10 Best Waimea Canyon Hikes: Detailed Comparison & Review
Best Waimea Canyon Hikes for All Skill Levels in Kauai, Hawaii
Waimea Canyon’s scenic splendor and variable terrain make it a must-visit destination on Kauai for hikers and outdoor lovers.
While you can enjoy the beauty of the canyon from the many drive-up Waimea Canyon lookouts, hikes in Waimea Canyon allow for a much more immersive experience.
Marvel at the beautiful red and green colors, admire waterfalls, look for native flora and native birds (and hear the birdsong!), and be awed by the rainbows that sometimes drape the cliffs and canyon!
There are hikes in Waimea Canyon for both casual hikers and hikers that are looking for a challenge.
Both Waimea Canyon State Park and Koke’e State Park offer hiking trails of varying lengths and difficulty levels.
Very short Waimea Canyon hikes like the Iliau Loop can be done even on a sightseeing trip to the area, while longer trails like the Awa’awapuhi Trail require a few hours.
The hikes here are so popular that avid hikers spend a couple of nights (or more) in the region to hike several trails in Waimea Canyon.
Hiking Waimea Canyon is one of the most exciting things to do in Kauai for outdoor enthusiasts. Bring lots of water, wear shoes with good grip, and the enjoy the beautiful trails in west side Kauai!
We’ve described below some of the best trails to hike in Waimea Canyon and Koke’e State Parks.
Considering a visit to Waimea Canyon? Be sure to check out our Waimea Canyon guide for all the details you need to plan!
Looking for an exciting waterfall hike on Kauai? Check out this guided excursion to Secret Falls with its pretty plunge pool. Kayak the Wailua River and hike through rainforest to this beautiful east side waterfall! 🛶 🥾
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Kauai, check out some of the top things to do in Kauai, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Waimea Canyon Hikes: A Quick Comparison
| Hike | Difficulty | Distance | Highlights | Trailhead |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls | Moderate | ~3.6 miles (round trip) | Scenic rim views, stream crossing, and a refreshing cascade at Waipo’o Falls | Pu‘u Hinahina Lookout or Halemanu Road |
| Iliau Nature Loop | Easy | 0.3 mile (loop) | Quick nature fix with panoramic canyon vistas and native iliau plant info | Between mile markers 8–9 on Hwy 550 |
| Kukui Trail | Challenging | ~5 miles (round trip) | Steep descent into the canyon floor with dramatic 2,240-ft elevation drop and breathtaking views | ~0.75 mile past mile marker 8 on Waimea Canyon Road |
| Cliff Trail | Easy | 0.1 mile (spur; up to 0.8 mi total if extended) | A short spur offering sweeping canyon vistas and a chance to spot mountain goats | Along Halemanu Road near Koke’e State Park entrance |
| Awa’awapuhi Trail | Strenuous | 6 miles (round trip) | Lush rainforest descent to a lookout with jaw-dropping views of Awa’awapuhi Valley and Na Pali Coast | Near mile marker 17 on Koke’e Road |
| Pihea Trail | Moderate–Difficult | ~7.8 miles (can be shortened) | Immersive trek with stunning views of Kalalau Valley and a mix of forest and boardwalk segments | At Pu‘u o Kila Lookout, end of Koke’e Road |
| Alaka’i Swamp Trail | Challenging | ~7 miles (round trip) | Unique boardwalk experience through an alpine bog with excellent birdwatching and misty vibes | On Mohihi Road near the Koke’e State Park Headquarters |
| Kaluapuhi Trail | Easy | 1.6 miles (round trip) | Pleasant forest stroll with native bird sightings and red dirt accents | Just past Kalalau Lookout on Koke’e Road |
| Koke’e Nature Trail | Very Easy | 0.2 mile (loop) | A brief, educational loop featuring interpretive signage about native flora | Behind the Koke’e Museum |
| Nu’alolo Trail | Difficult | 7.6 miles (round trip) | Sweeping views of Nu’alolo Valley and Na Pali Coast, with challenging climbs along the way | Near the Koke’e State Park Headquarters |
Hikes in Waimea Canyon State Park
1. Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls
The Waimea Canyon Trail is moderately challenging and arguably the most popular trail in Waimea Canyon.
The Canyon Trail runs along the rim of Waimea Canyon, offering spectacular up-close looks of the scenic canyon all the way to the top of Waipo’o Falls, where you cross a stream and are met by a pool and small cascade.
You can access the Canyon Trail at the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout, or on Halemanu Road.
If you start at the Pu’u Hinahina Lookout, the total length of the out-and-back trail is 3.6 miles.
En route, you will come to a fork with a sign to the short Cliff Trail, worth doing for the view!
Note that the downhill to the top of Waipo’o Falls is a little steep. Trekking poles will come in handy here!
At the fork, go left to view the small cascade that drops into a nice plunge pool.
Going right (more challenging) will take you to the top of the 800-foot Waipo’o Falls that you can see from the lookouts on the opposite side of the canyon.
Waipo’o Falls is just one of the thrilling Kauai sights you’ll see on a helicopter tour of Kauai. On a clear day, you’ll get a wonderful view of the two tiers of the tall waterfall.
2. Iliau Nature Loop
Doable for most visitors to Waimea Canyon State Park, the Iliau Nature Trail is a 0.3-mile easy loop with negligible elevation change.
