Great hiking - Trail was 7 miles round trip but we did little over 10 miles with all the deviations. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. The trail starts near the 3.0 mile point on the Awaawapuhi Trail and meets the Nualolo Trail between the 3 mile and 3 1/4 mile markers. The trail is quite rocky at the start and we heard that it is very slippery if its rained. Maybe thats just because we have done so many hikes around the world that our standards are a bit different now. Thanks, Mehek! There are four pieces of gear that I simply never travel without. Points of Interest & Landmarks Historic Walking Areas. Google Maps Link 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. Its one of many trails that end in panoramic views and heart clenching dropoffs. Even though it rained all night last night, the hike was totally do-able. Aside from the coastal views, the trail offers a great chance to observe endemic wildlife such as birds, lizards, and frogs. Other hikers had seen the coastline, so we probably would too. Awesome! If it has recently rained, the descents on the clay can be very slippery. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Way back, I checked out the Nu'alolo Cliffs trail to the stream crossing 0.3 miles in - hoping to frolic in a waterfall. It is narrow in spots and can be slippery. It takes you on a route along the south side of Koaie Canyon, with good scenery, wildlife and swimming holes. 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. Waimea Canyon West Side The first time was in 1999. 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. From the endpoint of each of these trails, you get spectacular views of the coastline. T he Awa'awapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, is a single track hike not for those with a fear of heights. 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. Awaawapuhi Trail is one of the more popular hikes in the Koke'e Park and subsequently has a large, signposted parking lot. We completed this trail on the 24th. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Any views at smaller lookouts along the way did nothing to boost my confidence. 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. 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). [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. Awaawapuhi Trail is a continual downhill hike from the trail head to the grassy clearing overlooking the valleys. Nov 29, 2018 Owice Aittaleb. It was sunny and dry when we walked. Two are a luxury pick, one is a family choice, the other is a value selection. So when there is a fresh rain you will want to go slow or you have a good chance of wiping out. All Rights Reserved. Momoa was working at an outdoor shop in Des Moines, Iowa, and after he agreed, the crew packed into vans and headed off. Im so interested to have the Nualolo trail. Check it again.Takes about an 90 mins down and lots of time will be spent trying to secure a footing. In the gif, the intrepid hiker appears to be at the end of the 6-mile trail, overlooking the Awaawapuhi Valley on the left and the Nualolo Valley on the right (and almost certain death on both the left and the right). The first part of this hike is relatively easy since its pretty much all down hill. The Awa'awapuhi Trail is located in Kokee State Park, in the Waimea area of Kaua'i, and features a 3.1 mile (one way, 7.2 mile round trip) hike that many would consider difficult. Awaawapuhi Trail - Activities On Kauai Waimea, Hawaii - LookIntoHawaii 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. If I did it again, heres what I would do: Park at the Kokee Museum and hike the Nualolo Trail out-and-back. I would be covered in mud by the end of the hike, no matter what. Having a map will help keep you from getting lost or walking farther than you have to. Permits for A.T. long-distance hikers are available by self-registration on the Trail at the parks north and south entry points. These photos were taken on the helicopter ride we did two days before this hike. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. No, you do not need a permit for the Nualolo Trail. As of March 11, 2014, the Kauai recreational trail map is temporarily unavailable for distribution or purchase. You find mile markers by each quarter mile, that seems to make the hike easier for us. The view from here is very nice, but its not nearly as good as that from the Nualolo Trail. That sounds amazing and super scary!! 11 Of The Best Hikes In The USA | Priority Pass Awa'awapuhi Trail. PRO HIKING TIP: If you are afraid of heights, this trail could be very challenging. Hawaii horror as hiker remembers 'seeing her face' as pal plunges to 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. But I wouldnt do it again. Wailua's mix of adventure and city makes it a great first stop! ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. It is before the Kalalau lookout but still takes well over 30 minutes to reach there from Waimea Town. Wailua is a city on Kauai located on the East side of the island, near the airport. 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. After taking in the views from our narrow perch and witnessing many, many, MANY helicopter tours flying by (tranquil, it was not), we finally decided to head back to the viewpoint and partake in some serious snacking before the climb back up. We were joined by roosters begging for food, tiny adorable mice begging for food, and red-crested cardinals begging for food (Im sure these little buggers are fed from hiker scraps all day long). The state was found at fault last year in the case . We found the trail to be fairly muddy and we took our time going down as it was rather slippery. The 6-mile round trip hike is" This trail gives you a clear overview on the west side of the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon area. Don't know about other phones, imagine it would work on an android as it also shows up in google maps. In this guide, we cover the full loop (the Nualolo Trail to the Nualolo Cliff Trail to the Awaawapuhi Trail) and what we recommend doing instead, if you dont want to do the full loop. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Weird Things is proudly powered by GREAT HIKES FROM AROUND THE WORLD: For more great hikes, check out our article listing the 20 Best Day Hikes in the World. When you reach the falls, you will be in awe of its size and beauty. The trail is known for its views and its diverse terrain, which includes muddy parts, rocky parts, and some sandy parts. Ill be in Kauai on April 7-12. Great when dry. Summed Up The 6.5-mile, out-and-back Awa'awapuhi Trail The scenery and foliage along the way are well worth it. Starting at 4,120 feet you'll descend to 2,500 feet to the trail's endwhich concludes at a cliff with broad views of the valleys and the immense Pacific ocean. GPS Device. Found in Koke`e State Park this trail winds through a highland forest with occasional ridge top views. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 46 min to complete. I took 2 hours going down (muddy and slippery but doable with a pole and decent shoes), 1 hour at the viewpoint (solo picnic!) The hike back up wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. Awa'awapuhi Trail | Map, Guide - Kaua'i, Hawaii | AllTrails Top 10 Hiking Trails To Do & Experience | Kauai Hawaii This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. mobile app. Check the forecast: Dont even think about attempting the trail if theres any significant rain in the forest. Due to the extremely muddy conditions we found it a most difficult hike. Even when we returned their was no parking. We briefly stumbled off the trail twice and I have heard of others doing it too. I love your hiking tips. This trail isnt too difficult, won't take up too much of your day, and it brings you to breathtaking views, overlooking the Nualolo and Awa'awapuhi valleys. You will feel each and every single step of the way back up as you breathe through the humid air inside the forested path. The trailhead is on the left of the parking lot. The trailhead is on the left of the parking lot. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/kauai/awaawapuhi-trail Awaawapuhi Trail Kauai. 37 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Trail "Great 6-mile round-trip hike with a very rewarding ending. Hiking the Awa'awapuhi Trail - Koke'e State Park, Kauai However, be forewarned - it's a tough hike. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. DANGER: Do not venture beyond the safety railing at the end of the trail! For the majority of the first part of this hike, you will be descending as you hike out towards the coast. Because of the slick condition of the trail, the return ascent was actually slightly easier, but by the end of the 6+ mile hike my wife, daughter and I were spent and sore. Entries (RSS) Below is a photo of the end of the Nualolo Trail and vista point. Mahalo! The permit can be obtained at visitor contact stations during business hours. Very muddybring hiking poles. Awa'Awapuhi Trail - Kauai - YouTube 4- Awaawapuhi Trail. 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. We only discovered this when some hikers told us as they headed back along the Awaawapuhi. 1.Awa'awapuhi and Nu'alolo Loop. The Honopu Ridge trail is not well kept, so it is somewhat more difficult to follow, moderately strenuous but much shorter in length. amazing view at the end. As user akeldamach87who hiked the trail in 2009shares in a comment, its up to hikers to keep themselves safe: If you have little time and have to choose one trail, then this is your trail!Getting ThereFrom Lihue, take Kaumualii Highway 50 to Waimea. please pack a frozen water bottle and chilled ones with a energy bar for those who dont regularly hike. Its a tough, uphill hike in spots to get to this trail. 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. What restaurants are near Awaawapuhi Trail? Awa Awapuhi Single Track: Kauai is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Wiamea, Hawaii. Also pack out what you packed in! Its a long hike, there is a lot of elevation gain, and it can get very hot. It tends to get very muddy and foggy along the trail and has an overall elevation gain of 1,180 feet. Muddy but vista is epic. You may run into a few fellow hikers on your way, as mountain goats like to cling to the steep slopes. Here are my hiking essentials. Hawaii's Awa Awapuhi Trail Is a Must-Do Hike on Kauai Permits cost $35 per person per night and must be reserved ahead online. A bit hard packed and slick on the way down, with occasional muddy spots, but easy going as long as you take it slow. The only lookout is at the end. The views are amazing though at the halfway point of the hike, and youll see several helicopters getting up close to the cascading valley! Because the Awaawapuhi Trail drops you so low, you feel like you are almost down in the valley looking up towards the top of the other ridges. I will say that we recommend several things before you head out. The scenery along the three-mile, downhill hike . Small lookouts along the way feed your motivation to reach the end. More Stats for Awa'awapuhi Trail hike trail trail Altitude change -1,612 ft Altitude min 2,453 ft Altitude start 4,064 ft Altitude end 2,454 ft Grade -10.7% Grade max -59.5% Grade min 21.8% Distance climb 1,115 ft Permits may ONLY be purchased online or in person at District Offices. There were no signs or other indications of the closure. After around 90 minutes of awe-inspiring and downhill hiking, the trek culminates at the official viewpoint. You can read more about the "loop" on our Nualolo Trail entry. The man, reportedly in his 70s, was near a scenic outlook when he fell onto some boulders. The trail starts near mile marker 17 at a parking area and takes . The Napali Forest Reserve area is managed as wilderness because of the rich variety of native plant species that thrive here. Awa'awapuhi Trail. (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! 