If you only have time for one hike on the west side of Kauai, this is your trail. The Awaawapuhi Trail is one of the more moderate difficulty hikes in Koke’e State Park. While the end viewpoint can get quite dangerous and steep if you venture down,
the majority of the trail is well defined and quite straightforward
.
How long does it take to hike Kauai?
To hike the entire trail and also spend time exploring Kalalau Beach and Valley takes
3-5 days
. Most people are day hikers that don’t ever make it all the way out to Kalalau.
How difficult is the Kalalau Trail?
Though it’s unbelievably beautiful, there’s no doubt that the Kalalau Trail can be
extremely perilous at points
. The trail is narrow, steep, rocky, and dotted with natural hazards ranging from strong water currents to falling rocks. Steep dropoffs into the water are especially dangerous.
How hard is the NaPali Coast hike?
Try this 22.00 mile, out and back trail near Hanalei, Kauai.
Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 11 h 32 min to complete
. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you’ll likely encounter other people while exploring.
What should I avoid in Kauai?
- Beaches Without Lifeguards. In the recent years, an increasing number of tourists have been deviating towards the secluded, non-touristy beaches of Kauai. …
- Dangerous Hiking Trails. …
- Kipu Falls. …
- Freshwater Pools. …
- Final Thoughts.
Is Kauai solo female Traveller safe?
Both islands are great for solo travelling
, and the island you choose depends on what you’re looking for. It sounds like Kauai would be best for you based on your desire to be involved in lots of outdoor activities. You can still do these on Maui, of course, but for a real contrast with Oahu, Kauai would be ideal.
Do you need permits to hike in Kauai?
Permits Required
In-order to access the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hāʻena SP. Hāʻena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Nāpali Coast SWP.
Can you hike the Kalalau Trail in one day?
If no permits are available, you can still enjoy the Kalalau Trail for a day hike (day-use reservations required)
. You can hike to Hanakāpīʻai beach (4-Mile round trip) or to Hanakāpīʻai Falls and back (8-Mile round trip). Permits are available up to 90 days out. Get your permits early to ensure a permit is available.
Is the Kalalau Trail worth it?
It isn’t as scenic as the rest of the trail, so for this reason I’d say that
it’s not worth it just to hike to Hanakoa and back
. If you don’t have time to hike the full Kalalau Trail, save it for another time and just do the day hike to Hanakapai’ai.
What is the scariest hike in America?
- Chinitna Bay, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. …
- Barr Trail, Pikes Peak, Colorado. …
- Jack Mountain, North Cascades National Park, Washington. …
- Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire. …
- Denali, Denali National Park, Alaska. …
- The Maze, Canyonlands National Park, Utah.
What is the hardest hike in the world?
- Kalalau Valley, Kauai, Hawaii. …
- The Dientes Circuit, Isla Navarino, Patagonia, Chile. …
- The Snowman Trek, Bhutan. …
- Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa. …
- Kokoda Track, Papua New Guinea.
How do I prepare for the Kalalau Trail?
Save your knees and keep your backpack as light as possible
! The Kalalau Trail is a tough 22-mile hike (11 miles each way) with lots of elevation change. Temperatures are generally warm, so you can leave your heavy cold weather sleeping bag at home (a sleeping pad and light blanket may be enough for warm sleepers).
How many people have fallen from crawlers ledge?
Accidents, Falls, and Deaths
An unofficial sign near Hanakapi’ai Beach records almost 85 deaths, as seen in 2014. More recently, an article published by The Daily Beast website in 2019 claims “
over 100
” deaths along the trail.
Do I need a sleeping bag for Kalalau Trail?
pack plus water. Enjoy, it is a very special hike!
No sleeping bag needed
, but a blanket of some sort, is usually necessary.
How long is the NaPali Coast hike?
The most popular hike on Na Pali is to Hanakapi`ai where you will find a lush river valley. You can hike
8 miles (roundtrip) to a waterfall or 4 miles (roundtrip)
to Hanakapi`ai Beach. You can get a permit to camp at designated spots in Hanakapi`ai.
Is Kauai safe at night?
Although tourist areas are generally safe, visitors should always stay alert, even in laid-back Hawaii. It’s wise to ask the island tourist office if you’re in doubt about which neighborhoods are safe.
Avoid deserted areas, especially at night
.
Is there crime on Kauai?
The rate of crime in Kauai County is
31.26 per 1,000 residents during a standard year
. People who live in Kauai County generally consider the central part of the county to be the safest.
How safe is Kauai?
Kauai is
a safe place to travel and has relatively low crime
but it is always smart to take precautions to protect yourself and your personal belongings. Always swim and hike with a buddy. Obey lifeguard rules, precautions and warning signs.
Is Kauai safe for alone?
If you’re looking for a solo adventure of your own, Kauai is my #1 pick on the planet.
It’s hospitable, safe, and full of beauty.
Is it safe to travel to Kauai alone?
No worries visiting Kauai on your own
. I’m on my own a lot and feel quite safe. I never feel awkward enjoying the beach on my own, or going around to the sites attractions. When dining out alone, I tend to go for the casual places, with picnic tables or shared seating with other travelers and locals.
Is Hawaii good for solo travelers?
Hawaii is an amazing destination and one for the solo bucket list
. It attracts women searching for transformational travel, surfers and nature and volcano lovers. As well as gorgeous locations, the islands have a lot of historic significance.
How much does it cost to hike the Kalalau Trail?
Preparations: Permits: The Kalalau Trail is very popular and permits are required to spend the night along the trail. The cost for non-residents is
$20 per night
and you can book the permit for the Napali Coast Wilderness Park online.
What is the best month to go to Kauai?
The best time to visit Kauai is between
September and November or from April to June
, when the weather is pleasant and airfare and hotel rates drop.
How can I hike the Kalalau Trail without a permit?
The first 2-miles of the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach to Hanakāpīʻai Beach is open for day-use without a permit.
Visitors must have advanced reservations to enter Hā’ena State Park
. Hā’ena State Park has a 900 visitor per-day limit.
Do you need a permit to hike in Hawaii?
If you wanting to hike the first 2-miles of the trail, please see our day-use page.
Anyone proceeding past Hanakāpīʻai Valley (2 miles in) must possess a valid camping permit whether or not you plan to camp
. Permits are required to camp at Hanakoa or Kalalau (Same permit).
How long does it take to hike first 2 miles of Kalalau Trail?
The first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail are strenuous and tricky. You’ll probably want a
1/2 day
to do this hike. That will allow time for breaks and photo stops.
Can you hike Napali Coast in a day?
Yes, you can do a good part of the famed Kalalau Trail in a single day
. When I found out there was a guided day hike of the majestic natural wonder that is the Napali Coast, I was off to Kauai as soon as I could book a flight.
