![]() Keep both current and recent weather conditions in mind when deciding whether to tackle this trip on a particular day. While challenging even in perfect conditions, this trail becomes far more difficult when it’s wet or muddy. You may return feeling out of breath, but you’ll also enjoy a major sense of accomplishment. If not, don’t hesitate to stop for breaks every few minutes. This may require quite a bit more stamina than the initial descent, so you’ll thank yourself if you took your time during the first portion of the journey. Don’t get too comfy, though, as you’re about to trek uphill for the remainder of your journey. Once you’ve gazed at the scenery and snapped plenty of pictures, you are welcome to settle in at the nearby grassy area for a snack or a picnic lunch. No picture is worth the risks of venturing out too far. Hawaii’s Division of State Parks highlights the importance of remaining behind the safety railing, as it’s meant to protect against unstable footing and a drop of approximately 2,000 feet. The 360-degree views can induce vertigo even among those who typically are fine with heights. This overlook isn’t for the faint of heart, however. There, you’ll encounter a ridge top that provides breathtaking views of the sheer cliffs. The wait for the hike’s penultimate view will prove more than worthwhile when you reach the end of the trail at its elevation gain of 1,180 ft. While you’ll spend a decent portion of your time watching your footing, you’ll want to pause occasionally to observe the constant changes to the landscape.ĭon’t be discouraged if you struggle to spot the Napali Coast even on a clear day, it might be tough to see until nearly two miles into the hike. Even when you don’t get sweeping coastal views, the lush surroundings are worth a second look. While many trails take you uphill first and follow with a downhill return, Awaawapuhi provides the opposite approach: a swift descent to the lookout, followed by a grueling hike back.Ībundant roots may seem like an impediment to some, but they can actually be helpful when the trail gets steep. To begin, the trail might not seem too difficult. That being said, don’t plan on tackling this trail unless you feel confident that you can make it to the very end - and back - which takes roughly 3 hours round trip. Still, nearly everybody who completes this journey argues that the final lookout makes up for any lack of scenery on the way there or back. If there’s a downside, it’s that the views for most of the hike are merely okay. It’s just busy enough that you can expect to see a few people during your journey but not so popular that you’ll feel as if you’re trapped within a crowd. Even if you’re in great shape, you may need the extra time to catch your breath.Ĭompared to similar treks, this trail is well-marked and wonderfully maintained throughout. A leisurely pace is advisable, however, as the trail packs some noteworthy challenges into its modest distance. If you have a few hours to spare, you can tackle this hike and still have time left over for a picnic lunch. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of Hawaii’s touristy spots and explore the Awaawapuhi Trail, which delivers jaw-dropping scenery and memorable thrills in a round trip of 6.2 miles. This trail exemplifies all that is wonderful about Kauai: the views, the serenity, and even the physical challenges. A moderately challenging trail, you won't regret stepping through the different landscapes to witness the lookout at Awa'awapuhi! - The Local Expert Team Generally after this hike, we can squeeze a drive to the famous Kalalau Lookout at the end of Koke’e Road and a tour though the small Koke’e Museum , to enjoy its natural history exhibits, which helps put the Koke’e natural history and topography all in perspective.Scenic views of Kaua'i on this 6.2-mile hike. It is more or less a 3.1 mile one way trail that slopes down through a “dry land” forest with many examples of native and exotic plants and trees complimented with sightings of native birds such as the precocious elepaio To gain those views you will have gradually descended from the edge of a rainforest through the Na Pali-Kona Forest Reserve a wilderness rich with a variety of native dry land plants species. The grassy terminus of this trail offers a nice and picturesque grassy area suitable for a picnic and respite. Off the Koke’e Road, the trail starts at approximately at 4,120 feet and ends at a lookout around 2,500 feet, that boasts spectacular views into the lusciously green sheer palis (cliffs), fluted ridges and spires of the valleys of Awa`awapuhi and Nu`alolo, both overlooking the Pacific Ocean and the famous Na Pali Coast. ![]() This trail, in visual impact, rivals the more famous Na Pali Coast Trail We rate it #2 of Kauai’s top trails. ![]()
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