There is a good chance that this post contains affiliate links. If you click on any of these links, I might earn a small commission at no extra cost to you (which I really appreciate, thank you!) The full disclosure policy can be found here.

10 best hikes on Kauai

If you have ever wondered, ” What are the best hikes on Kauai?” This blog post is for you.

If you love hiking, Kauai will not disappoint. Although all Hawaiian islands have amazing hikes, Kauai has several of my favorites. Whenever my clients mention hiking is on their must-do list, I recommend Kauai. 

Are you trying to figure out the best Hawaii island to visit? I have a blog post for that.

It’s important to note that most hikes on Kauai are moderate to strenuous. These ratings are generally due to elevation changes and rough terrain. Visitors should be aware that cell service isn’t always available and take extra precautions, including checking the weather, bringing plenty of water, and letting someone know where you’ll be going.

DO I NEED A RENTAL CAR IN HAWAII?

Before we get started with the best hikes in Kauai, let’s talk rental cars. You’ll definitely need a car in Kauai. Public transportation isn’t very reliable, and while Kauai is small, you definitely need a car to get around. You’ll find the best prices anywhere at Discount Hawaii Car Rental. 

If you want to see beautiful scenery but aren’t sure about some of the hikes on this list, the Ala Hele Makalae Kapa’a bike path is the perfect solution. On this large bike path, you can walk, run, or bike along the beautiful coconut coast. It’s one of the best things to do in Kauai and is suitable for all ages.

Once you finish checking out the best hikes in Kauai, don’t miss the 10 best beaches in Kauai. 

The best hikes in Kauai

Here is a list of the best hikes in Kauai, which are listed in no particular order. 

1. Nounou East Trail (Sleeping Giant)

More commonly known as the Sleeping Giant hike, the Nounou East Trail is one of the best sunrise hikes on Kauai. It’s a moderate hike, and suitable for families as long as you have adventurous kids.

It’s also a great hike to bring a shelter dog on a field trip from the Kauai humane society!

I recommend doing this hike early in your trip when you’ll be up in the early morning hours anyway. Bring a flashlight or LED headlamp since you’ll want to arrive at the start of the trail no later than 5 AM to see the sunrise.

2. Kalepa Ridge Trail

The Kalepa Ridge Trail offers some of the best views of the Na Pali coast. About 30 minutes into the hike, you’ll reach a gorgeous viewpoint. This trail is currently unauthorized, so please check if you are allowed to hike before attempting it.

3. Kuilau Ridge Trail

I wanted to include at least one trail that was a little more accessible for everyone. This two-mile out-and-back hike is family-friendly without some of the dropoffs seen on the other hikes.

4. Awaawapuhi Trail

The Awaawapuhi Trail is a moderate (to upper-moderate) out-and-back trail with views of the stunning Na Pali Coast and Awaawapuhi Valley. There is a 2125-foot elevation gain, and returning is much harder than getting in! This trail is well-maintained and has one of the best views of the Na Pali coast you’ll find on foot.

If you want great views without a moderate-difficult hike, try a Kauai helicopter tour or Na Pali Coast sail.  

5. Waialeale Blue Hole Hike

Waialeale Blue Hole Hike is probably the most challenging hike on this list. Mt. Waialeale is one of the wettest spots on earth, and the base of Waialeale, called “Blue Hole,” is where you’ll see the falls coming down.

However, it is a challenging hike and should only be attempted by serious hikers who have taken safety precautions. Flash flooding is frequent, and cell service is weak, so make sure to be extra prepared if you attempt this hike.

I haven’t done this hike myself, but seeing Mt. Waialeale from the air is impressive too!

You can check out my blog post about the best waterfalls in Kauai. You know these waterfalls definitely made the list!

6. Canyon Trail

Canyon Trail (Waipoo Falls) is the most popular hike in Waimea Canyon. It spurs off the more accessible and shorter Cliff Trail and is a moderate hike that is about 3.4 miles roundtrip. The trail ends at Kumuwela Lookout, where you can see through the canyon to the ocean.

The Kauai Humane Society can suggest the best trail for your shelter dogs’ field trip!

7. Honopu Ridge Trail

The Honopu Ridge Trail is an approximately 5-mile roundtrip out-and-back hike with views of Honopu Valley and a portion of the Na Pali Coastline. This trail is challenging because it isn’t officially maintained. Even though it is not maintained formally, it does have one of the best views and is one of the top-rated hikes on Kauai.

8. Hanakapiai Beach

The end of Ke’e Beach marks the starting point of the Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail. If you want to hike along the Kalalau Trail but either can’t get a permit to hike the full Kalalau or don’t want to deal with the logistics of camping, hiking to Hanakapiai Beach is a great option.

The hike to Hanakaiai Beach is beautiful and approximately 2 miles from Ke’e Beach. It is a treacherous beach, and swimming is not advised. Since reopening, advanced reservations are required. Check out Go Ha’ena for more information.

9. Hanakapiai Falls Trail

If you want to venture further down the Kalalau Trail, the 4-mile (one-way) hike to Hanakapiai Falls is even further than Hanakapai Beach and about as far as most people go without camping. The trail is well-traveled and clearly defined, but it can be very busy. Make sure to plan plenty of time for this 8-mile round trip.

10. Kalalau Trail

There is no doubt you’ve already heard of the Kalalau Trail. Although not everyone participates in this fantastic journey, many people dream of it! If you’re up for an 11-mile (each way!) hike, willing to get a permit, and camp for at least one night, this is an incredible experience that you’ll never forget.

Please take extra precautions on this hike. It is a trail for experienced hikers, and you must be vigilant at all times, as some areas are exceptionally hazardous. Crawler’s Ledge is one of the famous dangerous spots, but miles 7-9 are particularly challenging. Make sure to bring a water filtration device. Plenty of water is along the trail, but filtering it is highly recommended.

What to bring on a Kauai hike

• Reef-safe Sunscreen (you can read more about why reef-safe sunscreen is essential here.)
• LED headlamp
• Compact First Aid Kit
• Water Bottle
• Water Filter

Where to stay on Kauai

If you haven’t booked your Kauai accommodations, check out this post on where to stay on Kauai or contact me if you want to work with a Kauai expert.

You might also enjoy:

• 10 best things to do on Kauai.
• 25 things to do on Kauai.
• 20 things you should never do in Hawaii
• Is Kauai a good island to visit?
• Grand Hyatt Kauai Review
• Ko’a Kea Resort Review (The best resort in Kauai for honeymoons!)
• The 6 best oceanfront restaurants in Kauai

Of course, there are plenty of epic hikes on Kauai. I wanted to mention these as the best hikes on Kauai, but there are plenty more to check out!

Please make sure to take any necessary precautions and do not trespass or try to do anything beyond your skill level. Hawaii, and Kauai specifically, are beautiful, but that doesn’t mean there aren’t dangers. Please check the weather, listen to the advice of locals, pay attention to signage, and always be prepared. Happy hiking!

Ready to plan your Hawaii vacation?

Do you need help planning your Kauai vacation? Make sure to contact me and I’ll get back to you to start planning ASAP!

Dreaming of Hawaii but not ready to travel just yet? Sign up for my newsletter! You will receive a weekly email with travel tips, Hawaii deals, and more. I’ll be there whenever you’re ready to plan your vacation. Sign up below. If you love these posts and want to support my blog but aren’t ready to travel yet, you can buy me a coffee to show your support. I ❤️coffee!