95% of travelers recommend this experience. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Permits cost $35 per person per night and must be reserved ahead online. Visitors will be treated to diverse tropical flora and fauna along the trail as well as spectacular views of the ocean and Napoli Coast. 50 inches. Well worth the 6 mile round trip hike. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Entries (RSS) Also pack out what you packed in! The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of Permits, regulations, and fees. Julie Last updated: January 27, 2023 United States 2 Comments. When I visited Kauai last fall, I had a chance to hike a few trails in Koke'e State Park on the west side of the beautiful Garden Island. Beware, however, that the Nualolo trail was closed when we were there. The first mile of the trail can be muddy and slippery after recent rain. If youre planning to hike the Awa awapuhi Trail, heres what to know to best prepare yourself and make the most of the gorgeous experience. This is a moderate one way trail in Hawaii. The trail is much wider than the Nualolo Trail and the Nualolo Cliff Trail, so no more thorny bushes on your legs or tree branches whacking you in the face. Route The trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. Don;t worry too much and carry what you need but don't load yourself down as it is a long day. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. Best Defenders In Premier League 2019-20, The Appalachian Trail is intended for foot travel only. Best hike we did during our visit! Seeaosite for updates. 60 Likes, 6 Comments - AdventureSeekerUS (@adventureseekerus) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail. This hike is straight down then straight back up, yet it's so pretty. Don't Look Down! I would describe our conditioning as slightly better than average. Its a long, challenging hike and we got through it, but it wasnt pretty. All Rights Reserved. The trail is quite wide in most parts and even though it had been raining a lot, the trail was in good condition. Rivalling the more popular Na Pali Coast Trail, the Awaawapuhi trail allows you to see the gorgeous nature of Hawaii.And because of the trails altitude, which rests between 4,000 and 2,500 feet, you will get a spectacular vantage point throughout the hike. When we refer to Wailua, we will include the surrounding Wailua River State Park, and a few waterfalls that are in short driving distance from town. Wailua's mix of adventure and city makes it a great first stop! 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. I made my way as about halfway down the spine to the end point before stopping. The rocks can be very crumbly and no step is certain on the ridges out in Kokee State Park. The Awaawapuhi Trail will take you on an ultimate journey as you ascend from 4,120 feet elevation in the Kokee State Park to the valley rim of Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys at 2,500 feet. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. The views are amazing though at the halfway point of the hike, and youll see several helicopters getting up close to the cascading valley! Be sure to take your time and be extra cautious when going through these areas. The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Kokee trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. If you are new to hiking or are curious about what you should bring on a hike, check out our. Total hike time for us was 4 hours but we took our time. It was nice, but it didnt live up to our memories. Its all easy to the grassy point that oversees the sheer cliffs of Awa`awapuhi and Nualolo valleys resting 2,000 feet below.Awaawapuhi Trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. We often do the loop, but if The weather moooostly cooperated and we got in a few hikes to some epic viewpoints, the first of which was the Awaawapuhi trail in Kokee state park!. Koloa Landing Resort Luxury (high-end): I was lucky enough to spend three nights reviewing Koloa Landing Resort and honestly the place is just phenomenal. 37 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Trail "Great 6-mile round-trip hike with a very rewarding ending. Its a hot hike and you will sweat a lot. The trail has a fairly steady and moderate grade all the way down to the viewpoint, which is great, given the aforementioned extreme mud. The entire trail is also forested, with only a few hints of a view before you reach the end of the trail. There are pesky trail markers at every 0.25 miles, which is mildly infuriating, showing you your slow squelchy progress through mudpit after mudpit . As it is an easier trail it is also a bit more crowded. One of the best here. This is a view looking down the Nualolo Trail (towards the coast) and the junction with the Nualolo Cliff Trail (which branches off to the right where Tyler is crouching under the fallen tree). After around 90 minutes of awe-inspiring and downhill hiking, the trek culminates at the official viewpoint. For more information read our privacy policy. Awaawapuhi Trail is a continual downhill hike from the trail head to the grassy clearing overlooking the valleys. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk. The man, reportedly in his 70s, was near a scenic outlook when he fell onto some boulders. None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly. It also begins to get noticeably warmer. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. It takes about three hours to hike this West Kauai trail and it has many incredible viewpoints. Awa'awapuhi Trail. The Honopu Ridge trail is not well kept, so it is somewhat more difficult to follow, moderately strenuous but much shorter in length. We wanted a shorter day hike that would provide us with expansive views of the Napali Coast of Kauai. Overall we are glad we choose this hike but disappointed to miss out on the stunning views of the coast. At 2.25 miles, the vegetation begins to thin out and you start to get your first views of the coast. That sounds amazing and super scary!! This is a good hike it's listed as a moderate hike it's 3.25 miles the the vistas. Awa'awapuhi Trail, Hawaii You couldn't have the best hikes in the USA without including one from . These are four items that I using right now and this list gets updated every year! 90% of travelers recommend this experience. Kauai's beautiful Na Pali coast. Clean your shoes off with the brushes and spray provided at the trailhead. [KAUAI] UPDATED 3/2/23: Polihale State Park Is CLOSED until further notice due to an electrical outage that has put the water pump out of service. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument IsCLOSED due to high winds and heavy rain. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. If theres any vista proving that pushing to the end of a hike is always worth it, its the Awaawapuhi Lookout of the Napali Coast. Although I cant compare it to the Kalalau Trail, the Awaawapuhi Trail was a major highlight of our Kauai trip and led to one of the most beautiful coastal views Ive ever seen. This is a long, tough, hot day hike. Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. If you're the active type, avoid the urge to stop at the scenic lookouts and start the day with the Awa'awapuhi Trail, where a rocky ledge from which incredible views of the Na Pali Coast is waiting for you. If you are young and healthy, it is probably only mildly challenging. Not much to see until the very end, but absolutely magnificent when you reach it. The trail leads you through a range of different plant life as you slowly head down in elevation for just over three miles. But I wouldnt do it again. Swimming holes should be avoided after rains, because of quick rising waters and the possibility of flash flooding. Then Awa'awapuhi Trail is your cup of tea. 1.Awa'awapuhi and Nu'alolo Loop. These landscapes are what thousands of people travel to Kauai for. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. How To Avoid Hotel Quarantine In Canada, Plus, the parking lot was completely full at the Kokee Museum so we did not have to wait for a parking space, since our car was already here. The first time we did this hike, Tim and I had run out of water long before this point, and doing this part of the trail hot and dehydrated is torture, not to mention dangerous. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. 106 Likes, 12 Comments - Eric Chen (@cheneric924) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail is hands down my favorite trail of all time now. If you have hiked Kalaua, I was just wondering how the views compare - because for me that hike was life changing. And of (All equipment on The Awaawapuhi trail is a heavily trafficked hike to a viewpoint of the famous Na Pali coastline. Momoa was working at an outdoor shop in Des Moines, Iowa, and after he agreed, the crew packed into vans and headed off. Weather permitting, you should get a breathtaking view of the lusciously green Awa'awa'puhi valley and Nualolo Aina Valley. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. [KAUAI] Kkee State Park - Beginning TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2023, road repair work will be conducted along Kkee Road between the meadow/lodge area and the first Kalalau Lookout. Awa'awapuhi Trail. The Awa'awapuhi trail is a great option for those who want to enjoy the N Pali Coast but don't feel like braving one of the most dangerous trails in the world to do that. WHAT IS THE BEST CHEAP BACKPACKER TRAVEL INSURANCE? Kauai Shores Hotel Luxury (but value also):A luxury feels with the resort-style property, palm trees, and a beautiful pool area. I was determined to shoot the sunrise from Lydgate Beach Park and Dipali wanted to We parked in the parking lot near by mile marker 17 on Highway 550. Weird Things is proudly powered by Google Maps Link Loved this hike! Bottom line: loved it but would do a longer but flatter hike next time. Return hike is easier without slipping but it is all uphill. And the views are nice, but not nearly as stunning as those from the Nualolo Trail. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Find out more about me here! Most people stop there but it is possible to venture down the ridge although this can be quite dangerous. The best time of year to visit and hike the Awa awapuhi Trail is between April and October when temperatures tend to be milder, which makes midday hiking more pleasant. The view from the end of the trail is beautiful. Most areas of the Appalachian Trail do not require fees or permits, but a few do. The 6-mile round trip hike is" 6.5mi Dec 9, 2018 Amanda Jo. Downhill 1600 feet slipping and sliding, we all took a tumble. Growing up in the small town of Norwalk, on the outskirts of . It really helps to have a GPS device here that has the trail map on it, whether it is a Garmin GPS device, a hiking watch, or All Trails. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. Our popular Summary Guidesheets are now included. Distance: 7.6 miles out-and-back Total Ascent: 2,200 feet Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 3 to 5 hours, Distance: 6 miles out-and-back Total Ascent: 1,800 feet Difficulty: Moderate Length of Time: 2 to 4 hours, Distance: 11.9 miles Total Ascent: 3,200 feet Starting Elevation: 3,700 feet Highest Elevation: 4,100 feet Lowest Elevation: 2,300 feet Difficulty: Strenuous Length of Time: 5 to 7 hours. Found in Koke`e State Park this trail winds through a highland forest with occasional ridge top views. You can also start at the Awaawapuhi Trail trailhead, but this parking lot is small (it can hold about 15 cars) and there are no facilities. The trail offers a moderately-challenging hike with amazing views of the surrounding landscape, including waterfalls, cliffs, tropical forests, and the stunning Na Pali Coast. The Awaawapuhi trail is in Waimea Canyon, specifically Kokee State Park, on Kauais west side of the island. The weather in Kauai changes every 20 minutes there was certainly no way of controlling that. The Awaawapuhi Trail Hike * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. I would not go so far as buy cleats but if you have them then they would be a great plus. Any views at smaller lookouts along the way did nothing to boost my confidence. A 2.1-mile footpath connecting the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi trails, the Nualolo Cliff Trail lets hikers forgo any tedious retracing of steps. If you get lucky, maybe some nice person will drive you back to the Kokee Museum parking lot. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. It is going down the trails, it could be slippery(with rain) if you are not careful. Posted By : / yamaha fg series history / Under : . Unfortunately for us when we reached the end of the trail at the outlook, fog had rolled in off the ocean and there was no view to be seen. Tried this 10 years ago and got to the end to see a cloud from the inside. FIND YOUR WAY OUTSIDE is a trademark of AllTrails, LLC. Here are my hiking essentials. We got to the trailhead decently early, but even so, the main parking area was full and we had to park at the next one down and walk back to it. After taking in the views from our narrow perch and witnessing many, many, MANY helicopter tours flying by (tranquil, it was not), we finally decided to head back to the viewpoint and partake in some serious snacking before the climb back up. We were joined by roosters begging for food, tiny adorable mice begging for food, and red-crested cardinals begging for food (Im sure these little buggers are fed from hiker scraps all day long). The sheer cliffs of the Napali Coast may look daunting from the ground but that's because they are best viewed from the summit of the Awa'awapuhi Trail. The hike is mostly through shaded forest and ending at the overlooks with some great views. Permits may ONLY be purchased online or in person at District Offices. It feels like paradise. Reaching the overlook is worthy! Hawaii's official trail and access website administered by the N Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, State of Hawaii The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of the most awe inspiring vistas on Kauais Napali Coast. After the first mile the forest begins to dissipate, only making guest appearances once in awhile as the barren terrain of NaPali comes into view. The Garden Isle truly is a marvel of Mother Nature there are so many sights to see, trails to hike, and adventures to be had. This trail isnt too difficult, won't take up too much of your day, and it brings you to breathtaking views, overlooking the Nualolo and Awa'awapuhi valleys. Honestly just an ok view unless you're willing to hike the last .1 mi sketchy section. This is a good spot to take a break, drink some water, and refuel before hiking up the trail. The hike would be out of the question for the length of our trip. Awa'awapuhi Trail & Napali Coast access? Crawley Magistrates' Court Results January 