I am a fool and went AGAIN when the fog was setting in. Well, at least you get a great view of the…read morevalley just 0.1 miles in so you don't actually have to go in far to get the great views. This time I went after a rain and it was even muddier than when I went 8 years ago. I have nothing major to add, the hike hasn't really changed. I will add ONE tip however. If you are going to the end, when you FIRST hit the fence, put a natural trail marker for yourself on the fence. Because on the way back we missed the turn off to go back towards the trailhead and headed instead towards the Alakai Swamp trail. We realized our mistake when we started seeing boards and steps we didn't see prior. The first time you hit the fence is when the trail splits (you'd go left to the top of the Vista and right to go to Alakai Swamp trail). We spent about 20 minutes try to find our way back. The GPS on google maps wasn't the most helpful because it doesn't distinguish between two turn offs on the trail that are technically probably about 50 feet apart but impossible to know when on the ground because those turn offs are at a major height difference and you can't see one from the other. As you are headed back down from the top, the fence continues along towards Alakai so you if you keep following it, you may not ended up where you need to be.

Oh lord this hike nearly killed me…read more Short version: Go to the half mile marker and turn around, it really isn't worth the effort climbing up to the Pihea Vista. I was fooled by the Ultimate Kauai Guidebook. Or screwed over by weather. Either way it was a tough hike. We visited in the morning because everything I read said there would be fewer clouds. Unfortunately for us, the clouds stuck around nearly the entire time. All we saw was the top rim of the canyon and it looked like a brewing cauldron. The clouds were constantly moving up and around. We briefly saw the ocean through a hole in the mist before it filled back in. At least the views South were clear. The first half mile was pretty easy, and I am NOT in shape. So if I could haul myself up and down the not-so-flat trail, anyone can do it. A lot of the ups and downs are kind of a choose your own adventure style trail. I often studied the terrain before ascending and descending, even if not too difficult, because I have a bad ankle and sometimes do poorly on uneven ground. Some areas looked slick so I stuck to the very edges where I could use trees for support. There are plenty of spots along this first half mile that should offer great photo ops. Clear of trees and brush, but also free of any safety barriers. Please be careful near the edge! The breezes up here are fantastic and the air is so fresh. I did enjoy being away from the crowds and in the quiet. And other hikers on the trail were very friendly and respectful.

We did a sunset hike at the awa'awapuhi trail and it was wonderful! It's 3 miles down hill and back…read more3 miles essentially uphill. I thought it was an easy-moderate hike for someone who likes to hike/exercise. The parking lot was not super crowded for a sunset hike. It's a generally safe/mapped out trail, on the last mile, there are small stretches of a thin path so be careful! You cannot really see the amazing views till the end. You're in a dense forest and once you complete the 3 miles you will open up to a gorgeous view! It started to rain, so we didn't go down the last little bit to the edge, it's a very thin path to the edge with little to no buffer so be safe! If you go for the sunset hike, bring some headlights for the hike back. It was def worth it!

