Explore Kauai

I feel as though Kauai is the 'hidden gem' of the Hawiian islands. The island is home to a diverse realm of nautral landscapes - stretching from canyon to forest, and high rocky ridges to swaplands. This diversity, in respect to the raw geography of the island, is one reason why Kauai is known as Hawaii's 'garden' and 'backyard'. If you're a hiker, nature lover or adventure junkie, visiting this little island will enrichen your time in Hawaii. Ya gotta share it with some ants, though!

Pu'u O Kila Ridge Trail

Kauai Essentials Hike the Kalalau Trail

the Kalalau

The Kalalau trail is epic. This moderately-strenuous 11-mile stretch will take you from Kee Beach to the incredibly beautiful Kalalau Beach. The trail weaves in and out along the Na Pali coastline. A very large majority of hikers will not be able to do the hike in one day. I'd highly recommend taking a tent, and camping under the stars on the isolated Kalalau beach. National Geographic ranked this coastline as being the 5th most beautiful in the world, and it isn't hard to see why. I highly recommend that you take the two mile roundtrip excursion to Hanakapiai falls - it is a great opportunity to swim under and sit behind a gigantic waterfall.

Na Pali Coastline

Trailhead: Kee Beach (clear signage).

Trail time: Massive variation depending on hiker ability. Commonly between twelve to fifteen hours return.

Difficulty: Moderately-Strenuous due to long distance.

Hike the Kalepa Ridge

As Guide to Hawaii outline, the Kalepa Ridge trail is 'simply incredible'. After hiking a couple of the ridges in Koke'e, I'd have to agree that the Kalepa Ridge is absoutely spectacular. I'd prefer to do the hike than a helicopter ride. You actually look down at the helicopters while you're trekking along the ridge. The experience doesn't come carefree, however, because the trail itself is unoffical, which results in no maintenence or servicing to the trail. For a lot of us, the views are worth the potentially hazardous and unkept path. It takes you right along the edge of the ridge, which, as can be seen below, caters for outstanding views. There are some surprisingly large flat areas on the trail, which have evidently been used for camping.

Gazing at the incredible views along the Kalepa Ridge trail

Trailhead: Look for a hole in the fence on the left corner of the Kalalau lookout in Koke'e State Park (Kokee Rd).

Trail time: 1 1/2 - 2hrs return.

Difficulty: Moderately-Strenuous due to steep elevation & unserviced trail.

Hike the Waimea Canyon Trail

Waimea Canyon

The last hike I would put forward as being essential is the Waimea Canyon trail. I'd recommend doing the canyon hike in the same day as the Kalepa Ridge, due to how close the trailheads are to each other. When you reach the opening views of the canyon, it is hard not to think abot how similar Waimea is to the Grand Canyon. There is a lot more greenery in Waimea canyon, though - featuring several waterfalls (one of which you can swim at), and vegetation that is rather lush. It is a beautiful sight to look over the Waipo'o falls as they pour into the canyon. The hike is simple to navigate, too - with signs directing you to all the landmarks. The trail is regularly serviced.

Trailhead: Take HWY 552 from Waimea, until it takes you into the Waimea Canyon State Park. Eventually, the highway becomes Koke'e Rd. Upon entering the park, keep an eye out for the trailhead signs. They are hard to miss!

Trail time: 2 - 3 hrs return

Trail Difficulty: Moderate

Watch the Sunset at Ke'e Beach

Sunset at Ke'e Beach

Ke'e Beach is a very unique place to be, regardless of the time of day. You can swim, snorkel, hike and surf while you wait for the magnificent sunset. If you wait out there till the right time, you'll see for yourself just how beautiful it can be. The water is warm, so I'd recommend swimming out a bit to see the low rays hit the Napali coastline. I also snapped some of my best photos by walking along the beach, towards Tunnels beach, and turning to face Napali. There is adequate parking to accommodate. Arrive early, and have a go at snorkelling.

Snorkel at Poipu

Snorkelling at Poipu beach is a wonderful experience. You'll see a wide variety of ocean wildife. If you're lucky enough, you may even see some turtles. Be careful snorkelling in Poipu.

Poipu Beach

The water is quite shallow, and you can be dragged quite closely over rocks and coral. Once you're out of the water, it's a short walk to some bars and cafes across the road. You can also kick back in some of the hammocks tied up to the palm trees.

Explore the Towns

The culture of Kauai is very laid back. The people seem to be a lot more friendly than on some of the other islands, and all of the different towns have a very welcoming vibe. At some point during your travels, you should stop and explore the different towns along the way. They each have their own unique atmosphere, and there is always fresh fruit and smoothies to be sampled! I think my three favourite towns in Kauai were Hanalei, Kapa'a and Poipu.