The Cave Trail on Kauai You Won’t Want to Miss

Of all the Hawaiian Islands,
Kauai is easily one of the most beautiful.

Not only does this destination have the stunning Hawaiian beaches that you’re likely expecting, but Kauai also has some incredible nature to be found on dry land. After all, there’s a reason why Kauai has been nicknamed “The Garden Isle!” 

Kauai Hiking Trails

One of the best ways to get out and enjoy nature during your vacation in Kauai is by exploring the local hiking trails. Combine exciting and challenging hiking trails with breathtaking Kauai caves, and you’ve got an afternoon you’ll never forget! When you’re thinking about the best things to do on the island, make sure to set aside some time to enjoy the incredible Kauai Cave Trail.

Kauai Cave Trail

Many locals believe the Kauai Cave Trail to be one of the most underrated Kauai things to do. Often visitors to the island either stop hiking long before they get to the cave trail, or they don’t even know it exists in the first place! The trail takes hikers down to the breathtaking Makauwahi Cave, which is actually a cave and a sinkhole!

Here, you’ll find one of the Pacific’s richest fossil sites, perfect for those interested in history and nature. The Makauwahi Cave Reserve is 17 acres in total and has been the site of excavations for nearly 30 years, giving experts an amazing look into the island’s ancient history.

Not only are you welcome to stroll through the cave yourself to enjoy the view, but you can even take a free guided tour four days a week. An experienced guide will take you to see some fascinating fossils and artifacts, and you might even get the chance to see some of the massive tortoises that call this area home. 

Where to Find the Cave

You’ll find Makauwahi Cave on the southern side of the island. You’ll begin your journey at Shipwreck Beach and start by hiking down the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, which takes you about two miles. Once you reach the supposed end of the trail, you’ll find a short path that takes you through the trees and into a small slit between the rocks. This is where many tourists simply turn around, but you’ll want to get down and crawl through that crevice. 

Kids and adults alike have been known to enjoy this journey, and it takes about 30 minutes to hike from the trail itself down to the cave. Just watch your step, since the terrain can be a bit rocky in some spots. Still, you’ll be rewarded for your efforts with an absolutely awe-inspiring view of the cliffs at the end of the trail, offering a panoramic view of the ocean. 

This cave is open and staffed daily from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Kauai Things to do

Of course, there are tons of other Kauai hiking trails and natural features for you to explore once you’re done checking out Makauwahi Cave! Suppose you’re looking for a relatively short journey. In that case, we recommend heading to the Nounou Kuamoo Trail, also known as the Sleeping Giant. This trail is about 2.5 miles long and offers some truly amazing views of Nounou Mountain, as well as some gorgeous plant life along the way. This trail is pretty family-friendly, but after you finish the 2.5-mile journey across the Giant’s “chest,” you have the opportunity to continue on along the Giant’s “head;” however, hikers should be aware that this section is significantly more challenging. 

If you want to see an incredible waterfall during your time on Kauai, head to Kokee State Park to trek the Waipo’o Falls hike. You’ll find plenty of opportunity for photography on this 3.6-mile round-trip excursion, including the amazing 800-foot waterfall! If you’re visiting in the summer, head down to the swimming hole to dip your toes in the water and cool off after all that exercise. 

No trip to Kauai would be complete without a visit to the famous Waimea Canyon and its State Park. This canyon takes up approximately 10 miles of the island’s western coastline and is often referred to as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” You’ll find plenty of hiking trails throughout the park that can give you spectacular views of the canyon from every angle. You could truly spend the whole day here or even come back more than once to make sure you enjoy the canyon and the park to its fullest!

Finally, it’s worth it to make your way to the island’s north shore to experience the majesty of the Napali Coast. This coastline offers truly unbelievable views of the sparkling waters and white sand beaches against the emerald cliffs. If you’re a movie buff, you’re likely to recognize Manawaiopuna Falls, which was featured in the film Jurassic Park! You can come here to take a number of different tours, whether you want to go on a guided kayaking excursion through the waters or get a bird’s eye view with an aerial tour. 

Kauai Places to Stay

When you’re vacationing on Kauai, you have countless options to enjoy nature. You can go hiking through these amazing trails, go swimming on any of the island’s welcoming beaches, go horseback riding along the shorelines, or simply go for a stroll to a local town. No matter what you choose to do, you’re going to want a relaxing and comfortable Kauai beach resort to return to at the end of a long day of sightseeing.

Of all the Kauai places to stay, the Waipouli Beach Resort and Spa is one of the most popular. Located on the Coconut Coast, this resort property has received multiple awards of excellence from various publications and offers everything you need for an unforgettable stay. Inside your rental, you’ll find luxurious living spaces with gourmet kitchens, a stunning view of the water, and high-speed WiFi. Resort amenities include a huge pool area and world-class restaurants right on site. 

You might also enjoy staying at the Pili Mai Resort, located on Kauai’s South Shore and featuring some of the newest vacation properties on the island! These brand-new townhomes are situated right near the phenomenal Kiahuna Golf Course and also feature amenities like fully equipped kitchens, attached garages, flatscreen TVs, and access to the recreation center and BBQ grills. Units here are perfect for individuals, couples, or small families.

Finally, Islander on the Beach is on the picturesque East Shore of Kauai and is just minutes away from some of the most amazing shopping and dining on the island. Just 15 minutes from the airport, Islander on the Beach offers spacious, upscale accommodations with resort amenities like a pool and jacuzzi, BBQ grills, lanais, and more. In your rental, you’ll find a convenient kitchenette, flat-screen TV, high-speed internet, and several other comforting amenities.