Kauai is nicknamed ‘The Garden Isle’ because of it’s vast rainforest. All the greenery makes for some pretty awesome hikes! Here are five hikes that I enjoyed in Kauai in June 2021.
Kalalau Trail Hike Kauai
The Kalalau trail is the most famous hike in Kauai. It is in the northwestern part of the island along the beautiful Na Pali Coast. The trail extends for 11 miles (one way) which some people backpack over a few days. More common is the hike to Hanakapi’ai beach and on to Hanakapi’ai Falls, which splits off from the Kalalau Trail after 2 miles. I opted for the hike to the waterfall.
The 8 mile (round trip) hike to Hanakapi’ai Falls is fairly challenging with multiple river crossings, slippery rocks, and some incline. However, it is worth every step! Hanakapi’ai Falls is a beautiful 300 foot waterfall with a swimmable pool.
At the start of the hike is Ke’e Beach which is protected by a reef and makes for a great snorkel and swim spot.
Very important: You must secure a reservation 30 days in advance to do any portion of this hike and to hang out at Ke’e beach. Reservations become available at 12am Kauai time, so set your alarm! They sell out extremely fast, in just a few minutes. Get your reservations here: https://www.gohaena.com/
Length: 4-22 miles
Parking: Parking or shuttle reservation required ahead of time
Notes: Reservation are required 30 days in advance to do this hike; $5 per car or $1 per person
Tips: If hiking to the waterfall, wear water shoes with good traction since there are many water crossings
Hoopii Falls Hike Kauai
The hike to Hoopii Falls is near Kapaa on the eastern side of Kauai. This is a short, easy hike that is pretty flat with the exception of the scramble to the bottom of the waterfall. To get to the bottom of the falls, take the upper path on the right as you approach the top of the falls, then you will descend.
At the bottom of the falls there are rocks to hang out on and a swimming hole with a rope swing! I swung into the pool, but do this at your own risk and watch for rocks. There is a second waterfall upstream that is easy to miss.
When I did this hike it was very busy and the trail is pretty narrow for most of the way.
Length: 1.7 miles
Parking: Residential street; Free; Can get busy
Notes: While I did not experience this, I have heard of locals discouraging hikers due to the growing popularity of this hike.
Tips: Wear water shoes
Wailua Falls Hike Kauai
Wailua Falls is a three stream waterfall near Lihue with a popular lookout point. Some people choose to climb down to the bottom, but this is not an official trail in any way. The climb to the bottom of the falls is a short, muddy scramble where you must hold on to roots and ropes to keep from falling.
From the lookout parking lot, go around the chain link fence and descend from there. Once at the bottom, you can swim in the pool and climb behind the waterfall.
Length: <1 mile
Parking: Parking lot and some street parking; Free
Notes: This is not an official hike, do at your own risk
Tips: water shoes with good grip would be okay and good for river crossing and gravel at the bottom
Sleeping Giant Hike Kauai
Sleeping Giant hike is near Kapaa on the eastern side of the island. There are trails from both the east and west, I did the eastern route. When I did this hike in June 2021 it was pretty dry, but I’ve heard the trail can get muddy.
The trail weaves up and around the mountain for awesome 360 degree views of the surrounding area. The trail is pretty easy, but there are a couple places you’ll have to climb a small scramble. There is a lookout area with a bench and picnic table which some sources consider the end of the trail (~3 miles roundtrip), however the path keeps going. I clocked about 5 miles roundtrip.
Past the picnic area and under the Sleeping Giant’s ‘chin’ is a neat cave with views looking east. The cave can be tricky to find, you have to go left along a rocky cliff when the main path goes right.
Length: 3.2 – 5 miles
Parking: Small parking lot; Free
Notes: Find the cave!
Tips: Hiking boots or running shoes would be fine, no river crossings
Kalepa Ridge Hike Kauai
The Kalepa Ridge hike starts from the Kalalau Lookout on the western side of Kauai. This is not an official hike, but the trail is definitely built out, though not maintained. This hike allows you to get some amazing perspectives of the Na Pali Coast without having to go very far. However, this is a scary hike! The trail is narrow and follows steep cliffs with big drop offs for most of the way.
When I did this hike in June 2021 the trail was pretty dry, however if it is muddy or raining do not attempt.
Length: 2 miles
Parking: Parking lot; $5
Notes: This is not an official hike; Do at your own risk; Do not attempt if muddy
Tips: Wear only shoes with great traction
Going to Oahu? See 5 awesome hikes on Oahu here
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