A bit of a drive to get there, but worth it. It's pretty much straight uphill 1.2 miles with some areas 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. read more

Nice view, if you're not afraid of steep, then continue to the second part. It's less than a mile. 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. read more

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This was a tough hike! I must not be All Trails savvy because we missed the turnout for the lookout, so this one is a bit tricky but oh so beautiful. There are some overgrown parts that really add to the jungle vibe, lol. We brought trekking poles that I found useful but you can go au natural and pick up a stick from the pile at the start just over the little bridge. Due to the location this is a wet hike since it rains at least a little most days up in Hanalei so be prepared for a bit of slick areas to trek through. It was a short but punchy hike - about 5 miles total. Beautiful views of Hanalei bay and the taro fields - seriously even if you stop at the bench point it is a lovely out and back that is worth the trek. If you can find the real lookout then it is looks out over 2/3 of the island! I feel like we saw it in chunks along the hike between the different view popouts through the trees and lookout points. I'd recommend wearing something longer than shorts ladies - lots of brush on the trail that scratches and rubs against your bare skin. Everyone is different of course - when we go again I'll certainly skip the shorts next time. Some crazies were in converse and flip flops - everyone has their own skill set but I highly recommend at least trail runners if not boots due to the slick, uneven terrain. I'm not quite the ballerina I'd like to be on trails through so bring on the aggressive tread for me! However you dress and whatever you wear for footwear, get out there and enjoy this slice of heaven. read more

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Very fun hike. Suggestion - go to 2nd lookout if you physically can. The first has wires blocking all your shots but the second is about 30 min further up but so worth it read more

Okolehao Trail - Start of trail - Hiking Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

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This was the last hike my wife and I took on our Kauai trip, and was recommended to us by a local. Man were we glad we took him up on it! The trail is muddy and super slippery especially after some rain, but the slips and slides are totally worth it as you're greeted at the top by a spectacular view of Hanalei! We stopped at the benches that are stationed at the top of the ridge, but if you want to go to the end of the trail it's another mile or so each way. My favorite part was the rope you use the climb up the last leg before the benches! Makes you feel like you're on a real expedition a la the Ho Chi Minh Trail in La Jolla. Another exceptional facet of this hike is the vast taro fields you drive through just to get to the trailhead. Do yourself a favor and stop by at Hanalei Taro afterward in Hanalei for a sample of some of the poi made straight from that same taro! read more

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Love the tranquletiy of this place! It makes me feel alive!!! Modivates me to do beond my means!!!MAHALO!!!

Nicely maintained hike with spectacular vistas of Hanalei and surrounding mountains. It is a moderate hike (about 1.49 miles to the benches / 960 feet elevation gain). It took us about 1 hour and 15 minutes to the "benches". We encountered a fellow hiker who went past the benches and she said the extended hike was not worth it. She said she was scratched up getting past some tight fauna and the end experience and view was not worth it. We took her word for it. This mostly shaded hike with crosswinds to cool you down. I can see this trail becoming more treacherous in heavy rains. read more

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We went hiking this trail on a bit of a whim with our two kids, ages 12 and 10. It was muddy, and steep like the majority of hikes in Kauai. We had sprayed bug spray in before we started & the bugs were not an issue for us. You definitely welcome like you are in the jungle, we stopped at the first lookout, which was nice. read more

Not too long a hike (~4 mi round-trip), but the first part can be steep in parts. Look for this bridge on the right of the road for the trailhead (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/okolehao-trail-hanalei?select=kInv-d6Xi_APzhiU-KeYhQ#kInv-d6Xi_APzhiU-KeYhQ). There's a dirt parking lot across the road. After the first steep section you come to this overlook where the trail u-turns (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/okolehao-trail-hanalei?select=kInv-d6Xi_APzhiU-KeYhQ#AhYNfFkDvW22UAEvoonFpQ). Nice, but power-lines mar the view. Keep going until you reach the bench with the Geo marker (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/okolehao-trail-hanalei?select=kInv-d6Xi_APzhiU-KeYhQ#tDGAIaOgf3L4BqRE8_M0dg) where you'll have unobstructed views of Hanalei Bay (http://www.yelp.com/biz_photos/okolehao-trail-hanalei?select=kInv-d6Xi_APzhiU-KeYhQ#Any6fXOEJMxD2HFWOfRM_g) read more

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Not for us. We read the reviews prior to this and thought a little mud won't deter us from doing this hike. We have 2 elementary aged kids and they're both good walkers/hikers. Boy, was I wrong! I don't think this is a strenuous hike and it's also not overly muddy but the amount of mosquitoes!!!! There's a small parking area to park you car. The first few minutes were great because it felt swampy and very jungle-like. Our shoes got muddy but not too bad. Then we started feeling bites within minutes all over our legs (this is after we lathered ourselves with repellent lotion). We were so itchy, we had to get out of there 10 minutes into our hike. I think if the mosquitoes weren't so vicious, we would've been able to hike the 1+ miles to the view point. read more

This was well worth the short steep hike! The start of the hike is definitely narrow and muddy (after the rain... which is usually always off and on in Kauai) Grab a "walking stick" that other hikers have left behind . Located to left of the bridge at the beginning or your hike... may help you balance getting around those muddy trails. Make use of your water resistant sunblock, & bug repellent. - left here with a total of 18 mosquito bites! Good to bring: wet naps, and towel (as careful and girly as I was with the mud, I came outta there covered in it!) extra pair of socks and shoes read more

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Especially since there aren't many hiking options around Hanalei, it was a real treat to find the Okolehao Trail. It starts as a lush jungle hike which then climbs steeply through dense forest. The views from the top are well worth the climb. It can get pretty muddy, so make sure to attempt long after the last rains. A complete trail description and printable map can be found at: http://www.trailsource.com/scripts/four.asp?ID=22468&TYPE=HIKE read more

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Nice elevation hike with nice view of Hanalei Valley. I was always wondering what this road between these 2 little one lane bridges would take. We will do this again. YELP 365 - 240/365 read more

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Pretty good trail, starts out a little muddy but not too steep but once you get out of the flow vegetation area you hit some steeper sections. If you go all the way to the end you'll get three different view points (one by some powerlines, one about at the half way point and one at the very end). If you're feeling adventurous and going to do the entirety of the trail expect that from the first lookout to the end it will take you about an hour and you will have about 4 more up and down roped sections to go through but as long as it's semi-dry and hasn't rained a crap ton recently you should be totally good to go! If you don't like slipping, dripping sweat or climbing on some ropes then go ahead and skip this hike otherwise the views are totally worth it! read more

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Nice and steep just how we like them in Alaska! Nice flora and bird calls, too dense to catch a sight of one though. A few or orchids blooming made it worth the sweat. Go all the way to the bench! Don't stop at the power line. Flora changes, more bird calls, steep but view worth the climb which culminates in a 10-ft roped section at the end. No worries a 60 yo couple did it. read more

This was a nice trail, though very muddy to the point we thought of turning back around, my whole foot was stuck in there. It's a gradual incline through lush green and as we pushed through the squishing of mud that went up our legs we reached a beautiful view. Lots of mosquitos on this trail, spray yourself down although I got bit right in the forehead. It's worth it keep your eyes open for little unique critters in here. read more

Okolehao Trail - Hiking Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

A muddy and strenuous hike, but the reward is great views of Hanelei Bay. You start through some swampy area which give the mosquitoes a chance for a breakfast bite. Then it is a uphill climb which can also feature more mud and slippery footing, depending on the recent rainfall. We went about 1.25 miles to the second view point, as the first is marred by electrical lines, And the trail between the two is not too tough so I would suggest going for it. Like we did, I would suggest going in the morning before it gets too hot. When driving from Princeville, cross the first one lane bridge and take the immediate left, and follow the road to the small parking lot. read more

Nice hike that will definitely get you winded. We liked that most of the trail was shaded. It rained on the way down which made it slippery. We think we were being stalked by Hawaiian chupacabra so were we're boogying down the trail. Didn't get eaten so I'd call it a good day. read more

Rigorous. Wow. Practically straight up. Saw a lot of unusual birds, trees, flowers. Wonder who lives at the end of this Ohiki Road ?? Anyone know? Whomever it is had a security guard at the gate. Probably that FacebookFuck. We loved this hike for the lack of people and abundance of unspoiled wilderness. I didn't make it to the top. I drink too much beer. I'll be back for another attempt soon. Aloha. read more