The Iliau Nature Loop offers fantastic views of the Waimea and Waialae Canyons, and offers the opportunity to get acquainted with some of the plants that grow here.
The trail is named for the endangered iliau plant, which has long narrow leaves and cream-colored flowers that are slightly fragrant.
You’ll find the trailhead for the Iliau Nature Loop between mile markers 8 and 9 along Highway 550.
3. Kukui Trail
The challenging Kukui Trail takes you all the way down to the floor of the Waimea Canyon and back up, for a round-trip out and back route of about 5 miles.
The elevation drop is 2,240 feet, so be prepared for a tough climb back up!
The Kukui Trail offers beautiful views all around, and offers a different perspective as you look up at the walls of the canyon when you are on the way up.
You will find the trailhead for the Kukui Trail about 0.75 mile past mile marker 8 as you drive into Waimea Canyon.
Hikes in Koke’e State Park
4. Cliff Trail
The Cliff Trail is a short and easy trail is a spur off the Canyon Trail and the spur is just 0.1 mile long. Hike it for great views of Waimea Canyon!
Keep an eye out for mountain goats as you walk.
The trailhead is located on Halemanu Road. If you choose, you can park at the entrance to Koke’e State Park and walk the 0.8-mile length of Halemanu Road to the start of the Cliff Trail.
5. Awa’awapuhi Trail
One of the most iconic hikes in Kauai, the Awa’awapuhi Trail is a challenging hike only suitable for experienced hikers.
The trail traverses dense jungle and drops down to the rim of the Awa’awapuhi Valley, to a lookout point that offers incredible views of the Na Pali Coast on clear days.
At a total round-trip distance of 6 miles and an elevation change of about 1,300 feet, the Awa’awapuhi Trail, while not technically challenging, is definitely strenuous, and you will definitely feel the trudge back up!
Look for the trailhead for the Awa’awapuhi Trail near mile marker 17 along Koke’e Road.
6. Pihea Trail
A scenic trail that can be dangerous when muddy, the Pihea Trail offers spectacular views into the Kalalau Valley of the Na Pali Coast on clear days.
While the complete trail is long, at about 7.8 miles, you can hike as much or as little of it as you like.
The views of the Kalalau Valley make even the first 0.5 mile of the trail worthwhile. Later the trail heads into the forest before turning into a boardwalk trail over the Alakai Swamp.
The Pihea Trail offers opportunities to spot native Hawaiian birds like the ‘apapane and ‘i’iwi. You will also see rare and endangered plants along the route.
The trailhead for the Pihea Trail is at the Pu’u O Kila Lookout, at the end of Highway 550 in Koke’e State Park.
7. Alaka’i Swamp Trail
One of the more unique trails in the Waimea Canyon area, the Alakai Swamp Trail traverses shallow bogs and native rainforest.
The trail ends at the Kilohana Lookout, which offers breathtaking views over the Wainiha Valley, Hanalei Valley, and Hanalei Bay to the ocean. It is a just reward for persevering to the end of the strenuous Alakai Swamp Trail!
The Alakai Swamp Trail is great for birdwatching and observing native plants. Look for Hawaiian birds like the endangered ‘akikiki, the ‘elepaio, the ‘amakihi and more.
The Alakai Swamp Trail is 7 miles round trip. It is an out-and-back trail, with an elevation change of about 1,200 feet.
The trailhead for the Alakai Swamp Trail is on Mohihi Road, near the Kokee State Park Headquarters.
8. Kaluapuhi Trail
An easy, wide trail in Koke’e State Park, the Kaluapuhi Trail traverses ohia forest, with opportunities to spot native Hawaiian birds like the ‘apapane (and hear their song!).
The out-and-back trail is 3.2 miles round trip and relatively flat. Some hikers do it as a loop, walking Koke’e Road on the return trip.
If you choose to walk along the road, know that it is narrow and has a fair bit of traffic. It is advisable to walk the trail in both directions instead.
Note that the trail can be muddy, and the red dirt is staining. Wear shoes you do not mind discarding if the stain does not wash off.
The trailhead is just past the Kalalau Lookout, on Koke’e Road.
9. Koke’e Nature Trail
Another very easy (and very short) trail in Koke’e State Park, the Nature Trail offers you the opportunity to observe native plants.
There is interpretive signage, so you can learn as you walk.
The Nature Trail is a 0.2-mile loop, and the trailhead is found just behind the Koke’e Museum.
10. Nu’alolo Trail
A challenging hike in Koke’e State Park, the Nu’alolo Trail is a must-do if you are an experienced and strong hiker looking for sensational views. Pick a clear day for your hike!
The out and back trail is 7.6 miles round trip, and there is also a route that can be added to make it a loop with the Awa’awapuhi Trail. We suggest hiking this trail on its own though, for the best bang for your hiking buck.
The views of the Na Pali Coast and the Nu’alolo Valley are breathtaking. Koke’e State Park is one of the few places on Kauai with land access to views of the remote Na Pali cliffs.
The trailhead is located by the headquarters of Koke’e State Park.
Planning your Kauai itinerary? Also consider:
a sunset cruise of the Na Pali Coast ⛴️ 🌄
a guided kayaking + hiking trip to Secret Falls on the east side, 🛶 🥾 🛶
or an airplane tour over Kauai! ✈️ ✈️