Awa’awapuhi Trail: The Most Beautiful Family-Friendly Nāpali Coast Hike

The Nāpali Coast is 17 miles of rugged, colorful coastline along the coast of Kauai. It is a sacred place that is mostly untouched land. The best way to see the Nāpali Coast is by sea or air, but there are a handful of hiking trails that give visitors epic views of these colorful cliffs and the Pacific Ocean below. Most of these hiking trails take visitors along steep drops off, making them dangerous. The Awa’awapuhi Trail takes hikers through the lush jungles down to a viewpoint of the breathtaking Nāpali Coast without the unsafe trail conditions.

The Awa’awapuhi Trail is quite the climb at almost 2,000 feet of elevation gain, but it is a gradual climb the entire way and never too steep. It can be a challenging day hike for kids, but it is a safe option and the perfect trail to be able to enjoy this once in a lifetime spot.

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Things to Know About The Awa’awapuhi Trail

• The Nāpali Coast has two primary seasons: dry season (May-October) and wet season (November-April). It is also one of the rainiest areas on Kauai, with up to 450 inches in certain areas. All that rain means that the Nāpali Coast spends a large amount of the year in the clouds. It is a true treat if you get there and are able to see the entire coastline, so be prepared for obstructed views but hope for views of the cliffs. The first time I visited this island I was fortunate enough to do a boat tour one of the few days of the year that the entire Nāpali Coast was out from the clouds and it was magical! The second time it was socked most of the time.

• The Nāpali Coast can be very dangerous to hike due to the rough terrain, muddy trails and steep drop offs. No matter what trails you hike, know the dangers and be cautious of every step you take along these cliffs. Rocks, tree roots and even the mud on the trail will be slick with all the rain Kauai receives. It doesn’t take much to lose footing on the trails. Wear proper shoes with good traction to help keep you stable on trail.

• Be on the lookout for wild boar along this trail. Wild boar are more afraid of you and usually only attack if they feel threatened, but they can attack. If you see one on trail give it plenty of space and move along quickly. If one has young with it, it will be more likely to be provoked. Boar like to dig in the ground scavenging for food, so if you come across areas where they have been digging it is a sign to be extra cautious and on the lookout. Be sure to keep you food well contained and pack out all your trash.

• This trail can be very muddy thanks to all the rain the Nāpali Coast receives. It will be more muddy during the islands wet season, but be prepared for mud year-round on this trail. Mud will made it slick and easy to slip and fall. Wearing sturdy shoes with good traction will help you stay stable and hopefully keep your footing better. Waterproof shoes are best as they will also keep any rain and pooled water out of your shoes. Using a hiking pole is a great option to help you stay upright and feel comfortable hiking through the mud.

• Kauai has wild chickens everywhere from the hotel parking lot to the grocery store and the side of the highway. You will even find them all over this trail! Chickens have been running wild for as long as humans have inhabited the island, but in the 1980’s and 1990’s two hurricanes destroyed almost all of the chicken coops on Kauai, releasing chickens into the wild. These chickens have been multiplying and roaming the island ever since. It is estimated there are at least 450,000 wild chickens on the island. If you see chickens, do not approach them or feed them.

• There are minimal views of the ocean or the stunning cliffs until you reach the end of the trail. This makes it a long jungle hike through the trees, but well worth it for the views. You will know you’ve reached the end of the trail when there are sections of fence near the large drop offs, openings to the surrounding cliff and ocean views. There is an unmaintained trail that continues past here and is very doable for a section. It is steep, but wide. Eventually this trail gets narrow and requires scrambling over rocks, which I did not do.

Before You Hike The Awa’awapuhi Trail

Be sure to know and follow the 7 Leave No Trace Principles on trail. It’s so important to help protect these beautiful places we love and enjoy. Make sure you know these principles before going out on a hike.

• Plan Ahead and Prepare: Always check for current weather updates and educate yourself on trail conditions prior to starting a hike. Look for recent reviews or call the local ranger station for up-to-date trail information like closures, recent wildlife and road conditions. 

• Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces: Stick to the trail. Avoid going off trail unless it’s to go to the bathroom. You can capture amazing photos from the trail. Do not cut switchbacks. Stepping off trail can cause years of damage with just one simple step. Camp in existing campsites rather than over vegetation.  

