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West Kauai Region
Location: West Kauai
Koke'e and Waimea State Parks are two of the premier parks on the island of Kauai. Inside these adjacent state parks exist some of the most stunning trails that exist in all of Hawai'i, and the diversity of the trails is unmatched.
Using the list below, you should be able to select the trails that interest you most. We have included the trail name, total mileage, time estimate, and a brief description with each listing. In the event we have photographs readily available for a specific hike (or have a third party source we like), we'll also direct you to the appropriate gallery.
Additionally, some of the major trails in Koke'e and Waimea State Park we'll post about in greater detail, so be sure to check our Kauai Hiking Trails section for additional information on these hikes (i.e.; Alakai Swamp Trail, Pihea Trail, Kukui Trail, etc).
Kokee and Waimea State Park Map
If you're looking for a good map of the area, we've created one (a PDF document) for you to download and print out at home. The Koke'e Lodge and Museum will also have maps available, but we'd definitely advise you to go ahead and review the map and become familiar with the area. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. We'll be improving the map as time allows, and we'll also add additional maps here in the near future. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions.
Download: Kokee and Waimea State Park Trail Map
Koke'e and Waimea State Parks are two of the premier parks on the island of Kauai. Inside these adjacent state parks exist some of the most stunning trails that exist in all of Hawai'i, and the diversity of the trails is unmatched.
Using the list below, you should be able to select the trails that interest you most. We have included the trail name, total mileage, time estimate, and a brief description with each listing. In the event we have photographs readily available for a specific hike (or have a third party source we like), we'll also direct you to the appropriate gallery.
Additionally, some of the major trails in Koke'e and Waimea State Park we'll post about in greater detail, so be sure to check our Kauai Hiking Trails section for additional information on these hikes (i.e.; Alakai Swamp Trail, Pihea Trail, Kukui Trail, etc).
Kokee and Waimea State Park Map
If you're looking for a good map of the area, we've created one (a PDF document) for you to download and print out at home. The Koke'e Lodge and Museum will also have maps available, but we'd definitely advise you to go ahead and review the map and become familiar with the area. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. We'll be improving the map as time allows, and we'll also add additional maps here in the near future. Feel free to contact us if you have specific questions.
Download: Kokee and Waimea State Park Trail Map
Location: West Kauai
After two miles on the Pihea Trail is the junction with Alakai Swamp Trail. The scenery drastically changes from open valley to rainforest as you head into Alaka‘i Swamp, the world’s highest rainforest and swampland fed by the abundant precipitation on Wai‘ale‘ale’s slopes. The trail is said to be the highlight of many visitors’ journeys to the island, and it’s one of our favorite hidden gems as well. As a bonus, in the last few years the trail has been greatly enhanced with boardwalks. No longer do hikers have to trudge through the mud to reach the magical lookout of Kilohana at the end of the journey.
After two miles on the Pihea Trail is the junction with Alakai Swamp Trail. The scenery drastically changes from open valley to rainforest as you head into Alaka‘i Swamp, the world’s highest rainforest and swampland fed by the abundant precipitation on Wai‘ale‘ale’s slopes. The trail is said to be the highlight of many visitors’ journeys to the island, and it’s one of our favorite hidden gems as well. As a bonus, in the last few years the trail has been greatly enhanced with boardwalks. No longer do hikers have to trudge through the mud to reach the magical lookout of Kilohana at the end of the journey.
Location: West Kauai
Pihea Trail is located in Koke'e State Park starting at the Pu'u o Kila overlook (the end of Highway 550). At the beginning of this incredible trail it skirts along the Kalalau Valley starting passing through forest of Ohi‘a trees, ferns, koa, and other native vegetation. This is an excellent place to bird watch if time allows, you might even catch a glimpse of the ‘I‘iwi, a gorgeous red bird. It is medium-sized with a curved peach bill. As you finish the first mile of the trail a short but extremely steep side trail leads to the Pihea Vista. It’s pretty, but it’s not worth the effort, especially since you’ve only just begun the trail. Beyond this point, the Pihea Trail is covered mostly with boardwalk.