This Awa'awapuhi Trail was recommended to me by a lifeguard I randomly chatted with at one of the…read morelocal beaches in Kauai. He swore by the hike, saying the ending viewpoint would be the highlight of my Hawaiian vacation! But, the lifeguard left out details. And I'm here to fill you in on the real Awa'awapuhi Trail and what to expect and be prepared for! Right away...this hike must be attempted FIRST THING IN THE MORNING! There you go, there you have the answer to everything! Because, at any moment in time, throughout the day, clouds can roll in while standing high above the Na'Pali Coastline and the dense covering can hang around for a while, no matter how long you wait for the skies to clear up. So...if you hike here early, early morning, the probabilities of you confronting that picture perfect setting is greatly enhanced. It's like the common law of physics (but I believe I failed physics in high school, lol)...when the sun rises, the air is cool and crisp, and there's no heat rising from the ground to create moisture early on. Grrr...that's why this lifeguard, he needed to warn me that if I hike this Awa'awapuhi Trail....MORNING TIME. MORNING TIME. MORNING TIME!!!! Instead, I arrived at 11am because I had a few other sights and overlooks I wanted to check out before trying out this hike and using up at least 4 - 5 hours of the day here. This is also important...I visited Kauai in the middle of August. The sun rises about 6:30am and fades in light about 6pm. You only have 12 hours of the day to make the most of your explorations. Depending on the amount of time you have visiting Kauai, whether 3 - 4 days, or maybe you're island hopping for a total of 10 days - 2 weeks, point is...you'll at least need half the day to hike this Awa'awapuhi Trail. Also, be prepared for it to be a strenuous hike too. It's 6 miles roundtrip. The hike down to the overlook vista point is a cakewalk. All downhill! Well, you know what that means. The trek back uphill to the trailhead is quite difficult. Along these 6 miles in total to and from the overlook, there is nothing to see. Basically, the hike is boring! I found myself daydreaming about the next activity, lol. You walk through the jungle each way. There's no glimpses or peaks through the forest of the coveted Na'Pali Coastline that you're easily afforded at roadside overlooks throughout Koke'e State Park. If you're short on time I'd suggest stopping at Kalalau and Pu'u o Kila Lookouts. If you have no time limits and are more adventurous, then this Awa'awapuhi Trail is for you. Remember, lol, it gets dark at 6pm! When arriving at the observation point, I briefly had a clear moment to enjoy the views. The Pacific Ocean was blue. The coastline was certainly evident. You could see helicopter tours flying in the distance. You definitely get a 180 panorama. But once the fogginess rolled in, it never left. And I waited 30 minutes, actually sitting down and praying for the the dreary cloudy covering to dissipate. But, it never did and it wasn't meant to be. That's why I'm reiterating...hike here in MORNING TIME. Like, 7am if possible! Some last things to mention. The parking lot at the trailhead was very small. When I arrived at 11am, it was full but I managed to squeeze my car into a space, though it was a makeshift job. I'd say the lot holds spaces for about 15 cars. And there's no shoulder area along Koke'e Road to park. Lastly, when making it to the Awa'awapuhi Overlook Point, there's a very tight pathway that'll lead down even lower alongside the cliff's edge. It appeared like a sheer drop down on either side of you as I watched others bravely venture on. If you have a fear of heights, there's no way you can attempt going past the primary viewing platform. I could understand, people like to push the limits or boundaries of risk, but I know when enough is enough, especially I was only hiking in casual tennis sneakers. It wasn't worth it to continue past the point of comfortability. Overall, this Awa'awapuhi Trail is just average and can be greatly disappointing if you have high expectations. Am I sour about my experience and the ending I left with? Absolutely! Lol Just warning...there could be clear skies at the trailhead, but when you show up at the overlook it could be a whole new narrative. Then you're held hostage to the conditions and since there's only 12 hours in the day, you sort have wasted half of it. And within Koke'e State Park and Waimea Canyon right next door, there are many quality stops, alternative hikes, places to explore and magical instances to be had. But if you're convinced about attempting this Awa'awapuhi Trail and you're not hiking it first thing in the morning, I believe you're doing yourself a disservice.

