The Hawaiian Islands are truly magical. A tropical paradise right in the United States with breathtaking coastlines, pristine beaches, and miles of tropical jungles to explore. If you’re into a little adventure, and a lot of trail options, Kauai has it all! I spent about a month backpacking around the island in February, and it was more beautiful than I could have imagined. Crystal clear water, an incredible trail system, and the most vibrant tropical flowers (even in February!). Below are my top 5 hikes in Kauai you don’t want to miss!

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Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail. This is a great place to start. It’s only about 4 miles round trip and is pretty flat and easy. The trail starts at Keoneola Beach and follows along the island’s south shore. Throughout the hike, you’ll have beautiful views of the Pacific Ocean, really cool tidepools, and massive sand dunes. Since it’s an easy and pretty short hike, I recommend taking a little detour to Makauwahi Cave. It’s a little tight getting in (you have to squeeze through a 3ft hole), but once you’re inside, it opens up into a huge limestone cave. It’s incredible, and worth the squeeze!

Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls. This is another pretty easy hike, and offers the most amazing views of Waimea Canyon. If you’re not familiar, Waimea Canyon is an impressive (really impressive) 14 mile canyon in the middle of Kaua’i. It’s commonly and appropriately called the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, and you don’t want to miss it! Take the Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls, where you’ll be able to stand at the top of the waterfall and look out into the canyon. 

Awa’awapuhi Trail. Awa’awapuhi trail in Koke’e State Park offers some of the most beautiful panoramic views of the rainforests and the Na Pali Coast. It starts at a little over 4,000 ft in Koke’e State Park, and winds down to the Na Pali Coast lookout point which is about 2,500 ft. So keep in mind that it’s mostly downhill for the first 3 miles, and then uphill for the 3 miles back making for a 6 mile round trip hike.

Kuilau Ridge. This is another fairly easy hike, with major scenery rewards! The hike starts at about 1200ft so you get beautiful views right from the start. Next, it heads into the rainforest, and up to Kuilau Ridge where you’ll get amazing views of the surrounding mountains. Keep in mind that this area of the island is so lush for a reason. It can be pretty rainy, and the trail gets really muddy right after it rains. Wear sturdy shoes, and enjoy hiking in a cloud forest!

Na Pali Coast Trail to Kalalau Valley. Last, but certainly not least is the famous Na Pali Coast Trail. Definitely the most strenuous and exposed trail in Kauai, it’s famous for a reason. The Na Pali Coast is one of the most incredible scenes I’ve ever experienced. It’s 11 miles one way to Kalalau Valley, and the trail zigzags through 5 thick and lush valleys, and past miles of dramatic ocean front mountains. A permit is needed to camp overnight along the trail and in Kalalau, but you’ll want to stay forever! Back in the valley there is plenty of exploring to do. There are beautiful waterfalls, remote swimming holes, caves, naturally terraced levels of terrain to explore – it really is the definition of paradise.

A few Extra Tips

Bring a good, sturdy pair of hiking shoes. I love the merrell siren sports. They’re waterproof and have Vibram soles which are super grippy. 

Get a comfy/sporty swimsuit that you can wear under hiking clothes. I wear these bottoms, and this top. They fit great and look cute too!

Bring an SPF shirt for extra sun protection. I really like these SPF pullovers. They’re lightweight and cool, and offer great protection!

Bring a lightweight rain jacket. (Or just plan on hiking in the rain, which isn’t bad either!) Kauai is called the Garden Island for a reason! It does rain a lot, but the weather tends to move in and out pretty fast. It might be raining one minute, then sunny with rainbows for an hour, and then sprinkling again. It’s lovely!

That’s my list for top 5 hikes in Kauai! Now I’m ready to go back!! Have fun, be safe, and let me know what your favorite hikes are in the comments!

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