Maha'ulepu Trail

Oct 09, 2007 10:04AM

We will be visiting Kauai in late November. Our cruise ship will be docking in Nawilliwilli harbour...is it possible to take a bus (or even ride our bikes?) from the harbour to Shipwrecks to do this hike? And are there buses from Shipwrecks back to near the harbour? Thanks!

Oct 23, 2007 12:38PM

We will be at Waikomo Steam Villas from 11/19 to 11/29, with our 10 year old active son and 15 year old unactive daughter. Would this be a good family walk to take? What would be the best time of day during these dates for such a walk?
Mahalo

Oct 24, 2007 6:41PM

I don\'t know if we hiked the trail because it was nowhere near two miles, but we made it to the cliffside and it was awesome. After passing the Hyatt, we parked at a paved parking lot for the beach at the end of Ainako St. We walked on a dirt road until the road deadended and a trail began. We walked on the trail for probably about 10 minutes when we got to the cliffs. If were to do it again, I would forgo the entire dirt road (someone had told us, we should drive down the dirt road but I didn't want to risk damaging the low rental car) and the trail altogether. Rather than the dirt road and trail, walk along the beach toward the left to the cliffs. There is an entrance to the short, uphill trail and you are at the cliffs in no time. This is the trail to do if you don't really want to hike but want a gorgeous view.
Where is Shipwrecks? Did I start at the wrong starting point? I would actually like to do the hike if there is one.

Nov 13, 2007 7:06AM

We will be visiting for 7 days in Kauai May of 2008. I have two questions will we still be able to see whales and where would be the best place to do that? Also, are grocery stores available and how would I find the locations of these? Thanks so much
Kelly

Dec 19, 2007 11:43AM

No questions, just a thank you. I was in Kauai in September to visit my sister, and this place was a highlight of my trip. There's a sense of wonder, beauty and spirituality there that's hard to explain. Mahalo nui loa.

Jan 09, 2008 6:14PM

Mahalo for the information on this site. I have 2 questions. Where are the best spots to see whales on Kauai In late January and where are the best places to see a sunrise and sunset(besides Polihale? Mahalo for your time. (=

Mar 12, 2008 7:48PM

Aloha,

I have hike into Kalalau dozens of times but want to explore some other supper insane hikes on the rest of the island. Could you recommend any trails for the extremely adventurous, day hikes or extended. Specifically I heard about a trail to a huge waterfall that was the site of a helicopter crash a few years ago, I believe it was called the blue room, and is not hiked often because its length and difficulty, not to be confused with the blue room out past Hanalei. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Mahalo

Apr 24, 2008 7:41PM

ALOHA,
I WILL BE VISITING KAUAI THE END OF SEPTEMBER AND WOULD LIKE TO HIKE IN TO WAIMIA CANYON. I DO NOT WANT TO HIKE ALONE, CAN YOU RECOMMEND A COMPANY THAT HIKE WITH INTO CANYON?

MAHALO

May 21, 2008 10:35PM

What day(s) do the cruise ships come in, we will be there from June 19 to the 26th. Would like to plan around the crowds.

Thanks,

Mark

Jun 25, 2008 3:47AM

This is my favorite place on Kaua'i. I've spent a lifetime hiking and climbing mountains in fragile eco-systems, but this is a special place. Please respect it. Peace. Paka

Jul 03, 2008 5:35PM

Will be staying @ kauai beach club 7/11 to 7/18. How is the best way to get to this area? Thank you

Jul 22, 2008 4:20PM

I have done this hike many times with my wife. There isn't an easier hike on Kauai. The coastline and beach have some spectacular views especially if the surf is high.

Aug 18, 2008 9:34PM

Hi,
you say that the hike is easy. But at the beginning of this page it is described as "trail with narrow, cliffside sections". Could you please tell me whether this means that the hike is not suitable for people who get dizzy or are afraid of steep and exposed trails?

Thanks!

Aug 30, 2008 9:29PM

I just want to say I am so excited to visit Kauai from everything I have read on your website. The beaches, hiking, snorkeling it all makes me want to be there tomorrow. We will not arrive until Nov. 1st and I hope to have great seas to tour on since I do get car sick. I hope it won't be a problem for me. Any suggestions? I am hoping to do a Na Pali sunset and snorkeling cruise. Do yo think these will be too much or just some dramamine will do the trick? I can't wait to be there, it should be a great 30th
Anniversary trip for us. Thank you for any input,

Laura

Dec 12, 2008 9:20PM

Where exactly is the Maha'ulepu trail? I see the beach of that name on the map, but the trail isn't listed. Also, what roads should I be on and where do we park to get to the beginning of the trail?

