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    Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike

    4.8 (130 reviews)

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    Nin J.

    This hike is no joke. There is a lot of climbing up and along side edge; Moving over rocks and crossing over running water and slippery rocks. It can Be a pretty dangerous hike if you are not careful so do it with caution. We decided to go over to the beach then the waterfalls. Getting there took forever. Although the sign say the mileage, it's not completely accurate. Give yourself plenty of time as the trail is wet, slippery and muddy with lots of obstacles to cross. The beach is beautiful and the waterfall is gorgeous but this hike felt like it would never end. Getting there and especially getting back was challenging. This is my second time doing it, and it seem to be more challenging than the first. And the views are amazing.The space is beautiful. The trail is shaded in most places. There are plenty people of all ages, With the exception of kids, don't take them. It's too difficult and dangerous for their little feet. Although it's beautiful, know that it is a challenging hike so be prepared. Take plenty of water and food. You will need all the energy and hydration you can get.

    so yeah..that's one of my dearest friends (aka superwoman/supermom) hiking with her 2 year old strapped to her back
    Nneka M.

    Supposedly this is THE hike of Kauai!!! For my dear friend's bday, in addition to our birthdays that were very recently celebrated, we took a wonderful trip to Hawaii. My dear friend, who is an avid hiker, specifically booked this hike on her birthday, and made all the transportation arrangements in advance. We had to pay for a parking pass and the shuttle ride to the trail head. So here's the break down: the first 2 miles included 1 to 3 river crossings (depending on the rain) to a beach (thats sometimes does not exist due to high tides); from the beach, there's another 2 mile "treacherous" hike to a beautiful and captivating waterfall (that can potentially drown you due to the strong current); then an additional 6-7 mile hike (that requires a special permit) of a sacred trail...or something like that. yeah..... Even though all of this sounds fascinating, none of this particularly appealed to me as an avid Non-hiker lol. But I will say that it was a very scenic hike with tons of mini waterfalls, and dynamic foliage. Due to the on and off rain, the trail was muddy with tons of murky puddles and very slippery rocks that were a few feet from the cliff...this could've been an episode for Fear Factor (remember that show?? lol) I and our other friend stopped short of the beach and river crossings, and opted to turn back around...but my friend did the river crossing and made it to the beach-all with a kid strapped to her back..she received a ton of accolades from other hikers...that's my girl!!! This hike is definitely not for beginners, and you'll need hiking shoes. I managed with some outdoor-ish running shoes that are now practically ruined by the mud, but I was already warned about that. I didn't feel accomplished doing this hike, but I was proud that I at least attempted it, and didn't get injured (whew!!) Highly recommend, but definitely use discretion....try to go when it hasn't recent rained-if possible. Carry plenty of water and go with experienced hikers..and use hiking poles if really slippery. Mahalo!!

    Mandy L.

    Wowza this is an amazing hike! The first two miles are no big deal besides the incredible views to the beach, but not howdy the next two make you work for it! In my humble opinion, poles are best used here. There are several river crossings that vary depending on recent rainfall. We did the hike in August 2021 and the water was plentiful but not impossible or unsafe to cross. If continuing on to the Kalalau trail beyond the first two miles there are times the water is too dangerous to cross and the hike must be abandoned for another day. Day park passes are required in advance to even get on property, this is new in the last 3 years. Plan accordingly. The beauty of Kauai is at its finest out here, but you work for it. At the very tip end of Hanalei is where you'll find this gem of a park. I am a pretty avid hiker and I was sore for a few days following this hike, possibly due to falling 2 or 3 times during those crossings (even with poles, don't judge) but I was wicked glad we went. An amazing adventure and easier to achieve than the illusive Kalalau trail permits.

    Jessica S.

