ALLTRAILS and the AllTrails Mountain Design are registered trademarks of AllTrails, LLC in the United States as well as certain other jurisdictions. Awaawapuhi trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker off 550. this forest reserve area is managed as wilderness because of the rich variety of native dryland plant species thriving in it. Kauais Awa'awapuhi Trail is a moderately difficult hike which starts in Kkee State Park and traverses the gorgeous Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Waimea Canyon West Side The trail starts at approximately 4,120 feet and ends at the lookout around 2,500 feet. (LogOut/ The trail has a downward The climb back up was sweaty and squelchy and full of hikers heading down but otherwise uneventful. Kauai hike #1 in the bag! Our website uses cookies. You can read more about the "loop" on ourNualolo Trailentry. The trail is easy to follow and well maintained. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Hi. The scenery along the three-mile, downhill hike . Mar 3, 2019 Matthew Henderson. There are four pieces of gear that I simply never forget when I go on a hike. After around 90 minutes of awe-inspiring and downhill hiking, the trek culminates at the official viewpoint. Mahaulepu Heritage Trail: Map, Photos, & Is It Worth It? The rocks can be very crumbly and no step is certain on the ridges out in Kokee State Park. If all that sounds like fun, then by all means go for it. Awaawapuhi Trail is my favorite hike in the Kokee State Park. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. I was determined to shoot the sunrise from Lydgate Beach Park and Dipali wanted to We parked in the parking lot near by mile marker 17 on Highway 550. I made my way as about halfway down the spine to the end point before stopping. Copyright 2023 Journey Era | Mediavine Trellis Child - Journey Era on Trellis Framework by Mediavine. Its a short, easy, downhill walk to the viewpoint at the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail. Beware, however, that the Nualolo trail was closed when we were there. If you have any questions about how to hike the Nualolo Trail and Awaawapuhi Trail Loop, or if you want to share your experience, let us know in the comment section below. As of now, the trail is closed for the foreseeable future. Incredible views! The permit can be obtained at visitor contact stations during business hours. Hawaii's official trail and access website administered by the N Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, State of Hawaii I tip-toed around the muddy trail with my brand-new hiking sandals at first. And this time around, we could share the experience with our kids. Muddy but vista is epic. The hike isn't too bad and wasn't muddy when we went. The trail ends abruptly on the ridge top, at 2,500 ft. elevation, affording spectacular views down sheer palis (cliffs) into Awaawapuhi and Nualolo Valleys overlooking the Pacific Ocean. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. I loved being in the tropical rainforest and seeing the view at the end of the trail was amazing. These views are great but they do not compare to those from Kalaua or Nualolo. Mud, forest, shade, all leading to awesome views! Not for those terrified of heights. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. Breaking News In Yuba County Spoiler. Adelphi Women's Soccer, If you decide to take all the connecting trails, you're looking at a 9-mile trek. I dont care what the other websites say; hiking theAwaawapuhi Trail for 6.7 miles round trip is not easy. The trail is not too difficult, just bring lots of water if it's hot. Layers and water helpful! Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Most areas of the Appalachian Trail do not require fees or permits, but a few do. Tried this 10 years ago and got to the end to see a cloud from the inside. 3 miles down with nothing to see but trees and bush but it's worth it at the end of you are not afraid of heights and go past the gates. Most of the time, you are in the trees with very little view. Then Awa'awapuhi Trail is your cup of tea. These valleys are part Going up Waimea Canyon and into Kokee State Park, the trail starts at a small parking area right at mile marker 17. Please practice the seven principles of Leave No Trace: plan ahead, stay on the trail, pack out what you bring to the hiking trail, properly dispose of waste, leave areas as you found them, minimize campfire impacts, be considerate of other hikers, and do not approach or feed wildlife. How To Avoid Hotel Quarantine In Canada, 6miles round trip. Reaching the overlook is worthy! Some reviews called this an easy to moderate hike. It is a peaceful hike. The trail descends sixteen hundred feet over three miles through a rainforest to the rim of the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. So when there is a fresh rain you will want to go slow or you have a good chance of wiping out. This is done to help stop Rapid Ohia Death, a disease that is killing Ohia trees in Hawaii, and to help prevent the spread of seeds that could still be on your shoes from other hikes. In the evening, head to Luau Kalamaku for the best Polynesian dance show in Kauai. If you are in average condition (maybe exercise for 2-4 hours per week), the climb back up is VERY difficult. Awaawapuhi Trail, Kekaha: Address, Awaawapuhi Trail Reviews: 4.5/5. Awa'awapuhi Trail, Kaua'i - September 6, 2015 What an amazing view in Kaua'i. My blog has a post with pictures that you can check out. Logistics: The Nualolo Ridge Trail is a 7.5-mile hike inside the Kokee State Park. We chose the Awaawapuhi Trail, and Im glad that we did. BEST OF MAUI: We have a list about the top experiences in Maui and how to put it all together in our Maui Itinerary. