Heading to Kauai and getting ready for a visit to the stunning Koke’e State Park? Don’t miss out on the Awa’awapuhi Trail – a fantastic jungle and ridge hike offering breathtaking views of Awa’awapuhi and Nualolo valleys, the rugged Na Pali Coast, and the crystal-clear Pacific Ocean waters.
Ranked among the top hikes in Koke’e State Park and across all of Kauai, the Awa’awapuhi Trail delivers a perfect blend of lush jungle paths and sweeping vistas. It’s a definite must-do, a key item on any first-time visitor’s Kauai bucket list.
While the seasoned travelers might aim for the challenging 22-mile Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast, it requires meticulous planning and may not be feasible for casual first-timers. Enter the Awa’awapuhi Trail – an easy-to-tackle hike that demands minimal planning, providing a great alternative for most Kauai visitors. You get to enjoy those coveted Na Pali Coast views and check off a major item from your Kauai bucket list without breaking a sweat. Get ready for an unforgettable adventure!
Awa’awapuhi Trail Hike: Fast Facts
Awa’awapuhi Trail Difficulty
The difficulty of the Awa’awapuhi Trail hike ranges from moderate to hard, especially during rainy periods when the trail can get muddy and slippery. Pay attention to the overgrown tree roots in dry conditions. The final stretch, offering breathtaking Na Pali Coast views, demands careful navigation due to steep drop-offs and narrow trails.
Awa’awapuhi Trail Length
The Awa’awapuhi Trail length is 2.9 miles, making the roundtrip distance 5.8 miles. Convenient quarter-mile markers help track your progress. The trail takes you through shaded tropical rainforests, culminating in stunning vistas of the Na Pali coast from an elevated ridge.
Awa’awapuhi Trail Elevation Gain
Prepare for an elevation gain of about 1,600 feet on the Awa’awapuhi Trail. While starting at around 4,100 feet, you descend approximately 1,850 feet to the trail’s end. Despite the downhill trek, the final destination sits at a higher altitude (around 2,500 feet), offering magnificent views of the Na Pali Coast below. The return journey involves a continuous climb, contributing to the moderate rating.
Awa’awapuhi Trail Time Taken
Plan for roughly 3 1/2 hours to complete the out-and-back hike, although taking breaks for photos and enjoying the surroundings may extend it to around 4 1/2 hours. The return is slower due to the continuous ascent, with the trail being a favorite for cross-country runners.
What about Kids and Dogs on the Awa’awapuhi Trail, Kauai?
Dogs are not permitted on the Awa’awapuhi Trail. Older kids (8+) can handle the hike, but it may be challenging for toddlers and younger children in backpack carriers, especially considering the climb back. Caution is advised against taking kids past the metal fence at the trail’s end due to steep drop-offs without railings. Enjoy the adventure and those awe-inspiring Na Pali Coast views!
Getting to the Awa’awapuhi Trailhead
Awa’awapuhi Trail Directions
The Awa’awapuhi Trail is nestled within the enchanting Koke’e State Park, situated on the northwest side of Kauai, approximately an hour’s drive from both Poipu and Lihue.
For a seamless exploration, consider including a visit to the popular Waimea Canyon State Park, dedicating a separate day to immerse yourself in the wonders of Koke’e State Park.
Apart from the exhilarating Awa’awapuhi Trail hike, make sure to venture to two accessible lookouts: the Kalalau Lookout and the Pu’u O Kila Lookout. Don’t forget to explore the fascinating exhibits at the Koke’e Natural History Museum.
Here’s a quick guide for reaching the trailhead:
Koke’e State Park operates daily during daylight hours.
A nominal entrance fee of $5 per adult is required, along with a $10 fee per vehicle for parking in any of the park lots.
Awa’awapuhi Trail Trailhead:
The trailhead is conveniently located along Highway 550 (Koke’e Road) north from Waimea, approximately a 30-minute drive, passing by the Waimea Canyon State Park.
Read Also: Kuilau Ridge Trail Hike: Easy Kauai Hike
Awa’awapuhi Trail Parking
Find parking at the trailhead around mile marker 17 along Koke’e Road. Look for a prominent signpost and a pull-out leading to a small lot off Koke’e Road. If you spot the Kalalau Lookout, you’ve gone too far. Given the limited space, try to arrive early or consider a late visit for a mesmerizing sunset experience.
