While sitting on my lanai sipping coffee and watching energetic outdoorsy people hop in their cars for adventure, I can’t help but laugh at the irony. I came to Kauai to hike but after being here for three days, hiking is the last thing on my mind. My thoughts are more in tune with “when are these Hawaiian hens going to liberate themselves from all these oppressive roosters?” or “I wonder if our car insurance covers damage from fallen coconuts.”
Kauai is one of the most beautiful islands in the Hawaiian archipelago. Known for its lush green landscapes and opportunities for outdoor adventures, Kauai is a nature lover’s paradise. If you are looking for a center-based walking holiday that combines tropical hiking with a relaxing beach vacation, then Kauai is the perfect destination. In this guide, we’ll take a look at some of the best hiking trails and slow travel experiences that Kauai has to offer.
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What are the best day hikes in Kauai?
Kauai is home to some of the best hiking trails in Hawaii. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just looking for a leisurely walk in nature, there’s something for everyone on the island. We’ve organized them by region to make it easier to plan your trip.
Day hikes near Hanalei or Princeville
Hanakapai’ai Falls via Kalalau Trail is one of the most iconic hiking trails in Kauai. It follows the rugged Na Pali Coast and offers breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean. The full Kalalau Trail is 11 miles one-way, requires overnighting on trail and is considered a challenging hike. Day hikers will only hike the first section to Hanakāpīʻai Falls and return for a total of 4 miles (6.4 km). It requires advanced reservations and possibly a shuttle from Hanalei, so plan ahead and consider alternatives if you’re on a budget or want to be flexible with your time.
Cost:
- $35/per adult for shuttle and entry
- $10/vehicle + $5/person reserved parking
- $5 entry (bike or hitch a ride)
Wai Koa Loop Trail is more of a garden walk than a hike. This easy 3.5 mile (5.6 km) path is accessible from Kauai North Shore Dog Park near Kilauea and takes you to a scenic water spot with a stone dam.
Day hikes near Kapa’a
Kuilau Ridge Trail is a 4 mile (6.4 km) out and back offering wide-open views of Kauai’s interior with lush tropical forest paths. Unlike other ridge trails on Kauai this one is a more gradual ascent so depending on the mud conditions it should be fairly easy.
The Nounou East Trail, also known as Sleeping Giant, is a local favorite near Kapa’a that takes you to the summit of Nounou Mountain. The trail is 3.2 miles (5 km) and offers stunning views of the island’s interior.
The Kapa’a Bike Path, more properly known as Ke Ala Hele Makalae, is a paved coastal trail that is flat and perfect for leisure walking or biking. It’s an 8 mile (13 km) roundtrip trail with plans to connect with other sections for a much longer route. Our lodging had free bikes but you can also rent them in town. Perfect trail if you want to swim and hike on the same day.
Day hikes near Poipu
Mahaulepu Heritage Trail is our favorite walk on Kauai. This 4 mile (6.4 km) out and back path follows the southern coast from Makauwahi Cave to Shipwreck Beach. You can start from either end but we recommend starting near the cave so you can rest at the beach before returning. Park near CMJ Stables and head for the tree tunnel to head south (do NOT take the path to the caves). For a little longer hike, keep going past Shipwreck Beach to Makahuena Lighthouse. As long as you keep the ocean close you won’t get lost.
Day hikes near Waimea
Awa’awapuhi Trail is a good alternative to Hanakapai’ai that offers stunning views of the Na Pali Coast without having to make reservations or take a shuttle. The trail is 6.2 miles (10 km) and takes you through a lush forest before opening up to panoramic views of the coastline. You don’t get the secluded beach experience like you do with Hanakapai’ai but there are plenty of hidden beaches on Kauai and we think it’s easier to do beach days separately. This is not a trail for those who fear heights, read the trail notes before deciding to hike Awa’Awapuhi.
Pihea Vista Trail is a popular 2.4 mile (4 km) trail that begins at the end of Koke’e Road. It’s popular because the views are amazing for the first mile and you can continue to connect with Alakai Swamp Trail for a total 8 mile (12.4 km) hike. We loved hiking Pihea but were not fans of Alakai (just too muddy for our liking).
Waipoo Falls Trail, which includes the Waimea Canyon Trail, is a 3.6 mile (6 km) hike that begins at Puu HinaHina Lookout. You get expansive views of the canyon AND up close and personal with the waterfall. Just don’t expect epic shots of the falls because you’ll be hiking to the top.
Cost: Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks charge $5/per person + $10/parked car per day. The parks share payment systems so 1 pass is good for both parks on the same day. There are self-pay kiosks at major lookout points that take credit cards.
How can we slow travel on Kauai?
In addition to hiking, Kauai offers a range of slow travel experiences that allow you to connect with the island’s natural beauty and culture. These are just a few of our suggestions:
Drive and explore
- Drive Koke’e Road through Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks, stopping at every viewpoint to take photos. Known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” Waimea Canyon is a must-see destination and you don’t have to hike to enjoy the views. The canyon is 10 miles long and 3,600 feet deep and offers breathtaking views of the island’s interior.
- Koloa Heritage Trail is a 10 mile walk/bike/driving tour of historic sites that includes some of the hiking trails already mentioned.
- Drive to Kilauea Lighthouse viewpoint (for free) or make a reservation in advance to visit the lighthouse in person. Cost: $10/per adult + $1 online fee
Play golf
Take your pick of golf courses on Kauai, they’re everywhere!
- Princeville Makai Golf Club offers panoramic views of the ocean and mountains and was designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr.
- Wailua Municipal Golf Course is an ocean-front course that’s a great value.