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Although I cant compare it to the Kalalau Trail, the Awaawapuhi Trail was a major highlight of our Kauai trip and led to one of the most beautiful coastal views Ive ever seen. Longitude: -159.6486396. For the majority of the first part of this hike, you will be descending as you hike out towards the coast. The reason why I love this trail and what makes it my favorite out in the west is because of the magnitudeof the dropoffs and the gorge. I slipped and fell twice. Total hike time for us was 4 hours but we took our time. All rights reserved Earth Trekkers. Unlike the neighboring Awa'awapuhi Trail, there are no facilities or even trailhead signs. We went on a day when it said cloudy with little chance of rain. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Not much to see until then. At the 10 mile point, you reach the trailhead for the Awaawapuhi Trail and Kokee Road. Awa'awapuhi Trail Overview. A GPS device that has trail maps makes it a lot easier to hike the Nualolo Cliff Trail. GREAT HIKES FROM AROUND THE WORLD: For more great hikes, check out our article listing the 20 Best Day Hikes in the World. Wear bug spray and good hiking shoes. I love your hiking tips. The Awa Awapuhi Hike is a 6 mile out and back hike that brings you through the lush vegetation. Hawaii's official trail and access website administered by the N Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, State of Hawaii The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of the most awe inspiring vistas on Kauais Napali Coast. Muddy in spots so wear proper shoes. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. We wore shorts and short-sleeved shirts and were fine, but I did have a bumpy, itchy rash on my legs for the next 24 hours. Growing up in the small town of Norwalk, on the outskirts of . I am 66 y/o, in good health but I don't do specific condition training. Permits cost $35 per person per night and must be reserved ahead online. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. You dont see any in our photos because we started very early but we saw a bunch of hikers on the return part of the hike. Additional Info The first time was in 1999. Change), You are commenting using your Google account. It feels like paradise. The hike goes gradually downhill for 3 miles primarily through the trees (but with some scenic outlooks), before ending at a ridge with a spectacular view of the Pacific Ocean, Napali Coast, and the Awa'awapuhi and Nualolo Valley. The Awaawapuhi trail is in Waimea Canyon, specifically Kokee State Park, on Kauais west side of the island. . We hiked 2/3/23, trail was very muddy but do able. Another way to do this hike is to park in the Awaawapuhi Trail parking lot. The only lookout is at the end. When we did this, the Nualolo Cliffs Trail was overgrown in many spots, making progress very slow. We briefly stumbled off the trail twice and I have heard of others doing it too. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Cheers, Julie, Your email address will not be published. Since this is a loop, you can hike these trails clockwise or counterclockwise. Generally considered a moderately challenging route, it takes an average of 3 h 46 min to complete. ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. Most people stop on the grassy/sandy cliffs at the turn-around point for lunch as they offer great views of the coastline. But some of us used stick and it helps. And out of the two, all four of us unanimously agree that the Nualolo Trail is the more thrilling and enjoyable of the two trails. There was no view whatsoever. Found in Koke`e State Park this trail winds through a highland forest with occasional ridge top views. The trail offers a moderately-challenging hike with amazing views of the surrounding landscape, including waterfalls, cliffs, tropical forests, and the stunning Na Pali Coast. Elijah Adebayo Twitter, Breath taking Views - Tough trail if you are a beginner. Even though it rained all night last night, the hike was totally do-able. Jan 12, 2023 H awaii's Awa awapuhi Trail is an incredible experience for anyone lucky enough to have a day to spend hiking in Hawaii. Because the Awaawapuhi Trail drops you so low, you feel like you are almost down in the valley looking up towards the top of the other ridges. Awa'awapuhi Trail. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. The hike took us about 2.5 hours each way. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a 6.7 mile moderately trafficked out and back trail located near Kekaha, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as mod. Don't Look Down! Kauai is the oldest island in the Archipelago and these cliffs have been shaped over thousands of years. I will say that we recommend several things before you head out. Also arrive early, once in Waima its still about 45 minutes up the mountain. The Awa'awapuhi trail is a great option for those who want to enjoy the N Pali Coast but don't feel like braving one of the most dangerous trails in the world to do that. From the edge of the trail, there are drop-offs to the canyon below. None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly. (LogOut/ We have been doing the Awaawapuhi trail when we come here. Prefer your gain before the pain? It genuinely surprised every time we passed the half-mile trail markers. Its all easy to the grassy point that oversees the sheer cliffs of Awa`awapuhi and Nualolo valleys resting 2,000 feet below.Awaawapuhi Trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. Your Awa Awapuhi Trail stock images are ready. Awa'awapuhi Trail. If you're the active type, avoid the urge to stop at the scenic lookouts and start the day with the Awa'awapuhi Trail, where a rocky ledge from which incredible views of the Na Pali Coast is waiting for you. In this guide, we cover the full loop (the Nualolo Trail to the Nualolo Cliff Trail to the Awaawapuhi Trail) and what we recommend doing instead, if you dont want to do the full loop. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a spectacular hike, with the most magnificent views of the Na Distance: 6.5 miles, round-trip Location: West side, Kohee State Park Difficulty: Moderate. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Awaawapuhi Trail DANGER: Do not venture beyond the safety railing at the end of the trail! This is a small parking lot and there are no restrooms. Nice hike out to the overlook of the Na Pali Coast. :) Enjoy this AMAZING hike! To get to the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail (and Kokee Road), it is a 3 mile hike and the majority of this will be uphill. Vegan Activist T-shirt, The views are amazing though at the halfway point of the hike, and youll see several helicopters getting up close to the cascading valley! NUALOLO CLIFF TRAIL ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] way to continue to the lookout. PRO HIKING TIP: If you are afraid of heights, this trail could be very challenging. All five of these spots are in great locations but each one is a little different. The trail skirts the upper rim of the precipitous Nualolo Valley and permits a "loop" route from the head of Awaawapuhi Trail to Kokee State Park Headquarters or vise versa. Muddy, quiet forest hike to an amazing and rewarding view! Once you get to the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail, you will be at your car and you do not have to end with the hike down the road. This is a TOUGH day hike and for the average person, I would not recommend doing the full loop. trying to illustrate the steep drop-off on the unofficial extension trail and.. mostly failing? If you can walk six miles and are on the island of Kauai, go on this hike! The hike would be out of the question for the length of our trip. slippery down hill, check weather, long hike for fog. Bring lots of water because youll need it for the incline on the way back. Kokee State Park is in the northwest of Kauai; the closest popular tourist area is Waimea, to the south. Don't know about other phones, imagine it would work on an android as it also shows up in google maps. Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. When kids went ahead it was sunny and bright. You can buy snacks, cold drinks, and ice cream from the general store here. By Nualolo Trail (between cabins and Kokee Lodge), or Awaawapuhi trail near 17 mm (past Kokee Lodge). You can read more about the "loop" on our Nualolo Trail entry. Its a long hike, there is a lot of elevation gain, and it can get very hot. Seeaosite for updates. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. The Awaawapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, is a single track hike not for those with a fear of heights. We arrived at the official viewpoint and were blown away by the view. Its drop is a massive 2,425ft whereby contrast Niagara Falls only drops 156ft. Do not underestimate the effects of heat and humidity and it only takes one fall to hurt your back, hips or anything else. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. If you are doing this hike as a loop, you will need to backtrack up the trail for 0.9 miles until you get to the Nualolo Cliffs Trail. It only takes about an hour and a half each way along the total of six miles out and back journey. I will never endorse anything fake or not worth considering. For more experienced hikers I could see this being done in 3 hours. [KAUAI] UPDATED 3/2/23: Polihale State Park Is CLOSED until further notice due to an electrical outage that has put the water pump out of service. This is a moderate one way trail in Hawaii. This time, perfect view. The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of the most awe inspiring vistas on Kauai's Napali Coast. There are four pieces of gear that I simply never travel without. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The view was special and now that were done with it we fell a sense of accomplishment, however in the heat of survival on the trail none of us can say we actually enjoyed it. One of our favorites is the Awa Awa'apuhi trail. Just a short distance from here is a large parking lot for the Kokee Museum, restrooms, and the Kokee Lodge (a great place for cold drinks and food once finished the hike). Well worth the 6 mile round trip hike. Lots of people. The trail out towards the lookout took just under an hour and a half and was in shade most of the way. The trail is quite rocky at the start and we heard that it is very slippery if its rained. Its a boring walk and dangerous, so stay close to the shoulder of the road. It takes about three hours to hike this West Kauai trail and it has many incredible viewpoints. This is a must do if you have the time! It was nice, but it didnt live up to our memories. The hike is mostly through shaded forest and ending at the overlooks with some great views. The treacherous trail felt agonizingly long for the first 1.5 miles. Even though rainy/foggy at top, gorgeous down at bottom! Change), the watchman and mt mcloughlin as seen from our backcountry campsite at crater lake this weekend , some good kings mtn light from a while back , finally made it to silver falls. This is the hike that will give you that Napali Coast feel that you want. The hike is moderately difficult and traverses the Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. We wanted a shorter day hike that would provide us with expansive views of the Napali Coast of Kauai. I made my way as about halfway down the spine to the end point before stopping. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). If theres any vista proving that pushing to the end of a hike is always worth it, its the Awaawapuhi Lookout of the Napali Coast. The weather in Kauai changes every 20 minutes there was certainly no way of controlling that. If you dont like back tracking you could take the Nualolo Cliff Trail junction on your way out, but it will add 5 miles to your trip and you will have to walk the road back to your car. Going to Kauai in 2 weeks and looking to hike the Napali Coast and the Awa'awapuhi Trail in particular. By. Your email address will not be published. However, it is less than $300 a night. The Nualolo Trail + Awaawapuhi Trail Loop. If you go, bring plenty of water and something to eat. This is the one good view along the Nualolo Cliff Trailmost of the time you are in the trees, brush, or tall grass. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. I was one part excited about seeing the view and one part anxious that if there was indeed a view today, it might not be as clear the following day when we were scheduled for our helicopter ride. And trust us when we say that with a guided tour, you get to see and experience things in a way you simply cannot do independently. Sections with roots and loose rocks. At the end of the trail is a lookout over Awa Awa'apuhi and Nualolo valleys, the Na Pali Coast and Pacific Ocean. Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year, Even when we returned their was no parking. Awaawapuhi Trail. It is narrow in spots and can be slippery. However, be forewarned - it's a tough hike. What restaurants are near Awaawapuhi Trail? I would be covered in mud by the end of the hike, no matter what. The weather had other plans for the duration of our stay, however. Best Defenders In Premier League 2019-20, The trail does need some clearing done at the end of the trail. 98% of travelers recommend this experience. Very helpful. As other have mentioned, not much to see in the way of views until the end, but interesting flora. No, you do not need a permit for the Nualolo Trail. I think it was actually both the height of the cliff and the accomplishment of making it to the lookout that made me weak in the knees. .Stunning views. As it is an easier trail it is also a bit more crowded. But I wouldnt do it again. Yes, we had to climb back up 1600 feet on the return, but the trail was almost always in shade, and we had enough water. T he Awa'awapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai, Hawaii, is a single track hike not for those with a fear of heights. Entire family made it all the way to the top. The Garden Isle truly is a marvel of Mother Nature there are so many sights to see, trails to hike, and adventures to be had. YELP 365 - 244/365 If you are allergic to grass, wear or bring long pants. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. Congrats! The trail meanders through a wet cloud forest before making some steep descents down muddy terrain. awa'awapuhi trail permit. Don't try this -- ever. The dramaticdrop-offs on either side of the Awaawapuhi ridge were something you dont see anywhere else in the world. Vista view is beautiful. Make sure you have plenty of water and wear cloths that you don't mind getting muddy, that means shoes. The hardest part of the hike is over. Below is a photo of the end of the Nualolo Trail and vista point. " Awesome hike with breathtaking views of the Na Pali coast " Aug. 2022 We learned a lot, not just about the trail, but about hiking in general, which carried on through later experiences. This is not a hike that I would recommend for newbie hikers. Awa'awapuhi Trail Details. Its a mostly uphill, challenging walk back to the trailhead. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. Very muddybring hiking poles. My father and I had were sitting on the porch of our condo looking over the Hanalei Bay, trying to decipher what we should do for the day. Carla Herreria Russo. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our Hiking Gear Guide. I would describe our conditioning as slightly better than average. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Photo [] The hike back up wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. My travel buddy may back off so I may end up solo. Read all of our articles about the United States in our. The trail is only 2 to 3 feet wide in some spots. The settlement, reached just before a damages trial was to begin next week, must be approved by the Legislature. The state was found at fault last year in the case . [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. Its longer, its steeper, it can be muddy after it rains, and the trail is overgrown in spots. Best hike we did during our visit! The final 0.75 miles are mostly along a cliff. First off my family of four did the trail after much reading about it, it was very hard for all of us who do not hike on a regular basis. It does have 3 little sections, after you go to the first landing you can venture out to a second then a third. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Its a bummer to see peoples toilet paper, orange rinds and plastic on the trail! The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of the most awe inspiring vistas on Kauais Napali Coast. Im not going to sugar coat itthis next two miles is a slog on an overgrown trail. Use caution and do not go too close to the edge as some of the viewpoints are eroded. Awaawapuhi Trail Kauai Found in Koke`e State Park, Kauai, Hawaii.A trial winds through highland forests with infrequent ridge top views. Summed Up The 6.5-mile, out-and-back Awa'awapuhi Trail The scenery and foliage along the way are well worth it. For a nice day hike, you can backtrack to the Nualolo junction and continue along the Nualolo Cliff Trail to the Nualolo Trail which ends at the Kokee State Park headquarters. The hike to the viewpoint is downhill, so prepare yourself for the thigh burner on the way out. Awa Awapuhi Single Track: Kauai is a singletrack mountain bike trail in Wiamea, Hawaii. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. However, if you plan to hike that loop, we recommend you hike down Nualolo and back up Awa'awapuhi. Thanks, Mehek! The beginning of the trail is a relatively mellow stroll through the high forest. If you are in good shape and up for a challenge, there is the option continuing onto the Nualolo cliff trail and then Nualolo trail, making the total hike 10 miles. Download your copy of our In mid-January, Schuyler, David, and I took a trip to Kauai, the un-official hiking island of Hawaii. When I visited Kauai last fall, I had a chance to hike a few trails in Koke'e State Park on the west side of the beautiful Garden Island. All uphill on the way back. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. All Rights Reserved. Our best chance at hiking to a view of the Napali Coast would be hiking the Awaawapuhi Trail from Waimea Canyon. The end of the trail provides rim views down into the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. Found solitude along this somewhat rugged trail but no flowing water at the stream. But the views are much better than those from the Awaawapuhi Trail. This trail isnt too difficult, won't take up too much of your day, and it brings you to breathtaking views, overlooking the Nualolo and Awa'awapuhi valleys. The way to the left is where the Nualolo Cliff Trail links with the AwaAwapuhi Trail. It tends to get very muddy and foggy along the trail and has an overall elevation gain of 1,180 feet. I believe it was a little over 6 miles round trip. Are there many hikers there? This trail goes by Honopu Ridge Trailhead. We also heard helicopters in the distance above us. The plant life growing along the trail was very overgrown in spots when we did this, so expect to push your way through if it hasnt recently been bushwhacked. How was it on our second hike? The Appalachian Trail is intended for foot travel only. You need to keep an eye out for a small sign with cars parked on the left side going to Koke SP, after the campground. Kauai's beautiful Na Pali coast. Be sure to take your time and be extra cautious when going through these areas.