Pihea Trail is located in Koke'e State Park starting at the Pu'u o Kila overlook (the end of Highway 550). At the beginning of this incredible trail it skirts along the Kalalau Valley starting passing through forest of Ohi‘a trees, ferns, koa, and other native vegetation. This is an excellent place to bird watch if time allows, you might even catch a glimpse of the ‘I‘iwi, a gorgeous red bird. It is medium-sized with a curved peach bill. As you finish the first mile of the trail a short but extremely steep side trail leads to the Pihea Vista. It’s pretty, but it’s not worth the effort, especially since you’ve only just begun the trail. Beyond this point, the Pihea Trail is covered mostly with boardwalk.
Location: West Kauai
The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Koke'e trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about half way. The only thing to make the first part interesting is a series of marked plants. If you pick up the "Awa'awa'puhi Botanical Trail Guide"at the Koke'e museum it will guide you through the maze of native and introduced plants.
The trail starts at approximately 4,120 feet and ends at the lookout around 2,500 feet. Hiking out you'll no doubt respect each and every foot of that; especially if you're concluding this hike as a part of the Nualolo Trail / Nualolo Cliff Trail "loop."
After the first mile the forest begins to dissipate only making guest appearances once in awhile as the barren terrain of Na Pali comes into view. You get your first glimpse of the Awa'awa'puhi Valley at about 1.75 miles. Use caution and do not go too close to the edge as some of the view points are eroded.
The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Koke'e trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about half way. The only thing to make the first part interesting is a series of marked plants. If you pick up the "Awa'awa'puhi Botanical Trail Guide"at the Koke'e museum it will guide you through the maze of native and introduced plants.
The trail starts at approximately 4,120 feet and ends at the lookout around 2,500 feet. Hiking out you'll no doubt respect each and every foot of that; especially if you're concluding this hike as a part of the Nualolo Trail / Nualolo Cliff Trail "loop."
After the first mile the forest begins to dissipate only making guest appearances once in awhile as the barren terrain of Na Pali comes into view. You get your first glimpse of the Awa'awa'puhi Valley at about 1.75 miles. Use caution and do not go too close to the edge as some of the view points are eroded.
Location: West Kauai
Kukui Trail offers some absolutely gorgeous views of Waimea Canyon. The first part of the trail descends sharply, switch backing through the forest, at first, and then out in the open along the side of the mountain. Expect the trail to be eight inches wide on slippery dirt with nothing to one side of you in places. It's not really that dangerous, but just be careful.
Kukui Trail offers some absolutely gorgeous views of Waimea Canyon. The first part of the trail descends sharply, switch backing through the forest, at first, and then out in the open along the side of the mountain. Expect the trail to be eight inches wide on slippery dirt with nothing to one side of you in places. It's not really that dangerous, but just be careful.
Location: West Kauai
For the Nualolo Trail you will start at Koke'e Ranger Station. It wouldn't hurt to check the board at the station for closures, information, etc. If you're looking for a full day hike, consider making the Nualolo trail the first part of a three-trail-trek. Near the end of this trail is the Nualolo Cliff Trail which will take you over to Awa'awapuhi Trail (another great hike). If you plan to hike this "loop" trail, please make note that the trail heads are 1.5 miles apart. So the distance between should be added to your total mileage unless you are able to catch a ride between them. If you are hiking between the trail heads, we are now advising hikers to park at Awa`awapuhi trailhead and hike the road down in the morning BEFORE they start their hike; thus allowing them to conclude the hike at their vehicle (versus having to then hike the final stretch at the end). Either way, it's definitely wiser to hike the trails in a clockwise manner, ending at Awa`awapuhi so as to ensure you are uphill from the Nualolo trailhead and can hike down to your vehicle.
For the Nualolo Trail you will start at Koke'e Ranger Station. It wouldn't hurt to check the board at the station for closures, information, etc. If you're looking for a full day hike, consider making the Nualolo trail the first part of a three-trail-trek. Near the end of this trail is the Nualolo Cliff Trail which will take you over to Awa'awapuhi Trail (another great hike). If you plan to hike this "loop" trail, please make note that the trail heads are 1.5 miles apart. So the distance between should be added to your total mileage unless you are able to catch a ride between them. If you are hiking between the trail heads, we are now advising hikers to park at Awa`awapuhi trailhead and hike the road down in the morning BEFORE they start their hike; thus allowing them to conclude the hike at their vehicle (versus having to then hike the final stretch at the end). Either way, it's definitely wiser to hike the trails in a clockwise manner, ending at Awa`awapuhi so as to ensure you are uphill from the Nualolo trailhead and can hike down to your vehicle.
