The gorgeous Hawaiian island of Kauai is known as the Garden Isle because of its stunning natural beauty. There are so many reasons to visit Kauai, from exploring the miles of sandy beaches to getting in some retail therapy at the shops or diving into local food truck culture. If you’re looking to get in some exercise on your trip, you’re in luck! There are several Kauai hikes to explore during your time here.
Want to find the best hikes in Kauai? You’re in the right place! We pride ourselves on our extensive local knowledge of the Garden Isle, and we can’t wait to share it with you.
Alright, let’s get down to business. Follow along as we discover the best hikes in Kauai.
Kauai Napali Coast Hike
You may have heard of the famous Napali Coast of Kauai before. The miles upon miles of rugged island coastline here are breathtaking; you’ll feel like you’ve entered another world!
Kalalau Trail
Distance: 11 Miles (22 Miles Round Trip)
Difficulty: Strenuous
To properly explore the Napali Coast, head out on one of the most famous hikes in Kauai: the Kalalau Trail. This trail is the only land access point to the Napali Coast! In fact, the Kalalau Trail is the very reason some adventurous souls travel to Kauai.
Since the trail is so long, you’ll want to split up parts of the journey. Novice hikers should turn around after a few miles—good stopping points are Hanakapiai Beach and Hanakapi'ai Falls. Don’t feel bad if you turn around here! You’ll see absolutely stunning sights and get your steps in for sure. The trip to Hanakapiai Beach alone is already 2 miles (so 4 round trip)!
More experienced hikers looking to take on the entire trail will need to take breaks. Luckily, you can camp along the remote white sandy shores of Kalalau Beach. It’s not for the faint of heart—this is a serious, strenuous hike that should be taken very seriously. If you’re up for the challenge and ready to prepare properly, though, you’ll have the experience of a lifetime. Witness incredible views like nothing you’ve ever seen without the drawback of too many other tourists around you.
Note: If you do plan to hike the entire stretch through to Kalalau Beach, you will need a permit.
To secure your Na Pali Coast Camping Permit, please remember to plan ahead! Permits are available for booking up to 90 days in advance, and they’re quite popular.
As for overnight parking options, there is limited availability at the trailhead in Hā'ena State Park. To secure your overnight parking permit visit gohaena.com after obtaining your camping permits. Rates for Hawaii Residents are $25 per person per night, and Non-residents are $35 per person per night. The maximum length of stay along the Kalalau Trail is five consecutive nights.
Kid-Friendly Hikes in Kauai
Traveling with family? No problem! There are plenty of easy, kid-friendly hikes in Kauai that are perfect for all ages.
Kalalau Trail
Okay, we know we just spent a while talking about this trail above. It’s because it’s so iconic! Take your kids along the first two miles of the hike to Hanakapiai Beach so they can experience part of this epic trail.
Kuilau Ridge Trail
Distance: 2.25 Miles Each Way (4.5 Miles Total)
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
In our opinion, the Kuilau Ridge Trail is one of the best easy hikes on Kauai. It’s perfect for travelers who want to escape into nature and see the region's lush greenery. You’ll feel like you’re in a scene straight out of Jurassic Park (minus the dinosaurs, of course)!
Botanical enthusiasts will love this trail, which has several rare plant species growing alongside it! You can’t miss the enormous primeval ferns, tropical flowers, and towering trees lining the trail. One word of caution is that it can get quite muddy, so be sure to wear proper shoes for your outing.
Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail
Distance: 3.38 Miles Each Way
Difficulty: Easy/Moderate
The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail may be the perfect choice for a kid-friendly Kauai hike! Take in stunning coastal views, see local wildlife, and learn more about Hawaiian history all on one hike. Traverse several kinds of terrain, from volcanic rock to remote pathways to more public sections (like the section of trail alongside the Poipu Bay Golf Course).
The trail starts at Shipwreck Beach, another worthy stop for your Kauai stay. You’re bound to spot wildlife like sea turtles and monk seals, and when the water is calm, it’s a fantastic place to snorkel.
Book Your Trip to Kauai Directly with Kauai Vacation Rentals!
There are so many amazing hiking adventures in Kauai! We can’t wait to see you here. Now that you know all the best hikes to explore while you’re here, there’s just one thing left to do: book your Kauai vacation!
Searching for accommodations for an upcoming trip can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in! When you book your stay directly with Kauai Vacation Rentals, you save time, money, and stress, and you can take advantage of our staff's helpful local knowledge built over years of living and working here. Whether you’re looking to stay in a home with an oceanfront view or want a rental with hot tub access, we’re confident that you’ll find the perfect fit in our extensive catalog of vacation rentals.
What are you waiting for? It’s time to book that trip. Browse our available Kauai Vacation Rentals now and book your trip directly with Kauai Vacation Rentals!