2021, It's called the Awa'awaphui Trail in Koke'e State Park just past Waimea Canyon State Park on the west coast of Kaua'i. 3 miles down with nothing to see but trees and bush but it's worth it at the end of you are not afraid of heights and go past the gates. The hike back up wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. The trail ends abruptly on the ridge top, at 2,500 ft. elevation, affording spectacular views down sheer palis (cliffs) into Awaawapuhi and Nualolo Valleys overlooking the Pacific Ocean. They had live music playing and this was a great spot to unwind, refuel, and cool off before visiting more sights along in Kokee and Waimea State Parks. There will still be many steep descents, sometimes on a sandy trail and at other times on muddy dark red clay. After about 3.2 miles, you will reach a clearing that overlooks the valleys, at 2,500 feet. I have a 12 year old and 16 year old daughters and myself and my wife who are in a mid 40's. You will feel each and every single step of the way back up as you breathe through the humid air inside the forested path. This is my Journey Era. But keep your eyes up: there are some tricky parts of the trail, including steep sections and a few slippery sections due to mud, especially in the first mile. (LogOut/ The trails in Kauai are often slippery and muddy. This trail gives you a clear overview on the west side of the Na Pali Coast and the Waimea Canyon area. Is the Nualolo Trail and Awaawapuhi Trail Loop Worth It? Great when dry. BY JIM DOOLEY - The state has agreed to pay $15.4 million to settle a civil lawsuit filed by the families of two hikers who fell to their deaths on a Kauai hiking trail in 2006. We learned a lot, not just about the trail, but about hiking in general, which carried on through later experiences. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a 3 mile blue singletrack trail located near Waimea Hawaii. The view from your trail is stunning, each and every photo was amazing! It takes you on a route along the south side of Koaie Canyon, with good scenery, wildlife and swimming holes. Its a boring walk and dangerous, so stay close to the shoulder of the road. Its a mostly uphill, challenging walk back to the trailhead. I could not do the third as it looked to risky however it would have been amazing. We had a group of 7 middle aged folks with college kids and allotted 4 hours for the hike but ended up being close to 6 hours with 3 of them barely making it back. The final 0.25 miles is the best, when you are walking on a trail along the cliff, with awesome views north along the Na Pali Coast. In the gif, the intrepid hiker appears to be at the end of the 6-mile trail, overlooking the Awaawapuhi Valley on the left and the Nualolo Valley on the right (and almost certain death on both the left and the right). You will have to hike the full distance (0.9 miles) to the trail junction. It doesnt have a designated parking lot but there is a spot 50 yards past the trailhead [], 15 BEST HIKES ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] CLICK HERE to read the full blog post about Awaawapuhi Trail []. If you decide to take all the connecting trails, you're looking at a 9-mile trek. 7 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Lookout "There are 2 ways to get there. Do not underestimate the effects of heat and humidity and it only takes one fall to hurt your back, hips or anything else. Not too much to see but the view at the end is spectacular! Hawaii's official trail and access website administered by the N Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, State of Hawaii The beautiful nature and mountains that rise up from the sea, are a must see on Kauai. I believe it was a little over 6 miles round trip. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Turn left here to head out to the vista point. You can continue past the overlooks (even though you are cautioned not to) in order to get even more amazing views. But you will hike up and over hundreds of tree roots. 37 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Trail "Great 6-mile round-trip hike with a very rewarding ending. This trail starts in Kokee State Park at 4100 ft of elevation and winds its way through heavy jungle down to 2,500 feet. a moderate hiker age 40 from socal pretty fit and medium build.Please check the gain and loss in elevation. When you reach the falls, you will be in awe of its size and beauty. If you think you will have trouble with this, its not worth hiking the Nualolo Trail in my opinion, since you need to hike this narrow trail to get to the best views. Due to the extremely muddy conditions we found it a most difficult hike. Fabulous views, but if you're afraid of heights, can be daunting toward the end. The settlement, reached just before a damages trial was to begin next week, must be approved by the Legislature. Kinda boring except for the view at the end. Have lunch at the Kokee Museum. It has incredible drop-offs and epic views down to the Na Pali Coast.