Awa'awapuhi Trail
Hike the Awa'awapuhi Trail for breathtaking Napali Coast views. A challenging but rewarding trek through Kauai's stunning natural beauty.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Awa'awapuhi Trail
Best Time
Clearer views, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Hike the Awa'awapuhi Trail for breathtaking Napali Coast views. A challenging but rewarding trek through Kauai's stunning natural beauty.
"The views at the end are jaw-dropping! Conquered the Awa'awapuhi Trail! 
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Muddy and slippery sections are common. Good hiking shoes are essential for grip and safety.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring ample water, especially for the strenuous uphill return. 2.5L per person is recommended.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Napali Coast Overlook
End of the Awa'awapuhi Trail
Breathtaking panoramic views of the dramatic Napali Coast ridges and the ocean below. Truly unforgettable.
+1Ridge Views
Along the trail
Experience stunning vistas of lush valleys and dramatic cliffs as you traverse the ridgeline.
The Canyon Below
Viewpoint at the end
Gaze into the depths of a vast canyon, a testament to nature's powerful sculpting.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for the Uphill Battle
Timing is Everything for Views
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Muddy and slippery sections are common. Good hiking shoes are essential for grip and safety.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring ample water, especially for the strenuous uphill return. 2.5L per person is recommended. +1
🚶♀️ Hike Past the Fence
For the best views, venture beyond the initial viewpoint fence down the steep hill.
💨 Be Prepared for Mist
The first part of the trail can be foggy, but don't give up; the fog often clears as you descend.
Tips
from all over the internet
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Muddy and slippery sections are common. Good hiking shoes are essential for grip and safety.
💧 Hydration is Crucial
Bring ample water, especially for the strenuous uphill return. 2.5L per person is recommended. +1
🚶♀️ Hike Past the Fence
For the best views, venture beyond the initial viewpoint fence down the steep hill.
💨 Be Prepared for Mist
The first part of the trail can be foggy, but don't give up; the fog often clears as you descend.
⛰️ Consider Hiking Poles
Poles can significantly help with the challenging uphill return journey.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Awa'awapuhi Trail offers absolutely spectacular, world-class views of the Napali Coast, making the challenging hike undeniably worth it for most. Hikers praise the stunning scenery and the rewarding feeling of accomplishment. However, be prepared for a strenuous, muddy, and consistently uphill return journey, and ensure you bring plenty of water.
"This is the viewpoint at the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail that provides the nice views into the surrounding ridges’ cracks, a canyon, and the ocean far below. To get the best view, go past the fence down the steep hill and then onto the knife edge ridge to the end of the trail viewpoint, where the views are amazing."
Lily Morgan
"Pretty well maintained -- there were some hiking sticks at the beginning that we used that helped us get through any muddy or slippery areas. Not too sketchy until the very end in my opinion, as the path to the final viewpoint is narrow and I was worried I would slip off the cliff edge and opted to stay at the gate. The hike back up can be tiring, and we (2 people) drank around 2.5L total. Round trip it took us about 3 hours."
Elaine
"We hiked this in Feb 2024 - it’s kinda easy (but muddy) to go down the trail, but can be challenging when going back, so bring enough water, good shoes and count at least with 4 hours of a roundtrip. It is also extremely worth it, not sure if I have ever seen anything so beautiful in my life. Also first part of the trail can be foggy, but when you start to go down, fog will very likely disappear so dont give up :) I recommend to hike this one before noon - that’s what we did and it started to be crowded on our way back - after lunch."
Zuzana Semeradova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Awa'awapuhi Trail is located in Koke'e State Park on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. It's typically found near the end of the road in the park.
You'll need to drive to Koke'e State Park. The trailhead is usually well-marked. Parking can be limited, especially during peak times.
Yes, there is parking available at the trailhead, but it can fill up quickly. Arriving early is recommended to secure a spot.
Public transportation options are very limited for reaching Koke'e State Park. Renting a car is the most practical way to access the trailhead.
