9 Best Hikes in Kauai for Epic Views, Waterfalls, and Adventure
Going into my trip to Kauai, I hadn’t done much research. It was a family trip, and I had no idea how much freedom to hike we’d have. In the end, it definitely wasn’t a hiking-heavy trip, but Jaimie and I did get to explore some of the best hikes in Kauai.
While the island isn’t big by any means, it packs a punch in terms of beauty and rugged trails. So, if you need some top-tier hikes to tackle on your trip to Kauai, you’re in luck! I think you’ll be pleasantly surprised by what you’ll find.
The Best Hikes on Kauai for Your Next Trip
As much as I would love to say I’ve done all the best hikes in Kauai, I can’t. But if I could, these would be the ones I’d prioritize for your Kauai itinerary. I’ve completed the first five on this list, and I’ll knock out the remaining ones once I visit Kauai a second time.
1. Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpīʻai Beach (+ Hanakāpīʻai Falls Add-On)
This is the crown jewel trail on Kauai and one of the best things to do on the island. The full trail is 22 miles round trip and is a multi-day trip. But for most people (including yours truly), they only go to Hanakāpīʻai Beach. This is a four-mile round-trip hike and is pretty doable for any decent hiker.
If you have enough time and want a longer hike, going to Hanakāpīʻai Falls is a great option. My parents did this years ago and loved it. It’s harder due to going over rocks and crossing rivers. But the result is epic.
Doing this hike requires a shuttle permit. Learn more here.
Distance: 4, 8, or 22 miles
Elevation Gain: Beach – 1,100 feet, Falls – 2,400 feet
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
Region: Princeville
2. Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
Starting at Shipwreck Beach, this trail was super fun and beautiful. It hugs the coastline for nearly the entire hike, giving people views of red cliffs, waves crashing, and, if you’re lucky, turtles.
The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is great for the entire family. For being one of the few trails in the Poipu area, this one definitely punches above its weight. Make sure you add this to your hikes in Kauai list.
Distance: 4 miles (you can turn around whenever)
Elevation Gain: 400 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Looking for some cool tours to do in Kauai when you’re not hiking?
These are what I recommend:
Doors-Off Helicopter Flight (My Review)
Na Pali Coast Sunset Cruise
Na Pali Coast Snorkel Adventure
See All Tours
3. Wai Koa Trail
On the north side of Kauai, the Wai Koa Trail is a nice stroll through the forest that ends at what I’d consider a lovely botanical garden and a man-made waterfall. We did this with the entire family, ages 4-64.
The parking lot is mid-sized, but I doubt it gets too popular, except on weekends.
Distance: 4 miles
Elevation Gain: Mostly flat (The numbers on Alltrails are inaccurate)
Difficulty: Easy
4. Waimea Canyon Lookout
While it’s hardly a hike, it still belongs on the best hikes in Kauai list because the view is superb. This gives you stunning views of Waimea Canyon and the stunning ridges inside.
Distance: Quick walk
Elevation Gain: 10 feet
Difficulty: Easy
5. Secret Falls Kayak + Hike
What a fun trail! The first two miles are via a kayak, before hopping on the trail to reach Secret Falls. While you theoretically could do this without a guide, I wouldn’t recommend it. (Also, because it would require you to have your own kayak/paddleboard.)
Expect muddy-ish trails going in, but thankfully, part of it is on boardwalks to keep you from accumulating too much mud on your shoes.
Distance: 2 miles kayaking, 2 miles hiking
Elevation Gain: 200-300 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
6. Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls
This is one I really wanted to do, but didn’t have time. The Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls in Waimea Canyon State Park gets you to a gorgeous waterfall and stunning views. Expect potentially muddy trails and steep sections.
Distance: 3.5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
7. Awa’awapuhi Trail
One of the more popular trails in Kok’e State Park. This one brings you out to views of the Pacific Ocean. While reviewers say it’s not as good as the one below, in terms of dramatic views, it still offers a fantastic hiking day. It’s definitely worth being included on the best hikes in Kauai.
Distance: 6 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,700 feet (on the way back)
Difficulty: Moderate-Hard
8. Honopu Ridge
Closed? Open? People looking the other way? I have no idea what is up with this trail. All Trails says it’s closed, the signs say it is, but everyone still seems to do it. So, I honestly don’t know what is going on here.
We started the trail, but it turned super mucky and slippery, so we turned around. If we had had hiking poles and better boots, it would have been more manageable, but alas.
The main draw is its best views of the famous spires of the Na Pali Coast. From the photos I’ve seen, it’s friggin gorgeous and definitely worth a visit if you can do the hike.
Distance: 5 miles
Elevation Gain: 1,500 feet
Difficulty: Medium to Hard
9. Waimea Canyon River Trail
I remember reading about this trail in Backpacker Magazine years ago. The trail brings you down to an oasis at the bottom of Waimea Canyon. It’s a tough route, with very steep ascents and descents at the beginning and end.
I really want to backpack this one. Looks amazing!
Distance: 11 miles
Elevation Gain: 3,100 according to GaiaGPS
Difficulty: Harder
Related: How to reduce the cost of your trip to Hawaii
What to pack for your Kauai hikes
Keep these in mind as you pack and plan your trip to go hiking in Kauai.
- Wide-brimmed hat
- Sunglasses
- Sun shirt or sun hoodie
- Waterproof Hiking Boots or Trail Runners
- Hiking Shorts or Hiking Pants
- 25L+ Hiking Pack
- 2L hiking bladder or water bottles
- Garmin inReach 2
- Garmin Fenix hiking watch
- Light jacket for mornings
- Hiking Poles
What to know about hiking in Kauai
Here are a few things to remember before starting on your Kauai hikes.
Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park hold the gems
Outside of the Kalalau Trail, these two state parks share the best hiking on the island. We only did a half-day up here, but next time I’d love to spend 2-3 days out exploring. It’s that good! So, as you plan your trip, key in on this area.
The weather is consistently changing
I’ve literally never seen the weather change so fast as it did in Kauai. One moment it would be sunny and 75°F, and the next, there’s a huge storm cloud barreling at us. And then, five minutes later, it’s dumping, before it’s sunny 8 minutes later.
You really have to expect rain and sun each day you’re there.
Drink plenty of water
Just because you’re near water doesn’t mean you need to drink any less of it. The higher humidity means you should be drinking 3 or more liters of water per day. If you’re also drinking alcohol on your trip, you may want to drink even more water.
Eat salty snacks
Additionally, make sure you eat salty snacks during your Kauai hikes. This will help you absorb water.
Bring a communications device
Kauai is a rugged place with plenty of hard-to-reach places. As you’re out hiking in Kauai, having a satellite communications device to contact search and rescue is paramount.
Where to stay for hikes in Kauai
There are three main areas to stay on Kauai: Poipu, Princeville, and the area around the Lihue airport.
I have a complete article here detailing where to stay on the island. Or use the map below to find your perfect vacation spot!
Final thoughts on the best hikes in Kauai
Over my 9 days in Kauai, we spread it out with tours, hiking, and beach days. The island truly blew me away. What I was most impressed with was the hikes in Kauai. I knew about the Kaulalau Trail, but had no idea the rest of the island was so rich in beautiful hiking trails.
I cannot wait to get back to paradise and experience more of the best hiking trail in Kauai.
Until next time, adventurers, stay safe.
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