    The Hanakapi'ai Fall is located in the Hāena State Park which consists of trail systems leading to jaw-dropping coastal scenes of the Na Pali Coast. It is deemed as 7.5 to 8 miles on most tracks, but could take upwards of 5 hours to complete. I went on a dry, 90F and sunny forecasted day, therefore the trail was relatively dry. The first 2 miles are very straight forward. You'll experience your first immaculate coastal views with that first incline. (Note: As you descend to Hanakāpī'Ai Beach, the trail is exposed; you'll need to go back up that on your way out and in high afternoon sun!) From here, you have the option to end the hike and relax at the beach or march on like a mad man towards the falls trail. This second half of the hike could be described as the more "treacherous" part. Under the thick cover of trees, the trail experiences very little sun exposure and, therefore, does not dry out as readily. The trail will get very muddy and therefore slippery, but at least it is shaded! Water crossings are your constant companion here; I lost count of the number, to be honest. I did a simple hop and skip on rocks and logs, but I imagine the ease of this could vary depending on water levels. On that note, the reason this trail is deemed as dangerous is due to the number of rescues and deaths experienced when hikers attempt to cross swelling rivers with powerful currents. If you have to wade across, do NOT attempt a crossing. Poles could be helpful, but honestly your foot wear matters the most here. A pair of rugged and ventilated hiking boots or trail runners are your best options. You should try to keep them dry and if not, the ventilation will at least allow the water to drain. Hiking sandals or sandals in general should be avoided. They just don't have the appropriate tread this kind of hike asks for. Inevitably, you will reach the 300 foot waterfall spilling into a giant pool. Sandals or water shoes here are a must since there is no beach; just jagged rocks which could really hurt your bare feet. DO take a dip before leaving. It is much colder here in the shade and the water is cold, but you will be glad for the cool down especially since, as mentioned, you will need to knock out that 1mi incline in FULL afternoon sun after making your way back to the beach. It will get hot! It is absolutely recommended to bring at least 3 liters of water and save at least 0.5 liters to mix electrolytes. Bugs were not too much of a problem for me, but they were there! And threatening since I was sweating balls. The trailhead is seemingly inaccessible due to the remoteness and limited parking. However, the advanced reservation system with the ability to reserve either direct parking or a seat in the shuttle makes it that much more accessible to the inexperienced adventure seeker with delusional dreams to get that next Instagram photo. Prepare yourself for this hike and you will have a grand ole' time and with epic views and sceneries to lock away forever in your mind.

    Andrea W.

    Managed to snag a parking reservation just a few days before (there was a cancellation), and got there just before noon for the 12:30PM ticket - was let in early (there were plenty of parking spots left). Started around noon for the hike, got to the beach in about an hour. Not too bad of a hike although there is a lot of downhill, implying lots of uphill on the way back. Went to the waterfall from the beach in about an hour as well, path wasn't muddy at all, water crossings had big rocks which were convenient, not too difficult, went by some bamboo clusters as well which was cool. Waterfall was very tall, not many people there (a group of 5 and a group of 2, the latter left soon after I was there). Water was refreshing, glad I went. Hike back to the beach was 45 minutes, and then hike back up to the parking lot took about an hour (I was going quite fast though, passed a lot of people). Shaded on and off which helped, bring enough water especially on hot days. The hike between the beach and the waterfall has a lot of coverage, but the hike from the beach to the parking lot not so much. Moving time for parking lot to waterfall and back was about 3 hours 45 minutes, although the person checking tickets said it usually takes 5-6 hours (not sure if he meant including spending time at the beach and waterfall though). Definitely well worth it, would recommend! Reserve early otherwise you might not get a spot!

    Maribel M.

    8 miles round trip. Beautiful waterfall at the end. I am quite fit and was able to do this at a brisk pace, completed this round trip 5.5 hrs. I hiked with legit hiking shoes and still slipped! This trail is super slippery. I wouldn't even want to attempt this without hiking shoes although I did see people with regular tennis shoes. Absolutely dangerous with any flip flops. There is a ton of fruit on the waterfall part of the hike halfway though. Strawberry guava and mango so if your hungry you can just pick off the ground. The waterfall at the end is magnificent and you must swim. The very last half mile or so did require a lot of slippery rock hiking. Nothing too difficult if you're athletic and like to hike. I did see some kids even. But if you're not good on you're feet or with balancing or scared about climbing slippery rocks this hike isn't for you. We did have to cross maybe 4 times over the River. I was able to do it without having to take my shoes off and without getting wet but some people weren't that lucky. Some people looked very scared and took a very long time to cross. If you can switch to water shoes and get wet that might work but takes too much time if it can be avoided.