Dec 21, 2008 4:36PM

We are in training for a marathon in Feb. We are visiting Kauai for our honeymoon/wedding. Any suggestions for long runs (10 - 13 miles)?

Dec 26, 2008 6:05PM

Hi,
I will be visiting Kaui in early January. I vacationed in Princeville about 10 years ago. I found a beach north of Princeville where I snorkeled right off a small beach..right off the road going north... It was pretty popular..amazing fish and caverns.Can you tell me the name of this beach? I would like to snorkel there again.
THANKS

Mark Knafl

Jan 07, 2009 5:17PM

I just wanted to let users of this trail know that we were on the trail Christmas Day and the trail runs alongside Poipu Bay golf course, and briefly diverts onto the 15th hole. Landslides have caused path erosion which requires the trail, for about 1000 feet, to move onto the course. It is a pretty beautiful course and I think the unique experience makes the hike worth doing. The trail finishes at another beach, but the tides kept us from crossing the stream to get to it. This hike was a great experience.

Jan 15, 2009 9:49PM

We will be in Poipu the last of February, first part of March 2009. Two questions: Where is a good beach for taking small children? Would Poipu Beach be the best? Also, can you give me some information on where to go to scuba dive? Is there an outfit which does this? Our daughter & her husband have their certifications. Thanks.

Feb 16, 2009 3:14AM

Aloha - just returned from a wonderful 7 day stay on Kauai. The last day before we departed the island on an evening flight, we walked the Maha'lupeuo trail - it was a nice hike but strong head winds made some dramatic wave action along the coast! I noticed a bunch of pipes running up out of the cliff tops along the coast, what purpose do they serve?

Thanks - Rob

Mar 02, 2009 2:32AM

Hello we will be arriving mid April and was wondering if our chances of seeing the whales by boat are better in either Maui or Kauai?

Mar 10, 2009 3:17AM

how is the hiking for famlily in July? Kids will be 7 and 10....want a safe adventure...thanks for any advice

Mar 19, 2009 9:30PM

We will be arriving in Kaua\'i in Oct. So unfortunately, we have 199 days to wait! We are Sr citizens but want to do some easy hiking. Where on Kaua\'i can we buy \"hiking poles\" or \"walking poles\"? Is there a REI outlet on Kaua\'i?
Thankyou for info.

Jun 14, 2009 5:46AM

will be in KAUAI SOON!!! how are the trade winds blowing???

Jul 02, 2009 11:25PM

My husband and I with our two daughters 7 and 9 are coming July 30-Aug6. We love Kauai and do you have to be an experienced hiker to enjoy shipwrecks? I am not nearly as active as my husband.

Aug 12, 2009 3:47PM

My family is coming in December and we were wondering if there is alot of rain in December and is the south or North Side better?

Aug 23, 2009 1:23PM

Going to be staying in a condo at Princeville with active but 80 year old parents.Suggestions for pretty hike?

Aug 25, 2009 5:31PM

W, these comments range from informative to entertaining to disturbing. You are very patient and demonstrating the Spirit of Aloha with these off topic questions.

\"Where is the grocery store?\"

\"Where can you see whales?\"

\"I get car sick...\"

I shudder to think some of these people are considering hiking narrow trails and going into the ocean. Some are overflowing with a ?full speed ahead without thinking mentality? and they have yet to arrive in your state! The state may want to consider requiring some folks wear a life jacket and skate helmet during their entire stay on the island. Everyone say Aloha to our ?Special Guests?. :-) Mahalo for the nice website. Mike

Sep 30, 2009 3:31PM

The site is awesome guys. Can't wait to hike Kauai.

Forgive me, but Mike Perry is obviously one very helpful elitist. I hope I get to meet him while we're there so I can experience his "Spirit of Aloha" firsthand...but my wife would probably leave me!

Thanks, Mike...for taking some time out of your day to help the rest of us exist while visiting the Islands. Heck...thanks for simply allowing it!!!

And I agree, I don't care about whales either. I'll bet they're delicious.

You are "awesome", Mike. Thanks for being so "awesome". :-) Mahalo for just being you.

I'll bet Mike is Greek for awesome. Jarrod

Oct 01, 2009 12:07PM

Hello:

My husband and I just returned from Kauai and want to recommend exploration of this area. We were able to accompany a local guide with a small group and all safety measures were followed.

I agree that novices should not attempt to hike/explore without finding a local trained guide.

It was a magical day on Kauai and it calls to us to return some day.