Awa’awapuhi Trail Permit and Reservation
Good news – you don’t need a reservation or permit for the Awa’awapuhi Trail hike. Thanks to its secluded location, this trail offers a hassle-free experience without the reservation challenges associated with trails like the Kalalau. Feel free to add this adventure to your itinerary spontaneously!
Best Time to Hike the Awa’awapuhi Trail, Kauai
Best Time to Explore the Awa’awapuhi Trail, Kauai
The Awa’awapuhi Trail in Kauai welcomes visitors all year round, offering its beauty in every season.
If you’re planning a winter hike (rainy season), aim for a sunny day or an early start to enhance your chances of clear views, avoiding muddy and slippery conditions. Capture Instagram-perfect photos featuring lush green valleys set against the vivid blue of the Pacific Ocean waters.
Summer brings drier conditions, and while the landscape might be more brown than green, you’ll likely relish the hike and the views even more.
Late summer and fall showcase the trails at their prettiest, adorned with blooming ginger blossoms and Kahili ginger.
For an enhanced experience, I recommend hitting the trail during early morning or late evening. Both sunrise and sunset at the viewpoint are spectacular, offering a serene and quiet hiking atmosphere.
During our last trip, we opted for a sunset hike, treated to an absolutely breathtaking sunset beyond the metal fence gate. The views were stunning, and we had the trail to ourselves. While the trail was well-marked for our return in the dark, it’s wise to carry torches. Keep in mind that the park operates only during daylight hours, so don’t linger too long. Enjoy your adventure!
Awa’awapuhi Trail Map
Below is the map of the Awa’awapuhi Trail with local highlights clearly marked.
Awa’awapuhi Trail Information
The trailhead for the Awa’awapuhi Trail is located to the left of the parking lot.
The majority of the trail takes you on a downward-sloping, moderately wide path through the Napali-Kona Forest Reserve.
As you approach the end, the trail transforms into an open, rocky ridge hike leading to a lower summit viewpoint overlooking the Awa’awapuhi and Nualolo valleys.
Throughout the trail, mile marker signposts indicate quarter-mile intervals.
Hiking through a tropical rainforest, you’ll encounter lush green vegetation, including ferns, fruit trees, and tall grass.
Be cautious of exposed tree roots along the path, a common feature in Kauai’s forest trails.
During rainy conditions, especially in winter, expect the trail to be very muddy and slippery.
In summer or fall, the landscape may appear more brown than green, but the blooming Kahili ginger and ginger blossoms add vibrant colors to the hike.
Various fruit trees, including guava and plum, can be spotted along the way.
Around three miles into the trail, it transitions from the forest to an open, exposed, rocky ridge hike, narrowing significantly.
At the 3.25-mile marker, you’ll reach a metal fence/gate marking the ridge platform viewpoint.
Beyond the metal gate, the trail becomes sketchy with steep drop-offs to lower mountain tops.
The views from the Awa’awapuhi Lookout are spectacular, showcasing narrow, lush green valleys and the blue Pacific Ocean against the rugged Napali coastline.
Exercise caution on the final section of the trail, especially if you go past the metal gate.
While some hikers venture further for better views, it’s crucial to be mindful of the risks involved.
The return journey is mostly uphill, with a challenging grade of roughly 30 degrees.
Hawaiian Birds to Spot on the Awa’awapuhi Trail Hike
Bring along a good pair of binoculars for the Awa’awapuhi Trail hike—an excellent opportunity to spot beautiful Hawaiian birds, both introduced and endemic.
Common Hawaiian birds include the invasive rose-ringed parakeet, the vibrant red-crested cardinal, and the warbling white-eye.
Birdwatchers may also catch a glimpse of Kauai’s endangered endemic songbirds, the ‘Akikiki and the ‘Akeke’e, found exclusively in Koke’e State Park and the Alaka’i Wilderness Area.
Look out for the ‘apapane, an endemic Hawaiian bird, feeding on nectar from the native ohi’a lehua trees with red or yellow flowers.
Refer to our detailed post on Hawaiian birds for more insights into these unique species found nowhere else in the world!