    Beginning of trail
    John F.

    Muddy and advanced terrain but oh so fun and worth it! The most stunning waterfall we have ever seen. Would not recommend taking young kids past the beach at 2 mile mark. Terrain becomes advanced with higher rock climbs etc closer to the falls. Would not do on a day of active rain- I think would be too slippery. We wore hiking shoes and brought water shoes to play in the falls. It was a good idea. Microfiber towel was a solid bring to dry off after swimming. Bring 1.5L of water per person if you plan to do the full 9 miler. Start in early morning for amazing coolness in the air for first half. We were sweaty and had a blast.

    Alison H.

    Hiked to the falls on 7/7/17. Got to the parking lot a little before 6am and it was about half full. I'd say it's moderate hike. The most challenging part was the last mile or so leading to the falls, mostly due to the rocks, river crossing, and rain. We used water shoes once we had to start crossing the river (I think something like 5 times). We saw others jumping from rock to rock but didn't want to chance soggy hiking boots (which others didn't seem to mind). Took my husband and I about 7 hours to complete -- including time to swim, switch shoes, allowing others to pass, and bathroom stops. Great hike overall. To sum up other reviews that were helpful for us prior to tackling the hike: - bring plenty of water (We brought about 1.5L of water and a Gatorade each. We saw a handful of people start the hike later in the day with little to no water in hand! Not smart given the heat and exertion involved.) - use sun screen (especially for the return portion from the beach to trailhead) - +/- bug spray (we brought it but didn't seem to be bothered) - allow plenty of time (earlier start the better -- for parking and traffic) - do swim in the pool/fall! It's refreshing and absolutely beautiful! - know your limits (may not be a good hike for anyone with prior knee or ankle injuries/instabilities). It's not a race so go at your own pace One thing that did upset us while on the hike was how few people knew hiking etiquette (mostly with passing and crowding tight/challenging areas like the river crossings). Please note hikers going uphill have the right of way. Always give a warning if you're going to pass (ie "coming on your left"). We definitely recommend this hike in you're in Kauai! It was a highlight of our trip.

    Brad G.

    Awesome hike. It rained the night before and there were storms in the vicinity so the falls were intense and the stream crossings got to be waist high at some points. So worth the hike and the sore muscles for days. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Kauai.

    The falls
    Ryan S.

    Bring lot's of water and be prepared to throw away your shoes after. There are approximately 5 river crossings. Don't give up and keep on going. It's absolutely gorgeous.

    Kashif K.

    If you can do only one day hike on your trip to Kauai, let it be the Hanakapiai trail. The trailhead is at Ke'e Beach, the total distance hiked is 8 miles round trip, and the level of difficulty is moderate to low. Once you get to Hanakapiai Beach (about 2 miles in), the trail forks into the 11-mile (one-way) Kalalau trail and the 4-mile Hanakapiai trail, which ends at Hanakapiai falls (a rewarding view at the end of the hike). Along the way, you get magnificent views of the NaPali Coast. I've learned from experience that September is a great time of year for this hike, and December is perhaps the worst time. The high surf, the heavy rainfall, the swelling streams, and the flash floods make this hike well-nigh impossible in December / January. Also, in September, you find strawberry guavas growing along the trail on lower elevations, and common guavas on higher elevations. Parking at Ke'e Beach (where the trailhead is) is scarce, so get here early in the morning.

    Hanakapiai beach!
    Shayla S.

