The grassy area at the end of the trail is a popular place to picnic and enjoy the views. For a nice day hike, you can backtrack to the Nualolo junction and continue along the Nualolo Cliff Trail to the Nualolo Trail which ends at the Kokee State Park headquarters. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Reaching the overlook is worthy! 7 reviews of Awa'awapuhi Lookout "There are 2 ways to get there. Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. NUALOLO CLIFF TRAIL ON KAUAI, HAWAII - Journey Era, [] way to continue to the lookout. Great hiking - Trail was 7 miles round trip but we did little over 10 miles with all the deviations. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument IsCLOSED due to high winds and heavy rain. Hilton Garden Inn Value Pick: The Hilton Garden Inn is your number one choice if you are on a budget but still need comfort. Longitude: -159.6486396. Bring plenty of water: And remember to drink it, even if its not especially hot outside. You dont want to be on a rocky overlook or narrow, muddy trail in the middle of pouring rain. More Stats for Awa'awapuhi Trail hike trail trail Altitude change -1,612 ft Altitude min 2,453 ft Altitude start 4,064 ft Altitude end 2,454 ft Grade -10.7% Grade max -59.5% Grade min 21.8% Distance climb 1,115 ft 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. However, if you plan to hike that loop, we recommend you hike down Nualolo and back up Awa'awapuhi. What time of day did you hike? Crawley Magistrates' Court Results January 2021, It tends to get very muddy and foggy along the trail and has an overall elevation gain of 1,180 feet. The trail begins right off Kokee Road at an elevation of 4,120 feet. 60 Likes, 6 Comments - AdventureSeekerUS (@adventureseekerus) on Instagram: "Awa'awapuhi trail. It takes about three hours to hike this West Kauai trail and it has many incredible viewpoints. The trail is known for its views and its diverse terrain, which includes muddy parts, rocky parts, and some sandy parts. If you are in average condition (maybe exercise for 2-4 hours per week), the climb back up is VERY difficult. Awa'awapuhi Trail. 4- Awaawapuhi Trail. Find out what we carry in our day packs and what we wear on the trails. Between November and March, some areas may become inaccessible due to high rainfall. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. The Awa'awapuhi Trail is about a 6 mile out and back hike through Kokee State Park on the Island of Kauai. At 2.25 miles, the vegetation begins to thin out and you start to get your first views of the coast. Awa'awapuhi Trail Overview. Awa'awapuhi Trail & Napali Coast access? The Awa\'awapuhi trail (3 miles) was in relatively good condition and it wasn\'t muddy with most of the path well-defined. The Awa'awa'puhi Trail is yet another Kokee trail which promises sweeping views and a trek through dense jungles and dry landscapes. The trail begins right off Kokee Road at an elevation of 4,120 feet. 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. The trail leads you through a range of different plant life as you slowly head down in elevation for just over three miles. because they were covered in ice), Hiking Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Cliff trail from canyons to clouds, Hiking Kauai: Kalalau trail to Hanakapiaifalls, Hiking Kauai: Waimea Canyon and Clifftrail. And out of the two, all four of us unanimously agree that the Nualolo Trail is the more thrilling and enjoyable of the two trails. For these reasons, I kept my camera tucked safely in my backpack to keep it from getting damaged and dont have any photos documenting the trail! There was no view whatsoever. When you reach the vantage point for one of the most breathtaking views I've seen. This is pretty much your view the entire hike. Kauai's Awa'awapuhi Trail is a moderately difficult hike which starts in Kkee State Park and traverses the gorgeous Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. And the views are nice, but not nearly as stunning as those from the Nualolo Trail. Photo: David Nemecek/Shutterstock, There are a few tips that can help you make the most of your experience on the Awa awapuhi Trail and in Kokee State Park. Find out more about me here! Awa'awapuhi Trail. We chose the Awaawapuhi Trail, and Im glad that we did. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. Best hike we did during our visit! Be sure to spray and wipe your shoes before and after at the trailhead to do your part in mitigating Rapid Ohia Death! The hike is mostly through shaded forest and ending at the overlooks with some great views. Very muddybring hiking poles. more, Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Fall Hike Adventure, Kauai's Ultimate South Island Zodiac Boat Snorkel Adventure, Wailua River and Secret Falls Kayak and Hiking Tour on Kauai, Half-Day Kayak and Waterfall Hike Tour in Kauai with Lunch, Guided Secret Falls Tour with Snacks and Drinks, LUCKY LADY - Deluxe Na Pali Morning Snorkel Tour, Kauai Adventure Bundle: 4 Epic Audio Driving Tours, Kauai's Ultimate Guided Shore (NO BOAT) Snorkeling Adventure, A challenging hike leads to gorgeous views. For the first mile and a half, you will be descending through the forest. Marvel at the views of the sea as you approach the junction with the Nualolo Cliff Trail. Most of the trail is in a forest, so its shady most of the way. BEST OF MAUI: We have a list about the top experiences in Maui and how to put it all together in our Maui Itinerary. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. Awaawapuhi Trail Location West Kauai Region multiple_stop Length 2023 Hawaii Travel Guide. Wear bug spray and good hiking shoes. We are older and wiser and there was something very nostalgic about returning to a place where Tim and I first hit a hiking trail together. thanks for the magical weekend @ciarabarsotti @jamisonbarsotti , country roads (that we didn't take. There honestly is nothing fun about this trail, but it definitely feels like an adventure. Elijah Adebayo Twitter, and Comments (RSS). And just note that there is no cell service along the trail, so dont expect to text, send photos, or be able to contact friends or family by phone while hiking this trail. Awaawapuhi Trail is my favorite hike in the Kokee State Park. These photos were taken on the helicopter ride we did two days before this hike. Discover this 9.7-km out-and-back trail near Kekaha, Kaua'i. We wore shorts and short-sleeved shirts. Even though this trail is fairly even, we recommend sturdy hiking boots since it gets quite slippery when it has been raining. It is considered a moderate hike on paper, but it can be difficult due to the elevation gain and loss. Starting at 4,120 feet you'll descend to 2,500 feet to the trail's endwhich concludes at a cliff with broad views of the valleys and the immense Pacific ocean. If you're a regular person who doesn't exercise regularly.the heat, humidity, mud and slippery footings will get to you.Other than that the view is spectacular. Bring lots of water because youll need it for the incline on the way back. Enjoy! The trail starts off with a short, steep climb through the woods but it doesnt last long. Dogs are welcome, but must be on a leash. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. This trail is muddy and step although I consider myself in shape I was very sore for about 3 days after and my wife just had to push through it and swore to me that she would never do this again. Kauai the day of the heaviest rainfall in a 24-hour period, 2019 Havasu Falls Hiking and Camping Travel Guide, The trail is well-marked with .5-mile markers. 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). How To Avoid Hotel Quarantine In Canada, Awaawapuhi Trail is one of the more popular hikes in the Kokee Park and subsequently has a large, signposted parking lot. On this trail, you will hike in and out of the trees, and by midday, this part of the hike can feel very warm. There were several groups of older hikers and it seemed to be the trail that was being attempted by all types of tourists. Its safe to do solo and there should be a fair amount of hikers on the trail. Once you reach the end we recommend that you DO NOTventure beyond the railings, since there are precipitous drops on both sides and the ground can be deceptively slippery even when dry, as the small red rock scree erodes easily. Small lookouts along the way feed your motivation to reach the end. Awaawapuhi Trail Kauai Found in Koke`e State Park, Kauai, Hawaii.A trial winds through highland forests with infrequent ridge top views. Hi - Your review is quite "glowing" for this trail in terms of the view. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! trying to illustrate the steep drop-off on the unofficial extension trail and.. mostly failing? Congrats! Still, it was enough to make my legs wobbly and fill my stomach with butterflies. Beware, however, that the Nualolo trail was closed when we were there. And of (All equipment on The Awaawapuhi trail is a heavily trafficked hike to a viewpoint of the famous Na Pali coastline. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. It's a steady descent along a narrow path through a jungle. If you are looking for another hike to do, consider hiking the Waipoo Falls Trail. Most people stop there but it is possible to venture down the ridge although this can be quite dangerous. Even when we returned their was no parking. Well worth the 6 mile round trip hike. 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. Nualolo Trail + Nualolo Cliffs Trail + Awaawapuhi Trail (the Full Loop), Best Things to Do in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, Doors Off Helicopter Tour of Kauai: Everything You Need to Know. I recommend parking in the large lot for the Kokee Museum, which is 0.2 miles from the trailhead. Its one of many trails that end in panoramic views and heart clenching dropoffs. Pinhook Bourbon War Vertical Series 5 Year, What would you like to know about this attraction? We are a bunch of 60 year olds who think were fairly fit. Its a hot hike and you will sweat a lot. The trail may be accessed by transiting Koke'e State Park, which remains closed. awa'awapuhi trail permit. But one intrepid hiker and photographer, Scott Sharick, kicked it up a notch by going beyond where the trailhead ends and walking out onto a horrifyingly narrow ridge with a GoPro in hand to capture the moment. You get your first glimpse of the Awa'awa'puhi Valley at about 1.75 miles. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Awa'awapuhi Trail. Additional Info Lots of people. Due to the extremely muddy conditions we found it a most difficult hike. 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. 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. They are unique and they are absolutely incredible! Awa'awapuhi Trail is a great alternative to the Kalepa Ridge Trail because it offers some of the best views of the Npali Coast. Other hikers had seen the coastline, so we probably would too. It takes you on a route along the south side of Koaie Canyon, with good scenery, wildlife and swimming holes. All downhill on the way out, all uphill on the way back (opposite of what I'm used to) and oddly not as bad as I thought it would be. It was sunny and dry when we walked. DANGER: Do not venture beyond the safety railing at the end of the trail! The trail starts near the 3.0 mile point on the Awaawapuhi Trail and meets the Nualolo Trail between the 3 mile and 3 1/4 mile markers. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai , Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations , Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. The Grand Hyatt Resort Best Family Resort:With the bestkids clubon the island,wildlife talksin thelobby, and a five-acrepool complexthat includes an enormouslazy-river pool, awaterslide, and a saltwaterlagoonbig enough forkayaking, the Grand Hyatt is unbeatable for keeping kids busy and parents happy. That means that if you purchase a product or service that I reccomend, I get a small cut of the sale. 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. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. KAUAI: Plan your visit to Kauai with our guide to the Best Things to Do in Kauai. It felt good to stretch out our legs and since it was downhill, it went by fast. The trail is primarily used for hiking and is accessible year-round. Show 16 More Check-Ins Feb 24, 2019 Daniel Alba. This is a moderate one way trail in Hawaii. Very helpful. Without a GPS, you risk stumbling off the trail on the Nualolo Cliff Trail, where it is very overgrown. Not much to see until the very end, but absolutely magnificent when you reach it. The park will REOPEN by 3:00 PM on Friday 3/3/23. The weather had other plans for the duration of our stay, however. We walked the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail, on the north end from Ke'e Beach. Located in Kokee State Park in Kauai, the Nualolo Trail and the Awaawapuhi Trail are two separate trails that head out along the ridgelines of the Na Pali Coast. Kauais Awa'awapuhi Trail is a moderately difficult hike which starts in Kkee State Park and traverses the gorgeous Npali-Kona Forest Reserve. A beautiful overlook at the end! Permits cost $35 per person per night and must be reserved ahead online. Its important that you carry enough water because this part of the trail is hot and can be challenging. Weird Things is proudly powered by the trail ends abruptly on the ridge top, at 2, 500 ft. elevation, affording spectacular views down sheer cliffs into awaawapuhi and nualolo valleys overlooking the pacific ocean. This once joined the official Nualolo Cliffs Trail but it is now closed. Its $5 per person to enter the state park, which is generally open from sunrise to sunset, so try to be off the trail before dark. Awa'awapuhi Trail. From the endpoint of each of these trails, you get spectacular views of the coastline. These reviews are the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. The hiking I am used to mainly start by walking upwards, but this is a 5km downhill walk from about 1255 masl, descending almost 500m. We slogged the 3.2 miles to the end, but it was Way more difficult than normal. We chose to do this loop in a clockwise direction, starting at the Nualolo Trail trailhead. 91% of travelers recommend this experience. [OAHU] UPDATED 2/28/23: Kaena Point State Park Mokuleia Section The vehicle access road will continue to beCLOSED due to heavy rains and saturated road conditions. Hiking to the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai is a pretty terrifying experience. If you are allergic to grass, wear or bring long pants. The beginning of the trail is a relatively mellow stroll through the high forest. Thanks! Fabulous views, but if you're afraid of heights, can be daunting toward the end. Is the Nualolo Trail and Awaawapuhi Trail Loop Worth It? If you are in good shape and up for a challenge, there is the option continuing onto the Nualolo cliff trail and then Nualolo trail, making the total hike 10 miles. Awaawapuhi trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker off 550. this forest reserve area is managed as wilderness because of the rich variety of native dryland plant species thriving in it. Awa'awapuhi Trail is a 3 mile blue singletrack trail located near Waimea Hawaii. The trail descends sixteen hundred feet over three miles through a rainforest to the