Kauai Hiking Adventures

Kauai is the oldest main island of Hawaii, and it shows in the island’s beautiful canyons. Sometimes called the Garden Isle, Kauai is home to the wettest place on earth Mount Wai’ale’ale. This place receives over forty feet of rain every year. The island of Kauai is a beautiful island known for its wonderful variety of scenery and of Kauai hiking trails. In Kauai there is truly something for everyone. Whether a beginner, or an experienced hiker, there will be trails that can challenge any ability.

When planning to visit Kauai, you can be sure that plenty of hiking is available. Approximately 90% of Kauai is inaccessible by roads, leaving a great opportunity to get out and explore new areas of the island. You should spend a little time before your visit to find all the great Kauai hiking trails available, and to choose the ones that you want to hike. Because of the remote nature of some of the areas, you will also want to research and practice all recommended safety tips for hiking Kauai.

Beautiful Kauai Hiking Trails

Kauai hiking offers many different types of trails from the beautiful coastal trails, to the truly gorgeous canyon trails, or the lush forest trails that offer endless scenery. Kauai boasts some beautiful state parks including Waimea Canyon State Park. You will be pleased to find the Kukui Trail in Waimea Canyon State Park. Kukui Trail starts off the Iliau Loop Trail and then drops into the park canyon where the cool and refreshing waters of the Waimea River await you. This Kauai trail through forest and canyon is breathtakingly beautiful. However, it is a somewhat arduous trail as well, with the steep descent and the return incline.

For the experienced hiker, there is Kalalau Trail. This trail is a strenuous 11-mile hike that normally takes hikers about five days to hike in and out. This trail begins Ke’e Beach, and follows mountain cliffs past the Hanakapiai Falls and Beach, proceeding to the Kalalau Valley. This trail offers mountain and ocean views, as well as the view of the falls. If a shorter hike is desired, there is one available that goes four miles into Hanakapiai Falls. These Kauai hiking trails are only for the experienced hiker, as they are extremely difficult.

Many Kauai hiking trails are located in Koke’e State Park. Taking a hike on one of the trails located in this state park will allow some of the most beautiful forest viewing in Kauai hiking. While Koke’e State Park did suffer terrible damage in Hurricane Iniki, most of the trails are back into excellent condition and ready for hiking again. In addition to the many forest trails, Koke’e State Park is also home to Alaka’i Swamp. This swamp is one of the wettest areas on earth and is virtually impenetrable to man.

Kauai hiking is an experience you should not miss out on. The beautiful views and largely untouched nature of this remarkable island will leave you with memories for years to come. Enjoy Kauai hiking by planning a trip today.