    One of the most awarding hikes I've ever done! After the previous time my boyfriend and I went to Kauai, we decided when we return we would conquer Hanakapiai. For those who don't really hike, you might want to build up your endurance. Make sure you go early so you can get parking, if you not you will need to park more down the street. We went around 7:40 on a Thursday morning and the parking was packed! We brought bentos, a lot of water, tabis from Walmart and bug spray. After the first mile (literally going incline), I was over it.... Yes believe the Yelp reviews because it's brutal. But after the first, it's much easier!! Seeing the beautiful coast of Na Pali was absolutely worth the pain. Stream crossing? Through out this whole hike, there are multiple streams. At first I tried walking on the rocks but mid way I decided to just keep the tabis on and just not care about the water. The beach was beautiful especially with all the rocks piled. We ended up having lunch there and my boyfriend ended up fishing from the shore. Yes.... He brought a pole with him. No luck though! For some weird reason, there are a lot of cats. Why? And how did they get there? I have no idea! The second part of the hike was very very muddy. One point of the hike, the consistency of mud was slippery. We kept slipping here and there. From afar you start seeing the beautiful waterfall which makes you want to keep going. Just keep walking, just keep walking. At the waterfall, there are some who like to swim so bring your swim clothes if interested. It's a bit chilly at the fall so maybe a light jacket if necessary would be good to have. Overall it was a beautiful hike. Yes it is long and tiring. Your legs may hurt the next day but it's worth every bit of it. Be careful through out this hike because anything can happen. When it rains.... That's a whole different ball game. Flash floods can happen so be prepared! Maybe next time, Kalalau?

    Anita L.

    = STRENUOUS HIKE REWARDED BY BEAUTIFUL VIEWS = HANAKAPI'AI FALLS reminded me of how people would appreciate things more when they worked harder to get it. LENGTH: 4 miles each way (8 miles today) DIFFICULTY: Strenuous CONDITIONS: Often slippery and muddy, watch for flash floods All my friends wanted to do during our 4 days in Kauai was to stretch out under the sun and get a beautiful Hawaiian tan, but I heard about the Kalalau Trail and Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike and was determine to drag them along to see the beautiful Na'Pali Coast. I am a novice hiker, and and took notes from reading other people's reviews and suggestions. Nevertheless, the Hanakapiai Falls Hike was a difficult hike for me. Even though a storm came in when we reached the 2 mile mark (Hanakapi'ai Beach) and we had to turn back, I enjoyed every moment of it because I was rewarded by beautiful sights. Like most beginners, I was busy looking down and concentrating on which path I should take, but I stopped and moved to the side once in a while to enjoy the beautiful sight of the Na'Pali Coast and the Valley. I was retarded and only brought one bottle of water, and wished I listened to the advices and brought more. Haha WHAT TO BRING: - LOTS OF WATER: Most people suggested 2L per person. - INSECT REPELLENT: Spray before you get off your car, and reapply as necessary (as you will be getting wet and sweaty) - SNACKS: It's a long hike, you might want to take a break and enjoy some time at the beach or at the waterfalls - SUNSCREEN: Yeah, bring this... Unless you want to look like a roasted pig like all the other tourist on the island. - ZIPLOCK BAG: For your phone & camera. It might rain, and you will be crossing streams. Better to be safe than sorry. WARNING: - NO CELL PHONE RECEPTION ON TRAIL - BEACH: While this is a beautiful secluded beach, there is NO LIFEGUARD and NO SWIMMING allowed at this beach. Dangerous underwater current, and there's a sign marking the number of people that died. - WATERFALLS: While I didn't make it here, the trail leading to the waterfalls is dangerous. Pay attention to PINK RIBBONS that will guide you to the waterfalls. BE CAREFUL as you could easier hurt yourself on this portion of the hike. - STREAMS: Water conditions change rapidly. Again, be careful. TIPS: - Many people leave their WALKING STICKS at the beginning of the trail. Grab one just in case, and leave it for the next hiker. - Everyone moves at a different pace. Move to the side and let the people/group behind you pass if you are a slow hiker like me. - Wear hiking shoes or shoes with grip. The trail was muddy & slippery.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike

    What permit is required for this trail if we want to get to the falls? The $5 or the $20?

    Go to this site For your question https://gohaena.com

    Has the trail opened since the floods?

    No, just got word it is still closed

    View All 3 Questions

    Review Highlights - Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike

    Give yourself plenty of time as the trail is wet, slippery and muddy with lots of obstacles to cross.

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    Queen's Bath

    Queen's Bath

    4.4
    (346 reviews)
    2.7 km

    While staying in Princeville, we decided to check out Queen's Bath, and it was absolutely worth the…read moreeffort. Parking in front of the entrance is extremely limited, and the surrounding residential area doesn't allow non-permitted parking. I ended up dropping off my wife and her friend so they could start the trek while I parked at the nearby golf course, which added about a half-mile walk to the entrance. From the entrance, the hike down to Queen's Bath is about half a mile. It's not too long, but there are a few tricky spots that require some careful footing. It's definitely manageable for most people, including kids, as long as you take your time. Once you arrive, you're rewarded with a beautiful natural tide pool filled with seawater and fish. Some people were even jumping from the surrounding rocks into the water below. The spot was lively, with plenty of tourists and families making the hike down to enjoy the view and the experience. A little extra work to get there, but the payoff is huge. Queen's Bath is a must-see if you're in Princeville.

    PSA: If the gate is closed, do not go in! This hike is not bad when dry, but quickly gets dangerous…read morethe wetter/muddier it gets. The gate is there for your protection. If you do get the chance to go in, you will be amazed by how beautiful the area is! The baths were soo pleasant to swim, snorkel, and relax in. Walking along the rocks between the baths was easy as long as you watch your footing as the rocks are not flat. I highly, highly recommend coming here if the weather holds up for you!

    Photos
    Waterfall along the path.
    Waterfall along the path.
    One of the several swimming coves.
    One of the several swimming coves.
    Queen's Bath

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    Kalalau Trail

    Kalalau Trail

    4.7
    (312 reviews)
    12.7 km

    Usually I have an itinerary when I go on vacation. But I didn't for a week long stay in Kauai…read morethinking we'll just hang loose. We'd been to Kauai before but it was many years ago. I was reading up on the Napali Coast. Want to see it without going by air or by sea. Take a hike. We didn't know what we were getting ourselves into. But got a clue on the park and ride shuttle when our driver gave a hint. He said if you only want to get a shot of Napali Coast it'll only take you 20 minutes. We started following the signs in Haena State Park where the Trail begins. Folks left sticks that you can use as walking poles. We each took one. Immediately I'm not liking it. The Trail begins as a steep climb on jagged rocks. And it's wet & muddy as it rains intermittently. We were the first group out at 6:30am. More hikers as the day went on. It's 0.5 miles to the lookout. It took us an hour there and an hour back. 2 hours. We got our photo.

    We did this Kalalau trail in 2022 when visiting Hawaii and it was absolutely amazing! Please know…read morethis trail is HARD, and tough if you are not a major hiker, just know your limits! I think we ended up hiking around 8+ miles or so as we hiked down to the beach and checked and climbed a lot of boulders and did some rock climbing as well that was pretty tough but worth the adventure. Bring a lot of water and you have to make reservations in advance to take a shuttle to the base as you can't take your car there. We brought sandwiches and had a picnic at the beach, seriously bring a lot of water and snacks and food and be careful of the beach waves as they have signs all over that there are riptides and not to get in the water, basically follow all safety rules!! It was a difficult but an incredible hike; we got so much bursts of rain which felt magical and I am excited we crossed it off the bucket list

    Photos
    Kalalau Trail
    Kalalau Trail
    Instagram: @telephonesmoothie

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    Instagram: @telephonesmoothie
    Hideaways Beach

    Hideaways Beach

    4.5
    (102 reviews)
    2.4 km

    This was our favorite beach on Kauai…read more Definitely bring a snorkel mask, or at least goggles. Bring water and snacks too, because you may find you love it so much that you want to stay for a good long while. The GREAT: + We got to swim with sea turtles! At one point there were about 4-5 sea turtles near us, all within maybe 20 feet of the beach. They didn't mind that we were there watching them. Such gentle and magnificent creatures. + There is shade on the beach due to large trees + It was beautiful + It wasn't that crowded (because of the parking situation! see below) The not-so-great: - The parking lot is tiny. We were 2nd in line to wait for a parking spot, thankfully we didn't have to wait more than 15 minutes. However, hubby got antsy because there was no telling how long we'd have to wait. It was WORTH the wait though! - The hike down is steep, especially right at the top. You will want one or ideally BOTH hands free so that you can grab onto the ropes on the sides to help yourself get down, and then haul yourself back up when you're leaving the beach. I don't think our 4yo daughter could have walked down by herself, but I think our 7yo daughter would have been OK. - The waves aren't the most kid-friendly - they're pretty strong. (The waves are fine for teens or adults though. Kids could go in the water with an adult close by, but you just wouldn't want kids to sit in the shallow water as they could get knocked over)

