Kauai Hiking Trails Closest To The Waipouli Beach Resort & Spa

It’s hardly debatable to decide between traveling to Maui or Kauai. Kauai is one of the most spectacular spots in the world. Soaring volcanic tops, searing cliff sides, and majestic turquoise waters spilling far into the horizon- it’s all par for the course on Hawaii’s northernmost habitable island.

There’s no better way to see the radiant natural sights near our Kauai vacation rentals than getting deep in the heart of the island on a hiking trail. The below Kauai hiking trails cover the peak of the island’s wonder, from the rolling cliff drops of northern Kalalau to the beach-coated beauty of eastern Maha’ulepu.

Nounou Kuamoo Trail (or the Sleeping Giant)

This acclaimed trail is one of the closest hikes from the Waipouli Beach Resort. Just a few miles away, you can enter the beginning of the extensive Nounou Kuamoo Trail, famously known as the Sleeping Giant.

Sleeping Giant is a term that comes from the trail’s pathway along the “chest” of the Nounou Mountain. You’ll be rewarded with grand views of the mountainside, as well as large pines, eucalyptus trees, and even wild orchids. 

One of the trail’s highlights is the strawberry guavas. You’ll find the lovely bright-purple and red fruits hanging delicately in these giant bushy guava plants. It’s a delight to see and adds some incredible color to the landscape.

The trail also has some excellent amenities along its 2.5-mile length. There’s a picnic area near the trails mid-peak. Most families will stop here because the continued trail along the giant’s head is steeper and substantially more challenging.

The Sleeping Giant Trail is the finest of its kind in the area and an acclaimed stop welcoming to most skill levels. The trail is also in a relatively popular area, so you are sure to find some cozy and non touristy things to do not far away. 

Waipo’o Falls Hike

Suppose you are looking for a family-friendly hike on a well-maintained trail that has beautiful views. In that case, you’ll want to check out Waipo’o Falls, located in Kokee State Park. This 800-foot cascading waterfall is visible from many lookout points along the canyon road. 

Start off your journey on Waipoo Falls Trail and stop at the first lookout (Waimea canyon overlook) that runs along Highway 550. This is a  fantastic spot at the beginning of the trail that is perfect for taking photographs. Continue along the trail for many view opportunities and photographic scenery till you reach the end at Waipo’o Falls.

This moderate hike is 3.6 miles round trip travel distance to view this incredible cascading waterfall and dip your toes in the refreshing swimming hole during the summer months when the water level is low.  This is an enjoyable and popular hike in Kauai.

Kuilau Trail

The sensational Kuilau Trail is near the Islander on the Beach and makes for a perfect mid-afternoon adventure.

The trail is perhaps most well-known for its sensational overlook, providing views of the island’s east side of Mt. Waialeale. The trail is also far different from Maha’ulepu or the very popular Kalalau Trail. There are no amenities, no water facilities, or any other conveniences. This is unbridled nature.

While the trail isn’t particularly long at only 2.1 miles one way, its winding foothills, modest elevation, and remote nature make it a tough sell for families. Go with some experience and enjoy a remote romp to one of the island’s best lookout towers.

It is a 4.2-mile trip round trip, though some can take a path connecting to Moalepe trail for added hiking.

Maha’ulepu Beach Trail

Beach lovers will adore this South Shore haven along the southernmost portion of Kauai. It’s unique for being the last major section of undeveloped coastal shoreline on the South Shore and a treasure for anyone who treasures uninhabited natural South Shore beauty.

The trail begins at the sand dunes of Shipwreck Beach Keoneloa Bay and concludes up by Mahaulepu Beach proper. The trail is about two miles each way and is generally very flat and accessible for families. There are plenty of spots to stop and rest right on the beach. You will discover numerous limestone formations and jetting rocks out into the Pacific. Swimming in the ocean is not ideal here. The waves are generally abrasive and rough, and giant rugged rocks pose a safety concern.

Caves are a common sight, though traveling into them is discouraged for more safety reasons. 

The sights are astounding, and wildlife is prevalent. The beach trail is one of the top sights on Kauai for the rare Hawaiian Monk Seal. If you happen to see this fantastic creature, don’t get close and scare it away! And keep your eyes peeled to the water. You may be fortunate enough to spot a whale, a more common sight along the South Shore than most other parts of Kauai.

Overall, Maha’ulepu Beach Trail holds some sacred sites and manageable heights for all hikers. On-site parking is accessible.

Honopu Ridge

The winding Honopu Ridge Trail is a challenging, intricate, and dense trail that more than makes up for the difficulty with incredibly placed lookouts and expansive open views of the Honopu Valley and its largest waterfall.

The trail snakes through a large portion of Kōkeʻe State Park. Along the way, you’ll find some very narrow pathways and dense foliage on both sides. But if you can manage the obstacles and the uneven terrain, you are rewarded with a popular whale-watching site. Overall, it’s a five-mile hike, not for the faint of heart. Consider extra precautions, like long sleeve shirts to avoid sharp brambles, a first aid kit, thick boots, a compass, and extra food and water. 

Makaleha Trail

The trail is excellent for intermediate hikers due to its reasonable challenge and brilliant waterfall views. The trail is also appealing because it rounds out and back, making for a nice half-circle hike by the Makaleha Mountain top, with an impressive 3215 ft elevation!

The trail certainly doesn’t head to the peak of the mountain due to safety, but it is still quite a challenge. It is perhaps most known for its three waterfalls, including the postcard staple Secret Falls.

It’s a 2.8-mile hike overall and will take at least two hours. While not highly recommend for families, it is possible to take the trail to the first waterfall about two miles out and enjoy a nice afternoon before heading back. 

Kalalau Trail

In many regards, we save the best for last. Kalalau trail is the pinnacle of Kauai hiking. It’s a demanding yet infinitely rewarding journey along 11 miles of Kauai’s northern shoreline. The trail skirts the edge of the famous Na Pali Coast State Park, known for its wildlife sightings, like seals, killer whales, wild deer, and the bizarre Nene goose.

Due to the popularity of the trail, parking is now very limited. Advanced transportation tickets are required. This will include the entrance to the park. We recommend calling ahead to book your hike, so you don’t run into any parking restrictions. 

Once there, you’ll discover why it is so revered. Capture some of the island’s best views and peer off into the infinite horizon on Hawaii’s northernmost edge for striped dolphins and other marine life. You don’t have to travel the whole trail; hiking the first 2 miles to Hanakapi’ai is recommended. You can go beyond to Hanakoa for a serious challenge or stick closely to Kalalau Beach for a lush and easier adventure but requires a prepaid state DLNR permit.