rim of the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. So when there is a fresh rain you will want to go slow or you have a good chance of wiping out. This trail starts in Kokee State Park at 4100 ft of elevation and winds its way through heavy jungle down to 2,500 feet. Outside Magazine - By: Alexandra Gillespie 3h. If you are doing this hike as a loop, you will need to backtrack up the trail for 0.9 miles until you get to the Nualolo Cliffs Trail. Having a map will help keep you from getting lost or walking farther than you have to. Walk 0.2 miles south on Kokee Road to the trailhead. We learned a lot, not just about the trail, but about hiking in general, which carried on through later experiences. It does have 3 little sections, after you go to the first landing you can venture out to a second then a third. For more accommodation recommendations you can check my favorites in the Kauai Where to Stay Guide. It is narrow in spots and can be slippery. The hike to the viewpoint is downhill, so prepare yourself for the thigh burner on the way out. Our best chance at hiking to a view of the Napali Coast would be hiking the Awaawapuhi Trail from Waimea Canyon. For more information read our privacy policy. You dont see any in our photos because we started very early but we saw a bunch of hikers on the return part of the hike. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Thank you soo much foe this post. The weather in Kauai changes every 20 minutes there was certainly no way of controlling that. Not much to see until then. However, it is less than $300 a night. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! In mid-January, Schuyler, David, and I took a trip to Kauai, the un-official hiking island of Hawaii. Swimming holes should be avoided after rains, because of quick rising waters and the possibility of flash flooding. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Perhaps it is the view of the folding spires of NaPali that makes this trail so exceptional. 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. 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. Read all of our articles about the United States in our. Welcome to my world. As it is an easier trail it is also a bit more crowded. On our recent visit to Kauai, we wanted to hike this trail again. It was muddy, but less of a problem than other hikes we went on. Backcountry Permit: While there is no charge for permits, they are required of all backcountry campers. The state was found at fault last year in the case . Penoke, Rocky Gap, and Willow Creek trails, maximum machine width allowed is . One of the best here. Take your time: Enjoy the experience and take time to take in your surroundings. After the first mile-and-a-half the forest begins to thin out and the rugged Napali coast comes into view as well as glimpses into the Awaawapuhi Valley. Slippery to start on the way down, but got much better after first mile. Muddy, moderate workout totally worth it! Awa'awapuhi Trail is a spectacular hike, with the most magnificent views of the Na Distance: 6.5 miles, round-trip Location: West side, Kohe e State Park Difficulty: Moderate. The dramaticdrop-offs on either side of the Awaawapuhi ridge were something you dont see anywhere else in the world. Most people stop on the grassy/sandy cliffs at the turn-around point for lunch as they offer great views of the coastline. Youll hike through tall brush, slip and slide on wet, muddy ground, and be a hot, sweaty mess at the end of this hike. The end of the trail provides rim views down into the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi valleys. If you dont have hiking shoes please purchase one unless you want to discard your shoes after the trip.Those with any kness, lower back or ankle issues please be careful you will slip and fall so a trekking pole is highly recommended especially for those who are older.Also, the heat and humidity is quite intense and it will make this trail alot more difficult than it actually seem based on specs. Fill in your details below or click an icon to log in: You are commenting using your WordPress.com account. Google Maps Link By doing a little planning and being prepared you will make your hiking trip one of your best Kauai experiences. The speed limit on all off-road vehicle trails is 25 miles perhour. Layers and water helpful! Muddy but vista is epic. Vista view is beautiful. Sections with roots and loose rocks. Trailhead Location: Kokee Road in Kokee State Park. This is a very popular area for hiking and running, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring. Awa'awapuhi Trail Details. By the time we left the viewpoint an hour later there were about 20-30 people showing up and we saw more on the way back. If you get lucky, maybe some nice person will drive you back to the Kokee Museum parking lot. For best results, use the customized Trip Planning Widget for Awa'awapuhi Trail Parking on your website.It has all the advantages mentioned above, plus users to your site can conveniently access it directly on your site. Mud!!! 