• Dispose of Waste Properly: Pack out all trash and food scraps. Never toss food items on the ground. It is harmful to the wildlife. Properly dispose of human waste by digging a cat hole at least 6 inches deep and burying human waste. Bring a wag bag to pack it out in fragile alpine terrain. Never leave toilet paper or feminine hygiene products behind because they shouldn’t be disposed of on trail. Bring a bag and pack them out to dispose of properly. Same goes for dog poop. Properly bury it or pack it back out to dispose of. Do not leave dog poop bags on the side of the trail because they are easy to forget, animals can get into them and other hikers don’t want to see them. 

• Leave What You Find: Do not take objects like plants off trail with you. Preserve nature by not marking on rocks or harming any natural objects. Never write or carve into rocks. It is illegal and highly finable. Never pick wildflowers. It is illegal in many states.

• Minimize Campfire Impacts: Check and follow all local wildfire regulations. Use existing fire rings and keep fires small. Put fires out properly by dousing will multiple gallons of water. Coals should be cool to the touch before walking away. 

• Respect Wildlife: Never touch, feed or approach wildlife. Give a minimum of 25 yards to all wildlife and a minimum or 100 yard for predators and larger wildlife. Wildlife are not like house pets. They can spook easily or feel threatened. Stay in your car if wildlife is near the road. Do not feed them because our food is harmful to their digestive system.

• Be Considerate of Others: Respect other hikers by allowing those that hike faster to pass. Uphill hikers have the right of way, so safely step aside for them to pass, unless they offer to stop first. Limit noise and use headphones. Keep groups under eight. Say hello to a fellow hiker!

Awa’awapuhi Trail Location

The Awa’awapuhi Trail is located off Kokee Road on the northwest side of Kauai. The trail is on the 17 mile stretch of the Nāpali Coastline. The trailhead also sits within the Koke’e State Park, but leaves the park shortly into the hike and does not require any of the park fees other trails have.

From Waimea, take Waimea Canyon Drive (550), which is a narrow two way road that climbs up the mountains. The road turns into Kokee Road and the parking lot will be on the left side of the road shortly after the Koke’e campground. The parking lot is a dirt road that can be muddy and have large pools of water blocking off the back side of the lot. Some 4×4 vehicles were able to drive through and park, but be mindful of entering standing water with any vehicle.

Best Time of Year to Hike The Awa’awapuhi Trail

The best time to hike the Awa’awapuhi Trail is during the islands dry season if you are hoping for dryer weather and less mud on the trail. This time of year also has a higher chances of the Nāpali Coast being cloud free, although it is not a guarantee. If you wish to see the trail in all it’s lush green glory, the wet season is the better time to visit here. You can hopefully still have a chance to hike it without rain during the wet season. The rain usually comes in the afternoons or evenings, so hiking in the morning is the best time of day.

Awa’awapuhi Trail Information

The Awa’awapuhi Trail starts with a very minor elevation gain and then it is downhill the remainder of the hike. The trail has constant tree roots covering the trail mixed with stretches of easy dirt trail. Because this trail follows a ridge it is a mostly straight trail with a few corners. There are no switchbacks along the trail.

The Awa’awapuhi Trail is through thick jungle and forested areas the entire hike to the viewpoint. When you reach the viewpoint, there is sections of fence. There is an unmaintained trail that continues past here and is very doable for the first section. It is steep, but wide. Eventually this trail get narrow and requires scrambling over rocks, which I did not do. If you wish to go further know the risk and potential of slipping off the cliffs. It personally is not worth the risks. There was a lot of chickens at the viewpoint. Do not approach or feed them as it only makes them more dependent on humans and pesky.

When you are ready to start the return hike be prepared for a long climb out. Although it is only 2.4 miles back out, it can feel long due to the lack of views and constant uphill grind. Take your time and take breaks as needed. I spend about 4 hours on this hike and was at the viewpoint for at least 40 minutes enjoying snacks with the view.

What to Bring Hiking on The Awa’awapuhi Trail

The 10 Essentials

No matter the length of difficulty of a hike, you should always carry a backpack with the 10 essentials. You can learn more about these item in my “The 10 Essentials” guide. This hike is a more difficult hike and if there were an emergency and you had to get help on trail you will want to have these items on hand. In addition, you can always help a fellow hiker in need.

