Hiking Kauai - When to Get Best Views
 

Aloha. All systems go - travelling 21Apr-01May staying at the Islander on the Beach.
My question-I haven't been able to pin down the best time of day to get expansive views of the NaPali/West Coast canyons. I assume early in the morning?
Any help on this is greatly appreciated...this is our 1st trip to Kauai
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Thanks
Biker

Oh hi Biker.
I know I have given you advice before..so I hope I am not repeating. I guess depending on where you are hiking the answer depends. We always did canyon hikes early--left Wailua (near Islander, great place to stay!) around 7am, got to the canyon around 8am and would hike early. If you do the Nualolo trail go early then picnic for lunch at one of the 2 vistas. I have done this hike 2x at 2 different seasons and both times had cloudless views of NaPali. If you do the swamp hike (at the very end of the road in the canyon) I also say go early to beat the fog. As for north shore hikes, the Ke'e beach hike (Kulalau) I don't think it matters as much, meaning the weather will be what it will so pray for a clear sky on your hike day! Although it doesn't really matter. The first time we did the hike we got to that waterfall when it was cloudy and raining and it was still spectacular. And also, weather can change drastically there. One second it is cloudy and rainy and the next it is sunny and perfect.

For Na Pali, we started out REALLY early to get to Hanapepe falls at a decent time, which I would definitely recommend. However, the "views" themselves of the cliffs are best later in the afternoon because the sun finally gets high enough to shine on them. Early in the morning they are in the shadows. (Still breathtaking, though).

oh just to clarify...if you do the canyon hike (Nualolo/Nualolo Cliffs Grand Loop) the best view of the NaPali coast is still in the morning. Travelisfun is refering to the north shore hike, where you also get views of NaPali. I agree that from this hike the views are better in the afternoon. But if you do the canyon hike early in the morning there will not be any morning shadows or anything--just majestic views of the Napali coast. IMHO the views of Napali from the Nualolo hike are far better, although the Ke'e hike has the waterfall in its favor.

stephcar-thanks, yes you have given me advice but on different subject...many thanks. i think we are going to do most of the hikes you recommended in your trip report. did you ever post any photos?
biker

Biker, ahhh...the photos, sorry, I did not post them anywhere. Currently they all reside on a disk. But on one of the threads someone posted their hiking shots that looked exactly like mine. I responded to the post saying how much I enjoyed the pics but can't recall which one it was, maybe a trip report..?

So excited you are trying the Nualolo Grand Loop. You will love it! The best part is you will hardly see anyone, save a few goats. Please make sure you post when you get back, I can't wait to hear your impressions.

StephCar....I believe you're refering to my pictures from a recent post. Biker...they are at http://community.webshots.com/album/342468954DTuXAV
if you're interested. Or the entire thread which was about hikes on Kauai is at http://www.fodors.com/forums/threads...p;tid=34750490

dfarr--Ahh yes, thank you! Enjoyed looking at them again today, especially since we are buried under a foot of snow here!

Yeah...sorry I wasn't specific. I was refering to the Kalalau trail. The other hikes sound magnificant!

Wow. pics are unbelievable. refreshing since it is supposed to be in the teens this weekend in St.Louis.
especially pumped about the loop trail and not seeing others much on it.
can't wait to actually see in person. appreciate everyone's responding. i will definitely post a lengthy TR with tons of photos.
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Biker