Dec 19, 2009 8:28AM

What should I do if I get car sick?
;)
Hehe - sorry.

Thank you for this super awesome site. I'm in Oahu now and am trying to plan hiking trips to the other islands and this site is helping me a lot!

Jan 07, 2010 7:45PM

We will be visiting Princeville mid January 2010, looking to do some hiking in the mid range, hopefully hiking to some waterfalls. Any suggestions what trails we should look into. We want somewhere to stop for a picnic lunch with views. Thanks for your help, and kudos to your website.

Ozzy

Kathy Ballou

Jan 15, 2010 10:15PM

looking for some guidelines for visiting in mid June to July3rd on best locations to stay to take advantage of outdoor activites for two 50yr olds and two adults, ages 18 & 23.

Jan 23, 2010 1:21AM

Going to kauai next week. What is the best trail for the opportunity to see whales?

Feb 14, 2010 11:32PM

The trip before last (Feb. 2005 I think) we tried to take this hike w/the kids. We reached a point next to the golf course where a sign was posted that said the trail was closed ahead. We turned around and went back but watched others who went on past. We are going back in 2 months and I'm wondering if we can make it all the way to the beach this time.

Thanks,

Mar 01, 2010 6:29PM

Hi, My husband and I are traveling to Kauai with an 11 month old baby and would like to do some hiking. We have a baby backpack. We are looking for moderate to easy trails < 4miles that would not be dangerous given the baby / backpack. Is this a good trail for us and do you recommend any other trails?

Apr 05, 2010 7:04AM

This site is fantastic. We did this hike today and it was great. Way better than we expected. We also did several other hikes from this site, all with equal luck. Mahalo for a great site and great information.

May 10, 2010 6:45PM

I am looking forward to doing this hike/walk with my soon-to-be-husband in a few weeks! We are planning to do this trail and some more rigorous trails, as we enjoy varied terrain and difficulty. I was wondering a few things that I have yet to find answers to and this seems to be the best place for good information!

So one thing that I am wondering is whether there is a need for bug spray on Kauai's trails and beaches? Are there many mosquitos or black flies/gnats? I've heard that there aren't many, but that information came from people who weren't necessarily hiking, sweating, and immersing themselves into dense bush. Also, are there ticks that we should protect ourselves from?

Would a solid pair of water shoes be sufficient to prevent injury from rocky beaches, sharp coral, and thorns (@Polihale)? We won't be hiking in them, obviously :) We have rugged hiking boots to use on most trails.

I am beyond excited to visit your beautiful island and my only concern is that I might not ever want to leave!

Emily Kingston

Jun 18, 2010 3:39PM

I visited Kauai for the first time last January. Beautiful place, great trip. But I wasn't quite prepared for all the rain we had, and I ended up catching an awful cold. My question is this: When I go back next January, what are some suggestions of fun, unique things to do INDOORS in case it's especially rainy? Thanks for maintaining such a helpful site!

Jul 22, 2010 1:05AM

I will be visiting Kauai in late August for 5 days. Can you recommend an easy to moderate hiking trail where I can catch the sunrise?

Aug 22, 2010 7:22PM

Is the Kawaikoi Stream Loop accessible without a 4 wheel drive? If so, how far is it from the farthest point we can access with a 2 wheel drive rental car? Lastly, from the abovedescribed point of access (2 wheel rental car), how long is the hike?

Sep 17, 2010 6:58PM

visiting kauia in mid to late november what are must sees ...

Sep 25, 2010 2:29PM

I've read about Maha'ulepu Trail and the parking near the Grand Hyatt @ Shipwreck's Beach...I also hear there's another trail, about two miles east, requiring travel on a dirt sugar cane haul road to Gillin's Beach, passing through a private gate. Do you know if there is public access to this area, or if a permit is requuired?

Sep 27, 2010 11:45AM

Hi will be in kauai for 6 day, i am thinking on doing this trai, kalalau trail, visit princeville and the waimea canyon, and two day of beaches, do you thinks i am loosing something more important? how long (in time ) is this trail?? Thans

Dec 31, 2010 2:38AM

I am budgeting/planning honeymoon. What is the charge for a guided Mahaulepu hike please? Needing easy hike for between knee surgeries 30 yr old. I think this one would be ok, we could stop in the middle if necessary, right?

Jan 23, 2011 8:59PM

I hiked this trail in early June '08 with husband and two 4 year olds. It was beautiful, and the kids didn't complain much until the top, where it was very hot. We went a little further, but did not descend to the beach so that the kids could make the hike back without trouble. Still a nice hike with great views and still a great beach afterward (Shipwreck).

