We'll be leaving for Kauai for 5 days at the end of January. SOOOO looking forward to it!

We want to do a great hike while we are there, but the Kalalau's 11 mile hike is going to be WAY too much for us. We don't mind a short, strenuous hike, though. Half day or full day--either works. Any suggestions?

I prefer beach/water scenery, but if there is a great Waimea canyon hike that isn't to be missed, that would be good, too.

Thanks!

Oh, I just thought of another question...we could definitely do the first few miles of the Kalalau hike...is that worth it or do you have to go "all the way" to get any good views?

Thanks!

One of my all time favorite hikes is to take the Na Pali coast hike. Park in the parking lot at the end of the road then hike the trail for 2 miles until you hit the river by the beach. Then instead of hiking along the coast, hike the trail that takes you inland. In another 2 (somewhat strenuous) miles you'll find a beautiful small lake and large waterfall you can swim under and behind. The water is cold but it is incredible. The hike is approx. 8 miles total and will take you at least half day. More like 3/4 day. It is one of the best.

By the way, be sure to bring hiking boots or tennis shoes that you don't mind getting real muddy. The hike along the coastline tends to get real muddy in spots.

Did anyone every do the rafting thru the sugar canes tunnels? It was pretty unique. Also appreciated the horseback riding at the north end of the island...there was a hiking trail there...but we chose a horse, cause i am lazy

We enjoyed the first 2 miles of the Kalalau. The views are beautiful but we should have hiked it before we hiked the Nu'alolo/Awa'awapuhi Loop. My favorite all time hike. Greatest views ever! The last couple miles of the trail are all uphill and about killed me but I would do that hike again. The view from Lolo Vista, that is right beyond the intersection of the Nu'alolo and the Cliffs Trail was spectacular. The views into the valley and out over the Napali Coast are great--and we only saw about 6 other people on the trail the whole day. We started the hike at 10:45 and some people picked us up on the road(you end about 1 1/2 miles from your car) at about 5. We took our time, enjoyed the views(we had a perfectly clear day to hike), picnicked, lost the trail. The photos from this hike are framed in my husband's office and our home.

This site has hikes on all of the islands.

www.hawaiitrails.org

I agree with LindainOhio. That Nua'lolo/Awaawapui (spelled wrong I am sure) is amazing. One of the most memorable hikes of my life.

The first couple of miles of the Kalalau Trail is also great. Very messy but great views.

We didn't do any in the Waimea Canyon buit if you try a search, I remember a couple of people writing about their experiences.

A good short hike is the sleeping giant trail in Kapaa. It may not be as awesome as Kalalau or awa'awapuhi, but it has some beautiful 360 degree views of kauai's east side. A good option if you're staying in the kapaa area and want a good short hike with views.

One of my favorite spots to hike on Kaua'i is the Maha'ulepu Beach area just past the Hyatt on the south shore.
It is a very wild and beautiful place.

-Bill

I too really enjoyed that first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast. I didn't do the next 2 trails to the waterfall (or farther where it might require camping overnight) though.

I also enjoyed the Pihea and Canyon Trails in Waimea Canyon. Do a search for my trip reports with links to photos/details.

Hey LindainOhio and Eeva, I'd love to hear more about the Nu'alolo/Awa'awapuhi Loop. I'm trying desperately to talk my husband into doing that one when we return to Kauai in March!

CajunStorm, As I said it was the most amazing hike.

We almost didn't attempt it because it was a bit rainy and we were worried about losing our footing. An employee in the Kokee Lodge suggested we should not go as there was very little chance it would clear up. She then went on to talk about various rescues she has been a part of--very neative atitude towards our questions. We headed over to the little museum/shop and talked to a woman in there that said we should be fine (as we were prepared with water etc. and were serious in our queries )and that it could easily burn off and we'd be fine. She cationed us about water supplies several times but we hike frequently so were very prepared.

So very glad we listened to that second woman. The Nualolo can be steep in parts heading down and it was a tad slippery. We only encountered one other person on the entire trail until we reached the Lolo Lookout. We met a couple out there and while we were relaxing for a bit one other couple arrived. These were the only other people we saw on the entire hike.

You MUST head the extra half mile out to do the lookout point. There were a couple of spots that made me a little nervous along this section of the trail where there were drop offs and the trail was a bit raggedy. My hiking companions were not bothered in the least -- depends on the individual I guess.

The views were amazing. The helicopters were overhead and swooping down into the canyon and while they got a bit annoying, they provided nice perspective in my very amateur photography. They were only out and about for a short time and then we never saw them again.

The trail that goes across connecting the Nualolo to the Awa'awapui was fairly level and through some bizarre and overgrown brush. It got a bit confusing at one point but nothing serious. At the bottom of the Awa, there is another lookout point and while pretty. it was not nearly as spectacular as the Lolo.

We met the rest of our party at this lookout (they were not up for the full 11 miles) and had the great pleasure of seeing a flock of Nenes which made this very special.

Overall I highly recommend this hike. You need to be in decent shape and the experience is unforgettable. If I ever get back to Kauai, I would probably do it again.

Have fun!