- Ocean Course at Hokuala (near Lihue) was designed by Jack Nicklaus and boasts the longest stretch of coastal greens in Hawaii.
- Paukea Golf Course is just next door in Lihue but its location at the base of some of Kauai’s most scenic mountains offers a completely different experience.
- Poipu Bay Golf Course is another Robert Trent Jones Jr. design only this one’s on the southern shore. You’ll walk part of this course if you hike the Mahaulepu Trail.
- Kiahuna Golf Club is a cheaper alternative near Poipu.
Play in the water
- Explore the best beaches on Kauai and choose to swim, relax under shady trees, snorkel or surf. Our favorite beaches are Hanalei Bay, Anini, Kalihiwai, Kealia and Shipwreck Beach.
- Kayak, paddleboard or fish along Hanalei or Wailua Rivers.
Shop local
- Look for items with the “Kauai Made” logo, many of which you’ll find in the shops in Kapa’a downtown and nearby Coconut Marketplace. Hanalei, Hanapepe and Old Koloa are also great towns to find local products.
- Hang out with the locals at a farmer’s market. The best markets are on Saturdays at Hanalei, Anaina Hou Park in Kilauea or Puhi Farmer’s Market in Lihue. Our personal fave is Puhi.
- Visit the Kauai Coffee Company near Lihue which offers tours of its plantation and roasting facilities, as well as tastings of its various coffee blends. If you need something a little stronger, visit the Koloa Rum Company nearby.
- Get your chocolate fix at Lydgate Farms where you can sample raw cacao and fresh vanilla.
- Indulge with a food tour, such as Ono Kauai Food Tours or Tasting Kauai.
Visit a garden
- Limahuli Garden near Princeville has a loop trail just less than a mile and is where you’ll see endangered plants and taro farms. Cost: $30/per adult for self-guided tour
- McBryde and Allerton Gardens have about 2 miles of walking paths but are accessible by appointment only so plan ahead. Cost: $65/per adult for both parks
- Na’Aina Kai Gardens and Sculpture Park is pricey for the guided tours but you can opt for self-guided if you go on Thursday. Cost: $20/per person for self-guided tour
Volunteer
You’ll have to plan your itinerary around the actual volunteer days but we think it’s worth it if you truly want to immerse yourself in the Hawaiian culture. Find opportunities at Go Hawaii Voluntourism.
Can I visit Kauai on a budget?
Yes, it’s possible to visit Kauai on a budget. While Kauai can be an expensive destination, there are plenty of ways to save money and still have a great time on the island. We stayed 8 days on the island for a total of $3,100 (including food, lodging, transportation, park fees and 2 flights).
Tips for visiting Kauai on a budget:
- Travel during the off-season like we did. Visiting mid-April to early June or September to mid-December saves you money and offers a better experience with less traffic.
- Look for budget-friendly options like hostels, vacation rentals and campgrounds. Read our detailed guide to Budget-Friendly Stays on Kauai.
- Look for lodging that freely provides amenities that match your activity interest. Our apartment provided free bikes, helmets, ice chests and beach gear.
- Cook your own meals and shop at farmer’s markets for fresh produce and ingredients. Roadside produce stands are everywhere and there are plenty of grocery shopping options.
- Budget for activities. Helicopter rides, kayak rentals, botanical gardens, golfing, park passes and hiking shuttles can all add up quickly. Prioritize your “must do” paid excursions and mix in the free or low cost options. Beach lounging, bike riding and free walking trails are always available. Some towns offer free hula dancing shows on certain days and live music is available throughout the island in resort lounges and in food truck areas.
- If you’re here to hike or visit anything outside of your lodging, you’ll have to rent a car. Consider renting from a local and only for specific days. We used Turo to rent a truck from someone within walking distance of our lodging and planned our activities around the days that we’d have the truck. We stayed in town and walked or rode bikes on the other days.
What shoes should I pack for Kauai?
Kauai is known for its rugged terrain and outdoor activities, so it’s important to pack shoes that can handle a variety of conditions. We also recommend packing cornstarch or talc free baby powder to quickly remove sand from your feet. You don’t want to ruin a trip with blisters caused by sand friction.
- Hiking shoes or boots: If you plan on hiking on the island, then a sturdy pair of hiking shoes or boots is a must. Look for shoes with good traction and ankle support, as the trails on Kauai can be uneven and slippery.
- Water shoes: Kauai beaches are rough on the feet, so a pair of water shoes is essential. Look for shoes that are lightweight, quick-drying and have good grip to prevent slipping on wet surfaces.
- Sandals: For everyday wear and casual activities, a comfortable pair of sandals is ideal and is what you’ll see most people wearing
What's your advice for getting around Kauai?
Kauai is a small island with limited roads, so traffic can get congested in certain areas during busy times of the day.
- Our best advice is to leave early before 7:00 am and try to get back to your lodging before 3:00 pm.
- The busiest areas on the island are around Lihue and Kapa’a but we also saw miles of cars coming from Waimea into Lihue during the morning commute and passing through Hanalei can be a hot mess.
- Rent a truck that sits high off the ground if you can because some of the prettiest scenery is off the main road and the potholes look like they were created by the T-Rex from Jurassic Park (maybe they were, the movie was filmed here after all). You don’t need a 4×4 unless you plan to pig hunt or go off-roading (in which case you’ll probably be with a guide anyway).
Kauai is a magical destination that offers some of the best hiking trails and slow travel experiences in Hawaii. Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself with a difficult hike or simply relax on a pristine beach, Kauai has something for everyone. Read our travel diary in A Louisiana Woman’s Impressions of Kauai and find out where to stay in our Budget-Friendly Stays on Kauai.