Third trip to the Waimea Canyon, but this is the first time I have seen the Iliau Nature Loop…read more Drove 90 minutes from our timeshare exchange at the Lawai Beach Resort to the Kalalau lookout our first full clear weather day in Kauai. On the way back visited several of the Waimea Canyon side pull outs. Between the 8th and 9th mile markers is stop for the Iliau Nature Loop. You can't see the trail from the road. The only indicator is a sign, and the large number of parked cars along the roadway. We park the car, cross the road, and hike up a shallow rise. Beautiful panoramic view of a 0.3 mile loop trail below, with the Waimea Canyon in the background. I go clockwise, while the wife goes counterclock wise. 100 yard circular dirt path through dense vegetation to the outlook area directly over the Canyon. Sunflower like stalks of Iliau plants with spiky looking tops native to Kauai. The Waimea Canyon is as beautiful as ever on this clear day with temperatures in the mid 70s, even at 2500 feet elevation. Shades of orange dotted cliffs with horizontal changes of color, all covered with dense patches of green vegetation. Tourists take pictures of family standing on the edge of the 2000 foot drop into the canyon, despite the lack of safety barriers, and the brittle nature of the cliff edges. To paraphrase our ex governor, one wrong step and it's "hasta la vista baby!" I hike in my Chako hiking sandals on the loop, with a 40 foot elevation gain in the the last 100 yards, straight up the wet red clay trail. Only hiking or trail shoes here, not running shoes, as the red clay is very slippery. Audience of 4 old farts on the bench watching. Would not want to slip on the red clay and fall on my bottom, as am wearing white hiking shorts!

Very easy loop that took no more than 15min. Not very much to see, but there are some plaques for…read morethose interested in the local flora. I'd probably skip this the next time and just focus on the more strenuous but higher reward hikes.

This is a must do lifetime bucket list. If you make it to this point two things are for sure. 1)…read moreYou are on the wettest place on earth. Fortunately it was not raining in this spot the 15 minutes I was here but chances are it will be 99 percent of the time. Its the most stunning view Ive ever seen in my life. 2) You will be inspired to the depths of your soul. It just looks unreal. If you can go to Kauai!

There are 2 ways to get there. By Nualolo Trail (between cabins and Kokee Lodge), or Awaawapuhi…read moretrail near 17 mm (past Kokee Lodge). We have been doing the Awaawapuhi trail when we come here. Awesome view of Na Pali and Forest reserve. You find mile markers by each quarter mile, that seems to make the hike easier for us. YELP 365 - 244/365

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

I'm giving this place only 2 stars. The so-called "arboretum" has a smelly restroom at the top of…read morethe hill, and if you're expecting information about plants, flowers, or trees, you won't find any. It's not really an arboretum in the true sense -- more like a patch of forest with a few jungle trails. We walked up to the nearest trail entrance, but it was overgrown with tall grass, so we just turned back and left. Honestly, this arboretum isn't worth visiting during a week-long trip to Kauai.

If you want to see rainbow eucalyptus trees this is a must go! It's a beautiful area to walk…read morearound. Bring comfortable sturdy shoes. Wear sunscreen and insect repellant. No entry fee and plenty of parking.

Absolutely gorgeous beach, but not for swimming or getting in the water at least when we went back…read morein 2022 as they had signs for rip currents and warnings of being swept away; this was an awesome beach to check out during our hike on Kalalau trail (note that it's super hard hike down the river rocks to get to the beach and climb up, they have flash flood warnings too, so if it's raining you have to be careful and know your physical limits to hike and climb up as this is pretty deep in the nature!). It was absolutely a magical adventure and the hike and the beach was worth it. There are neat caves to check out nearby as well

We went during high tide so there really wasn't much of a beach. It is a beautiful spot to sit and…read morehave a snack in the middle of the hanakapiai falls hike, or you can turn around and go back from here. The waves were crashing really hard when we were there. This is definitely not a safe place for swimming but it is a beautiful place to watch the waves.

Absolutely GORGEOUS coastal path featuring a wide, well-maintained trail which is ideal for…read morewalking, running, biking, or rollerblading. The path offers stunning ocean views, frequent sightings of wildlife, and there are educational plaques along the way sharing local history and marine life facts. The convenient restrooms and benches along the way are also a big plus. There's no where to really lock your bike up and some of the beaches require quite a venture down to the sand and water, so be mindful of that when planning. It was rather hot today, so we had packed water and cooling towels for our necks, which helped. The nice coastal breeze and the mist from the waves crashing on the rocks felt amazing as well.