Awa'awapuhi Trail

Jun 17, 2007 8:33AM

My husband and I hiked the 9 mile loop heading up Nualolo, then across the cliff links trainl, then up Awawaphui last Dec. 2006. It was amazing, we had great weather, and outstanding views. We didn't realize how long it would take us and started a bit late, around 9:45am. We hiked the last 3.5 miles out (all uphill!) and it was a puffer. We also ran out of water. Bring waaaay more then you think you need. I'm doing this hike again next week with my sister and this time will be prepared. Outstandng hike, but difficult. Not for everyone.

Jul 16, 2007 3:29PM

How long does it take to do the entire loop? What time should you begin? Thanks. Brian

Jul 19, 2007 2:24PM

Did the loop trail two years ago and am coming back to Kauai next week. Any idea the current shape of the trail?

This was by far the best hike we took on the island and we are looking forward to coming back

Oct 30, 2007 8:05AM

My wife and I hiked this trail yesterday. Quite the hike and we saw both the wild pigs and goats on the way down. If you don't want to do the loop, take the trail to its end to be rewarded with some great views of the coastline. A great hike, but not for those who are not in shape as the climb back up is a moderately tough one. Overall, trail was in great shape except for a few muddy spots here and there.

Dec 03, 2007 5:42AM

My wife and I are from the New York City area and never really hiked until we made our first visit to Kauai back in the Spring of 2001 (we stumbled upon the Wai\'Po Falls trail--which takes you right along a ridge that looks int the heart of the Waimea Canyon\'s interior and ends off at a quaint little pool of water that flows over the cliff as a waterfall). We were hooked on hiking ever since. We have been to Kauai 5 times now (pretty much once every year) and hike every single time--even when my wife was pregnant.

The Nualolo trail is one of our favorites. We hiked it in December of 2005. The great thing about this trail is that the lanscape/foliage changes pretty frequently. One moment you are hiking through dense tree cover, and the next you are hiking through open grassy areas with little tree cover. As you approach Lolo Vista Point you come out into open barren areas with little tree cover that really test you endurance ona hot sunny day. The variety of landscape is wonderful. The views of the Na\\\' Pali coast from this trail are pretty unforgetable (for lack of a better term). The only issue we had with the trail is that once yoget past Lola Vista Point, the trail narrows a lot. If you are uneasy hiking narrow trails (meaning you are are sacred of heights and have a bit of vertigo), then tehre will come points on this trail (as you head towards the link up with the Awa\'awapuhi Trail) where your gut is going to tell you to stop and turn back. That\'s what we wound up doing. That said, the views are so astonishing that we recommend that you hike this trail as far as your sense of adventure and your nerve will allow. As others have said, take plenty of water (the sn beats down on you in areas where tree cover is limited). Also, take it easy on the uphill climb that leads out of the Nualolo Trail. If you go at a moderate pace you will be ok. My wife and I were pretty fit 30 years when we hike this trail and we found it to be a moderate (though not too tough) workout.

Dec 09, 2007 11:10PM

I've done this hike (the loop, including the trek back to the museum)on my last 5 visits to Kauai. Never dissapointed. If at all possible, wait at least a day after the last rain, because the Nualolo becomes quite muddy on the way down. (Think: Romancing the Stone..you know the scene). I stay in Princeville, and I leave from there around 6:30 AM to get an early start on this hike. I leave my car at the museum lot, and start on Nualolo. Snack at the vista, drink lots of water, and then cross the cliffs trail to the Awa'awapuhi trail. Worth the extra little trek past the guava trees to the vista. Lunch at the vista, more water, and then a great workout up to the parking lot. The trek back to the museum is a bit of a pain, I hitch a ride sometimes and then go back to give someone else a ride.

Tips: If you motor, and giving time for breaks at the lookouts, this hike takes about 7-8 hrs.
1) freeze a few 16 oz water bottles and put them in your backpack in the morning for cold water later in the day. Bring one bottle that's not frozen, for immediate water early on.
2) Each person should have a backpack to distribute the load.
3) pack easy foods: PB+J, nutter butters, apples, cheese, etc.
4) Waterproof sunscreen and a hat if you think you'll need it.
5) Stop at the museum on the way back.

I like to end this hiking day with a trip to the brewery at the Waimea Plantation Cottages once you get down the mountain. Get a sampler of the beers, a snack, then go walk around the grounds and down to the water and hang out on a hammock. Very refreshing ending to a great day!

Dec 12, 2007 9:18AM

We will be in Kauai during Christmas and want to do lots of hiking...What are the top tree or four that we shouldn't miss??
Jill

Joachim

Dec 14, 2007 5:01AM

This trail is best approached from the upper trail head. We routinely park the car at the visitor ctr. and hitch-hike to the trail head. No probelm, people are always friendly.
Only once we encountered a delicate situation. It was raining (warm, don't bother), but hiking up there was a short, steep and extremely slippery section. My wife and I rellay had great problems to pass over. We will bring hiking sticks the next time. This probably is one of the most beautiful hikes on the island, albeit strenous. We are both in our 60ties and like to do it, perhaps it takes us an extra hour.

Dec 24, 2007 5:41AM

My husband and I have booked 2 full weeks starting this weekend, rt continental US-Kauai. We're trying to decide how to divide our time, whether to stay only in Kauai or hop to Maui or the Big Island for 4-5 days too (I'm thinking of booking plane tickets in advance, but also wonder if it'd be just fine to wait til we get to Kauai to decide on when/where to go, depending on what we find there on the spot). We're very much into hiking but I wonder if, given that the rainy season is on, we would still get some nice warm sunny days... and beach time. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. We're planning to camp on the Coconut Coast, North Coast, and West side... Any advice as far as that goes?