Hawaiian Plants, Trees and Flowers on the Awa’awapuhi Trail hike
The Awa’awapuhi Trail offers a forest hike through the lush foliage of Koke’e State Park, providing an opportunity to spot numerous common and easily identifiable Hawaiian plants, trees, and flowers.
Among the Hawaiian plants, watch for the ohi’a lehua tree, an endemic species common in Kauai’s forests and the Koke’e State Park.
Spot the tall acacia koa, another native Hawaiian plant, and various fern trees, including the ubiquitous uluhe fern, a prevalent ground cover in rainforest areas.
Other introduced Hawaiian plants you might encounter include eucalyptus trees, highly invasive strawberry guava fruit trees, sugi pine, and redwood trees, adding to the diverse vegetation of Koke’e State Park.
Tips for Hiking the Awa’awapuhi Trail:
Ensure you carry plenty of water and snacks, saving some for the uphill return in humid, hot, tropical conditions.
Sturdy hiking boots are essential, especially for muddy and slick trail conditions.
Hiking poles are recommended, aiding in both uphill and downhill sections.
Bug spray and mosquito repellent are advisable for the forested portions of the trail.
Check weather conditions before heading out, especially for sunrise or sunset hikes.
Clear, sunny days enhance the highlight of the Awa’awapuhi Trail—the fabulous views at the end.
Early or late morning usually offers clearer visibility, as fog and clouds tend to roll in early afternoon.
Bring a light rain jacket, as rain showers are frequent in Koke’e State Park.
Download all necessary information and maps beforehand, as cell service is poor to non-existent in this remote area.
Nualolo Awa’awapuhi Loop Trail:
For a more challenging and extended hike, consider the Nualolo Awa’awapuhi Loop Trail. This trail incorporates the Nualolo Cliff Trail and Nualolo Trail, offering stunning views of the Na Pali Coast. The loop can take 7.5-9 hours.
What Else to Do Near the Awa’awapuhi Trail?
Explore further up Koke’e Road to visit the Kalalau Lookout and Pu’u o Kila Lookout for epic views of the Kalalau Valley, featured in movies like Jurassic Park.
Take time to discover other trails in Koke’e State Park, including the unique Alakai Swamp Trail, offering a different wetland experience and a chance to encounter Kauai’s famous birds.
Don’t miss the Grand Canyon of the Pacific, Waimea Canyon, in Waimea Canyon State Park, a must-visit destination in Kauai, with its 10-mile long, up to 3000 feet deep gorge carved by the Waimea River.
The Best Kauai Tours
Have you secured reservations for these top Kauai guided adventures yet?
1. Sunset catamaran tour of the Na Pali Coast (offers a relatively more stable ride with views on good weather days!)
2. Doors-off helicopter tour of Kauai (provides unobstructed views, offering a chance to see more of the island than by land, and no middle seats!)
3. Kayak on the Wailua River plus hike to a waterfall (a super fun activity for active travelers, albeit a little muddy sometimes!)
4. Raft trip to the Na Pali Coast plus snorkeling (prepare to get wet on this exhilarating adventure!)
5. Eurocopter ECO-Star helicopter tour over Kauai (the most booked Kauai helicopter tour on Viator with close to 2K reviews and a 5-star rating!)
Renting a Car in Kauai
The best things to do in Kauai are scattered all over the island.
Since public transport options on Kauai aren’t great, booking a rental car for your Kauai trip is essential to explore beyond your base.
We always use Discover Cars to book Kauai car rentals. They search across various rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer the best deals, and they provide free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
Lihue Airport-Hotel Shuttle
Not planning to pick up a rental car at Lihue airport? Pre-arrange round trip transfer from the airport to your hotel and back!
This shared shuttle serves hotels or vacation rentals in Princeville, Kahala, Poipu, Kapaa, or Lihue, and then back again. It’s convenient, inexpensive, and saves time and hassle!
Where to Stay in Kauai
Depending on whether you want a vacation rental with more room and the option to cook some of your meals, or you want a resort or hotel experience, and depending on which part of Kauai you want to choose as your base, you have a variety of options.
Since you’ll likely want to base in a couple of places on your trip to Kauai, we suggest starting your search for Kauai accommodations by browsing vacation rentals on VRBO.
We have stayed in VRBO rentals in both Poipu and Princeville and find that the choice and quality are generally great.