    This beach is tucked away down a mini steep hike by 1 Hanalei Bay Resort. It's right outside the…read moreproperty and the trail head is at the back of their valet parking, before the gate guard. There are rope handles to help guide you as you go down. The beach itself is gorgeous and has ample shade under a massive spread out tree. It's perfect for snorkeling with honu (sea turtles) and plenty of fish. The water is calm and great for kids if they make the trek down. It takes about 5-10 minutes depending on your speed. The only downfall is the parking. There are 10 spots in the public lot. You cannot park anywhere else in the surrounding lots, nor can you valet at the hotel for this particular beach. Your other option is the golf course lot about a mile down the road.

    Photos
    Same
    Same
    Shade, lots of sandy Beach
    Shade, lots of sandy Beach
    Hideaway Beach

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    Hideaway Beach
    Okolehao Trail

    Okolehao Trail

    4.3
    (41 reviews)
    3.7 km

    A bit of a drive to get there, but worth it. It's pretty much straight uphill 1.2 miles with some…read moreareas moderately steep. There are two viewpoints - one at about the half way mark, and the other at the summit. You'll get a feel for how much uphill you conquered on the way back! (On the way up, try not to think about it.) I'm not usually into hiking for hours on end, let alone for continuous uphill climbs, but this hike is fairly short (about forty five minutes to the top) which is just about right for a straight uphill situation. As with most Kauai hikes there will be muddy areas and you will need to wash clean your hiking shoes well when you get home.

    Nice view, if you're not afraid of steep, then continue to the second part. It's less than a mile…read more My daughter asked this man came down how long it took to get to the next view from where we're at. He told her another hour which discouraged her to continue. My and I continued and it's only took us about 20 minutes. However, it's straight up and can be slippery if it's raining or after the rain. There's a rope with knots to help you pull up and come down at the top, which was very helpful (thank-you to whoever so thoughtful). We're lucky there's no rain for a week so it's pretty dry up there. I was actually slipped and sat on my butt when we got down near the exit (lol). It's shaded and the ground still wet at the beginning of the trail. It's worth for a hike. Don't forget to grab a good reliable stick at the entrance.

    Photos
    View from the top
    View from the top
    Okolehao Trail
    View from the top

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    View from the top
    The Powerline Trail

