Kuilau Trail
Photo by Wasabi
This trail begins near Wailua's Keahua Arboretum and travels up to views of Mt.Waialeale (clouds permitting) and the ocean. Picnic at the lookout point or continue on to explore lush hillsides of fern and vegetation. Path connects to Moalepe trail. No water. No facilities.
Things To Bring
- Water
- Sun Protection
- Appropriate footwear
- Picnic
Cool Because
When you return from a great hike you can picnic by the river at the arboretum.
Topography
Winding footpath of inclines and declines over hills and through remote terrain. Picnic shelter and lookout point.
Not Good For
Explorers in poor physical condition.
Hazards
Narrow footpaths in some sections. Trail is slippery when muddy. Watch for equestrians and pig hunters. Potential flash flooding of river at the arboretum during rainy weather.
DIFFICULTY
Moderate
LENGTH
2.1 Miles (one way)
User Rating
Click a star to vote
2.7 / 5 (359 votes)
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Let's Discuss (32 comments)
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Aug 25, 2007 5:01PM
one of the prettiest spots we've seen in photos is the blue hole. we are planning to visit kauai in just a few days and have searched and searched for information about how to best get to the bottom of that valley for the associated views and have had trouble. we're not interested in paying $70 for the "jungle hikes" - just want to go on our own, but need some advice. i've read that somehow the blue hole is similar to or associated with mt. waialeale and it's valley. can you help? this has been our favorite website for planning the "adventures" of our trip - it's great! and you guys seem very knowledgeable, so i thought i'd ask. if you can only e-mail this info, that's fine, too. thank you!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 25, 2007 6:57PM
"Blue Hole" is the accepted name for a freshwater pool / area on the East drainage of Mt. Wai?ale?ale. I love to swim in the cool, clear water at Blue Hole. Amazing.
Access is via Kuamo?o road which will take you into a state park and dirt roads. The roads / path were unmarked last time I went (we rode mtn. bikes then hiked). There are a number of good swimming holes in this large area; Blue Hole is the best-known. Wai?ale?ale provided a major water source for agriculture so there are many irrigation ditches and tunnels.
As with any off-the-beaten-path place in Hawaii you need to be super careful not to park your car with valuables in a place made for thieving. Crowded and visible is better than on some deserted road. Hope this helps. W
Oct 30, 2007 10:49AM
What a spectacular hike! We took our 4WD jeep all the way to the end of Kuamo'o to the gate (it was locked), parked with it empty & unlocked, and hiked two hikes. The first short hike went towards the left & through an irrigation ditch (water was low and no dark clouds in the mountains) to a beautiful waterfall. We hiked back on the trail as to not go against the current (too loud). Then, while back on the main road, we hiked to the blue pool. At least what I think was the blue pool. It was pretty dry, so we hiked up the narrow and slippery trail along the riverbank, until it seemed to end. Not sure exactly what I did, but nonetheless it was amazing. This was a great back-road drive and hike. All in all, this was a wonderful experience. The only problem was the pesky mosquitoes that made a snack of me. Bring repellant, ample water, sunblock, and good hiking shoes (Keen are fine). O.K. for kids, with possible exception to the irrigation channel which you can just hike around.
Nov 20, 2007 10:42AM
According to the lonely planet guide, this trail is an easy mountain bike ride. Is this true??
Kauai Explorer Staff
Nov 21, 2007 7:45AM
Schelly - Kuilau is an easy mountain bike ride. If you want to hook up with a great group of riders check out the Bike Doctor in Hanalei. They have group rides to amazing trails on Fridays and Sundays.
Dec 03, 2007 6:13AM
My wife and I hiked this trail in April of 2007. She was 5 months pregnant at the time, so we chose this trail because our guidebook said it was a failry moderate to easy hike. The guidebook was right. A very pretty hike, but easy enough for almost all to handle. About half-way through the trail opens into a grassy picnic area. You can sit at the picnic table and look out into the valley below. We rested for a bit there and then continued down the trail until it reached teh Moalepe Trail. Atthat point we turned back. Very easy and pretty trail overall. We evidence of horses (hoof prints, etc.). At some point we'd love to horseback ride down this trail and the Moalepe trail.
Feb 19, 2008 7:32PM
Great hike. Excellent views with well groomed paths. Wish we had our mountain bikes. Good amount of shade on most of the paths. Nice picnic area with views out over the valleys. Definitely recommended!
Feb 28, 2008 6:43PM
Is it possible to hike the entire way to the Blue Hole? We will not be in a 4WD vehicle and don't plan on doing any biking, but would love to see the Blue Hole. About how many miles is it from the last road that's passable by car to the Blue Hole?
Thanks in advance for your help!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 28, 2008 8:01PM
Aloha Heather. Hiking to the Blue Hole is a very strenuous hike with much boulder hopping on the river and narrow, overgrown paths. This area can be subject to dangerous flash flooding in rainy weather, and it often rains as you are very close to the center of the island - one of the wettest spots on earth. Not to say this hike and Blue Hole are not incredibly beautiful. Just use caution and common sense.
Access to the river is only possible with a 4WD. Your only option would be to hike to the river where the trail begins, after parking your car at the Arboretum. I would not recommended this, though, as that walk alone is very long before you even begin your hike. I cannot give you mileage.
Going to the Blue Hole is an all day activity - there and back- if you begin at the river.