Hiking Poles

Hiking poles will be extremely helpful on this hike if you want to save your knees from the constant downhill stepping. They are also great for helping keep you balanced on uneven terrain and the slick mud. I always carry poles in my pack and find my knees hurt less when I use them. I love my collapsible Black Diamond poles because they are so compact in my backpack.

Sun Protection

Preventing sun stroke and sunburns is important, so bring and use proper sun protection even on a cloudy day. I always pack sunscreen to reapply throughout the hike as needed. Bring a hat to help keep the sun off your face and neck. Wearing a sun shirt to help protect skin from harmful UV rays will help prevent sunburns and heat stroke. Even on a cloudy day you can get a sunburn so always be prepared.

Water and Electrolytes

It’s so important to stay hydrated hiking, no matter the time of the year. Plan to have one liter of water per 2 hours of hiking. I also bring electrolyte snacks on every hike I go on. I like using my bladder to make sure I’m consuming enough water since it’s easier to drink from. A large water bottle is a great option if you don’t like bladders. I always carry my water filter with me so I can resupply my water as needed, but this trail does not have a water source. 

Toilet Kit

This trail will take multiple hours and does not have any restrooms at the trailhead. Go prepared with a bathroom kit. I always bring my reusable pee cloth to reduce waste and keep my pack lighter by not needing to carry things like toilet paper and extra bags to throw it away. Another must have is a light weight trowel to dig a cat hole. If you do bring toilet paper or any other disposable product, remember to always back it out and dispose of it properly off trail. Never leave toilet products on trail and always bury your poop in a cat hole. Other items I keep in my toiletry kit: Extra compostable bags and hand sanitizer.

Technology

If you have the means, it’s so important to carry a satellite communications device with you into the backcountry. This will allow you to get ahold of emergency services should you need it but also communicate with friends or family off trail. I also use a Garmin watch to track mileage and elevation on the trail so I can properly determine where I am on the hike.

Backpack

Every person hiking should always have their own backpack with water and supplies. Never rely on someone else to carry your gear because if there is an emergency everyone should be individually prepared. I like to use one between 25-28L so I have plenty of room for food and layers. I have the Gregory Jade 28 and the REI Trail 25. Both of these backpacks come with an attachable rain cover so if you are hiking on a rainy day you don’t have to worry about the contents of your back getting wet.

Hiking Shoes

Always wear proper shoes when hiking. This means trail runners or hiking boots because they will provide the best traction over rocks and loose terrain. Sandals and tennis shoes are not great footwear for the trail. Water proof shoes are best if the trail is wet or muddy, which it usually is.

Reminders

• If you’re up for more than one hike, be sure to explore Koke’e Sate Park and some of it’s viewpoints or trails. It is a long drive to get to the Awa’awapuhi Trail from most areas on Kauai, so making multiple stops will help make the most of the drive. You may even want to plan multiple days so you can hike multiple trails.

• Always check the weather forecast before going and plan your hike on the clearest day of your visit to the island if you can. Being flexible with your trip schedule will allow you to take advantage of clearer weather days and allow you to maximize your chance of good views on the Awa’awapuhi Trail. Know there is a high chance no matter what the Nāpali Coast may be in the clouds while you visit Kauai.

• The trail is all down hill to the viewpoint, meaning the entire hike out is uphill. This trail has a lot of elevation gain, but it is a gradual climb rather than steep. Despite the elevation gain, it is still a family friendly trail due to its gradual climb, tree coverage for shade and safe viewpoint of the cliffs below. If you take you kids, older or younger, on this trail, be sure to plan extra time for breaks if needed.

• Although you can look up weather for the area before going, go prepared for any circumstance as the weather on the Nāpali Coast can change or be different than expected. Pack plenty of layers for sun and rain. Bring a lot of snack and water to keep you well fueled. There is no water source on this trail so carry all your water.

• There are not bathrooms at the trailhead or along this trail. Be sure to use a restroom in town or at one of the Waimea Canyon State Park parking lots before hiking. Always carry a toiletry kit so you can responsibly go on trail when needed. Dig a cat hole at least 6″ deep and never bury or leave behind toilet paper or feminine products. Use a sturdy bag to carry any of these items back off trail with you.

I hope this guide helps you with your adventure to the Awa’awapuhi Trail the the island of Kauai! Kauai is truly a magical place and easily one of my favorite islands. Life is slower and more beautiful here, so take time to slow down and enjoy all this beautiful place has to offer. If you have any further questions or want to share your experience after, please leave a comment below!

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