    The Powerline Trail

    5.0
    (2 reviews)
    4.7 km

    From Kapaa (6.1 miles roundtrip)…read more Let me begin by letting you know what you might want to pack: 1. Bug Spray 2. Long Pants, Long sleeve shirt. 3. 3 pairs of socks 4. 3L of water minimum 5. A machete 6. A good sense of direction This trail was, in my opinion one of the toughest on the island currently. Reason being, besides the monster elevation gain, the fact that aside from a .3 mile section that was chainsaw cleared, there is not enough traffic through this trail to keep it well blazed...so you do the blazing. The first .25 is a cake walk up a cobble hill the width of a one lane road, and you think huh, my pick up could have done this section. Then at the top of the hill reality sets in, where someone tried to get up here and obviously got stuck leaving two huge ruts that have swelled with water and it wreaks like the zoo. Once you expertly craft a way around this you are greeted with a few banana trees. You might want to think twice, hack the fruit off with your machete and turn around and go home, seriously, consider it. For those of you like me and my wife, the bananas will be reward if and when you pass them on your way out. So you're in! The next quarter mile is bushwhacking through ferns, oversized grass, reeds, prickers, and anything and everything with thorns! Things yout didn't realize had thorns, and your happy you listened to me and are long pants and long sleevin it up! When you hit the .5 mile mark you will think you hit jackpot as this section is cleared via chain saw, like some one got airlifted in and paved your way. But suddenly, at the .75 mark (btdubs, no mile makers or trail markers on this bad boy) you realize that what was cut away was overgrown trees and limbs and such, and ferns, grass, prickers, they all grow back, fast! So now you are in it, and unless you are hiking it tomorrow, right after me, the odds of you moving quickly are slim, regardless of experience. Some have said boots are good, something water proof, I think, slow and steady wins here, picking your footing, being mindful of surroundings, enjoying the chaos of nature destroying what was once a road...sort of. So from .75 to about 2.50, you will be bushehacking, clearing up the trail, with your feet and a stick, or with that machete I told you to bring. But, if you packed all things on my list, you will be comfortable. At the 1.5 mark you pass a hillside to its right and snake down to where the trail is just about unrecognizable, move down further to you right, push through the tall weeds and just past this at the 1.7 mark (all these mile marks are "roughly") there is what I would consider a helicoper landing area. This is a nice spot for a rest, some great photos, and to strip down from your attire and air out, as though the full body coverage is necessary, it's also pretty darm warm. Move past this section to continue blazing your own trail, passing over around and though bogs, river beds and what looks like a trail, occasionally mistepping and trading out socks because you were wise ans brought a few pairs. Remmer that there are so many opportunities for great photos that it doesn't matter that it took you two hours to move two miles. Clear views of waialeale and kawaikini, direct un adulerteated shots of lihue, kapaa, sleeping giant, the hone steads. Waterfalls off to your right, valleys you have never seen before erupt in front of you. At about 2.5 the "road" seems to appear and you have degraded red dirt river bed with huge ditches and divots, slippery sections, pools of water that you want to avoid. You will slip at some point. Try like me to catch it on video, or as you are videotaping...don't worry my phone is okay. NOTE to self: get that gopro. The next section rises up quite a bit in elevation, in direct sunlight, but wide open with little debris. To your right you will see powerline T139. My guess, it's the 139 tower. Take this to the top of the hill, right around 3.1 miles and turn around. You will be blown away. Snap a pic, turn around and do it all over! Don't forget the bananas! Mahalo and Namaste

    Can't wait to complete the trail. Looks like a lot of fun. Big slippery ruts and inclines. Would…read morerecommend aggressive tires at a lower psi for some parts. I'll be back when I find a tow truck that's willing to snatch me out just incase

    Photos
    The Powerline Trail
    Epic pics on the powerline trail
    Epic pics on the powerline trail
    The Powerline Trail

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    Anini Beach Park

    Anini Beach Park

    4.4
    (242 reviews)
    5.2 km

    As a long secluded shoreline on the north shore of Kauai, Anini Beach Park is accessible by car via…read morea paved and winding road from the Kuhio Hwy. Another beautiful, worth-visiting beach park on the north shore of Kauai. The central point is the park, that provides plenty of paved parking (parking is also available on the side of the road that hugs the coastline). This park has dedicated camping sites, and we saw many backpack tents set-up further in from the shoreline, usually underneath shade provided by the false kamani trees. The park contains a lot of green space and facilities. My wife and I ate our deli lunch at a nearby picnic table. Turtles often come on shore here, though there were none today (probably because we came in the afternoon). One thing we noticed were all the multi-million dollar homes right on the other side of Anini Road once you pass by Anini Beach Park traveling to the west (it's a dead end, so would need to circle back to get out). They are rentable via the typical companies, and would be great for beach loving families who want to spend some secluded time near the ocean. Also in the area are small pockets where one can park their car and go out into shoreline. From there, one can see and explore the large coral reef that rings this area.

    We had a good time there today. The place is nice, although there were a lot of people it's still…read moreprovided for everybody, and had the best day at the beach there!!!