Location: West Kauai
When visiting Waimea Canyon in northwest Kauai it's almost hard not to notice two-tier Waipo'o Falls dropping some 800ft into the Canyon below. You're first glimpse of the falls is at the Waimea Canyon Overlook, past mile marker 10 on Highway 550. Both the canyon and the falls are spectacular from this lookout (seen below).
Further up the road at Pu'u Ka Pele lookout, near mile marker 13, you can get your closest (though partially obstructed) view of the falls from Highway 550. You're still a remarkable distance away from the falls, but it's a beautiful photo opportunity.
When visiting Waimea Canyon in northwest Kauai it's almost hard not to notice two-tier Waipo'o Falls dropping some 800ft into the Canyon below. You're first glimpse of the falls is at the Waimea Canyon Overlook, past mile marker 10 on Highway 550. Both the canyon and the falls are spectacular from this lookout (seen below).
Further up the road at Pu'u Ka Pele lookout, near mile marker 13, you can get your closest (though partially obstructed) view of the falls from Highway 550. You're still a remarkable distance away from the falls, but it's a beautiful photo opportunity.
Location: West Kauai
This isn’t just another Waimea Canyon lookout, as many suspect. It’s a view into the heart of the Kalalau Valley, one of the most photographed and well recognized valleys in all of Hawai‘i. This is primarily because the valley and surrounding coast have served as the backdrop for countless films including King Kong (the original), Mighty Joe Young, Jurassic Park, and Six Days Seven Nights. Kalalau Lookout is also the highest elevation most people reach in Kaua‘i by road, 4,000 feet. As we mentioned before, here you will find one of the greatest views in all of Hawai‘i. Kalalau Valley is the largest valley on the island at two miles wide. Amazingly, it was inhabited up until 1919.
This isn’t just another Waimea Canyon lookout, as many suspect. It’s a view into the heart of the Kalalau Valley, one of the most photographed and well recognized valleys in all of Hawai‘i. This is primarily because the valley and surrounding coast have served as the backdrop for countless films including King Kong (the original), Mighty Joe Young, Jurassic Park, and Six Days Seven Nights. Kalalau Lookout is also the highest elevation most people reach in Kaua‘i by road, 4,000 feet. As we mentioned before, here you will find one of the greatest views in all of Hawai‘i. Kalalau Valley is the largest valley on the island at two miles wide. Amazingly, it was inhabited up until 1919.
Location: West Kauai
In 1778, the British sailor Captain James Cook sailed into Waimea Harbor and forever changed the history of Hawaii. The Captain Cook Monument, is located in downtown Waimea and is set facing the ocean.
In the early 1800's, the Russian empire joined forces with the king of Kauai to build a fort in Waimea Bay in an effort to claim the islands for Russia. Before Fort Elisabeth was finished, the Russians pulled out and the fort was eventually dismantled.
New England missionaries arrived in 1820 and set up Kauai's first Christian mission and churches, many of which still stand today. Later, Chinese, Europeans, Japanese and Norwegians came to Waimea and established businesses still in operation.
In 1778, the British sailor Captain James Cook sailed into Waimea Harbor and forever changed the history of Hawaii. The Captain Cook Monument, is located in downtown Waimea and is set facing the ocean.
In the early 1800's, the Russian empire joined forces with the king of Kauai to build a fort in Waimea Bay in an effort to claim the islands for Russia. Before Fort Elisabeth was finished, the Russians pulled out and the fort was eventually dismantled.
New England missionaries arrived in 1820 and set up Kauai's first Christian mission and churches, many of which still stand today. Later, Chinese, Europeans, Japanese and Norwegians came to Waimea and established businesses still in operation.
Location: West Kauai
Dubbed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mark Twain, Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific and truly a dramatic sight to behold. The canyon measures ten miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,500-feet deep. It was carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Wai‘ale‘ale’s summit. Today it is the home of the Waimea River, so named for the red hue of the water. In fact, Waimea means “red waters.”
Dubbed “The Grand Canyon of the Pacific” by Mark Twain, Waimea Canyon is the largest canyon in the Pacific and truly a dramatic sight to behold. The canyon measures ten miles long, one mile wide, and more than 3,500-feet deep. It was carved thousands of years ago by rivers and floods that flowed from Mount Wai‘ale‘ale’s summit. Today it is the home of the Waimea River, so named for the red hue of the water. In fact, Waimea means “red waters.”
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