The Best Hikes on Kauai: What’s Open After Hurricane Lowell
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Kauai has some of the most spectacular hiking in the world. Here’s what you can hike now and what to save for next time.
Trail status changes often. Many state trails are still closed. We keep a dated, sourced list on What’s Open Now on Kauai; check it and the DLNR notices before you go.
Microclimates: Kauai has countless microclimates. It can be dry at the trailhead, pouring in the forest, and dry again minutes later. Bring the right gear and shoes for each hike, and a rain shell every time.
Open Now
OPEN Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach
Rocky and muddy, with Na Pali views from the first half mile. Haena State Park reservation required. Never swim at the beach.
Region: North Shore (Haena) · Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous · Good for: fit families with older kids, fit hikers · Distance: 4 mi round trip · Time: 3-4 hours · AllTrails →
OPEN Hanakapiai Falls
The same trail, then 2 miles up the valley with stream crossings to a 300-foot falls. Start by 8 a.m.
Region: North Shore (Haena) · Difficulty: Strenuous · Good for: fit hikers · Distance: 8 mi round trip · Time: 6-8 hours · AllTrails →
OPEN Ke Ala Hele Makalae (Kapaa coastal path)
Paved and flat, great on foot or by bike. Sunrise is lovely.
Region: East Side (Kapaa) · Difficulty: Easy · Good for: kids, seniors, strollers, bikes · Distance: Up to about 8 mi; go as far as you like · Time: 1-3 hours · AllTrails →
OPEN Mahaulepu Heritage Trail
A coastal walk from Shipwreck Beach past limestone cliffs, a heiau and wild beaches. Makauwahi Cave Reserve along the way has been closed since 2024.
Region: South Shore (Poipu) · Difficulty: Easy to Moderate · Good for: kids, seniors, everyone · Distance: 5.2 mi out and back · Time: About 2 hours · AllTrails →
OPEN Hanalei Bay beach walk
An easy, scenic stroll from the pier along two miles of sand.
Region: North Shore (Hanalei) · Difficulty: Easy · Good for: kids, seniors, everyone · Distance: Up to 4 mi · Time: 1-2 hours · AllTrails →
Closed Until Further Notice
🚫 CLOSED Kalalau Trail past mile 2
Including Hanakoa and Kalalau camping.
Region: North Shore (Na Pali) · Difficulty: Strenuous · Good for: experienced backpackers · Distance: 22 mi round trip · Time: 2+ days · AllTrails →
🚫 CLOSED Canyon Trail to Waipoo Falls
Views into Waimea Canyon and an 800-foot falls.
Region: West Side (Waimea Canyon) · Difficulty: Moderate · Good for: fit families, fit hikers · Distance: 3.5 mi round trip · Time: 2.5-3.5 hours · AllTrails →
🚫 CLOSED Awaawapuhi Trail
Downhill through forest to a knife-edge Na Pali view; the climb back up is the hard part.
Region: West Side (Kokee) · Difficulty: Strenuous · Good for: fit hikers · Distance: 6.2 mi round trip · Time: 4-5 hours · AllTrails →
🚫 CLOSED Pihea Trail and Alakai Swamp
Kalalau Valley views, then a boardwalk through the swamp.
Region: West Side (Kokee) · Difficulty: Moderate to Strenuous · Good for: fit hikers · Distance: About 8 mi round trip · Time: 5-7 hours · AllTrails →
🚫 CLOSED Sleeping Giant (Nounou) East
A popular sunrise climb with views over the Coconut Coast.
Region: East Side (Wailua) · Difficulty: Moderate · Good for: fit families, fit hikers · Distance: 3.5 mi round trip · Time: 2-3 hours · AllTrails →
🚫 CLOSED Secret Falls (Uluwehi)
Paddle-and-hike; hiking past the Wailua River trailhead is prohibited for now.
Region: East Side (Wailua River) · Difficulty: Moderate · Good for: families (with kayak) · Distance: About 4 mi paddle plus 2 mi hike · Time: 4-5 hours · AllTrails →
Guided Hikes
Guided hikes are a great idea, especially in the rainier months (roughly November to March). A local guide knows which private-land routes are open, reads the weather and streams, and shares stories you won’t get on your own.
Gear
Shoes with grippy tread (or trail runners you don’t mind ruining with red dirt), a rain shell, 2-3 liters of water, a headlamp and bug spray. Trekking poles help a lot in the mud.
Hiking Safety
- Never cross a rising or muddy stream. Flash floods on Kauai come from rain you can’t see, high in the mountains. If the water is rising, brown or loud, wait or turn around. Hanakapiai Stream has taken lives.
- Mud is the hazard. Wear shoes with real tread. Red dirt trails get slick fast, and drop-offs are often hidden by plants.
- Stay out of fresh water if you have cuts. Leptospirosis is present in Kauai’s streams and ponds.
- Start early and carry more water than you think, plus a headlamp. It gets dark quickly after sunset.
- Respect closures. Many state trails are closed right now. A closed trail can mean washed-out sections or unstable slopes, and it can mean fines.
