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.

Gr8outdoors

Aug 07, 2008 1:34AM

First off, great site with a ton of info that helped us on our adventures in Kauai. We hiked the loop Trail on the 27th of July and would strongly recommend for those physically able. The views are beyond describable. Be preapred with fluids and antipicate some rain as a local advised that it is not uncommon and we hit some ourselves. Personally, I thought the Nualolo Trail offered better Vistas throughout and at the end of the trail, but I would imagine the return would not be that pretty as it is significantly steeper in sections compared to AwaAwapuhi.

Checkout the following link for a GPS Tracklog and pictures from the hike...http://www.everytrail.com/view_trip.php?trip_id=35719

BTW, for the hiking enthusiasts out there who use GPS, EveryTrail is an awesome site (just like Kauai Explorer) that allows you to post a tracklog and then synchs pictures with the tracklog to give a visual perspective.

Mahalo for a great resource!

Aug 27, 2008 2:10PM

My wife and I will be visiting Kauai next week and were wanting to do some hiking in the Waimea Canyon area. I was wondering if anyone could give me a time estimate on how long the following trails will take to hike (round trip). We are hoping to do them both in one day (with time to spare to do all the lookouts and still have time for a sunset picnic at Polihale Beach).

1. Awaawapuhi Trail to Na Pali Coast
2. Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls

Also, would you suggest the Awaawapuhi Trail or the Nualolo Trail? (I doubt we will have time for the combined loop)

Thank you in advance for the help.

Aug 28, 2008 5:34PM

Hello. My husband and I will be visiting in October and I can't wait to get out on these hikes! I've been debating on whether I should try the helicopter ride to see the NaPali coast because I get terrible motion sickness. Will we be able to see enough of the NaPali coastline from these trails to be able to take a pass on the helicopter ride?

Aug 28, 2008 6:29PM

I give this trail a 5-star rating...no doubt about it! For those who are in shape for an 11-mile hike in one day with a 1500-foot elevation gain and aren't too afraid of heights, I would highly recommend doing the loop with Nualolo--and do Nualolo first!

We started from Nualolo (trailhead is right at Kokee HQ), hiked out to the Lolo lookout. After taking in the spectacular views of Nualolo Valley and most of the Na Pali Coast (yes you can just about see it all), we backtracked to the connecting Nualolo Cliffs Trail, then out to the Awaawapuhi lookout, and back to Kokee Rd. via Awaawapuhi trail. With the hikes out to the vista points included, it adds up to almost 11 miles.

Also, it's 1.6 miles between the two trailheads along Kokee Rd. We had the luxury of two vehicles, so we parked one at each trailhead--make sure you do this too if you have the means, because you will be tired. If you don't have two vehicles then you will definitely want to do Nualolo first so that you can cruise down the road instead of walking up at the end.

If you have time for just one trail, I suppose it would be Awaawapuhi. You look down into two valleys--both Nualolo and Awaawapuhi. Both valleys are equally spectacular in my opinion. However, you may want to consider doing Nualolo if you want to have a side view of the Na Pali Coast looking toward Hanakapiai.

As far as the narrow 0.25-mile stretch along the Nualolo Cliffs Trail, just be careful and surefooted and you'll be fine. The trail is in very good shape and I felt safe. Just watch where you're going--keep your eyes and feet on the trail. Pause at least once and gaze down directly into Nualolo Valley--it will take your breath away!

After the narrow portion, the trail became somewhat obscure for a stretch. Then, after becoming slightly disoriented, we found our way to a corregated-roof-topped shack with a picnic table. Next, the terrain changed drastically as we began to leave the dry, clay-like, terra cotta trail and enterred into the moisture-laden rain forest. That dramatic transition in itself added exhilaration to the hike.

For animal enthusiasts, there were goats everywhere, at times, just a few yards away. There were even deer.

For plant enthusiasts and fruit lovers, August was the best time to go as there were ripe guavas (and other fruit) galore! Also, we enjoyed marveling over the rare and endemic plant species along the journey.

What an incredibly awesome trail! Don't forget to bring a poncho or raingear and, of course, your camera for the hundreds of photo ops!!!

Curt

Sep 08, 2008 8:39PM

We hiked the Awaawapuhi Trail on September 7th, 2008. Check out pix and a description of the hike online at the link shown.

