11 Best Kauai Hikes You Don’t Want to Miss
Kauai’s trails wind through landscapes so wild and untamed, you’ll wonder if you’re still in the same world as everyone else.
Here are the best trails in Kaui–your hiking boots are about to earn their keep.
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1. Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail stands as National Geographic’s choice for one of the world’s best hikes, taking you along Kauai’s legendary Na Pali Coast.
This tough 11-mile trek winds its way to Kalalau Beach, cutting through five lush valleys that feel straight out of a movie.
Narrow cliffside paths, waterfalls tumbling in the distance, and ancient footpaths that once connected Hawaiian villages. History, drama, and a little adrenaline in every step.
Best For: Experienced hikers after Hawaii’s wildest coastal challenge and views that’ll haunt your dreams (in a good way).
2. Waimea Canyon Trail
The Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls drops you into Kauai’s own “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.”
It’s a 2.6-mile round-trip that delivers you to an 800-foot waterfall and some pretty jaw-dropping canyon vistas.
Native forests, colorful rock layers, and that feeling of standing on the edge of the world—it’s all packed into this hike. Bring your camera with a wide-angle lens.
Best For: Waterfall seekers and anyone craving a moderately challenging hike with epic photo ops.
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3. Sleeping Giant (Nounou) Trail
The Sleeping Giant hike on Nounou Mountain gives you those sweeping ocean and mountain views from the “giant’s” chest.
There are three ways up (one of them currently closed), but they all land you at the same killer viewpoint.
Pick the west trail for a quick climb through shady forests, or the east trail for a longer, steeper workout with big panoramas. Either way, the payoff is huge.
Best For: Quick-moving hikers chasing big-time views—ocean, river, mountain, take your pick.
4. Hanakapiai Falls Trail
The Hanakapiai Falls Trail delivers one of Kauai’s most rewarding waterfall hikes through the wild Na Pali Coast.
After reaching Hanakapiai Beach, you’ll head inland for an eight-mile round trip to a 300-foot waterfall that honestly looks unreal.
Jungle valleys, a tough climb, and a swim beneath the falls if you’re feeling brave—it’s all part of the adventure. Expect muddy shoes and a big grin at the end.
Best For: Adventurous types who want waterfalls, wild coastlines, and maybe a cold plunge.
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5. Awaawapuhi Trail
The Awaawapuhi Trail brings you those Na Pali Coast views you see on postcards, minus the crowds. It’s a 6-mile out-and-back through rainforest that suddenly opens to clifftop drama.
You’ll start at 4,120 feet and drop to 2,500, all through thick jungle. At the end? A grassy perch made for picnics and staring slack-jawed at the coastline.
Best For: Hikers wanting those iconic Na Pali views, a moderate workout, and a little peace and quiet.
6. Ho’opi’i Falls Trail
The Ho’opi’i Falls Trail is a family-friendly romp to two pretty waterfalls tucked in lush rainforest. It’s just 1.8 miles out and back, weaving through jungle that feels like a movie set.
There’s cliff jumping at the upper falls and mellow swimming holes below. It gets muddy, but that’s half the fun!
Best For: Families after easy waterfall access, a swim, and a little cliff-jumping thrill.
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7. Kuilau Ridge Trail
The Kuilau Ridge Trail is one of the easiest, most scenic hikes on Kauai’s east side. It’s a former fire road that climbs 760 feet through rainforest to mountain views that’ll have you gawking.
Starting at Keahua Arboretum, just a quick drive from Wailua, the 3.5-mile round trip snakes through a jungle straight out of Jurassic Park.
At the top, you’re treated to sweeping views of the Makaleha Mountains and Mount Waialeale. It can get muddy, so bring shoes you don’t mind getting dirty.
Best For: Families who want easy rainforest views and kids who dream of jungle adventures.
8. Alakai Swamp Trail
The Alakai Swamp Trail is a walk through the clouds—literally. You’ll cross boardwalks over the world’s highest swampland, smack dab in one of Earth’s wettest places.
It’s a trek through Kauai’s cloud forest, where rare birds and plants are everywhere if you look closely.
On a clear day, Kilohana Lookout at the end serves up Hanalei Bay views that feel like a reward for braving the mud.
Best For: Adventurers chasing rare wildlife and a taste of the cloud forest life.
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9. Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
The Mahaulepu Heritage Trail covers miles of dramatic cliffs on Kauai’s south shore. Starting at Shipwreck Beach, you’ll wind your way to Punahoa Point, where ancient Hawaiian history lingers in the ruins.
It’s kid-friendly and loaded with coastal views and the occasional wildlife sighting. The 3.8-mile round-trip is moderate, with just enough elevation to keep things interesting.
Best For: Families up for easy coastal hiking, a dash of Hawaiian history, and ocean views that don’t quit.
10. Nualolo Trail
The Nualolo Trail drops you 1,600 feet through Kokee State Park, from 3,800 down to 2,200 feet. It’s 3.8 miles each way, with Na Pali Coast views that make the effort feel small.
Expect a moderate to hard hike—4 to 6 hours round-trip, depending on how muddy things get. Trekking poles and plenty of water are a smart call.
Best For: Fit hikers chasing dramatic coastlines and a taste of backcountry adventure.
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11. Pihea Vista Trail
The Pihea Trail kicks off at Pu’u O Kila Lookout, tucked away at the very end of Highway 550 in Koke’e State Park.
As you wander along the rim of Kalalau Valley, you’ll catch jaw-dropping glimpses through breaks in the ohia forest—sometimes the clouds roll in, sometimes you get a clear shot straight to the ocean.
This is one of Kauai’s easier hikes, but the views? Still wild. You’re not scrambling up cliffs or clutching muddy ropes like some of the other Na Pali Coast treks.
If you’re feeling ambitious, the trail links up with Alakai Swamp Trail for even more exploring.
Best For: Folks who want big Na Pali Coast vistas without the pain, and anyone hoping to spot native birds flitting through the trees.
