Powerline Trail Princeville
A scenic access road trail in Princeville offering stunning interior mountain, waterfall, and bay views from its rewarding side spurs.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, less mud
Powerline Trail Princeville
Best Time
Clearer views, less mud
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A scenic access road trail in Princeville offering stunning interior mountain, waterfall, and bay views from its rewarding side spurs.
"Epic views of Waialeale and the interior of Kauai from all points along the trail."
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hard-packed clay & rock means no sandals! Hiking shoes are a must for this trail.
⚠️ Fungus Warning
Clean shoes & gear to avoid spreading soil fungus. Be mindful of the warning signs.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Vistas
Along the trail
Breathtaking views of Mount Waialeale and Kauai's lush interior await.
Hidden Waterfalls
Side spur trails
Discover active waterfalls cascading down lush green cliffs, especially after rain.
Hanalei Bay Overlook
Western side spur
Enjoy stunning views of Hanalei Bay, the valley, and the ocean from a scenic overlook.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Trail Conditions & Footwear
Navigating the Trails
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hard-packed clay & rock means no sandals! Hiking shoes are a must for this trail.
⚠️ Fungus Warning
Clean shoes & gear to avoid spreading soil fungus. Be mindful of the warning signs.
🗺️ Find the Real Start
Trail officially starts at a turnaround with a sign, not just the water tower parking.
📸 Scenic Side Spurs
Don't miss the western spur for epic waterfall, ocean, and valley views.
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Hard-packed clay & rock means no sandals! Hiking shoes are a must for this trail.
⚠️ Fungus Warning
Clean shoes & gear to avoid spreading soil fungus. Be mindful of the warning signs.
🗺️ Find the Real Start
Trail officially starts at a turnaround with a sign, not just the water tower parking.
📸 Scenic Side Spurs
Don't miss the western spur for epic waterfall, ocean, and valley views.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Powerline Trail is praised as a hidden gem offering fantastic views of Kauai's interior, waterfalls, and Hanalei Bay, especially from its scenic side spurs. While the main path can be less visually exciting initially, the payoff from exploring offshoots is significant. Hikers recommend sturdy footwear and caution about a soil fungus warning.
"This trail is a hard packed clay and rock, powerline access road. We hiked in tough hiking tennis shoes. I would not recommend hiking this trail barefoot or in sandals due to the loose rock.
There are epic views of Waialeale and the interior of Kauai from all points along the trail. We hiked during a dry spell but still witnessed one active waterfall from the trail."
Rolando King
"Nice little hidden jewel, easy to follow. views of Hanalei bay and couple water falls." One thing to mention there's a warning sign regarding the fungus that's in the soil and to clean the soil off the hiking shoes and gear so as not to spread it to other areas of the island". Other than that it's worth the hike 👍"
Eric G
"North Powerline Trail: Easy to moderately-easy trail. ATV accessible but large ruts in places. First half mile offers little to no views. Side spur on the west side about half mile in from the north side is scenic with an excellent view of a pretty waterfall, along with ocean, valley, and mountain views. Worth hiking at least once."
Jack Gadzala
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Powerline Trail is located in Princeville, Kauai. While parking near the water tower is common, the official trailhead is further down the hill at a turnaround with a small sign.
Access is typically from Princeville. Look for the turnaround point with a small sign indicating the start of the trail, which is about 1000 feet down from the water tower area.
The trail itself is an access road and is ATV accessible, but it has large ruts in places. It's primarily used for hiking.
Follow the power line road, but be aware that scenic side spurs offer the best views. The main trail can be less visually rewarding in the first half-mile.
There are no specific parking fees mentioned for the Powerline Trail, as it's an access road. Parking is generally free in the vicinity.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Powerline Trail is a public access road and does not require a ticket or admission fee to hike.
As an outdoor trail, the Powerline Trail is generally accessible from sunrise to sunset. There are no official operating hours.
There is no entrance fee for the Powerline Trail. It's a free public access route.
While technically possible, hiking at night is not recommended due to uneven terrain and potential hazards. Stick to daylight hours for safety.
No reservations are needed for the Powerline Trail. It's an open access trail for public use.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You'll find epic views of Mount Waialeale, the interior of Kauai, Hanalei Bay, and active waterfalls, especially from the side spurs. +1
The trail can be muddy, especially after rain. Staying on the marked trail rather than the power line road itself can help minimize mud exposure.
Hikers have reported going over 2 miles in, suggesting a round trip of 4 miles or more is possible, depending on how far you explore the spurs.
No specific facilities like restrooms or picnic areas are mentioned for the Powerline Trail itself. It's a natural trail experience.
It can be suitable for families with older children who can handle uneven terrain. The warning about soil fungus should be considered.
🎫 👟 Gear & Safety
Sturdy hiking tennis shoes or hiking boots are highly recommended due to the hard-packed clay and loose rock. Avoid sandals or going barefoot.
Bring water, sunscreen, insect repellent, and wear appropriate footwear. Be prepared for varying trail conditions.
While the main trail is relatively easy to follow, there are numerous side spurs. It's advisable to pay attention to your surroundings and consider a GPS device or map if venturing far.
There's a warning about a fungus present in the soil. Hikers are advised to clean their shoes and gear after the hike to prevent spreading it to other areas of the island.
It's generally considered safe, but as with any hike, it's always recommended to let someone know your plans and hike during daylight hours.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
🚶♀️ Budget Travelers
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Scenic Spurs
It's important to note that the trail can be a 'jungle hike' at times, and while staying on the main path can minimize mud, the spurs might lead you through more overgrown areas. Always be aware of your surroundings and the trail conditions.
Understanding the Trail's Nature
Hikers have noted that the initial half-mile of the trail offers minimal views, which can be a bit discouraging. However, persistence is rewarded as the trail progresses and especially when venturing onto the side spurs.
Environmental Awareness: The Fungus Warning
By taking these simple precautions, hikers can help protect Kauai's unique biodiversity. It's a small effort that contributes to the preservation of the island's natural beauty for future visitors. Always heed posted signs and follow recommended environmental guidelines when exploring natural areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit