Beware, however, that the Nualolo trail was closed when we were there. But for now, keep going straight to the Vista. This way, you avoid hiking on the road when there is a lot of traffic and when you're done, you're already at your car (which you'll probably be thankful for). Go early, we had the trail nearly all to ourselves which was great when we reached the overlook. Also bring good rain gear and waterproof shoes if you know the weather won't be great. approx 2 hours to reach the end, and 2.5 hours back. I recommend checking the weather forecast and preparing for cold and wet even though it's sunny and warm on the west side. The open vistas along the way aren't even the best part! The mud varies apparently, but it’s no joke and you should not underestimate it. The rain isn't as plentiful here and if you've been hiking any portion in a mist or the rain, it'll likely get drier from here on out. As noted above, a tip we've heard and followed is to actually park at Awa'awapuhi early in the morning and then hike down to the Nualolo trailhead. Luckily it cleared up as I got closer to the end of the trail. We were unprepared for the length and difficulty of this trail due to an error in a description we read on a blog. slip. Don't let the steep slot that comes next deter you; keep going until you reach the junction of Nualolo Cliff Trail. The Nualolo Cliff Trail begins between the 3-mile and 3.25-mile markers on the Nualolo Trail and meets the Awaawapuhi Trail near the 3 mile point. Now it's time to head back. My GPS says she was right. That is, the hike is longer than the ‘official’ distances indicate. This is a video of the whole 11.5 mile loop starting with Nualolo Trail, crossing over with the Nualolo Cliffs trail, and then back up the Awaawapuhi Trail. Start the hike early if you are doing the whole thing!! At a half-mile in the trail will finally level off and you'll be surrounded by a number of ferns, karaka nut, and ohia trees. If you are in good shape and up for a challenge, there is the option continuing onto the Nualolo cliff trail and then Nualolo trail, making the total hike 10 miles. If you have extra water, this may be the time to leave some of it behind. The views of Nualolo Aina Valley are simply breathtaking! Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. This trail connects to the Awa'awapuhi Trail via the Nualolo Cliff Trail making a nice loop trip (approx 11 mile loop). The Kokee Lodge and Museum will also have maps available, but we'd definitely advise you to go ahead and review the map and become familiar with the area. Eventually you get views of the whole Napali coast! We had great weather for this hike. I had read many things about this loop, which links the Nualolo and Awaawapuhi ridge trails with the Nualolo Cliff Trail and a portion of road walking to connect the trailheads in a ~12 mile loop. This itinerary can also be reversed, with hikers commencing the trek at the Awaawapuhi trailhead, cutting across the Nualolo Cliff Trail and then ending at the Nualolo Trail start. Hawaii's official trail and access website administered by the Nā Ala Hele Trails and Access Program, Division of Forestry and Wildlife, State of Hawaii Weird, but there it is and plan your tome accordingly! Mahalo! We are very experienced hikers if that matters at all. Awaawapuhi Trail – 3.1 miles. You walk uphill and start switchbacking. Learn about the best time to visit Kauai →, Our Kauai travel tips & recommendations →, Explore Kauai Hotels & Resorts Search Now. As we noted, if you've planned ahead, the Nualolo Cliff Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail are a great way to improve on an already great hike. to the road on the Awaawapuhi trail, leaving you a 1.7 mile walk down the road back to your car at the Nualolo trailhead. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. Either way, it's definitely wiser to hike the trails in a clockwise manner, ending at Awa`awapuhi so as to ensure you are uphill from the Nualolo trailhead and can hike down to your vehicle. We hiked the ‘Cliffs’ version of this trail, a loop where you start on the Nualolo trail, hike into the vista, backtrack 3/4 mile to the Cliffs trail junction, take the Cliffs trail 2 miles over to its junction with the Awaawapuhi trail, do the vista there and then hike back out. We started out at the Nualolo trail head. The views here are incredible, but be sure to watch your step. Here are some of our favorite Kauai guided tours, as well as helpful maps to get you oriented. At the three-mile point, you'll come to a junction with an old hunters route. The Nualolo and Awaawapuhi Loop is a 16km loop that starts descending through a lush forest to panoramic vistas of the Na Pali coastline. 