![]() ![]() I recommend taking the Awa’awapuhi Trail or its sister hike, the Nu’alolo Trail, before stopping at any viewpoints in Koke’e State Park. Always follow Leave No Trace principles.Pets are not allowed on the Awa’awapuhi Trail.The Nu’alolo trailhead is located near Koke’e Lodge, and more information is available on the AllTrails website. It’s a worthwhile alternative to the Awa’awapuhi Trail if you don’t have time for the full loop. My husband, Michael, and my father hiked the loop on our visit, and remarked on how much less muddy the Nu’alolo Trail was, not to mention the fabulous views. A connecter trail links the Awa’awapuhi and Nu’alolo trails, so it’s possible to do the full circuit as a loop, which I highly recommend if you’re up for it. For a somewhat longer but less muddy hike with outstanding views, try the Nu’alolo Trail.The Awa’awapuhi Trail can be extremely slick with mud if there’s been a lot of rain lately (as was the case for our visit). Wear good hiking shoes or boots, bring trekking poles, and expect mud.And bugs, well, you might not always see them… but they’re there. Much of the trail is shady, but some sections are exposed. Bring shade hats, sunscreen, bug spray, and plenty of water.The picnic shelter facilities are a little lacking in, shall we say, “charm”, but they serve their purpose in times of need. When the lodge is closed, public toilets are available at the picnic shelter next door. The Lodge houses a restaurant and gift shop as well. Restrooms are available at Koke’e Lodge, located 1.7 miles before the Awa’awapuhi trailhead.Pay the fee, then place the receipt on your car dashboard. There was no automated payment machine at the parking lot for the Awa’awapuhi trailhead, but there is one just down the road at the Kalalau Lookout parking lot, as well as several other parking lots within Koke’e State Park and Waimea Canyon. There is a $10 per vehicle parking fee for Koke’e State Park, plus a $5 per person fee (unless you are a Hawaii resident, in which case you can enter for free).The Koke’e Museum - stop here to check out the exhibits, use the restroom, or get a bite to eat at Koke’e Lodge next door Whidbey & Fidalgo Islands Paddle & Swim.Make sure you have sturdy and supportive footwear and bring a light sweater to layer up as the weather can be unpredictable. It’s not necessary to pack lunch, but I’d recommend having some snacks. The whole hike probably took us about 3.5 hours including the time spent at the overlook. I wouldn’t recommend this hike if it will be or has been raining, as it can definitely get really slippery. Make sure to check the weather forecast before heading on this trail. The trail may feel easy on the way down, but you will certainly feel that 1,600 feet of elevation change as you head back up to the trailhead. It was perfectly dry when we went, and I still felt wary walking along this ridge with 2,000+ foot drop offs on either side. I definitely would NOT recommend doing this if it is wet or slippery, or if you don’t have proper footwear. If you decide to venture past the railing at the end of the trail, you are doing so at your own risk. ![]() The view at the end of this trail is probably the most awe-inspiring view I’ve ever seen in my life. As the forest starts to thin out, you’ll get some brief views of the Napali Coast.Īfter about 3.2 miles, you will reach a clearing that overlooks the valleys, at 2,500 feet. For the first mile and a half, you will be descending through the forest. The trail begins right off Kokee Road at an elevation of 4,120 feet. Trailhead Location: Kokee Road in Kokee State Park And to top it off, it takes you to the most breathtaking views, overlooking the Nualolo and Awa’awapuhi valleys on the Napali Coast of Kauai. Overall, this trail isn’t extremely difficult and won’t take up too much of your day. We were really looking for a shorter day hike that we could do the same day that we explored the Waimea Canyon, so we ended up choosing the Awa’awapuhi Trail (other options can be found here ), and I’m really glad that we did. While this sounds absolutely amazing, we just didn’t have the time and resources for this on our 2 week vacation to Hawaii. It’s a very difficult 11 mile trail (one way) that requires overnight camping permits that aren’t easy to obtain. The Kalalau Trail is one of the most famous hikes in the world, and it allows you to experience the Napali Coast by foot. But don’t underestimate the thrill of walking along a ridge between two sheer cliffs with panoramic views of the turquoise Pacific ocean. Most people see this rugged coastline via air or boat. The landscapes of the Napali Coast are part of the reason that millions of people travel from all over the world to visit Kauai. ![]()
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