Dec 24, 2007 6:21AM

Thanks so much for the FAST reply! One reason we were also considering Maui on top of Kauai was what seemed, from what I read, a better chance of sunny beach days with snorkeling and whale-watching. Hiking moon-like terrain is also somewhat intriguing, but is it worth the flight? I usually prefer green hiking, but am curious about out worldly scenery... How long would you say we'd need to experience Kauai properly, ie not miss out on any great spots, hikes, etc? ps: We'll have to get camping permits in Lihue, does anyone know for sure they're open on MOn, Dec 31st? (I called them a while ago and they said they should be...)

Jan 31, 2008 6:55PM

Love your website! My husband and I are coming to Kauai for our honeymoon the end of February. If we can only fit in one or two hikes in the Waimea Canyon area -- what would you recommend?
THANK YOU

Feb 23, 2008 12:49AM

I'm trying to go to Kauai in early March - but am limitted to only 7 days. I'm an experienced hiker/camper in very good physical condition and am trying to pack the most secluded, vigorous hiking/ amazing views on the island into this short stay. Is it possible in only 7 days to hike Pihea, Awa'awapuhi, Kalalau, and Hanakapi'Al? What else do I need to see before I have to leave? Should I wait until I'll be able to stay on the island for longer than 7 days? How do I get a camping pass? Thank you for your help.

Matt

Mar 11, 2008 3:15AM

Aloha! What a great site! Thank you for taking the time to keep it up to date. My wife, 9 year old daughter and 7 year old son plan on taking some hiking excursions next week. I am guessing that 4-5 miles (2-3 hours) is the limit for the crew. Strenousness is not an issue as we are all in very good shape. Can you recommend 2-3 hikes that would provide views and adventures? We certainly want to see as much of the Na Pali Coast as their little legs will allow. Mahalo!

Mar 14, 2008 1:54AM

great site! two questions- one, where is the kilohana hike, and two, do you think it's possible to do the "tunnel" hike to the hanalei river valley, then continue down the valley back to the hanalei area? i have hiked up the hanalei valley a short ways from the end of the river road, but not sure what trail, if any, exists further up that might connect to the tunnel. any ideas? i'm coming with my family for a month in may-june, and i'm so stoked i can hardly contain myself! you guys live in a paradise. mahalo, kevin

Mar 21, 2008 9:27PM

We are visiting Kauai as a family in Dec. '08. My kids are pretty good hikers ages 8-16. Can you suggest a moderate hike for the whole family? I was thinking of the first part of the Naa pali trail, but it sounds like the beach isn't open in Dec. What do you suggest?

Mar 31, 2008 12:06AM

My wife and myself are heading to Kauai at the end of April. We are looking for the best whole day hiking experience we can have since we are only going to have time for one day of hiking. We have read alot on different trails and have finally decided on the Nu'alolo/Awa-'awapuhi Loop. We are both avid long distance runners(13+ miles) and are wondering how long the hike would take? Also, is this going to be the best bang for our buck since this will be our only hike of the trip? We would do more but only on the island for 5 days and are already planning a helicopter and kayaking trip too. We would appreciate any advice if you think another hike would be better. Thanks

Apr 27, 2008 1:40AM

I hiked this trail about a month or so ago. I did the loop - the whole 9-10 miles. The weather cooperated perfectly. The views were amazing, and the sight of looking north along the Na Pali coast was smashing! Seeing the helicopters BELOW makes you feel a little superior for a moment and a little sad for those in the copter who do not have the time, energy, or adventure to hike to the same spots. The cliff trail that connects the two main trails has a .25 mile section that is marked for being a little risky, but I felt that it is not as risky as some sections of the Kalalau Trail, but I shall leave it up to the hiker's ability. The hike back out in either direction leaves the hiker no choice bu to climb in elevation. The elevation is not extremely steep but if moving at a good pace is a good workout nonetheless. The flora is varied and at times beautiful. The goats and pigs were sighted but were not a bother to me.

Apr 28, 2008 1:18AM

Hey everyone, just wanted to drop a note and let ya know about the loop, we just did it yesterday. We had a beautiful day to do the hike and got started around 7am, it rained the day before so things were slightly slick but not real bad (I would not recommend doing it if there was alot of rain the days before). The first section of the hike was great rolling downhill most of the time- without a doubt do not skip the outlook (the extra .3 of a mile are more than worth the views-as one of the locals said "Its Epic!" and it truly was. The cliff trail section wasn't as bad as I thought, only a few small sketchy sections and a few areas that you can get a little lost in the tall brush. The second outlook is also without a doubt worth the extra hike. The last leg to say the least was a little tough but not extremely bad. You will work up a sweat and have a few aches from the way out. For those of you wondering about time- we ran half and hiked aggresively the rest and stopped for probably 45min for pictures and snacks and we did it right around 4hrs. I appreciate the advice on doing the hike, I have a feeling it will be one of the highlights of our vacation.

May 16, 2008 11:03PM

I hiked this with my girlfriend, and was amazed at the incredibly beautiful views of the valleys and Napali coastline. Many mountain goats and of course a rooster. A hike not to miss. Trail was in excellent condition.

Jul 08, 2008 10:13AM

This hike is absolutely spectacular!!  I did it back in 1993 and again in 2005.  I highly recommend it as the "if you only have a half-day to hike on Kauai" trail (Hanakapiai falls being the all-day).  I felt as though I was on top of the world.  On the 2005 trip, I went on a boat tour two days after I hiked it, and it was so awesome to see the same mountains from an entire different vantage point...to actually see to what kind of coastline the Awaawapuhi and Nualolo valleys lead!  Definitely a must-do hike for any trail enthusiast visiting Kauai.