2021 Hawaii Travel Guide. It is a hike for experienced trekkers and there were many slips from members of our hiking crew. Don't be disappointed when your pictures fail to capture just how majestic the view from the overlook is. If you have a car shuttle then you can start at the Awa'awwapuhi trailhead. Just remember you'll end at a mile and a half up the road, and need to hike back down Highway 550 to the Ranger Station (hey, at least it's downhill). While there, we recommend you check the board at the station for closures and other important information. The views are really starting to get good now. Connect the Island Trail to the Hammock Loop for a 2.7-mile figure-eight that tours one of Florida’s last virgin slash pine forests. Longitude: -159.6597337. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. If you're lucky, you might even catch a glimpse of the 'I'iwi. I’ve read that the cliff trail is closed, does anyone know if this means it is literally impassable or just closed to avoid state liability? Waimea Canyon (Rim trail and Kukui trail to the bottom and back) Would these be the 4 best trails? The cliff trail connects into the Awaawapuhi also out near the … You don't want to miss the views there. Cruise the Na Pali Coast on a sunset dinner cruise that explores an area of Kauai that’s impossible to reach by car. The Awaawapuhi Trail will take you on an ultimate journey as you ascend from 4,120 feet elevation in the Kokee State Park to the valley rim of Nualolo and Awa’awapuhi valleys at 2,500 feet. It's narrow and many folks drive faster than they should along this highway. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. With the mud and the lingering here and there and our usual modest pace, it took us 9 hours to cover the entire loop (!) It is not your typical hike. Bring LOTS of water, some food, and sunblock. While not relatively hard except for the high elevation ascent on the return, this trail leads through a cool misty forest to a desert-like climate overlooking both Nualolo Valley and Awaawapuhi Valley. BTW - Nualolo is only 3.75 miles one-way (not 5) and if you want the best hike take Nualolo to cliff trails to Awa'awapuhi (full loop). The residents speak Hawaiian and no visitors are permitted without prior approval. Latitude: 22.12921593 This is your reward. Total distance of about 13 miles w elevation gain about 2200 feet. The trail skirts the upper rim of the precipitous Nuʻalolo Valley and permits a “loop” route from the head of Awaawapuhi Trail to Kokee State Park Headquarters or vise versa. All Rights Reserved. It's windy out there, and the cliff isn't made of the most stable soil, so use extreme caution. As you gaze out at the ocean, you'll notice Niihau and Lehua islet. more. Trail eventually dried out for the most part and the Nualolo vista is incredible. Nestled between the Ouachitas and Ozarks lies the 1,120-foot jumble of ancient sandstone known as Petit Jean Mountain. Keep an eye out for local birds; this is a great place to do some birdwatching. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Download your FREE copy of our... You can view the loop trail by opening Google Earth and viewing our Nualolo and Awaawapuhi Loop Trail map. This website's use is your expressly conditioned acceptance of the terms, conditions, and disclaimers found within our Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability page without any modifications. As the sun goes down, enjoy drinks, appetizers, and a buffet dinner served on deck while someone else handles the navigation. 1 of 1 0 other reviews that are not currently recommended The elevation change was extremely tiresome as much of the way back is uphill. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. The trailheads are 2 miles apart with Awa'awapuhi being uphill of Nualolo. This was a life saver for me especially up and down the slick muddy hills where you can see lots of slippage from previous hikers. The trail is very well defined and easy to follow all the way through except for one moment at about the 1.5-mile mark. Prepare to be out for 4-5 hours. It basically has four sections, Nualolo trail, Nualolo Cliffs trail, Awaawapuhi trail and a section on highway 550 if you don't have multiple vehicles. Just stunning! The trail starts near the 3.0 mile point on the Awaawapuhi Trail and meets the Nualolo Trail between the 3 mile and 3 1/4 mile markers. Shortly after this point, the footing can get tricky through a series of deep clay-like ruts. Travel in a comfortable catamaran with indoor and outdoor seating as you see emerald valleys, waterfalls, and sea caves from the ocean. Hikers w substantial experience will enjoy it, but we