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. The trail is 3.25 miles one way, with about 1600 feet of descent (yep, this is a DOWN then UP trail ughhhh). The trailhead is easily google-able (and google actually takes you to the correct location) and is on the main road through the park. There is a decently sized dirt lot and no payment stall (so parking is free, we presume? We didnt get a ticket, at any rate). For this hike you will want to arrive early to get a spot in the lot and a little solitude while hiking. We started around 9:30am and the trail was lightly trafficked, and we had the viewpoint at the end of the trail almost to ourselves. By the time we were hiking back up to the parking lot, the trail was a zoo and the parking lot and surrounding roadside were completely parked up. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. Hiking out, you'll no doubt respect each and every foot of that; especially if you're concluding this hike as a part of theNualolo Trail/Nualolo Cliff Trail"loop." The view from your trail is stunning, each and every photo was amazing! Note: This post contains affiliate links. The grassy area at the end of the trail is a popular place to picnic and enjoy the views. Footing is extremely unstable, and the drop to the valley floor below is over 2,000 feet. This is a six-mile, out-and-back trail in Kokee State Park on the island of Kauai. KAUAI: Plan your visit to Kauai with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Kauai. The photo below shows the location of the Awaawapuhi Trail vista point. We only discovered this when some hikers told us as they headed back along the Awaawapuhi. June 16, 2022; Posted by why do chavs wear tracksuits; 16 . What time of day did you hike? Enjoy the awesome views from here. It takes you on a route along the south side of Koaie Canyon, with good scenery, wildlife and swimming holes. Growing up in the small town of Norwalk, on the outskirts of . .Stunning views. 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. Clouds started to sock us in around 2pm. 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. It is before the Kalalau lookout but still takes well over 30 minutes to reach there from Waimea Town. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Good closed toe hiking/trail shoes are required, and bring extra dry socks. And the views are nice, but not nearly as stunning as those from the Nualolo Trail. One of the best here. If you can walk six miles and are on the island of Kauai, go on this hike! They are NOT available at the camping locations or pavilion site. The trail starts near the 3.0 mile point on the Awaawapuhi Trail and meets the Nualolo Trail between the 3 mile and 3 1/4 mile markers. This trail is muddy and step although I consider myself in shape I was very sore for about 3 days after and my wife just had to push through it and swore to me that she would never do this again. All Rights Reserved. For more information read our privacy policy. For these reasons, I kept my camera tucked safely in my backpack to keep it from getting damaged and dont have any photos documenting the trail! The final 0.25 miles is the best, when you are walking on a trail along the cliff, with awesome views north along the Na Pali Coast. Check the forecast: Dont even think about attempting the trail if theres any significant rain in the forest. So when there is a fresh rain you will want to go slow or you have a good chance of wiping out. Its mind-blowing to stand at the lookout and take it all in. It has incredible drop-offs and epic views down to the Na Pali Coast. Chilly if you start early, but toasty on the return. When you make a purchase using one of these affiliate links, we get paid a small commission at no extra cost to you. It took me 2 hours to get back up with frequent stops to rest. 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. Awa'awapuhi Trail Overview. In consideration of being permitted to use the OHV trails promoted and maintained by Lewis County, I expressly acknowledge: PARK UPDATES: 4/30/21 - [OAHU] - The Makapuu Lighthouse Trail and parking lot at Kaiwi State Scenic Shoreline will be CLOSED May 4th through May 6th (Tuesday-Thursday) from 7:00am to 11:00am for maintenance of the trail. 97% of travelers recommend this experience. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. I loved being in the tropical rainforest and seeing the view at the end of the trail was amazing. muddy but doable. 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). Kaua'i - Awa'awapuhi Trail Side Ridge (GoPro POV) 94,875 views Jun 19, 2010 298 Dislike Share Save dgcpinoy 3.31K subscribers June 17, 2010: I went back to hike Awa'awapuhi Trail to a vista. There is shade on this trail but you will spend enough time in and out of the sun that you will need sunscreen. I took 2 hours going down (muddy and slippery but doable with a pole and decent shoes), 1 hour at the viewpoint (solo picnic!) This trail gives you a clear overview on the west side of the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon area. Took me 1.75 hrs down, had a 30 minute break enjoying the Na pali coast view i had seen by boat yesterday then 1.25 back up. We also heard helicopters in the distance above us. So for hikes in Hawaii the immense vistas of Waihe'e Gorge, tumbling waterfalls and the wild northern coast of Maui makes the Waihe'e Ridge Trail a must-do. Perhaps it is the view of the folding spires of NaPali that makes this trail so exceptional. We slogged the 3.2 miles to the end, but it was Way more difficult than normal. The Nualolo Cliff Trail ends at the much wider and better maintained Awaawapuhi Trail. Best hike we did during our visit! And just note that there is no cell service along the trail, so dont expect to text, send photos, or be able to contact friends or family by phone while hiking this trail. Thanks for sharing this alternative!! Here are some of our favorite Kauai guided tours, as well as helpful maps to get you oriented. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Length 11.0 mi Elevation gain 3,461 ft Route type Loop. Overall we are glad we choose this hike but disappointed to miss out on the stunning views of the coast. Walking through the trees the rest of the time. These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! We chose the Awaawapuhi Trail, and Im glad that we did. Permit must be permanently & properly adhered to the machine in a front-facing and visible manner. That had to mean the weather was clear enough for helicopter tours, right? trying to illustrate the steep drop-off on the unofficial extension trail and.. mostly failing? We were standing in the Napali Coast. The trail meanders through a wet cloud forest before making some steep descents down muddy terrain. The weather in Kauai changes every 20 minutes there was certainly no way of controlling that. Other hikers had seen the coastline, so we probably would too. We often do the loop, but if The weather moooostly cooperated and we got in a few hikes to some epic viewpoints, the first of which was the Awaawapuhi trail in Kokee state park!. The Awaawapuhi trail is in Waimea Canyon, specifically Kokee State Park, on Kauais west side of the island. Additional Info We learned a lot, not just about the trail, but about hiking in general, which carried on through later experiences. slippery down hill, check weather, long hike for fog. The rocks can be very crumbly and no step is certain on the ridges out in Kokee State Park. The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of Permits, regulations, and fees. Enjoy! If it has recently rained, the descents on the clay can be very slippery. Description Kauai's Awa'awapuhi Trail is a moderately difficult hike which starts in Kkee State Park and traverses the gorgeous Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. On day three, head up the coast to Hanalei Bay. But keep your eyes up: there are some tricky parts of the trail, including steep sections and a few slippery sections due to mud, especially in the first mile. ), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited. Breath taking Views - Tough trail if you are a beginner. At the end of the trail is a lookout over Awa Awa'apuhi and Nualolo valleys, the Na Pali Coast and Pacific Ocean. The treacherous trail felt agonizingly long for the first 1.5 miles. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. For Days 1 and 2 click here. Since this is a loop, you can hike these trails clockwise or counterclockwise. Do not underestimate the effects of heat and humidity and it only takes one fall to hurt your back, hips or anything else. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. The views along Nualolo are reputed to rival Awaawapuhi. 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. Kauai Shores Hotel Luxury (but value also):A luxury feels with the resort-style property, palm trees, and a beautiful pool area. Way back, I checked out the Nu'alolo Cliffs trail to the stream crossing 0.3 miles in - hoping to frolic in a waterfall. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. Permits for A.T. long-distance hikers are available by self-registration on the Trail at the parks north and south entry points. You find mile markers by each quarter mile, that seems to make the hike easier for us. If all that sounds like fun, then by all means go for it. I recommend choosing between the Awaawapuhi Trail OR the Nualolo Trail. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. I just had to see those cliffs by the ocean in real life. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. My travel buddy may back off so I may end up solo. Kinda boring except for the view at the end. [OAHU] UPDATED 2/28/23: Kaena Point State Park Mokuleia Section The vehicle access road will continue to beCLOSED due to heavy rains and saturated road conditions. Trailhead Location: Kokee Road in Kokee State Park. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you soo much foe this post. But some of us used stick and it helps. Downhill most of the way uot and be ready for gradual climb the whole way back. A 2.1-mile footpath connecting the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi trails, the Nualolo Cliff Trail lets hikers forgo any tedious retracing of steps. The trail is easy to follow and well maintained. GPS Device. Archaeological Sites in camping areas are protected by law. Momoa was working at an outdoor shop in Des Moines, Iowa, and after he agreed, the crew packed into vans and headed off. Tripadvisor checks reviews for fraud. You will feel each and every single step of the way back up as you breathe through the humid air inside the forested path. Discover this 9.7-km out-and-back trail near Kekaha, Kaua'i. The hike to the viewpoint is downhill, so prepare yourself for the thigh burner on the way out. Run where its flat or down hill going and coming it goes faster. Very muddybring hiking poles. It was so unbelievably beautiful and we decided that this was a must-see for us. We started at 8am and there wasn't anyone else on the trail except for 1 other couple. When we reached it was bit cloudy, but we waited 15 minutes and it cleared. Continue straight ahead (to your right) to the end of the trail and a spectacular view from your 2,500-foot perch. 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. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. There isn't one, but if type it in on an iPhone it will take you to the parking lot. Required fields are marked *. This is a good hike it's listed as a moderate hike it's 3.25 miles the the vistas. From the edge of the trail, there are drop-offs to the canyon below. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. I dont know of any guides to recommend. 