required to get a camping permit whether or not you camp. 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. The path itself is beautiful but it does not boast views, as you are deep inside the trees and tall grasses. From the endpoint of each of these trails, you get spectacular views of the coastline. We are a bunch of 60 year olds who think were fairly fit. The speed limit on all off-road vehicle trails is 25 miles perhour. The trailhead for the Awa'awapuhi Trail is off Kokee Road. So when there is a fresh rain you will want to go slow or you have a good chance of wiping out. Most people stop there but it is possible to venture down the ridge although this can be quite dangerous. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. If you go, bring plenty of water and something to eat. Sections with roots and loose rocks. This is the one good view along the Nualolo Cliff Trailmost of the time you are in the trees, brush, or tall grass. Please Note: Due to erosion, Nu'alolo Cliff Trail is occasionally closed near the junction with Nu'alolo Trial. Going to Kauai in 2 weeks and looking to hike the Napali Coast and the Awa'awapuhi Trail in particular. Most of the trail is in a forest, so its shady most of the way. the trail ends abruptly on the ridge top, at 2, 500 ft. elevation, affording spectacular views down sheer cliffs into awaawapuhi and nualolo valleys overlooking the pacific ocean. We chose the Awaawapuhi Trail, and Im glad that we did. We arrived at 9am and the parking lot was almost full. The 6-mile round trip hike is" This was as far as I could make myself go without letting vertigo sink in. Hiking shoes. 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. please pack a frozen water bottle and chilled ones with a energy bar for those who dont regularly hike. 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. 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. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Not much to see until then. The end of the trail leads to cliffs on the sea side. 50 inches. The Hilton has a beautiful pool, has private beach access and hot tubs so you are still getting an awesome value and the resort experience. Luke Mcnally Fifa 21, The hardest part of the hike is over. At about the three mile mark is the junction of the Nualolo Cliff Trail. Hikers follow the trail under a large tree limb at the back of the parking area and must keep on the lookout for ribbons marking the way. Our best chance at hiking to a view of the Napali Coast would be hiking the Awaawapuhi Trail from Waimea Canyon. Its a mostly uphill, challenging walk back to the trailhead. Best Defenders In Premier League 2019-20, 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. The Honopu Ridge trail is not well kept, so it is somewhat more difficult to follow, moderately strenuous but much shorter in length. We hiked 2/3/23, trail was very muddy but do able. Awaawapuhi Trail. Distance: 6.2 miles out and back. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Maybe thats just because we have done so many hikes around the world that our standards are a bit different now. At the time you'd written this review, had you ever hiked the Kalalua Trail (Na Pali coast trail head Ke'e Beach)? slippery down hill, check weather, long hike for fog. 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. Growing up in the small town of Norwalk, on the outskirts of . It felt good to stretch out our legs and since it was downhill, it went by fast. Not much to see until the very end, but absolutely magnificent when you reach it. Great hiking - Trail was 7 miles round trip but we did little over 10 miles with all the deviations. Do not underestimate the effects of heat and humidity and it only takes one fall to hurt your back, hips or anything else. Your Awa Awapuhi Trail stock images are ready. 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. Discover this 9.7-km out-and-back trail near Kekaha, Kaua'i. You can continue past the overlooks (even though you are cautioned not to) in order to get even more amazing views. Awesome hike. These landscapes are what thousands of people travel to Kauai for. I love your hiking tips. Outside Magazine - By: Alexandra Gillespie 3h. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! ALL PERMITS REQUIRE A FEE - THERE IS NO FREE CAMPING IN HAWAII STATE PARKS OR FOREST RESERVES. We had lunch at the Kokee Lodge. This trail gives you a clear overview on the west side of the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon area. This trail goes by Honopu Ridge Trailhead. The permit can be obtained at visitor contact stations during business hours. These photos were taken on the helicopter ride we did two days before this hike. Latitude: 22.14147611 Perhaps it is the view of the folding spires of NaPali that makes this trail so exceptional. Also, try to pick a sunny day (as much as possible). This is a small parking lot and there are no restrooms. SeeSand Island site for updates. Slippery to start on the way down, but got much better after first mile. Start early: This will help you avoid any potential afternoon storms. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. 37 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Trail "Great 6-mile round-trip hike with a very rewarding ending. Kauais Awa'awapuhi Trail is a moderately difficult hike which starts in Kkee State Park and traverses the gorgeous Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. Awaawapuhi trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker off 550. this forest reserve area is managed as wilderness because of the rich variety of native dryland plant species thriving in it. Fabulous views, but if you're afraid of heights, can be daunting toward the end. Some people go beyond the official end of the trail (unmaintained trail - pass at your own risk) for an epic view. This hike is straight down then straight back up, yet it's so pretty. 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. My blog has a post with pictures that you can check out. Hike down the road first, then do the loop. Definitely slippery going down but fine, especially if you have poles. Well worth the 6 mile round trip hike. These will give you extra traction, which is very important if it has recently rained and the trail is muddy. The man, reportedly in his 70s, was near a scenic outlook when he fell onto some boulders. Now, its a 1.8 mile walk along Kokee Road back to your car and its mostly downhill from here. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Its a long hike, there is a lot of elevation gain, and it can get very hot. These two trails could easily be done as day hikes within a short stay on Kauai. Shaded and muddy trail . 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. Would we see anything at the Awaawapuhi Lookout? The Nualolo Trail is worth the extra effort to have this view. Kauai is the oldest island in the Archipelago and these cliffs have been shaped over thousands of years. The Awaawapuhi trail is in Waimea Canyon, specifically Kokee State Park, on Kauais west side of the island. Its a bummer to see peoples toilet paper, orange rinds and plastic on the trail! Awa'awapuhi Trail. The Awa'awapuhi/Nualolo trail is a longer hike and moderately strenuous but pretty easy to follow. The best time of year to visit and hike the Awa awapuhi Trail is between April and October when temperatures tend to be milder, which makes midday hiking more pleasant.