More Kauai Travel Inspiration
More Kauai Travel Inspiration
Considering a trip to the Garden Isle in Hawaii? You’ll definitely want to check out some of our other comprehensive Kauai travel and attraction guides!
1. If you are a first-time visitor to Kauai, start by discovering the best things to do in Kauai! From beaches and botanical gardens to cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls, Kauai has it all, and our round-up lists all of Kauai’s must-experience activities and attractions.
2. Planning to split a week between Kauai and another island? We have a 3 days in Kauai itinerary article you must read to help flesh out what you would like to see and do!
Na Pali Coast of Kauai
3. Read our in-depth guide to visiting the Na Pali Coast of Kauai. We give you the full scoop on the best ways to visit this stunning coast in the remote northwest of the island.
4. Discover our round-up of the nine spectacular state parks in Kauai, which house some of Kauai’s most treasured natural wonders.
5. We also have visitor’s guides to popular parks like Waimea Canyon State Park, which protects the namesake canyon, nearby Kokee State Park, and the remote but beautiful Polihale State Park.
6. Also check out the ultimate guide to visiting Haena State Park on Kauai’s north shore, and a full guide to hiking the epic Kalalau Trail.
7. Check out our round-up of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kauai, from waterfalls you can view from the road to falls that require hiking and falls that are best seen from a helicopter or sightseeing flight.
8. Read our guide to Wailua River State Park to discover two easy-to-access Kauai waterfalls, and our trail guide for the easy hike to Ho’opi’i Falls. We also have an article on the best Kauai waterfall hikes.
9. And if a helicopter tour is part of your plans for Kauai, read our article on the top-rated helicopter tours in Kauai!
10. Hiking enthusiasts will want to read our article on the best hikes in Koke’e State Park: the trails here are some of the best hikes in Kauai!
11. We have detailed trail guides for the most popular Koke’e hikes, from the scenic Canyon Trail to the top of Waipo’o Falls, to the epic Awa’awapuhi Trail, challenging but very rewarding!
12. Also discover the best hikes in Waimea Canyon State Park, and the best hikes on Kauai’s north shore.
13. We also have a trail guide for the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail on Kauai’s scenic south shore, an article on how to hike the Sleeping Giant Trail, and a guide to the Kuilau Ridge Trail, one of the easy hikes on Kauai.
14. Get the scoop on the best botanical gardens in Kauai, from Limahuli Garden on the north shore to McBryde and Allerton Gardens on the south shore.
15. Learn about the best things to do in Hanalei, the charming town that sits in the middle of Kauai’s scenic north shore.
16. Read our guide to the best swimming beaches on Kauai, from Hanalei Bay on the north shore to Poipu Beach on the south shore! We also have a guide to the best snorkeling beaches on Kauai, and a round-up of the best Kauai north shore beaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Awa’awapuhi Trail in Kauai stands out as a remarkable hiking experience, offering a perfect blend of lush tropical landscapes and breathtaking panoramic views of the Na Pali Coast. With a moderate to challenging difficulty level, this trail caters to a wide range of hikers, providing an accessible alternative to more demanding routes like the Kalalau Trail. The trail’s well-marked path, rich biodiversity, and diverse plant life, including endemic Hawaiian species, contribute to its allure.
As you explore the Awa’awapuhi Trail, exercise caution, especially during the final stretch with steep drop-offs, and savor the unique opportunity to spot Hawaiian birds and plants. The trail’s seasonal variations, from lush greenery in winter to blooming ginger in late summer, offer a different yet equally enchanting experience throughout the year. Whether you embark on a sunrise, sunset, or daytime hike, the awe-inspiring beauty of the Na Pali Coast from the Awa’awapuhi Lookout is a reward worth the journey.
Kauai, with its diverse array of activities, from thrilling adventures like the Awa’awapuhi Trail to scenic helicopter tours and relaxing beach days, stands as a captivating destination for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike. Whether exploring the rugged landscapes of Koke’e State Park or unwinding on the picturesque beaches, Kauai offers a truly unforgettable Hawaiian experience.
It’s Ethan Richards, the guy leading the way at “Go Hawaii US.” I’ve been playing with the colors and designs of this tropical paradise, making your Hawaiian experience a whole lot of fun. Over at Go Hawaii US, we’re here to make your visit incredible. Let’s add some excitement and insights to your Hawaii adventure together!