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This is a 2.25 mile trail that follows a ridge and climbs to an elevation of just over 1200 ft. The vistas at the top of this trail are absolutely amazing, one can see the entirety of the North Shore. I read in a trail book that this was once a prohibition trail used when Okolehao was a popular liquor and the plants it is distilled from (Ki) line the trail. This is a nice trail, it is only 4.5 miles round trip, but it is straight up for 2.25 miles, so the first half is a nice workout. We went the day after a rain, which was probably a mistake, because steep hikes and mud do not mesh particularly well together. There are some difficult points, and it can be quite slippery, so that is something to be aware of. All in all, a nice 1.5 hour hike, bring your camera because there are some wonderful shots to be taken! read more

This definitely is an intermediate trail. We are experienced hikers and we found it challenging. It was dry when we hiked it. It would be very treacherous if muddy. There are several times when you think you are "there" but you aren't. Beautiful scenery. Lovely, rigorous hike read more

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Excellent hike but not for the weak! it can get muddy and slippery and can be a tough climb so don't say I didn't warn you. once you get up to the green bench, rest...then keep going. The trail becomes much harder, much steeper, and a little harder to navigate. Be careful coming back as there are side trails which will lead you off path. Just be aware. 2000 foot elevation gain in 2 miles...need I say more? Bring a ton of water and some granola bars. read more

Five stars for steepness. Give stars for muddy trail. Five stars for friendly hikers. Five stars for the views.

We saw this hike in a not so secret secret book...it warned us it is VERY steep basically the whole way up. The book did not lie!!! It was also quite muddy. The trail is about 1.8 miles then almost stops before it turns into a scarier trail. About 1.43 miles up is a plateau with bench and a nice view. After that was really muddy and not really worth it. The best views are from that bench area. I recommend a walking stick if you're not an experienced hiker. Apparently the trail was used during the prohibition era which is kind of neat. All in all there are probably more scenic hikes to find but was a good workout. read more

Lesser traveled than the Kalalau Trail, which is really nice. You're able to feel more relaxed, and the trail is shaded for the most part. It's definitely steep at first but not too bad. Coming down is hard when muddy. read more

The trail was definitely challenging. Very slippery in the rain. But the views are breath taking!! So bring a bottle of water and a snack; good shoes and hiking sticks. Enjoy. read more

So the first day, i go up there with a liter of water and a granola bar. My goal was to hike to the ear where there is a tree sticking out, visible from far away. Well, i hike up 35 minutes and i see a bench, i am thinking, that was easy! Huh, when i got back, i was looking at the pictures i took. As you can guess, i wasnt at the top, wasn't even close. Because i still see the ear tip with the tree in the pictures, far far away :). By the way the water and snack was plenty for me, i don't need to go prepared as much but i would recommend going prepared specially for the past the bench portion of the hike. It is EXTREMELY DIFFICULT, you need long pants and long sleeve shirt, unless you can endure the constant poking and scraping fern plants. I had to, as i was in my swim trunks and nothing else. So day 2, i go back there, same amount of water and snack (there are a lot of those red berries you can eat alongside the trail, high in juice and vitamins. It will not make you sick. Eat as much as you can. Anyways, i am hiking past the bench and it ia getting harder and harder and harder. Dead fern plants digging in to my legs and chest as i bob and weave through the path. I climb down the first rope, than the 2nd and the longest 3rd one. I do not recommend going to hime this trail alone if your goal is to make it to the end. After the 3rd rope i hiked quite a bit more and i was still too far away from the first tip of the mountain. I mean i am hiking and hiking and it seems like the top of the mountain is getting farther and farther. There are part of the hikes where you are scared to look at either side of you, as it is a very high drop into bunch of plants. Probably 70 degree andgle drop. The trail is very slippery. The rain will increase the odds of you being swallowed by the forest. But anyways, after a little further hike, i decided to turn around and try it some other time with a machete (as i was told i needed it to get to the top). This trail sure has some great view points but only a few times thru out the trail, any other time you HAVE to keep your eyes on the trail, like i said, specially pass the first metal bench view point (i dont know if there is another one on the top). Good luck to everyone. read more

Very muddy trail. Good distance hike, but not much exposure to wind so very hot and muggy. Make sure to keep hiking after the bench to see the top. read more

