Best Hikes on Kauai

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Grace Towle

Living on Oahu, Grace Towle knows all the best places where locals go.

Known as the “Garden Isle,” Kauai is renowned for its lush green landscapes and tropical foliage. It’s also one of the wettest of the Hawaiian Island chain. The natural wonders are plentiful — from the rain forest of Kokee, to the magnificent valleys of the Napali Coast — there is much to explore. Here are a few of the most popular hikes.

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Featured Photo: Tor Johnson/HTA
A breathtaking view of a deep, rugged canyon with steep, jagged cliffs, illuminated by sunlight. The sky above is mostly clear with a few scattered, fluffy clouds. Vegetation thrives at the base of the canyon where sunlight touches it, making it one of the best hikes Kauai has to offer.
Photo: Al Haslim/AllTrails
WAIMEA
Level: Easy to Moderate — 3 miles

This hike will give you a variety of scenery, from a ginger lined stream to mountain views laden with interesting rock formations and the awe-inspiring Waipoo Falls, an 800-foot cascading waterfall. It’s also great for birdwatching. You may even find a swimming hole to cool off your feet.

Scenic coastal view featuring lush green cliffs, blue ocean, and a partly cloudy sky. The foreground includes reddish-brown earth, with dense green foliage and trees along the coastal landscape. Rugged cliffs meet the calm sea under a clear blue sky, offering one of the best hikes Kauai has to offer.
Photo: Justin Ip/AllTrails
KAUAI NORTH SHORE
Level: Strenuous — 22 miles

This is one of the most challenging hikes on Kauai. It’s the same path taken by the ancient Hawaiians who lived in the Kalalau Valley to journey to the Na Pali Coast. Hiking Kalalau requires planning by making reservations to camp in Na Pali Coast State Park. It is also important to be in good condition for the adventure.

A lush green forest with dense tree coverage, set against a backdrop of mountains partially obscured by clouds under a blue sky. Trees frame the scene, highlighting the vibrant foliage and natural beauty of one of the best hikes Kauai has to offer.
Photo: Dave Donahue/AllTrails
KEAHUA
Level: Easy to Moderate — 3.6 miles

This is a great hike to be introduced to the many plant species on Kauai. You will experience grassy fields, Ohia forests and sweeping views of the Mount Waialeale and the Makaleha Mountain Range. It can be wet and slippery, so wear shoes with good traction and be prepared.

A serene coastal scene with rocky shores and tidal pools in the foreground. Gentle waves lap against the rocks while lush greenery, palm trees, and distant mountains, reminiscent of the vistas along the best hikes Kauai offers, line the horizon under a clear blue sky.
Photo: Al Haslim/AllTrails
KOLOA
Level: Easy — 5.9 miles

From the southeast corner of Shipwreck Beach find the trail that will take you along sand dune cliffs, limestone formations, Kiawe trees and rocky inlets where you can look for sea turtles. The beach is also a popular vantage point for whale watching. Mahaulepu Beach is a sacred sanctuary that must be preserved and respected.

A vast landscape showcases numerous green hills covered with dense vegetation. In the background, the outline of distant mountains is visible under a partly cloudy sky. This lush, tropical atmosphere perfectly captures why this area is known for some of the best hikes Kauai has to offer.
Photo: Robin Groves/AllTrails
KAPAA
Level: Moderate — 5 miles

On this hike you will be surrounded by lush landscape and enjoy ocean and mountain views. It’s a very popular area and you will also share the trail with runners, horse-back riders and mountain bikers. Dogs are allowed if on a leash.

A lush, green mountain ridge extends into a valley under a partly cloudy sky. The landscape features dense vegetation, rolling hills, and a river meandering through the scene, surrounded by a distant mountain range—one of the best hikes Kauai has to offer.
Photo: Megan Plocher/AllTrails
HANALEI
Level: Strenuous — 5.5 miles

On the North Shore of Kauai, this hike will give you an uphill workout. The climb is worth the effort when you reach the top with magnificent views of Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Valley, Kilauea Lighthouse and the Na Pali Coast. This hike has it all: a strenuous workout, lush foliage and priceless views. Mosquito repellent will make the trip more enjoyable.

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For more suggestions on the best restaurants in Kauai, the best things to do in Kauai and the best places to stay in Kauai, click here.

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