Feb 06, 2011 7:59PM

This site is very informative and we have used it the last three visits to kauaii. Do you know if there is an equivilent site for the Big Island. We are heading there next.

Feb 07, 2011 6:18AM

This site is very informative and we have used it the last three visits to kauaii. Do you know if there is an equivilent site for the Big Island. We are heading there next.

Feb 08, 2011 11:50PM

Hey there! So we are about to visit Kauai (at the end of Feb)--w/ a 3.5 yr old and a 3 month old. Wondering about a couple of things:
1)Any "easy" waterfall hikes, meaning more then just getting out of our car and walking 10 min? Looking here for something that we could make a 1/2 day of.
2) how is the Queen's bath? Some sites suggest it and then others warn you about parking, slippery rocks, etc....
3) Any suggestions for tours or tour guides that could include the kids? I keep finding cool things-- but for kids over 5.
4) how about glass beach?

thanks!

-Chelsea

Feb 14, 2011 9:18PM

Question: We will be traveling in late April of 2011. We have 4 kids ages are 2-7-9-12 is this trail adequate for them? The 2yo we might have to carry, but thats ok with us.

jason mellet

Jul 31, 2011 4:28PM

im currently staying at koloa landing and am looking for a nice trail run, this morning i ran down poipu road to where the gravel road begins and back but it was only 4 miles. would i be able to get to the trail from there and carry on running? i have trail running shoes here as well and am interested in doing some cool trail runs as road running gets boring sometimes.

Debbie Brown

Oct 15, 2011 5:07AM

We did this hike a couple days ago. Not far from the Waiohai (Marriott) easy and pretty. Probably not for people with bad leg issues.

Debbie Brown

Oct 15, 2011 5:09AM

Hmmmmm...where were the shipwrecks? Missed them!

Jan 19, 2012 2:07PM

I was wondering if this trail is easy for old people like me?

Apr 07, 2012 9:52PM

Trail starts at the end of Ainko Road. Park in the paved parking lot...do not follow the dirt road to the east. Trail is to the east of the parking lot. Trail markers include: golf course, rodeo grounds, Kawailoa Beach, Paoobeach, and finally Haula Beach. Turtles off the cliffs by the golf course were fun to watch. Great hike, beautiful scenery!

Sep 04, 2012 6:31PM

I will be visiting the island at the end of the month (flying into Lihue) and want to hike the most amazing trails and live (spend) minimally hopefully reaching the northern Kalalau Trail at some point. I thought it would be very cool to hike as much of the island camping out along the way. Is this even possible? I would like to avoid any touristy scene and have beautiful seclusion hopefully with new friends I make along the way. Any avenues to hook up with other 20 somethings seeking the same thing?

Dec 12, 2012 6:27PM

Are there ticks in Kauai, Hawaii?

Dec 29, 2012 3:56AM

My husband and I are making our third trip back to Kauai. We will be there the first two weeks of January. Will we see whales?

May 04, 2013 4:45PM

Hi, my family and I are planning a trip out to Kauai at the end of this month. I am trying to find something fun to do with my kids and my brothers kids(we both have a two year old and a one year old). I was wondering if this trail will be ok for our kids.

Alicia

Sep 01, 2013 8:52AM

hello- we will be visiting kauai in oct and will be in poipu. we have a 65 year old as well as two boys (9 and 5 years). Which trail would you recommend for us?

Thank you

Dec 22, 2013 6:28PM

Hi, We are hoping to hike somewhere near Kalalau lookout while we are here and wonder what is the easiest way to hike there. We have one person with us whose knees are not great, so prefer not to have steep climb or stairs, but otherwise, distance is not a problem. Any ideas? We have a 4 WD SUV so can access places off the main road if that helps.

Thanks, your site is great!

Jul 13, 2014 10:11AM

Looking forward to this easy day hike. My question is: Is it hiking stroller friendly? We have a sturdy, big wheeled jogging stroller.... Is the path wide enough to accommodate it? Also where can I find map of this hike to find the best start and end places? Thanks. Love your site.

Oct 29, 2014 2:17PM

We are wrapping up our 10 days on Kauai and did this as our last hike. First thanks for making our trip absolutely amazing. We followed the advice on this site and had some truly memorable hikes - including the one where we got engaged!! Second wanted to encourage people to get down off the cliffs on this trail and explore the tide pools and small beaches. We found that the best was down below, not up above. In one tide pool we actually found some tropical fish!

Jan 17, 2015 10:36AM

We are active mountain bikers but are looking for trails to ride and are staying at poipu. Suggestions?