If anyone else on the forum has feedback, feel free. J
Mar 14, 2008 7:04PM
While I have driven to the gates, past the Arboretum, it is a difficult drive and requires some skill even on a dry day. Lots of rocks, lots of potholes , but it can be done in a SUV without 4WD. But, have heard of some with damage to tires from friends. So, its at your own risk. The hike would be BRUTAL if you started at the Arboretum. We picked up some people hiking that stretch who pleaded for a ride! I did see tour vans up there. So, it you are unable (or unwilling)to make it that far back, consider the later option. I do not know the tour company's names, but a quick search on the web may reveal. Good Luck!
Mar 25, 2008 9:03PM
Hello ! I will be visting Kauai and I want to hike but will be alone. Is it safe and what trails could you recommend for me? moderate trails are prefered.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Mar 27, 2008 4:16AM
Aloha. It is never advised to venture out on outdoor excursions without a buddy, especially in foreign terrain. Check out this website's list of highlighted hikes to see more information about the moderate hikes available. Enjoy. J
Chuck
Jul 22, 2008 4:28PM
Actually this trail is the Kuilau Ridge Trail. About 1/2 the path is improved and the remainder is a wide dirt path to the picnic area at the top of the ridge. Some of the best views are past the lookout at the top winding down the hillside looking out toward the ocean. The trail ends at a nice footbridge where the Moalepe Trail begins.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 28, 2008 8:11PM
Thanks for offering more info to the forum, Chuck! Aloha, J.
Jul 29, 2008 1:52PM
This trail was fun but we were hoping for something more technical. It was also way shorter than what we had hoped for, the full loop from the Kuilau Ridge Trail to the Moalepe Trail and back. I want to try the 550 trails.
I would advise to try less slippery rides!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jul 29, 2008 7:30PM
Thanks for the feedback to the forum, Michael. Nounou trails have a bit more dimension and steep inclines. J
Feb 17, 2009 9:34PM
can you feature the powerline trail on this site i know its very long,,,we can break it up into sections,,i have drove it a long way,,,,im i able now to make it to the n shore,,thank you
Kauai Explorer Staff
Feb 21, 2009 5:47PM
Hi Charles - we will feature powerline in future updates. How were you able to drive it? We have a hard time even on mountain bikes these days (lots of hike-a-bike). After Iniki it was in good shape but not now. W
Mar 27, 2009 7:30AM
Very easy trail, gentle incline to the 1.5 mile mark (about 10 min. past the picnic tables). We just took our family of 5 (42 year old "should be in better shape) parents, 9 year old twin boys, and a 4 year old girl) on it. None of us found it difficult at all. We'd just done the Canyon Ridge Trail yesterday and found it very challenging with the kids.
Apr 06, 2009 2:39PM
Hello again!
Just curious if people ever hike the entire Powerline trail; from Princeville to the east side. There isn't much info on it, except that it's maybe a popular place for hunters? I like the idea of hiking across a big part of the island but maybe there's something I'm missing? Any info would be much appreciated! Thanks much!
Kauai Explorer Staff
Apr 07, 2009 9:04PM
Hi Jess - yes people hike and bike the Powerline. These days it's pretty rutted out and very tough on a mountain bike, but way doable hiking. The hike is about 9 miles long. You'll go through some incredible Kauai interior and can see Poipu, Wailua, Lihue, Hanalei and Waialeale from the ridge line. Just be prepared for mud and rain (even though there are clear days too). W
Aug 12, 2009 2:32AM
I'm debating on what end to start from for the powerline trial. Is one side easier?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 12, 2009 4:09AM
Hey Chelsey - Wailua is steeper than Hanalei otherwise it makes no difference. Where do you want to end your hike?
Aug 14, 2009 1:57AM
It doesn't really matter. The less work I have to do is what I'm looking for. Thanks for the help.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Aug 14, 2009 5:00PM
Hi again Chelsey - it's always seemed easier to go from Hanalei to Wailua because the climb is more gradual. Most of my Powerline experience has been on a mountain bike and the Wailua side is more of a hike-a-bike. Have fun and get ready for some serious mud.
Dec 15, 2009 8:05PM
How far of a hike is it to get a good view of Mt. Wai'ale'ale? are you able to get a good view of the waterfalls from any spot on this trail. also how far can you get with a car thats not 4WD and how far of a hike is that from the end of the trail?
Kauai Explorer Staff
Dec 19, 2009 7:27PM
Hi Stephanie - on a clear day you can see Wai?ale?ale from most East shore locations. There is another hike to "Blue Hole" at the base of the mountain but it's hard to find - best to find a guide or local.
Jan 10, 2010 9:13PM
Do you know of any guides that do the full hike to the "Blue Hole"/Weeping Wall at the base? I've been looking, but no luck so far.
Kauai Explorer Staff
Jan 11, 2010 10:53PM
Hi Jennifer - I do not know of guides to Blue Hole but we're going to hike there weekend after next.
Jun 24, 2010 9:32PM
We are coming to Kauia in August. I have been reading about all of the trails. Is there one or two trails you could suggest as the best ones? Just like something that we must do? I thought the one with the waterfall and beach looked really cool.
Thank you
Feb 25, 2012 8:22AM
I will be visiting with my 3 children (ages 13,11,8) at the beginning mid June. I would like to do this trail. We are not experienced hikers. Would you recommend doing this trail?
Thanks!
May 17, 2012 10:33PM
I would definitely recommend this trail. My wife and I did it a few days ago (in May 2012) and it is exquisite. Listen for some amazing birds on the trail going up. At about 1.5 miles there is a plateau with picnic tables and views of sleeping giant and valley towards ocean. Not difficult at all.
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