Nice hike, great view of Hanalei Bay at the top, but not much better than what you can get at the lookout. It's a moderately strenuous hike, more than 2 miles straight up to the lookouts and even further if you continue past. Apparently there are some ropes at the top but we didn't make it. I liked it better for the workout than the view! read more

Firsts half steady climb. Second half very muddy and steep and bushes wack your legs. Got to such a steep part down on the trail that we had to turn around so never got to the waterfall another 1/2 mile in. read more

This was a VERY challenging hike. But only because we went nearly three miles each way... We were in search of the mythical "bench". After our "strenuous" hike we looked into it and the bench has been gone for some time. There is a large plateau near the 2-mile mark (mile markers disappeared after 1.75). I believe this is where that bench once stood. We kept going and went past 7-8 sketchy-looking ropes to scale up or down steep inclines. It was an awesome workout but very muddy and one false step could send you tumbling to your death (past that 2-mile point). However, the views were breathtaking. Oh, wear pants, shoes you don't care about destroying (mud), and LOTS of bug spray! Four stars as opposed to five because I'm from Colorado and our trails are far better maintained than this one was... read more

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Absolutely beautiful, and not absurdly strenuous. Just try not to go when it's too muddy! The views up top are spectacular. Also, bring a ton of bug spray. read more

Amazing views! I went up just over a mile, it felt like enough of a gift.

Would have been a 4 but too much mud. Yuck!!! We were determined not to fall, but we still slipped a ton. Nice look out at half way point.

Great short hike, took my wife and mom up it. It's pretty steep but like I said its short with a lookout of Hanalei 3/4 mile and around 2 miles maybe less. read more

Pretty Amazing Hike. We did it on a dry day and I can see how it would be difficult if it were muddy. I had a 15 month old on my back and was OK until about the 1.8-2.0 mile mark (started to head way down again and we decided to turn around because of the kid-o). Definitely steep in parts and you have to watch your step, but I would recommend it if you can handle the 1200 foot elevation gain and you are staying in Princeville. read more

I am very familiar with this trail. I used to live right on top of the bluff overlook Hanalei and this would be a "regular" hike. It is steep. I remember taking a group of organized hikes up this and actually having to dis-encourage an older overweight person to skip it as I was worried I might kill him. Now, I am in his shoes just about. I have been on a hiking routine for the last few weeks and I decided to re-visit my nemesis Okolehao. I broke my arm running this trail back in 2004. reverse spiral fracture. The trail can be very muddy any time of the year. The first 1/2 mile is basically straight up with only one switch back. You reach a large powerline tower and take a breather. The view here is pretty spectacular. You look down on Hanalei, with the bay and taro fields. Very nice. Then its up some more. The trail runs through forest with mossy dead fall and lots of squishy under brush. Strawberry guava surrounds the trail and during the summer months these are a nice light snack. the trail continues up at a slower pace. It has a few 100 foot steeper inclines and several areas where roots and standing guava give you handholds. At about a mile and a half there is a small bench located at the coastal survey marker. This may be the spot that you choose to pause, continue or call it a day. If you decide to go up the view is not significantly better but you will have the muddy satisfaction that you got there. Have fun and tread lightly on Kauai. aloha read more

just over 2 miles long. or should i say UP! parking area off to the left and the trail starts across the road. We went when it was somewhat muddy and drizzling. A little slick going up. Very slick coming down! I slipped on my okole once on the way down. 1 mile point has very nice vistas of hanalei and beyond. we decided to turn back as it was raining alot! Will definitely return on a dry day! 1 and a half hours up and down. bring a camera, do the hike, head for a bar in hanalei and drink a cold one....or three! read more

a couple of friends and I wanted to go on a short hike and read up on okolehao to be interesting. everyone said it was short and nice so that's what we were looking for. 3-4 hours later, we're finally at the little tree on the mountain you see from the street view, and realize people reviewing this trail were probably confused about the length of the trail and did not get all the way to the end. totally unprepared but luckily we all love the type of shit that okolehao entailed so we were thankful. definitely my favorite hike I've ever been on, definitely very challenging. don't go if it's rained a few days beforehand or if it looks like it'll rain that day, too dangerous honestly. read more

Beautiful hike and a good work out. It's usually muddy near the bottom and the first stretch of elevation especially. The views over Hanalei are beautiful and a great way to orientate to the Hanalei area. Views along both sides of the ridge are awesome. read more