Sep 19, 2008 3:07PM

I have seen in a couple of books a reference to a trail called Nu'alol Beach Trail that begins at Lolo Vista Point but can find no information on the trail itself. Can you pass on any details on this trail? Thanks!
John

Sep 23, 2008 2:28AM

We're planning to do the Awa'awapuhi trail and maybe the Nu'alolo Cliff trail on our trip to Kauai. I've been reading everyone's comments and it appears that Awa'awapuhi is a difficult trail. Is the trail very steep? Also, are the trails well-marked or is it possible to get lost? Would appreciate any info available. Thanks!

Sep 25, 2008 7:32PM

Aloha,
I just wanted to take a moment to post my thoughts about the Nualolo/Awa awapuhi loop trail. First off I put this hike off for a long while cause I was not certain I could sustain the effort. I am reasonable fit, but tend more toward hikes like Mahaulupu. This hike was absolutely spectacular. The views from the Nualolo are simple breathtaking. I was able to do the 10 miles (starting at the museum) in 3 hrs and 40 minutes with a long rest at the Lolo overlook for a snack and shorter breaks during the climb up Awa'awapuhi. As others before have clearly stated bring lots of water. I drained my 100 oz. Camelback at the parking area on the high side. I would like to say Much Mahalo to the lovely lady who picked my up and gave me a lift back to the museum. While I could have made the downhill trek, my feet were really sore and she was a life saver at the moment.
Keep up the good work here, a hui ho.

Nov 03, 2008 11:49PM

Hello! I plan on being on Kauai in mid FEB '09 and was looking to do some trail runs. I am an experienced trail runner and was looking for some challenging runs with great views and possibly some waterfall access if possible. Can you give any recommendatins? Also, how long does it take to get around the island in the afternoon on a weekday? Thanks much!

Mark Knafl

Jan 07, 2009 5:37PM

This trail was absolutely beautiful and definitely strenuous. My wife and I did this trail December 22 and we loved it! We have both done marathons, half-marathons, and 10 mile running events and we would still say this trail was strenuous. It is clearly marked though, and as long as you give yourself enough time and have plenty of water(about a quart a person) it will be a great time. I would also suggest bringing a snack(candy bar, apple, or sandwich). The lookout at the end of the trail is a great spot for a picnic! We saw less than 10 people the day we were there, so the trail is not crowded. Drive back down the road to Waimea, it is much more beautiful than the road to Kokee

Feb 05, 2009 8:04PM

I LOVE THIS SITE! For someone who's about to spend a pile to go hiking in Hawaii, you guys make me feel comfortable knowing im going to the right place. I plan to get off a plane at who knows when, with a backpack, supplies, and a hammock. I have up to 3-4 days and want to hike constantly and camp wherever I can hang the hammock. Heading back to Oahu when im done. Is there a trailead near an airport that would follow a ridiculous long loop around the island or should I plan to see some stuff, then drive to another side to see others. Is it crazy to think I could hike/camp and see plenty within 3 days 2 nights or so? Any advice would be great! I was hoping to hitch rides or just hoof it if needed....am I gonna regret this?

Thank you for your help!

Feb 07, 2009 3:33PM

Aloha,
We are planning (hoping) to hike the Nualolo/Awa awapuhi loop trail. I\'ll admit that my vertigo can freeze me in my tracks at times if death is certain from falling over an edge. How wide is the trail at this \"OH BOY\" point? How far do you hike up to this point where the steep edges are? Does the Sierra Club offer group hikes on this stretch? Maybe a rope line would help. Which trails offer the EPIC scenery for vertigo chickens?

Feb 12, 2009 8:18PM

When doing the loop, is it easier (less strenuous) returning via the Nualolo Trail or the Awa'awapuhi Trail because of the elevation difference?

Thanks

Feb 17, 2009 10:08PM

Hello,

I'm planning to do the Kalalau trail and I was wondering if it is possible to go from Kalalau Beach to the Kalalau Lookout or Awa'awapuhi Lookout and then cross the island from north to south via Koke'e state park and Waimea canyon. I'm physically very fit and used to multi day hikes with heavy backpacks but I have not found a connection from the Na Pali coast to the interior of the island yet.
This website is great.