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 . This time, perfect view. Recommend that you use good traction devices especially if it's wet. If you want to get on the trail early, consider camping at Koke'e State Park. Impeccable views due to sunny weather with blue skies. The Awa Awapuhi Hike is a 6 mile out and back hike that brings you through the lush vegetation. Awa'awa'puhi gets off to a slow start but picks up steam about halfway. You can read more about the "loop" on our Nualolo Trail entry. We briefly stumbled off the trail twice and I have heard of others doing it too. Adelphi Women's Soccer, On thatpage, we've also posted a map of the entire area (Kokee and Waimea State Parks) for you to download and print out at home. These will give you extra traction, which is very important if it has recently rained and the trail is muddy. However, Hawaii can experience sudden changes in weather throughout all seasons, so youll need to plan your hike for a day when the skies are mostly clear. If you are young and healthy, it is probably only mildly challenging. It is going down the trails, it could be slippery(with rain) if you are not careful. The scenery along the three-mile, downhill hike . The trail getting there is not necessarily anything to write home about but the views at the end are incredible. Best Defenders In Premier League 2019-20, The farther you go, the more exposure you get and the better the view. Im going to recommend five places to stay on Kauai. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. The Awa'awapuhi/Nualolo trail is a longer hike and moderately strenuous but pretty easy to follow. Took us around 5 hours RT. The 6-mile round trip hike is" Dont rush if you dont have to. Its because you spend the entire time hiking down 1500ft. Distance: 6.2 miles out and back. This is a must do if you have the time! Tim and I were visiting Hawaii on our honeymoon and this was the first real hike each of us had ever done. It was a steady climb back to the car, but easier footing. Visitors will be treated to diverse tropical flora and fauna along the trail as well as spectacular views of the ocean and Napoli Coast. And trust us when we say that with a guided tour, you get to see and experience things in a way you simply cannot do independently. Honestly just an ok view unless you're willing to hike the last .1 mi sketchy section. 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 five of these spots are in great locations but each one is a little different. After graduating with a journalism degree, I set off to explore the world while creating adventure travel guides featuring hikes, waterfalls, beaches & adrenaline activities. I tip-toed around the muddy trail with my brand-new hiking sandals at first. I would describe our conditioning as slightly better than average. Hiking shoes. By continuing to browse this website you are agreeing to our use of cookies. Latitude: 22.14147611 My travel buddy may back off so I may end up solo. Heading into Kauais interior and remote terrain offers dome of the most beautiful backdrops on the world. That had to mean the weather was clear enough for helicopter tours, right? Mahalo! Where is the start of the hike located?? For the first 2 miles, you will be hiking downhill, either through a forest or through dense brush and grass. How to Hike the Sliding Sands and Halemauu Trail Loop | Haleakala NP. Well worth the 6 mile round trip hike. If it's muddy to start it will only get worse so it's best if there have been a few dry days before you set out. The hike back up wasn't as bad as we thought it would be. Entire family made it all the way to the top. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. The iconic Awaawapuhi Trail is rated as one of the best hiking trails on Kauai for an all-day adventure. The hike is mostly through shaded forest and ending at the overlooks with some great views. These valleys are part Going up Waimea Canyon and into Kokee State Park, the trail starts at a small parking area right at mile marker 17. A bit hard packed and slick on the way down, with occasional muddy spots, but easy going as long as you take it slow. Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Are you a dessert first person? The first time was in 1999. The hike would be out of the question for the length of our trip. Awesome view of Na Pali and Forest reserve. Awa'awapuhi Trail, Kaua'i - September 6, 2015 What an amazing view in Kaua'i. Any views at smaller lookouts along the way did nothing to boost my confidence. For a shortlist of shorter hikes on Kauai, you can check out my Easy Hikes Guide for Kauai. I slipped several times but was able to catch myself. 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. Absolute favorite hike on the Hawaiian islands. After around 90 minutes of awe-inspiring and downhill hiking, the trek culminates at the official viewpoint. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. Located in the Hawaiian highlands of Kokee, the Awaawapuhi trail is a spectacular trail that stretches 5 kilometres. Awaawapuhi Trail is a continual downhill hike from the trail head to the grassy clearing overlooking the valleys. I hiked all over Kauai for over a month and documented all of my adventures.