Hiking Alert:

⚠️ Red Dirt stains permanently - bring old shoes! | 🚶 Kalalau Trail requires camping permit beyond Hanakapi’ai Beach.

Visit Kauai

Hiking: From Ridge to Coast

Kauai offers some of the world's most dramatic trails. Choose based on your experience and current weather conditions.

Easy / Family

Region: East Shore

Lush, verdant ridge views without terrifying drop-offs. Perfect for families and those looking for "Lush Kauai" vibes without the stress.

Key Highlight: Incredible vistas of Mt. Waialeale.

Easy / Coastal

Region: South Shore

Coastal cliff walk with unique limestone formations. Virtually no mud compared to the North Shore. Great for breezy morning walks.

Key Highlight: Ancient lithified sand dunes.

Moderate

Region: East Shore

A steady climb through pine forests to a panoramic summit. Well-marked switchbacks make this a local favorite for exercise.

Key Highlight: 360-degree views of Wailua and Kapaa.

Moderate / Red Dirt

Region: West Side

Hike along the rim of Waimea Canyon. Arid and hot compared to the jungle trails. Be prepared for steep exposed sections.

Key Highlight: Seeing the waterfall from the top drop-off.

Hard / Expert

Region: North Shore

The bucket list hike. 11 miles each way. Extremely dangerous "Crawler's Ledge." Must have a camping permit to go beyond the first 2 miles.

⚠️ 2-mile mark (Hanakapi’ai) is as far as you can go without a permit.

The "Pono" Hiker's Rules

Stay on the Path: Erosion is a major issue on Kauai's volcanic soil.
Flash Flood Warning: If it's raining in the mountains, stay out of stream beds (especially Hanakapi’ai).
Pack It In, Pack It Out: There are no trash cans on Kauai's trails.