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 grassy area at the end of the trail is a popular place to picnic and enjoy the views. Luke Mcnally Fifa 21, Kokee State Park is in the northwest of Kauai; the closest popular tourist area is Waimea, to the south. Its about a 45-minute drive to reach the trailhead. Discover this 9.7-km out-and-back trail near Kekaha, Kaua'i. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Looks tough but not too hard and I am 65 with minor health issues. 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." It felt good to stretch out our legs and since it was downhill, it went by fast. It only takes about an hour and a half each way along the total of six miles out and back journey. Awesome view of Na Pali and Forest reserve. The hike took us about 2.5 hours each way. 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. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. Do I need a permit/ reservation to enter the park (or just to park my vehicle)? The views along Nualolo are reputed to rival Awaawapuhi. The speed limit on all off-road vehicle trails is 25 miles perhour. Worth the hike with breathtaking views at the end where you see the Napoli coast line and the mountain ridges. Located in Kokee State Park in Kauai, the Nualolo Trail and the Awaawapuhi Trail are two separate trails that head out along the ridgelines of the Na Pali Coast. Enjoy the awesome views from here. The Appalachian Trail is intended for foot travel only. 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. 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. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Welcome to my world. Silent Beauty Synonyms, The way to the left is where the Nualolo Cliff Trail links with the AwaAwapuhi Trail. 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. We started at 8am and there wasn't anyone else on the trail except for 1 other couple. Your Awa Awapuhi Trail stock images are ready. Change), You are commenting using your Google account. I hiked all over Kauai for over a month and documented all of my adventures. In my opinion,these are the 15 best hikes on Kauai! 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Incredible views! This is the one good view along the Nualolo Cliff Trailmost of the time you are in the trees, brush, or tall grass. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. If you get lucky, maybe some nice person will drive you back to the Kokee Museum parking lot. We have been doing the Awaawapuhi trail when we come here. Some people go beyond the official end of the trail (unmaintained trail - pass at your own risk) for an epic view. Reaching the overlook is worthy! The farther you go, the more exposure you get and the better the view. AWAAWAPUHI TRAIL (Kekaha) - 2023 What to Know BEFORE You Go But it also makes for a longer journey. Unlike the neighboring Awa'awapuhi Trail, there are no facilities or even trailhead signs. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. The final 0.75 miles are mostly along a cliff. Also arrive early, once in Waima its still about 45 minutes up the mountain. Awesome!! You get your first glimpse of the Awa'awa'puhi Valley at about 1.75 miles. For more experienced hikers I could see this being done in 3 hours. On our recent visit to Kauai, we wanted to hike this trail again. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Waimea - Koaie Canyon Trail | Kauai.com We wanted a shorter day hike that would provide us with expansive views of the Napali Coast of Kauai. At about the three mile mark is the junction of the Nualolo Cliff Trail. Sign in Sign up for FREE Prices and download plans Like the Awaawapuhi Trail, you will lose quite a bit of elevation on the way out, and then gain it all back on your return. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. 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. Sections with roots and loose rocks. Like a lot of Kauai hiking trails, you'll follow a ridgeline with continuous views of the Na Pali Coast. You get a bigger bang for your buck if you only hike the Nualolo Trail OR the Awaawapuhi Trail out-and-back. I wanted to write a review about this trail since much has been written about it. The 3.25 miles down to the valley is almost all downhill. It also begins to get noticeably warmer. ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Know before you go. We learned a lot, not just about the trail, but about hiking in general, which carried on through later experiences. The trail starts at approximately 4,120 feet and ends at the lookout around 2,500 feet; so be prepared for the climb out. Its because you spend the entire time hiking down 1500ft. Footing is extremely unstable, and the drop to the valley floor below is over 2,000 feet. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. And this time around, we could share the experience with our kids. Footing is extremely unstable, and the drop to the valley floor below is over 2,000 feet. What would you like to know about this attraction? Growing up in the small town of Norwalk, on the outskirts of . The trail leads you through a range of different plant life as you slowly head down in elevation for just over three miles. 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. Enjoy! Not much to see until the very end, but absolutely magnificent when you reach it. Waimea Canyon + The Awaawapuhi Trail, Kauai There is a sign on either side of the trail at this point marking the start of the Nualolo Cliff Trail. Going back is tougher since it is uphill. 