encountered some novices having real trouble. All partners and related links comply with our Advertising Disclosures. If you do not agree with any part of these terms and conditions, you should not use this website. If you're looking for a full-day hike, consider making the Nualolo trail the first part of a three-trail trek. A bit south of the Na Pali Trail is the strenuous 11-mile loop trail Nualolo-Awaawapuhi. The trail skirts the upper rim of the Nualolo Valley and permits a "loop" route from the head of Awaawapuhi Trail to Kokee Park Headquarters or vice versa. Overall, Nu alolo Trail / Awaawapuhi Loop is the 6th most popular hiking trail of all 45 hikes in Hawaii. © Copyright 2021 — Guide of US, LLC. For the experienced hiker, plan an all-day loop hike down Nualolo Trail, along the Nualolo Cliff Trail, and back up Awaawapuhi Trail, or vice versa (though we recommend the first option). Nualolo trail hikers can either return from the final lookout or follow the longer loop trail ending at Awaawapuhi trailhead. The trail starts near the 3.0 mile point on the Awaawapuhi Trail and meets the Nuʻalolo Trail between the 3 mile and 3 1/4 mile markers. Nualolo Loop Trail is an intersection of three hiking trails. The whole way there is slightly downhill almost the whole time and coming back in slightly uphill, which mak, Seems easy enough, 3.8 mile out and back... Don't be fooled, it's an intense hike! The trail starts in Koke'e forest and descends into drier and drier terrain, leading out over a narrow ridge to the point, back a half mile to the cliff trail junction that leads across the back of the Nualolo valley. Near the end of this trail is the Nualolo Cliff Trail which will take you over to Awa'awapuhi Trail (another great hike). The first part of the trail is uphill through forest. The views from the junction are wonderful as well, so don't risk it if it's wet. Helicopters flying thousands of feet below you in the valleys, boats along the coast. For the Nualolo Trail you will start at Kokee Ranger Station. The views along Nualolo are reputed to rival Awaawapuhi. After you cross another narrow saddle you'll climb steeply for a short segment before you reach a narrow ridge surrounded by vegetation. Spectacular views as far as the eye can see and well worth, This hike was no joke, but the views at the end are worth it! Luckily it cleared up as I got closer to the end of the trail. The Awaawapuhi vista was fine, though nowhere near as spectacular as the Nualolo. Bear right to continue the trail. I hiked Nu'alolo during a storm and 80% of the hike was in the rain and mud. Another mile (2 miles in), you'll begin to notice the vegetation change. This rather lengthy, strenuous hike combines the Nualolo, Awaawapuhi and Loop trails, varying in length from an out-and-back nine mile option to a loop hike of 12 miles. The Nualolo Cliff Trail is a 7.6 mile out and back trail. This rather lengthy, strenuous hike combines the Nualolo, Awaawapuhi and Loop trails, varying… [Continue Reading] This is a walk along the island’s intriguing Southeast coast where you encounter the most extensively documented record of Hawaii’s natural history and cultural past. and we hiked back down the road to our car under the stars. There were no signs or other indications of the closure. First 1.25m of the Nualolo was a steep downhill, heavy w mud wallows, making hiking poles essential and slowing us considerably. The trail isn't very dangerous (ie steep cliffs) so older kids should be ok, but it's a tiring excursion. A brief walk along the highway completes the loop, returning hikers to the small parking lot fronting the start of the Nualolo Trail. I've done the Grand Canyon several times and was surprised that at many points this hike was more difficult. Elevation drop and gain is 1,500-1,700 feet. And the mud factor on the hike out along the Awaawapuhi trail was far less troublesome than on the Nualolo. It's all downhill (which means all uphill on the way back) to the grassy point that overlooks the sheer cliffs of Awa`awapuhi and Nualolo valleys resting 2,000 feet below. It had been raining for weeks apparently, though none for three days when we hiked. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Here at GuideofUS- Hawaii, we have explored on our own and with some of the best guided tours available. Save energy for the hike back...the last mile is definitely the most difficult since you are not only tired, but it’s all up hill. The hike out is harder than in, bring plenty of water and cliff or other energy bars. Niihau is the last remnant of "old Hawaii." The loop is combination of 3 trails: the Nualolo Trail (3.75 miles), Nualolo Cliffs Trail (~2.5miles) and the Awaawapuhi Trail (3.25) miles which makes for a 9.5 mile loop. Then you get to head back down again. The attendant at the museum/info center told us that the Nualolo trail is 4.5 miles one way to the vista versus the 3.75 given as the ‘official’ distance. Nualolo/Awaawapuhi Loop. This trail is used mostly as an access route for hunters but also serves as an alternate route to the cross over Nuʻalolo Cliff Trail to Awaawapuhi Trail. Spectacular views as far as the eye can see and well worth the effort! The Best Day Hikes in America: Seven Hollows. If it has rained recently, you may want to skip this last part of the trail altogether. If you're up for a long day hike (and don't mind hiking 1.5 miles back to your car at the end), you can always take Nualolo Cliff Trail over to Awa'awapuhi Trail. It took us. Hotels near Historic Kong Lung Market Center, Hotels near Aloha 'n Paradise Espresso Bar, Hotels near Manawaiopuna Falls (Jurassic Park Falls), Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing in Kauai, Princeville Botanical Gardens: Tickets & Tours, Waimea Canyon State Park: Tickets & Tours. If you plan to hike this "loop" trail, please make note that the trailheads are 1.5 miles apart, so the distance between should be added to your total mileage … This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Nualolo - Awa'awa'puhi Trail Hike This is perhaps the premiere hike to see the Na Pali from the west side of the island. View the Nu'alolo Cliff Trail for current conditions, it can be overgrown. The better prepared you are at the beginning, the more likely you will successfully complete the hike. The trail starts off at approximately 3,660 feet with a short uphill along a series of switchbacks - you'll huff and puff until about 1/4 a mile in when you reach the top of the ridge. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. If you plan to hike this "loop" trail, please make note that the trailheads are 1.5 miles apart, so the distance between should be added to your total mileage unless you are able to catch a ride between them. Enjoy! Luckily it cleared up as I got closer to the end of the trail. I hiked Nu'alolo during a storm and 80% of the hike was in the rain and mud. In the event it's dry and you are fortunate enough to make it out to the Lolo Vista Point, the views speak for themselves. Awa'awapuhi was a good hike but Nualolo is a better hike and the overlook is 10x better (you can see the entire Napali coast line from nualolo). I've done both of those too and neither are as impressive as the view from the top at the end of this hike! We only discovered this when some hikers told us as they headed back along the Awaawapuhi. Near the end of this trail is the Nualolo Cliff Trail which will take you over to Awa'awapuhi Trail (another great hike). Pihea/Alakai Trail. It's worth it though, the views are spectacular! The Lolo Vista Point is a little more than a quarter mile from this juncture. I did it in reverse order and had to walk up the road for 2 miles to get back to my rental car. You'll start off in fairly dense forest before the trail opens up near the end with some views that will amaze you. This is an almost 11.5 mile loop. Beware, however, that the Nualolo trail was closed when we were there. This trail promises to awe even the most experienced hiker. The Ciffs connector trail was a surprise - interesting in its own right but unblazed w few markers, narrow, little used, subject to blocking w deadfalls, sometimes faint and challenging to follow. The crisscrossing of trails and 4x4 roads can be confusing at first, but once you select your routes, it's not too bad. This trail is used mostly as an access route for hunters but also serves as an alternate route to the cross over Nualolo Cliff Trail to Awaawapuhi Trail. This 6.2 mile out-and-back hike offers amazing views from cliffs of Awa‘awapuhi and Nualolo Valley. Disclaimer of Warranty and Limitation of Liability. This hike was longer and more difficult than the Awaawapuhi but far more rewarding - fewer hikers, better vistas. is to bring/wear waterproof shoes and crampons. Arkansas Trails. As for the trail, the ground was wet and slick, the texture of clay, with tangled roots nearly the entire 3+ miles. This hike can be combined with the Aaawapuhi Trail for a 10-mile loop hike. DANGER – Do not venture beyond the safety railings at the end of the trail! Do not get the dirt on your clothing, it'll never come out! Best to do the Nualolo - Cliff - Awa'awapuhi Trails in that order. None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly. Highly recommend but stick to a day with no rain in the forecast (good luck). You're now at approximately 2,234 ft. above sea level and no doubt you've thought about having to regain the 1,400+ ft. you dropped on the way down. And trust us when we say that with a guided tour, you get to see and experience things in a way you simply cannot do independently. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. Is this a must-do if you are traveling with a, Are the prices for this place or activity, Is this a romantic place or activity that you would suggest for, Would you recommend this place or activity to a friend looking for an, Is this a place or activity you would go to on a, We hiked the ‘Cliffs’ version of this trail, a loop where you start on the Nualolo trail, hike into the vista, backtrack 3/4 mile to the Cliffs trail junction, take the Cliffs trail 2 miles over to it, I hiked Nu'alolo during a storm and 80% of the hike was in the rain and mud. Several of the better hiking trails are nearby Nu alolo Trail / Awaawapuhi Loop including Kalalau Trail, Waimea Canyon, Okolehao Trail, Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, Powerline Trail … When you've reached the one-mile point, you'll pass through a couple of grassy areas among some ferns. Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures, Royal Coconut Coast - Hotels & Activities. We started the hike from Nualolo Trailhead near Kokee Museum. No rain fall occurred within a couple days so the trail was relatively dry, but some areas of deep mud lingered. At this two-mile point, you'll bear north and cross a narrow saddle. If you want to get on the trail early, consider camping at Koke'e State Park. Nualolo – Awaawapuhi Loop This is a famous hike at Na Pali Coast, from the Nualolo trail to Awaawapuhi trail, a 11 mile loop (plus 3 miles to walk from awaawapuhi back to car at Nualolo). Fantastic day, BUT some important notes! The two trails are connected by the Nualolo Cliffs Trail, a 2.2 mile connector trail. The end of the trail is up to the hikers as it seems to go on forever. Upon arriving however, it became apparent that this loop is no longer possible as signage clearly indicated that the connecting Nualolo Cliff trail is closed due to a landslide. Once you reach the top its a steady downhill the rest of the way. The trail ends at 2,234 feet elevation. This trail has a slight incline in the beginning but get ready for downhill all the way starting at 4,120 feet and ending at 2,500 feet. Mud is a factor, it makes every step harder as you have to be extra careful not to. Don't forget to check our Kokee State Park Hiking page for information on all the incredible trails inside the park. The hike to the viewpoint is downhill, so prepare yourself for the thigh burner on the way out. The trail ends at Lolo Vista Point, a vertical perch 3,000 feet above the Nualolo Valley. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. If you are hiking between the trail heads, we are now advising hikers to park at Awa`awapuhi trailhead and hike the road down in the morning BEFORE they start their hike; thus allowing them to conclude the hike at their vehicle (versus having to then hike the final stretch at the end). The trail will lead you through rain forest, high desert like terrain and to some of the most awe inspiring vistas on Kauai’s Napali Coast. Staring at Nualolo Trail. The trail ends at a point 3,000 feet above the wind-swept cliffs of the Valley. Footing is extremely unstable, and the drop to the valley floor below is over 2,000 feet. The terrain is very muddy at times and winds you through a dense forest. The 3.8-mile Nualolo Trail splits into the recently reinstated Nualolo Cliff Trail on the right which then leads to the Awaawapuhi Trail. By the way, the distances on the occasional state park trail markers and official maps seem to be off about 20% from what you’ll get on a GPS tracker. Nualolo Trail starts near the Kokee State Park Headquarters at 3600 feet elevation. Description. Found in Koke`e State Park this trail winds through a highland forest with occasional ridge top views. There are a few ways you could tackle this loop. The Garden Isle truly is a marvel of Mother Nature... there are so many sights to see, trails to hike, and adventures to be had. Use extreme caution hiking along the road. Nu'alolo Trail and Awa'awapuhi Trail Loop is a 11 mile heavily trafficked loop trail located near Waimea, Hawaii, Hawaii that features beautiful wild flowers and is rated as difficult. On that page, we've also posted a map of the entire area (Kokee and Waimea State Parks) for you to download and print out at home. Another trail that offers similar views of NaPali and yet another photogenic valley is Honopu Ridge Trail, which is a few miles further up the road (Highway 550).
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