Hiking Kaua’i

Waimea Canyon State Park

Waimea Canyon is home to so many amazing hikes with spectacular views, that are unmatchable! If you are visiting Kaua’i, Waimea Canyon is a definite must-see. My recommendation is to take a drive up towards the park and stop at the numerous outlooks on the way. Some of the best views I found, were on small, unsigned outlooks. Once you start getting to the top, the viewpoints have proper carparks and toilets, but you must pay a parking and visitor fee for these spots. You do not have to do any hikes to be able to see the spectacular views here, so it is a great option for some sightseeing for those less able. Most of the more established lookouts such as Waimea Canyon Lookout and Kalalau Lookout, are wheelchair-accessible (be sure to check this website for updates before going as some of the roads may closed, meaning it is not wheelchair-accessible). There are also numerous walks to do from the canyon, I did the Pihea Vista Junction, which was incredible! I could have easily spent 2 weeks there hiking all the different tracks, but you can’t do it all! Either way, if you’re hiking or just going for a drive and the view, Waimea Canyon is a must-see, and words cannot describe how gorgeous this place is!

Pihea Vista Junction/Trail

I managed to make time for one walk in Waimea Canyon State Park, which was the Pihea Vista Junction, and I am so happy I chose this one! The views were incredible most of the way, it felt like I was on top of the world. The track itself was also interesting as there was a good mix of ups and downs, and some parts that needed climbing! Towards the end of the track, there is a long boardwalk that eventually takes you to the Alakai swamp trail, which I was hoping to do, but ran out of time. If you want to go all the way to the end, start early in the morning as soon as the sun comes up, otherwise you will not have enough time to get back in the same day. I would also not recommend doing this hike if it is overcast or wet. The track is all clay so it will get very slippery, and the views are what makes this hike worthwhile. If you are an intermediate hiker this track is perfect for you, but if you’re not as experienced, you can still enjoy similar views at the Pu’u O Kila lookout and within the first 5 minutes of the Pihea Vista Junction. Be sure to bring lots of water and thermals, as this hike can get cold with the wind and elevation. Check this website for updates before going, as the road was closed when I went, adding an extra hour to the trip.

Ho’opi’i Falls

I luckily came across this one after some locals recommended it to me because the rain had canceled my other hikes. It does not show up on google most of the time, and there is no clear path or directions to it, which may put you off, but it is definitely worth it! If you put it in Google Maps, it will take you to the general direction, but you will know you’re there when you come across heaps of cars parked on the side of the road. Then find a gap in the trees and follow any path, which will eventually take you to the waterfall. The are numerous paths so it can get quite confusing, but this is more of a local spot rather than a tourist spot, so ask anyone and they will direct you in the right way. There is also a swimming hole which the locals jump in, and then you can go to the top or bottom of the waterfall which is about another half an hour further. We were told it was a 20-minute jandal/flip flop walk, however, it was very muddy and slipper (so walking shoes are better), and was 20 minutes to the mini waterfall/water hole, but probably 50 minutes total to the end waterfall. The walk there is also amazing, with lush jungle and lots of bird song!

Kuilau Trail

I found this gem accidentally while visiting the Keahua Arboretum. The Arboretum is a cute picnic spot with a small river and some gorgeous trees, that are well worth paying a visit to. Kailua Trail starts just before the bridge, down a long road that seems a little dodgy. Like much of the hikes in Kaua’i, this is an out-and-back trail. I did not go to the end as I had seen enough beautiful views and was sore from hiking the previous day, but it was still very worthwhile. The trail itself is picturesque and secluded, but also hosts some incredible views of the mountains and jungles, as it is in the center of the island. This is also an easier hike, great for inexperienced hikers or those wanting a break from super difficult hikes. It is also a great alternative if the weeping wall hike is unsafe due to weather, as the Kuilau trail is quite safe and is up high, making it not at risk of flash floods!

Weeping Wall aka Blue Hole (Mt. Waiʻaleʻale)

Unfortunately, I was unable to do this hike due to unsafe conditions, however, I can still share some
knowledge on how to stay safe. This is a difficult hike for experienced hikers only. If you want to do this hike, be aware there is no cell service and you will need to prepare for all situations. Bring plenty of water and food, as well as survival gear and strong shoes. This part of the island is very wet, and is almost continuously raining. However, if it is raining on other parts of the island or has been in the past few days, do not do this hike. It is unsafe due to a high risk of flash floods. Stay up to date with any weather warnings, and I would suggest joining the Kaua’i hiking Facebook page for updates on safety. You must also be aware that to access the trail head, you will need a 4-wheel drive. I attempted driving the road without it, but was unsuccessful. There is the option to park at the Keahua Arboretum and walk to the trail head, but I am unsure how much time this will add onto your trip. If you are successful in doing this hike, lucky you! Lots of people miss out!

Kalalau Trail

Like Mt. Waiʻaleʻale, the weather unfortunately cancelled this hike for me, and because I only got tickets for one day, I could not swap my days around. For those who do not know, you must purchase a permit (purchase here) in advance to do this hike. Tickets go on sale a month in advance at midnight and sell out fast (I tried to purchase them exactly at midnight but by the time it got to payment, tickets had already gone!). There are 3 options for permits; Parking and entry, shuttle and entry, and entry only. The parking and entry are the ones that sell out within minutes, as these are cheap and the best option if you have a car. The price quickly escalates from $5 per person, to $40 per person for the shuttle entry. There is also the option for 3-day pass, or a single day pass, which will allow you access to different parts of the park. Even if you are not planning on doing the over night trail, I would recommend getting a three day pass. This means that if your hike gets cancelled for one day, you still have 2 other days available as a back up, and won’t miss out like I did. Whilst you do get fully refunded if the trail is shut, you will likely not find that out until getting to the shuttle pick-up, as their email system is not the best. If you are successful with this hike, have good tramping shoes, plenty of food and water, and be prepared for all weather. This is not a beginner hike. There is no cell service, it is dangerous, prone to flash floods, and numerous people have died. Not trying to scare you, many people hike this successfully every year, but you must be aware of the dangers.

Thanks for reading, I hope it was helpful, and please check out my other posts!