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. Kauai's beautiful Na Pali coast. There were several groups of older hikers and it seemed to be the trail that was being attempted by all types of tourists. The farther you go, the more exposure you get and the better the view. After around 90 minutes of awe-inspiring and downhill hiking, the trek culminates at the official viewpoint. The Awaawapuhi Trail will take you on an ultimate journey as you ascend from 4,120 feet elevation in the Kokee State Park to the valley rim of Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys at 2,500 feet. 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 Nualolo Trail + Awaawapuhi Trail Loop. You can hike each trail separately or combine them into one big day hike, by connecting them with the Nualolo Cliffs Trail. Awa'awapuhi Trail & Napali Coast access? Because it rains nearly every other dayyou will encounter mud and slippery leaves and mud holes upto 4" deep. 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. 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. Check it again.Takes about an 90 mins down and lots of time will be spent trying to secure a footing. A woman at the Kokee Museum told us this was the best of the hikes to the west. 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 beautiful nature and mountains that rise up from the sea, are a must see on Kauai. Hi. While the end viewpoint can get quite dangerous and steep if you venture down, the majority of the trail is well defined and quite straightforward. The Awa'awapuhi Trail is about a 6 mile out and back hike through Kokee State Park on the Island of Kauai. and 1 hour back up. In the evening, head to Luau Kalamaku for the best Polynesian dance show in Kauai. Also, try to pick a sunny day (as much as possible). I do workout a lot on a peloton but my wife does not. Download all free or royalty-free photos and vectors. Difficulty: Moderate. Awa'awapuhi Trail in Kkee State Park - Hawaii This trail is located near Kekaha Hawaii on the small island of Kauai (famous for its beautiful mountains!). The trail has a fairly steady and moderate grade all the way down to the viewpoint, which is great, given the aforementioned extreme mud. The entire trail is also forested, with only a few hints of a view before you reach the end of the trail. There are pesky trail markers at every 0.25 miles, which is mildly infuriating, showing you your slow squelchy progress through mudpit after mudpit . Huddersfield Town Shirt Sponsor 20/21, I recommend parking in the large lot for the Kokee Museum, which is 0.2 miles from the trailhead. Welcome to my world. As the forest starts to thin out, you'll get some brief views of the Napali Coast. If you have a frightening fear of heights, like I do, it\'s scary, but not debilitating. 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. I made my way as about halfway down the spine to the end point before stopping. None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly. Nualolo Trail + Nualolo Cliffs Trail + Awaawapuhi Trail (the Full Loop), Best Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Doors Off Helicopter Tour of Kauai: Everything You Need to Know. Located in Kokee State Park in Kauai, the Nualolo Trail and the Awaawapuhi Trail are two separate trails that head out along the ridgelines of the Na Pali Coast. Awa'awapuhi Trail. For the first mile and a half, you will be descending through the forest. The Nualolo Trail is worth the extra effort to have this view. It can be fogged in but the clouds here are constantly on the move. In the gif, the intrepid hiker appears to be at the end of the 6-mile trail, overlooking the Awaawapuhi Valley on the left and the Nualolo Valley on the right (and almost certain death on both the left and the right). a moderate hiker age 40 from socal pretty fit and medium build.Please check the gain and loss in elevation. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We got to the trailhead decently early, but even so, the main parking area was full and we had to park at the next one down and walk back to it. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Crawley Magistrates' Court Results January 2021, Go early before the trail gets too muddy from foot traffic. It is narrow in spots and can be slippery. It was nice, but it didnt live up to our memories. The 6-mile round trip hike is" We found the trail to be fairly muddy and we took our time going down as it was rather slippery. Or would recommend for the Awaawapuhi Trail as far as the best views. Visit the Kalalau Lookout, the Puo O Kila Lookout (walk a tenth of a mile down the Pihea Vista Trail for a GREAT view of Kalalau Valley), the Puu Hinihina Lookout, the Waimea Canyon Lookout, and the Waipoo Falls Lookout. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/hawaii/kauai/awaawapuhi-trail As user akeldamach87who hiked the trail in 2009shares in a comment, its up to hikers to keep themselves safe: 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. You can get by with a good pair of walking shoes or running shoes but I recommend wearing hiking shoes if you have them. 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. But you will hike up and over hundreds of tree roots. Mahaulepu Heritage Trail: Map, Photos, & Is It Worth It? If it's muddy to start it will only get worse so it's best if there have been a few dry days before you set out. There were no signs or other indications of the closure. You can ask about the condition of the Cliffs trail before you start. 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. It doesnt have a designated parking lot but there is a spot 50 yards past the trailhead [], 15 BEST HIKES ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] CLICK HERE to read the full blog post about Awaawapuhi Trail []. Backcountry Permit: While there is no charge for permits, they are required of all backcountry campers. 60 Likes, 6 Comments - AdventureSeekerUS (@adventureseekerus) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail. 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. You get a bigger bang for your buck if you only hike the Nualolo Trail OR the Awaawapuhi Trail out-and-back.
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