During this Covid-19 pandemic, a 14-day quarantine was in place for inter-island travel, in Hawaii. The day after the inter-island quarantine lifted, airlines encouraged travel.
Inter-island flight roundtrip prices were at a low roundtrip price of $80 and a month later dropped further to $29 one way in July to encourage Kama’aina (locals) to travel.
We took advantage of these deals and island-hopped to Kaua’i – twice, in mid-June and again at the end of July to get our hiking fix.
Kaua’i is where my husband and I grew up, and to us, it’s the jewel of the Hawaiian islands. It is relatively unspoiled given it’s popularity as a vacation destination.
There are only two-lane roads around the island. These are our favorite and most scenic hiking trails.
6 Unforgettable Hikes on Kauai
Waimea Canyon Trail
Once there, we were excited to get hiking! We hiked the Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls in Koke’e. The trail is a moderate 3.2 mile, out and back hike, with an elevation gain 1210 ft.
We hike this trail on practically every visit to Kaua’i.
It’s been dry so the trail had easy footing; and due of the lack of visitors, the vegetation was lush and overgrown along the trail to the falls.
My husband always looks forward to taking a dip to cool off in one of the little falls.
I always want to linger in awe of what mother nature created.
Sleeping Giant (Nounou East Trail)
After a day’s rest, we went on the Sleeping Giant hike. It’s also known as the Nounou East Trail in the Wailua Houselot area on the East side of the island.
It’s called ‘sleeping giant’ because it’s the profile of the giant laying on his back, the hike goes up to his chest and chin. It’s a 3.6 mile out and back hike, with a 1000 ft elevation gain and views of the Eastside of the island.
This time we hiked with our friends who used to hike this trail 3-4 times a week for exercise. It takes about 45 minutes to get to the chest where there is a seated lookout and a covered pavilion.
This is usually a turnaround point, but this time my husband and I climbed the vertical rocks to the chin.
It’s helpful to have another set of eyes on the decent to check your footing.
Awa’awapuhi Trail
Without wasting any time, the next day, we took on one of the longer trails in Koke’e on the northwest side of the island. The Awa’awapuhi Trail, a 6.7 mile out and back trail with an elevation gain of 2125 ft and the 3.25 miles in is all downhill. We started early and passed several local groups along the trail.
This trail takes 1-hour, 45 minutes each way. The trip out is all downhill so the trip back is ALL uphill. Whew! When we came to the end of the trail, the weeds had grown so tall that the canyon wasn’t visible from the viewing area. We ventured further for the stunning views.
Nu’alolo Trail
One of our memorable hikes was the Nu’alolo trail in Koke’e. This was the first time that we went to the end of the trail, and it has become one of our favorite hikes.
It’s near the visitor center and fewer people go on this hike because, well, it’s longer and not for everyone.
A fair degree of fitness and stamina is required, though you can stop at anytime along the way.
It’s 7.5 miles out and back, 2578 elevation gain, and about 2 hours each way; depends on how long you linger at the views.
Amazing views of the Na’Pali coastline is unique to this ridge.
Hanakapiai Trail
Another favorite hike is on the northshore of the island. The Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park includes the 2-mile trail to Hanakapiai.
We usually hike this beautiful, scenic trail on each visit. It takes about an hour each way, if you include stops along the trail to take in the views of the coastline.
The trail ends at the stream. Be careful crossing the stream as there have been many injuries there. When we were there in early August, the state started building a bridge across the stream.
We were happy to know that we wouldn’t have to wear tabis to cross the stream hopefully on the next trip.
Kalepa Ridge Trail
The last and my husband’s favorite is the Kalepa Ridge Trail in Kokee. For a short 1.9-mile, out and back hike, an elevation gain of 610 feet, it’s the most scenic with vista views. Rated as difficult, the Kalepa ridge rises above Kalalau valley. This trail has spectacular views along the trail.
Don’t let the minimal elevation gain fool you, there are some short vertical sections not recommended for those with difficulty climbing.
We stayed with good friends who we hiked with, and who took my husband deep sea fishing. He was elated to reel in a 107 lb Ahi that our fisherman friend, Niki made poke bowls for us. It was so tasty and fresh. This was the best end of our amazing inter-island trip.
We will explore more trails on our next visit.
Aloha!
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