Driving your own vehicle or a rental car is the most direct and recommended way to reach the Awa'awapuhi Trail parking.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is no entrance fee or ticket required to hike the Awa'awapuhi Trail itself, as it's within Koke'e State Park. However, there might be parking fees or entrance fees for the state park depending on current regulations.
The trail is generally accessible during daylight hours. Koke'e State Park has its own operating hours, which you should check before your visit.
No, there is no specific admission fee for the Awa'awapuhi Trail. It's a public hiking trail within Koke'e State Park.
While not mandatory, guided tours are available for various hikes in Kauai, including potentially the Awa'awapuhi Trail. These can offer insights and safety benefits.
Typically, no special permits are required for day hiking the Awa'awapuhi Trail. However, it's always wise to check with the Hawaii State Parks for any updated regulations.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Awa'awapuhi Trail is approximately 6.0 miles roundtrip, making it a moderately long hike.
The trail has an elevation gain of about 1,945 feet, contributing to the challenging uphill return.
Yes, the trail can be quite muddy, especially after rain. Sturdy, waterproof hiking shoes are highly recommended.
You can expect spectacular views of the Napali Coast, dramatic ridges, and a deep canyon. The views at the end are particularly breathtaking. +1
The path to the final viewpoint can be narrow and steep, with a significant drop. Some hikers opt to stay at the gate due to perceived risk.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are limited dining options directly at the trailhead. You'll find more choices in nearby towns like Waimea or Hanalei after your hike.
Absolutely! Bringing snacks is highly recommended to keep your energy levels up, especially for the strenuous uphill return.
No, there are no water sources along the Awa'awapuhi Trail. You must carry all the water you need for the hike.
Yes, many hikers enjoy having a picnic lunch at the viewpoint while taking in the incredible scenery. Just be sure to pack out all your trash.
Koke'e State Park has very limited food services, often just a small lodge or restaurant with basic offerings. It's best to pack your own food.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning light often provides the best conditions for photography, with softer light and fewer shadows. Clearer days are essential for capturing the Napali Coast.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive landscapes. A telephoto lens can be useful for details. Consider a polarizing filter for vibrant skies.
The main viewpoint at the end of the trail offers the most iconic photo opportunities. The ridgeline itself provides numerous scenic spots.
To get the full, unobstructed view of the Napali Coast, venture past the initial fence and down the steep hill to the end of the ridge.
Exercise extreme caution when taking photos near cliff edges. The terrain can be unstable and slippery. Stay on marked paths and be aware of your surroundings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing plenty of snacks and water for the kids, and be prepared for a longer hike than anticipated. If you're looking for a less demanding but still scenic option in Koke'e State Park, the Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls might be a more suitable alternative for families.
💰 Budget Travelers
To save money, pack all your own food and drinks for the hike. Avoid purchasing expensive snacks or meals at limited park facilities. The incredible views are the main attraction, and they come at no cost, making this a great value for an unforgettable experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Awa'awapuhi Trail Experience
The true reward of the Awa'awapuhi Trail lies at its end. After the initial descent, hikers are greeted with unparalleled panoramic vistas of the iconic Napali Coast's jagged cliffs plunging into the turquoise ocean. Many recommend venturing past the initial viewpoint fence and down a steep, narrow ridge to reach the ultimate vantage point for truly unforgettable photos.
However, hikers should be prepared for the challenging return journey. The hike back to the trailhead is a sustained, steep uphill climb that can be physically demanding. Bringing ample water (at least 2.5 liters per person) and considering hiking poles can make this strenuous ascent more manageable.
Navigating Koke'e State Park
Accessing Koke'e State Park typically requires driving, as public transportation is scarce. The park road winds through native forests, and you'll find various lookouts and trailheads along the way. It's essential to check the park's operating hours before your visit, as they can vary.
Within the park, you'll find facilities like restrooms and picnic areas. While dining options are very limited, packing your own food and water is highly recommended for a full day of exploration. The park is a fantastic place to experience Kauai's diverse natural beauty beyond its famous beaches.
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