Thanks,
Felix

Mar 27, 2009 8:47PM

jnauary 17th 2009. 3.5 hours down and 3 back up. Less time going back up means a tought trail in my opinion as it always easier ascending with bad footing. Light rain at times, and a good thing heavy rain will make this trail a muddy bogsled run. Luckily the sun came out and the trail dried going back up.
My wife had runners and i had a kind of rubber foot slipper. But use some type of boot or shoe with good tread, however you may still slip with them. Brought minimal water and food, and while we didnt need much,bring more water then you think.
The trial is very boring until the end, so its a bit of a mental sclog.
the sights at the end is worth it.

Apr 13, 2009 12:58AM

My husband and I arrive in Kauai next Saturday - canNOT wait! How is the condition of this trail at the moment (ergo is it washed out w/ water or passable)?

May 08, 2009 11:54PM

Me and my husband are visiting kauai this month. we r still deciding as to take guided tours to the trails or go on our own. This would be our first hiking experience, however v r young and healthy. Our major concern is getting lost on the trail..and so we were wondering if you could tell us about traffic(people) on these trails. We are in particular interested in awa"awapuhi, honopu, black pipe, and canyon trails

May 12, 2009 1:37AM

Aloha! Thank you for all of the great info. I know it may seem redundant, but I am curious about current conditions. My wife and I plan to do the Nualolo/Awawapuhi loop next month. We are both physically fit and strong, but not experienced hikers. I am not very concerned about the two main trails but am concerned about the width of the Cliffs trail. Would we be better off just doing an out and back on the Awaawapuhi or should I not worry about the cliffs part. We are not clumsy, but I would hate to have problems there.

May 22, 2009 2:56AM

My boyfriend and I were just recently on the Awa\'awapuhi and Nuololo trail last week. The Awa\'awapuhi trail (3 miles) was in relatively good condition and it wasn\'t muddy with most of the path well-defined. If you have a frightening fear of heights, like I do, it\'s scary, but not debilitating. The scenery and foliage along the way are well worth it.

However, I found the Nuololo trail to be a lot more difficult. There are parts where the path is slightly wider than 7 inches sloping down and you can\'t avoid seeing how high of a dropoff there is below. The conditions were great, but I thought I would have to turn around at some points along the way because of my fear of heights. We\'re both in good shape and we timed each mile at about 20-25 min pace. We made it all the way until the last .25 mark where there is a sign warning of dangerous path conditions. I refused to go on at that point, even it meant sacrificing the view of the Pali coast. It is literally nothing more than a slanted edge.

After a little arguing, we decided that he would continue on, while I waited at that location. He wasn\'t \"wasting\" the hike without going the final .25 mile stretch. He didn\'t return for more than an hour because after he had gone around the bend of the cliff trail, he didn\'t feel safe coming back that way. Eventually, in order to get back to where I was, he slid down the embankment from above holding on to the wild grass growing there. Somehow he safely reached me by coming down the approximately 50 feet drop. The trail on that part is also made of some crumbly lava rock and it had broken under his foothold while he went around the bend and therefore did not feel safe returning that way. Of course, for the rest of the vacation, he was left with some very bad cuts all over his entire body from the slide down the grass, but other than that he was safe. He did get some gorgeous pictures of the coast so I got to see it that way. That final bend of the trail is definitely not for everyone.

We returned the same way we came (about 5 miles), instead of doing the \"loop.\" Definitely worth your while and the best hike I have ever trekked. The sights are incomparable to anything I have ever witnessed.

May 28, 2009 1:55AM

My husband and I did the loop the last week in April. We started with the Nuololo trail to Cliff then up the Awa\'awapuhi trail. There is one section on the Cliff trail that is narrow and a little nerve racking but really only a couple of steps in length. I was actually more scared walking down the road from the Awa\'awapuhi back to our car near the Nulolo trail head than I was during this stretch of the hike.

HOWEVER the view at the end of the Nuololo trail is so breath taking, unreal, amazing, I can't even think of words. If you don't want to take the Cliff trail go in and out on the Nuololo trail - I thought the view point was better than at the end of Awa\'awapuhi.

May 30, 2009 2:28AM

Well, I consider my husband and I in good shape. Young 30 for me, young 40 for him. However, he thinks hiking out on Nu'alolo Trail and back up for over 7.5 miles is not doable! He says he's never hiked that far. (we once hiked at 10,000-11,000 Colorado hike for 6.5 miles, but the altitude got us there.) What is the elevation gain on the way back up the Nu'alolo (sorry for posting on the Awa'awaphui trail page) I'm so disappointed because I want to see Lola Vista! So, I need some things to share with him that yes, it would be walking for 7+ miles, but we can do it.

Jun 04, 2009 11:17PM

Having lived on Kauai for 30 yrs, my husband and I decided it was time to hike the Nuololo trail to the Lolo Vista Lookout to Nuololo Cliff Trail then up the Awa\'awapuhi Trail. We completed the hike this past Tuesday, June 2, 2009. My husband and I are in our 50\'s, in good shape, so the hike was not that difficult (it took 6 hrs) and the views were spectacular. However, I do have to agree with KWW116\'s post on May 22nd of 2009. The Nualolo Cliff Trail (the .25 mark)was DEFINITELY NOT SAFE, especially for those with height or vertigo issues. My personal height issues have never prevented me from hiking trails on this island and some of them were quite challenging and even somewhat difficult. But none of them were what I would consider dangerous until I hiked the Cliff Trail (No, I have not hiked the notorious 7-8 mile stretch of Kalalau yet.) After the .25 marker there was a 4\" inch wide (or less) section with fine layers of eroded rock and debris which was made all the more death defying when one considers the approx. 60 degree slope combined with the 2000 ft drop off into the valley. Adding to the fear factor was the decomposed rock on the face of the cliff, so trying to grab onto any section of the cliff for stability was futile. I\'ll be perfectly honest (and this was not only my perspective, this was my reality: I was terrified.) And I was appalled that the state would allow the trail to remain open under these circumstances. My husband\'s perspective was identical to mine but his experience much more benign. He doesn\'t have height or vertigo issues and he also has had years of experience dealing with dangerous sloping hillsides both recreationally and in his work. Nevertheless, I would exercise extreme caution in using this trail. Later that day, we ran into a friend who works for the state park maintaining trails. When we told him about our experience on the Cliff Trail he said, \"Oh, yeah that section has been needing maintenance for awhile.\"

Jun 09, 2009 2:49AM

Hi Guys,
i'm planning to be in Kauai in the end of Sept. and am interested in the Nualolo /Awa-awapahi loop, but am skeptical about this infamous 1/4 mile section in the Nualolo cliffs. I've seen some rather discouraging pics which support what Susan states above. Do you have any updates on the condition of the trail please? Is there an DNR office to check with ahead of time? thanks in advance. ...Frank

Jun 17, 2009 2:52PM

I agree with Susan, I did the Nualolo/Awaawpuhi loop last summer (always beginning on the Nualolo side) and during the Nualolo stretch ran into some DLNR guys with giant weedwackers working on the trail. Since I had done the loop 2 times previously and remembered the .25 scary section on the Cliff Trail, I asked what kind of condition it was in. They both said it was scheduled to be "re-routed" away from that cliff part but didn't know when. That was a year ago. I've also done the entire Kalalau trail and mile 6.5-8 was a breeze (even in the mud) and a dance compared to this short stretch. (I have no issues with heights). Be very careful, it's crumbly and I can easily see a person lose their footing and go sliding down the cliff face with not much to stop the fall. Wear solid hiking boots or trail running shoes. That said, if I get back to Kauai, I'd still do this hike again, it's one of the best views of Na Pali, IMO. Breathtaking.

Jun 27, 2009 7:07AM

I just hiked the Nualolo trail yesterday with my husband. The views were truely amazing. We are both fairly fit and had no problem with the strenuous hike. We have done other strenuous hikes like half dome at Yosemite. However, I am compelled to write this note because I had a very similar experience to KWW, Julie and Susan when we started down the cliff trail! My husband was able to walk over the scary section (labeled on the cliff trail with the .25 mile), but I completely panicked - my stomach dropped - it was not safe at all. I was so scared because he had walked over the path, and I was afraid for him and myself. I went as quickly as possible back to sturdy ground and cried (embarassing, I know). Luckily, he followed me and reluctantly agreed to turn back.

I honestly think this trail has deteriorated since any 3 year old walked on it. We are going to go back to do the awaawapuhi trail separately because the views were so breathtaking and we really want to see it.

Please be careful walking this stretch!!!