    Photos
    Anini Beach Park
    Anini Beach Park
    Anini Beach Park

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    Hanalei Bay Lookout

    Hanalei Bay Lookout

    4.0
    (2 reviews)
    2.2 km

    Hanalei Bay Lookout is located in the Princeville area of Kauai on the north shore of the island…read more It's a very quick roadside stop on the windy and twisty Kuhio Highway. I'd suggest driving slowly as the small shoulder only accommodates a couple of cars. And...the lookout is situated on the right hand side of the road heading towards Hanalei. If you're coming from Hanalei, it's pretty difficult to pull over onto the left side of the shoulder facing oncoming traffic. If you try to make a fast 360 degree U-turn, be careful because during the height of the day, Kuhio Highway is busy! I only needed 5 - 10 minutes to soak up the surroundings. It's a cool, worthwhile view offering an expansive look at the lush, green Hanalei landscape. The mountains set in the distance provide a vivid setting oozing Hawaiian appeal, like you're standing high above a tropical paradise. My only slight hindrance about this overlook was some old graffiti paint staining on the guardrail. It didn't ruin my picture moment, but it was noticeable. Next door to this Hanalei Bay Lookout just half a mile down the road is Hanalei Valley Lookout. So, you get rewarded with 2 vista point perspectives for the price of 1. Hanalei Valley is a lot more accommodating to tourists with bigger shoulder spacing for parking and in my opinion, a more photogenic overlook highlighted by patchwork taro fields and flourishing green vegetations. Btw, there are no road signs along Kuhio Highway mentioning either Hanalei Bay or Valley Lookouts. I plugged both destinations into Google Maps which made finding them a whole lot easier. Overall, I'd suggest stopping here at Hanalei Bay Lookout. It barely takes effort to capture a scenic glance of Northern Kauai. Just pull off Kuhio Highway, exit your car, admire the panoramic scenery for a few minutes, get back inside and drive away with a fond memory.

    Gorgeous lookout but on a dangerous curve. Limited parking (2 cars max) on the shoulder of a curve…read moregoing down a hill, so it's very dangerous to get out of your car on the driver's side. Very beautiful view but obviously lots of car noise. No place to sit or wander around, so be very careful if you have children in tow. Visited January 2023.

    Photos
    This is Hanalei Bay Lookout.
    This is Hanalei Bay Lookout.
    I sat on the guardrail for a picture from Hanalei Bay Lookout.
    I sat on the guardrail for a picture from Hanalei Bay Lookout.
    Hanalei Bay Overlook. January 2023.

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    Hanalei Bay Overlook. January 2023.
    Sea Lodge Beach

    Sea Lodge Beach

    4.3
    (23 reviews)
    3.4 km

    The first time we found this trail, we weren't sure what it was going to. It had rained recently…read moreand I was in poor shoes, and I slid and fell in the mud. We turned back that day but our whole trip, we were curious what was down there. So now, a few days before leaving, we tried again wearing water shoes- since they seemed to have better grip. I recommend keeping your hands free, as some places can still be slick when it hasn't been raining super recently. There's a few sections where there's tied up rope to help you hold on and keep your balance while climbing- make sure you use it! I wouldn't bring anyone not able-bodied on this trip. As intimidating as the hike sounds, the final points were absolutely breathtaking, the most spectacular beach I've ever seen. The snorkel water was calm, and you can see through it crystal clear without even needing snorkel goggles (although I would still bring some!). Take your time, be careful, go slow, and this trail will reward you. Right before the beach, it does turn into a bit of rock climbing, but nothing too challenging if take your time. You'll definitely feel the Hawaiian jungle vibes. The path can be tight, and you'll be touched with lots of leaves and vines; I would never do this hike somewhere snakes exist. It was a once in a lifetime experience! There were even a few chicken friends on our hike (like everywhere else here!) make sure you wear your reef safe sunscreen!

    I read a lot of reviews before hiking to this beach. No one gave me any problems using the trail…read more(some reviews reference this regarding private property signs). The trail was very steep and covered with slick mud, but with good shoes, you can take your time and make it through the hike with no problem. I just walked very slowly and carefully. The trail isn't that long, and I would say it took about 20 mins to get to the beach. The beach has good sand, lots of shade, and a cool rock wall at the back of the beach. Some people were snorkeling and saw a sea turtle . I would say it is worth the hike in to this secluded beach if you are careful.

    Photos
    Beautiful 'candy corn' like droppings along a few parts of the trail.
    Beautiful 'candy corn' like droppings along a few parts of the trail.
    Lots of shade and really coarse lovely sand.
    Lots of shade and really coarse lovely sand.
    Easy entry and exit today!

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    Easy entry and exit today!

    Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike - hiking - Updated June 2026

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