Ok all you in the know...HELP!!! After reading the "blue bible" and researching the fodor posts, you have really made me want to start hiking. Unfortunately, fitness is a consideration here. That being said, what a better time for a lifestyle change, ugh? So, it's ask the experts...which hikes would you recommend that would give us (children included) the most bang for our buck...Best Views...but a mini-moderate level of difficulty? Also, we don't have the time other than perhaps a 1/2 day to use????

oops...failed to mention we are staying at the Princeville..for location considerations...thanks bunches!!!

If you want to start, and haven't hiked or walked significantly before, you might want to start by walking every day for 15 minutes in your neighborhood. Up this to 30 minutes, then 45 minutes, and at that point, incorporate some hills into it. THEN think about recreational hiking. Your knees, back and legs will thank you for your gradual start-up. And, hiking is really a continuation of this process. Just a thought...
Go for it!!!

I would recommend just the first mile or so of the Kalalau hike. You reach a GORGEOUS view within that first mile and it's just a wonderful trail. You don't really need to go any further if you don't want to. (Definitely don't try the Hanapepe waterfall hike...very challenging). If you just do the first mile or so it would only take you a few hours at the most and you start and finish at the great Ke'e beach.

Another good one if you are staying down south is the hike to the east of shipwreck beach. This hike is very easy and has some interesting views of the coast. It's only a mile or so roundtrip.

Have a great time! I just posted my trip report...we LOVED Kauai!!

Also, sorry! I didn't realize you were on vacation and wanted to start!
Take my previous email as general advice, please! As for the specifics that you asked about, I'll have to defer that to the local specialists.
Have a great time!

visormom, I agree with travelisfun and suggest the first part of the Kalalau Trail. You pick it up right at the end of the road before Ke'e beach. I also suggest you stop at the beach and do not attempt the waterfall hike, which is much more challenging.

FYI, I NEVER hiked until I got to Kauai. I was in horrible shape but quickly became addicted. It is the only place I hike, and every time I go there I do a few easy hikes to get warmed up, then tackle something more difficult. Have confidence! Hiking is really just walking, with a few challenges here and there.

Another great family hike is the Kuilau Ridge trail. The trail head is near the Arboretum, off 580 on the east side. So lush and tropical, literally fresh fruit falling at your feet as you walk. And wild orchids everywhere.

Have fun.

You folks impress me every time I read these threads...thanks so much for you insight as well as your encouragement. I'm gonna do it!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Most bang for your buck hike? For a fairly easy hike that rewards with outstanding views try Pihea trail at the end of the Waimea canyon road. Most of the trail has incredible valley/ocean views and it has very little elevation change. The very first part of the trail that starts at Kalalau Lookout out to Pu'u O Kila Lookout is very easy. In fact it is actually a paved two lane road. The next 1 1/2 miles out to Pihea Vista is a good trail with very little elevation change. This part could be a bit slippery if there have been recent rains but overall it is an easy hike. About 1/2 mile beyond Pihea Vista the trail intersects with the Alaka'i Swamp trail. From that point it is 2 miles out to Kilohana Lookout and the trail starts to get a bit more challanging in a few spots. I suggest you get an early start because once the valley fogs in (which it almost always does) you'll have no views of the valley at all. Drive directly to the end of the canyon road and do your hike. Save stopping at all the canyon lookout points for your trip back down. You can see my pictures taken along the trail at the following link.
http://community.webshots.com/album/342468954DTuXAV

dfar, those are GREAT shots!!! We did the whole hike (Alaka'i Swamp trail) on our second trip, and even though we went super early we only saw FOG. And we waited a good hour having lunch only to see...more FOG. So finally your pictures shed some light on what we were supposed to see. (Pun intended.) Ironically, on the way back I fell head first into a bunch of mud and was totally covered. I looked like the Swamp Thing. Hikers that were going in when we were coming out literally turned around and headed back, thinking it was way too muddy. LOL. DH LOVES this story, to this day.

I think your being at Princeville will make the Kalalau trail the best for you. I went to the 2 mile mark and back, just 4 1/2 months after foot surgery. I was in my early 40's although not overweight. I was fine on the hike. You can go just as far as you feel up to. It was beautiful even just at the beginning. I think you will do fine. Oh and there were children on that hike. Just keep them on the inside and away from the edge.

trippin...did you say "ledge"...eek!!!Remember, fat girls don't do well on LEDGES!!!!

dfarr..your pics were awesome...loved seeing the plane in #5...and I love the idea of a "paved road" vs. "ledges"...hehehehe Thanks so much for sharing!!!

Now, visormom -- stop calling yourself a "fat girl"!!! You are, I am sure, quite pleasing to the eye, and once you start hiking, your health and vitality will improve. Take it as truth from a former "pleasantly cushioned" girl herself! Take care and enjoy!

visormom, I am also under-tall for my weight and I will tell you that there is a lot of "climbing" on The Kalalau Trail. It's pretty steep in places. Now, we went on a rainy day...don't do that!!! And, I did paint my shorts with that beautiful red dirt a couple of times.

The real icee said I spent too much time sight seeing and not watching my footing, but I say my legs were too short and my butt too large.

Amen nospam!!! But I will come back and haunt all of you if I collaspe on the trail...better get my intake of lava flows BEFORE I hike. You know, I'm gonna do the 2 miles...just so I can come back and post...I DID IT...CELLULITE AND ALL!!!!

StephCar...On our first trip we had the same problem seeing only fog. That time we stopped at all the canyon lookouts first which put us at the top too late to catch the clear views. On our second trip we made sure we went directly to the top.

visormom....That is actually a helicopter in that picture. It gives you some perspective of the actual grandor

StephCar...On our first trip we had the same problem seeing only fog. That time we stopped at all the canyon lookouts first which put us at the top too late to catch the clear views. On our second trip we made sure we went directly to the top.

visormom....That is actually a helicopter in that picture. It gives you some perspective of the actual grandeur of the magnificent valley and mountains you are looking at.

visormum- we have just done the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail, and although I am not a hiker, I really loved it. There are stunning views. The most difficult bil is really almost right at the beginning, once you are past that you can enjoy the rest of the trail. Just make sure you all wear proper shoes- I have seen people in flipflops skidding along!

Fraukie...my question is a simple one...flip flops with or without the lavaflow in hand?????

I hiked that trail with two women, one sort of fit and the other was, well, overweight and undertoned. She had alot of trouble and we thought she would pass out, we had to help her on the path back. It took her a long time to recover and she really scared us. It may seem funny, but if you are reeeally out of shape, think twice.