Kauai, Hawaii is considered by some to be the most beautiful and lush of the Hawaiian Islands. It is also known as the Garden Isle, and for good reason. Its soaring green mountains and rushing waterfalls create the perfect environment for adventurous hikes with stunning views and unique animal and plant life that can’t be found anywhere else in the world. The five best hikes on Kauai featured in this article combine the majesty of waterfalls, ocean views, offering both beginner and advanced hikes.
1. Hoopii Falls
This is a short, easy hike on the East side of Kauai. It’s about a quarter of a mile through tall acacia trees on a dirt path. You’ll come to a wide, slow river that you will follow. You can even wade through it if you prefer that to following the dirt path beside it. It dead-ends right into Hoopii waterfall! The falls are about twenty feet up, and many of the locals jump off of it into the deep, clear pool beneath it. Right beside the falls is a lava tube that creates a natural hot tub.
2. Hanakapiai
This is the first quarter of the longer and much more difficult Kalalau Trail hike. First you hike two miles on Kalalau Trail, which is easy to moderate. Then you come to the first beach on the trail, where you will then take a sharp left. This takes you onto the Hanakapiai Trail, which is two miles mostly uphill. This is a moderate to advanced hike, but WELL worth it! The trail follows a slow-moving river filled with clear water and enormous boulders. You then reach Hanakapiai Falls, a especially beautiful waterfall that falls from about sixty feet. You can swim in the cold, clear water and even relax underneath the waterfall.
3. Kalalau Trail
This twelve-mile hike is a must for dedicated and experienced hikers. With only a couple breaks, it can be done in about eight hours. It is considered one of the most difficult in the world, but also one of the most beautiful. For the hike you’ll want to pack plenty of food, water and other necessities as it’s rather vigorous. After the twelve miles you will come to Kalalau Beach, where there is permitted camping, enormous caves, pristine beaches, warm, clear water and a twenty foot waterfall to bathe in and get drinking water from.
4. Alakai Swamp
This trail is part of Kokee State Park and features quite a few native birds to be spotted. Keep in mind there are no water or facilities, though when weather allows it has incredible views of Wainiha Pali. It is partly dirt trail though boardwalks have been built over the swampy parts. The trail ends at Na Pali’s Kilohana Vista.
5. Sleeping Giant (Nounou Trail)
This easy to moderate hike passes through dense forest, climbing over 1,000 feet. There is a picnic area and amazing lookout point at the top. It offers unparalleled views of the Wailua River and Mt. Waialeale. It can be hot and slippery, so be prepared to wake up early to get the cooler morning air for the hike, and don’t go if there have been heavy rains the day before.
Now that you know some of the best hikes in kauai, you might want to check out: 5 Best Waterfall Hikes in Hawaii!
Featured Image from Sebastien Gabriel/Unsplash
