Kealia Trail Kauai
Ascend a scenic ridge on Kauai's Kealia Trail for breathtaking ocean vistas and a rewarding, less-crowded hiking experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Kealia Trail Kauai
Best Time
Avoid heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend a scenic ridge on Kauai's Kealia Trail for breathtaking ocean vistas and a rewarding, less-crowded hiking experience.
"The views are awesome once you get above the treeline. You won't be sorry! "
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring ample water, especially for the exposed upper sections. Electrolyte packets are a lifesaver! :droplet:
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Wear a hat and sunscreen. The trail is exposed in many parts, particularly near the summit. :sunwithface:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Ocean Vistas
Upper sections of the trail
Ascend through lush scenery to breathtaking ocean views from the summit.
The Challenging Switchbacks
Lower to mid-trail
Conquer numerous switchbacks that offer rewarding glimpses of the North Shore.
Picnic Table Summit
Trail summit
Reach a covered picnic area at the top, a great spot to rest and enjoy the surroundings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat and Crowds
Trail Conditions & What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring ample water, especially for the exposed upper sections. Electrolyte packets are a lifesaver! :droplet:
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Wear a hat and sunscreen. The trail is exposed in many parts, particularly near the summit. :sunwithface:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail has inclines and some steep sections; good hiking shoes will help with grip. :athletic_shoe:
🅿️ Parking at Dillingham Airfield
Follow signs past the skydiving businesses to the control tower for trail parking. :parking:
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Hydration is Key!
Bring ample water, especially for the exposed upper sections. Electrolyte packets are a lifesaver! :droplet:
☀️ Sun Protection Essential
Wear a hat and sunscreen. The trail is exposed in many parts, particularly near the summit. :sunwithface:
👟 Sturdy Footwear Recommended
The trail has inclines and some steep sections; good hiking shoes will help with grip. :athletic_shoe:
🅿️ Parking at Dillingham Airfield
Follow signs past the skydiving businesses to the control tower for trail parking. :parking:
🚶♀️ Pace Yourself
It's an incline hike. Take breaks, enjoy the views, and don't rush the descent. :walking:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Hikers praise the Kealia Trail for its rewarding ocean views and the sense of accomplishment upon reaching the summit. Many appreciate the relative lack of crowds compared to other popular Kauai trails. However, the consistent incline and exposed upper sections can be challenging, requiring ample water and sun protection.
"Beautiful area! It's mostly sun so I fully recommend starting early and bring plenty of water. The switchbacks are no joke but for the most part, the path is wide and easy to walk. The views can be found throughout the switchbacks but not at the picnic table area."
Nancy Bussler
"Arrived at 0830. Easy parking. 2 hours to go up and an hour and half to go down . Very tiring . Good we got some rain at the top and not much sun. View is nice going up the first hour or so but after that are just trees."
tiziana forlani
"Did some research on this hike through Google maps 👍👍and decided to try this hike early the next morning.
Located next to the Dillingham Airfield in Waialua where the Skydiving businesses are, youre going to want to drive past those and follow the road parallel to the airfield until you come to the control tower. There you will see signs for parking for the trail👍
Started late on this trail, around 10am but it was overcast and cloudy with a slight breeze. Trail is mostly covered by trees for the most part, and in the morning the trail wasnt in full sun either.
Lots of switchbacks on this trail, it reminded me of doing Kuliouou. Not too many hikers like the popular trails which I liked🤙Lots of areas when you go up with views of the ocean and North Shore.
The trail ends basically at the covered Picnic Table at the top but I wanted to go a bit further past it to view the "Indian" water tower. Hiked maybe another 20 minutes up a steep incline which if it was raining wouldnt be good to hike due to just gravel and dirt and found the water tower. At this point the trail is quite open and not covered by the trees so a hat and sunscreen advised.
Overall a good hike to get some steps in, took my time coming down and enjoyed sitting on the rocks taking in the views and fresh air. 5 stars🤙"
P RANNA
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kealia Trail is located near Dillingham Airfield in Waialua. Drive past the skydiving businesses and follow the road parallel to the airfield until you reach the control tower. Parking is available there.
The Kealia Trail is located on the island of Kauai.
Access is typically from the Dillingham Airfield area. Follow signs for trail parking.
Ride-sharing services might be available, but it's best to confirm availability and drop-off points in advance, as it's a more remote location.
Public transportation options are limited for accessing trailheads like Kealia. Renting a car is generally the most convenient way to reach it.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Kealia Trail is generally free to access. There are no admission fees.
The trail is open during daylight hours. It's best to start early to avoid the heat and finish before sunset.
Currently, no permit is required to hike the Kealia Trail.
Hiking at night is not recommended due to safety concerns and lack of lighting. Stick to daylight hours.
There are no entrance fees associated with hiking the Kealia Trail.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A round trip can take approximately 3.5 to 4.5 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend at the summit.
It's generally considered a moderate hike due to its consistent incline and switchbacks.
Restroom facilities are typically not available directly at the trailhead. Plan accordingly.
It can be challenging for very young children due to the incline. Older children who are accustomed to hiking may enjoy it.
You'll experience lush scenery and beautiful ocean views, especially as you ascend above the treeline.
📸 📸 Photography
The upper sections offer the most expansive ocean views. Look for clearings along the switchbacks for scenic shots.
Sunrise hikes are recommended to avoid the heat. Sunset hikes are possible but require finishing before dark.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive views. A lightweight camera is ideal for hiking.
Drone regulations can vary. Check local rules and FAA guidelines before flying.
The switchback patterns themselves can be visually interesting, and the changing vegetation offers diverse photographic subjects.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Key recommendations for families include packing plenty of snacks and water, ensuring everyone wears hats and sunscreen, and being prepared for a strenuous climb. It's a good option if your family enjoys a physical challenge and wants to experience a less crowded trail on Kauai.
🚶 Budget Travelers
Tips for saving money: Pack all your food and drinks from a local grocery store rather than purchasing them near the trailhead. If you're renting a car, factor that into your budget, as public transport is limited.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Kealia Trail: A Hiker's Guide
As you ascend, the vegetation changes. While much of the lower and mid-sections are shaded by trees, the upper portions become more exposed. This is where sun protection and ample hydration become critical.
Key takeaways for a successful hike include starting early to avoid the midday sun, carrying more water than you think you'll need, and wearing sturdy footwear. The trail is less crowded than some of Kauai's more famous hikes, offering a more serene experience for those who appreciate it.
The Kealia Trail Experience: Views and Challenges
However, the trail is not without its challenges. The consistent incline can be taxing, particularly for those not accustomed to regular hiking.
Despite the physical demands, many hikers find the Kealia Trail to be a worthwhile endeavor. The relative lack of crowds compared to other popular Kauai trails is a significant plus for many.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit