adminThe Awaawapuhi trail on Kauai, an unforgettable experience! On the eastern side of Kauai, you’ll find Koke’e State Park and the breathtaking Waimea Canyon State Park. Kauai, often lovingly nicknamed “the Garden Island,” is a true paradise for nature lovers. Many travelers choose to spend a few days here as part of their Hawaii adventure, and it’s easy to see why.
There’s so much to see and do on Kauai that you’ll have to make some choices. Short on time? Then make sure not to skip Koke’e State Park! Iconic viewpoints such as Kalalau Lookout are without a doubt among the highlights of any trip to the island. And if you’d like to tackle one of the many hikes in this area, go for the Awaawapuhi Trail on Kauai, it’s a must.
To optimize our time in Koke’é State Park, we stayed two nights in one of the mountain cabins. There are ten cabins near Koke’e lodge. So you have to book very early to stay here!! A night at one of the cabins is not very expensive. If you’re traveling on a tight budget it’s also possible to camp next to Koke’e lodge. Check availability here!
Is the Awaawapuhi trail on Kauai hard?
This 5K (3.1-mile) hike to the Awaawapuhi Lookout is not difficult. The way there is actually very easy, as it mostly goes downhill. Don’t be fooled by that “piece of cake” feeling; you still have to make it back! Luckily, there’s plenty to keep you distracted along the way. You have breathtaking views, an enchanting forest straight out of a fairy tale, and the most colorful flowers you can imagine.
Trail head
The trail starts just a few minutes’ drive past Koke’e Lodge. You’ll see a fairly large parking area on the left side of the road, and it’s free. The beginning of the hike is clearly marked.
What you need to know before you start this hike
Allow around 3.5 to 4 hours for the entire hike. The trail is well signposted with clear distance markers. It’s not a flat path – you’ll constantly find yourself balancing on tree roots, uneven steps, or sandy patches where you could easily slip. I brought my trekking poles, and that turned out to be an excellent decision. They gave me that little extra stability I needed. Even the uphill section on the way back always feels much easier when I use my poles.
Highlights of the Awaawapuhi trail on Kauai
The Awa’awapuhi Lookout is the ultimate reward on this hike. Next to you, helicopters dive into the canyon, while far below you can spot boat tours bouncing across the waves hundreds of meters down.
Along the trail you’ll also come across stunning viewpoints. The breathtaking nature of Kauai is always a feast for the eyes, and this hike is no exception.
What you absolutely need on this trail
Sturdy hiking shoes are a must, even when the trail is dry. This is definitely not a hike you want to start out in flip-flops!
Trekking poles can be very helpful. You’ll manage without them, of course, but if you’re like me and tend to trip easily, a little extra balance definitely comes in handy!
Make sure to bring plenty of water. There are no refill stations along the trail, and one liter per person is really the minimum you should carry!
Sunscreen is a must. While most of the trail winds through the forest, there are plenty of exposed sections too — and the sun on Kauai can be relentless!
Phone. There’s no reception on this trail. Luckily, you’re never completely alone out here, so if you need help, you’ll have to rely on fellow hikers. Your phone will mainly come in handy for taking photos!
This blog post contains affiliate links. If you book something through one of these links, it won’t cost you anything extra, but I may earn a small commission. This helps me keep the blog running — thank you for your support!