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. Republishing this articleand/orany of its contents (text, photography, etc. Its also more crowded than the Nualolo Trail. Awa'awapuhi Trail & Napali Coast access? The Awa'awapuhi/Nualolo trail is a longer hike and moderately strenuous but pretty easy to follow. I towered over the view, soaking in the sounds of the waves crashing and watching waterfalls slither down the folds in the cliffs. Great views! You dont want to be on a rocky overlook or narrow, muddy trail in the middle of pouring rain. Awa Awapuhi Hike Trail guide on the beautiful Island of Kauai. Hiking to the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai is a pretty terrifying experience. 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. Longitude: -159.6486396. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a 3 mile blue singletrack trail located near Waimea Hawaii. The sheer cliffs of the Napali Coast may look daunting from the ground but that's because they are best viewed from the summit of the Awa'awapuhi Trail. 7 Vancouver, BC, Parks for Nature, Hiking, Mountain Biking, andMore, The 400-Mile Jordan Trail Is the Ultimate Hike for Culture and Nature Buffs, This Angels Landing Video Gives a POV of Zion's Famously Scary Hike, This Strenuous Hike in Yosemite Is Worth It for the Epic Views, Hike With a Shelter Dog on an Adorable 'Dog Field Trip' in Kauai, Hawaii, This Is Why Capitol Peak, Colorado, Is the State's Hardest 14K Mountain, Hike To the Top of 2,000-Foot-Tall Cliffs in This British ColumbiaPark, Discover Stunning Crater Lakes at This Extinct Volcano Outside Mexico City, The "World's Most Dangerous Footpath" Is Now Totally Safe ToHike, Download the That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. Take your time and watch your step; in some of the narrower sections you could slip and fall off of the trail. I slipped several times but was able to catch myself. and Comments (RSS). The trail begins right off Kokee Road at an elevation of 4,120 feet. I slipped and fell twice. We are older and wiser and there was something very nostalgic about returning to a place where Tim and I first hit a hiking trail together. Required fields are marked *. They had live music playing and this was a great spot to unwind, refuel, and cool off before visiting more sights along in Kokee and Waimea State Parks. Clouds and rain were an obvious given here, but thats part of the wonder of this beautiful island. Visitors will be treated to diverse tropical flora and fauna along the trail as well as spectacular views of the ocean and Napoli Coast. Bring a minimum of 3 liters of water per person, although 4 liters is better. When you reach the vantage point for one of the most breathtaking views I've seen. Any confident hiker can make the journey to the top. Its a hot hike and you will sweat a lot. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk. At this point, you have hiked 6.6 miles. For best results, use the customized Trip Planning Widget for Awa'awapuhi Trail Parking on your website.It has all the advantages mentioned above, plus users to your site can conveniently access it directly on your site. Hi - Your review is quite "glowing" for this trail in terms of the view. Layers and water helpful! The Awa'awapuhi Trail is about a 6 mile out and back hike through Kokee State Park on the Island of Kauai. I have a 12 year old and 16 year old daughters and myself and my wife who are in a mid 40's. This trail also heads along the cliffs. The hike out was almost all uphill but our footing was better and we made better time. Also, try to pick a sunny day (as much as possible). 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. awa'awapuhi trail permit. 7 Days In Hawaii Sample Itinerary | Hawaii Travel Guide Its drop is a massive 2,425ft whereby contrast Niagara Falls only drops 156ft. I tip-toed around the muddy trail with my brand-new hiking sandals at first. Penoke, Rocky Gap, and Willow Creek trails, maximum machine width allowed is . THE WEEKLY #309: 6 YEARS AS A TRAVEL BLOGGER, TRAVEL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR: WHATS IN MY BACKPACK. If you are young and healthy, it is probably only mildly challenging. 16 Beautiful and Best Hikes in Kauai, Hawaii | The Planet D If you only have time for one hike on the west side of Kauai, this is your trail. It starts in Koke'e State Park and snakes down and back up the steep walls of the N Pali Coast Forest Reserve and offers stunning views of the shoreline and the ocean, given there's no cloud cover. One of the best here. 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. We chose to do this loop in a clockwise direction, starting at the Nualolo Trail trailhead. 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. At the time you'd written this review, had you ever hiked the Kalalua Trail (Na Pali coast trail head Ke'e Beach)? Then I would visit the sights along Kokee Road. For more information read our privacy policy. This is a moderate one way trail in Hawaii. This is not a hike that I would recommend for newbie hikers. My travel buddy may back off so I may end up solo. awa'awapuhi trail permit Bottom line: loved it but would do a longer but flatter hike next time. This photo gives you an idea of how narrow the trail can be in some sections. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Clean your shoes off with the brushes and spray provided at the trailhead. Is the Nualolo Trail and Awaawapuhi Trail Loop Worth It? Overall we are glad we choose this hike but disappointed to miss out on the stunning views of the coast. If you are in average condition (maybe exercise for 2-4 hours per week), the climb back up is VERY difficult. Awaawapuhi Trail is one of the more popular hikes in the Kokee Park and subsequently has a large, signposted parking lot. awa'awapuhi trail permit - Straightupimpact.com The grade virtually the whole way is probably 30% or more.