What if we told you that Kauai has a swamp connected to one of the wettest spots on earth – and that you can hike through it?  Kauai is mostly known for sunshine and balmy breezes, but deep in the Kokee State Park forest is the Alaka’i Swamp, the world’s highest rainforest and swampland.

Mount Waialeale on Kauai, which is known for record amounts of precipitation, drains directly into the Alaka’i swamp, filling it with mud and water. The Alaka’i Swamp Trail is roughly 3.5 miles (7 miles roundtrip) through the swampy wetlands, and is one of the only accessible bogs in Hawaii.

A hike through the Alaka’i Swamp Trail does not mean trudging knee deep in mud and ruining your shoes. The State of Hawaii Parks Division has built an boardwalk that travels along most of the trail and is elevated above the swamp. Once upon a time, State Park workers used part of this trail as part of their trek by foot to the top of Mount Waialeale to check its rain gauges.  Not only does staying on the boardwalk make the hike much easier, it also helps to preserve the swamp’s delicate ecosystem.

For the eyes and ears

That being said, the Alaka’i Swamp Trail is not an easy hike, nor is it for the novice hiker. Throughout the trail, there are significant elevation gains and declines. Hikers will traverse flowing mountain streams, even climb approximately 200 stairs in a short distance. The trail and boardwalk can be slippery, requiring the need for good footwear (preferably hiking shoes) and good balance. The trail through the forest is incredibly fascinating, with interesting moss formations growing on tree branches and stumps, unusual fungi and wide spanning views towards Waialeale. It is known as being one of the best trails in Kokee for rare Hawaiian bird sightings and while you may not see the birds, when you stop and listen closely you will likely hear them chirping from somewhere in the trees above. The trail ends at Kilohana Lookout, a scenic ridgeline overlooking Wainiha Valley and on a clear day, the entire north shore all the way to Hanalei.

Even royalty loved to vacation on Kauai in the old days. In 1871, Hawaii’s Queen Emma rode by horseback from her Lawai Beach House to Kilohana Vista with over 100 companions where she offered oli, or chants, to the gods in appreciation of the region.  The trek took so long, Queen Emma spent the night in the swamp in the cold January weather.  Queen Emma’s trek is memorialized every fall through the Eo e Emalani i Alaka’i festival at Kanaloahuluhulu Meadow in Kokee State Park (Queen Emma Festival), a day of history, music, hula, and culture.

How to get there

There are two ways to get to the Alaka’i Swamp Trail. The first way is by taking the Pihea Trail, which begins at the Pu’u o Kila overlook at the end of Highway 550. Yes, you will have reached the end of the road on Kauai. Pihea Trail intersects with the Alaka’i Swamp Trail and the Kawaikoi Stream Trail after two miles. Make sure to head left at the junction to continue your hike on the Alaka’i Swamp Trail.

The Alaka’i trail begins going downhill.  This view is hikers ending the hike, thankful it’s done.

The second way is off the beaten path through the Na Pali Forest Reserve by vehicle for about two miles. This is the first road on the left after passing the Kokee Lodge and Museum. The road to get there is a bumpy old dirt road and it is best to have a vehicle with 4-wheel drive in case some areas are muddy or difficult to traverse. If you have a car, you may want to consider parking at the State park and walking the two miles to the trail head.

There are a few essentials for the hike that you will want to pack and we can’t stress enough how important they are.

• Water (at least a liter and a half)
• Food and snacks (trail mix, dried fruit, health bars, a bento lunch from Ishihara Market in Waimea Town are great sustenance for a difficult hike)
• Bug spray and sunscreen
• Light jacket, preferably waterproof in case it rains
• Small towel
• First aid kit

Checking the weather before hiking the Alakai Swamp Trail is a must. The trail is usually dryer and a little easier to manage during the summertime, when Kauai receives less rain than winter or spring.

There is no guarantee that you will be able to see the view at Kilohana Vista if it is socked in with clouds, but the views along the way still make it worth it.  Sometimes it just takes a little patience and waiting, preferably with some lunch, for the clouds to clear and expose one of the most magnificent views on Kauai. Even if it is too cloudy to see anything at the lookout, the beauty that you experience along the hike is worth every step.

If you find yourself on Kauai and in search of some awesome, life-changing and downright mind-blowing hikes, look no further. The island is home to an endless multitude of gorgeous hiking trails, ranging from leisurely beach walks to overnight jungle expeditions. The good news is that there is something for every level, whether beginning, intermediate or expert. However for the truly fearless outdoorsmen and women of the world, we present to you the 5 best hikes on Kauai for those not afraid of heights.

1. Kahili Ridge Trail

@alixxthegirl

The Kahili Ridge trailhead can be found just off the main stretch of highway at the Kahili Adventist School sign (just west of the Tree Tunnel). After entering the school property guests are encouraged to park near the office. Continue up past all the cabins toward the edge of the property where you will find a green water tower, then just follow the trail. The hike itself is roughly 2.75 (one way) with an elevation of 1,700 feet. The lower leg of the trail is relatively easy with a steady incline through dense brush and forest. It is highly recommended to go on a warm, dry day to avoid muddy, slippery trails. In fact all hikes are recommended to be enjoyed on sunny days as dry conditions ensure for a safe and fun experience. As hikers continue onward they will witness stunning local flora, fauna and incredible mountain and ocean views. The further up the ridge you go, the narrower the trail becomes, slimming down to a mere 2-feet at times. Kahili is not for the faint of heart but the pay off is completely worth it!

2. Nu’alolo 
Trail 

@kimboo75

This Nu’alolo trail begins just past the Koke’e Ranger Station up in Kauai’s dewy Koke’e mountains. Made up of 3.8 miles (each way) this beautiful hike is for the experienced hiker. Starting at an elevation of roughly 3,660 feet, hikers will climb a short uphill series of switchbacks until about a 1/4 of a mile to the top of the ridge. Here the trail will head back down another 1/2 mile until it all begins to level off. At one mile hikers will pass through some grassy areas however at two miles the landscape becomes noticeably drier. As the trail begins to narrow, stunning views of Ni’ihau and the Lehua islet will come into view. The three mile mark comes to a junction with a hunter’s route, so keep going right until you reach the next junction of the official Nualolo Cliff Trail. This will bring you to the Lolo Vista Point (a little more than a 1/4 mile from here). Exercise extreme caution and trust your instincts with this portion of the trail. If it’s too windy, skip it all together. If hikers are looking for an all-day loop hike, incorporate the neighboring Awa’awapuhi Trail. While the Nu’alolo hike features some harrowing drop-offs and extremely elevated lookouts, the final view is unbelievable.

3. Sleeping Giant (Nounou)

@vsevsad

This hike begins on the eastern side of the mountain commonly known as “Sleeping Giant,” for its legendary silhouette. Hikers can get here by driving up Halelilio Road off of Kuhio Highway (Hwy 56). Parking for the trailhead is easy to spot. This moderate hike climbs up to around 1,000 feet with a distance of about 2 miles (each way) offering sweeping views of the ocean, Wailua River and Mt. Waialeale. At the top of the trail is a sheltered picnic area so be sure to pack a lunch.

4. Hanakapi’ai Falls

@trevorhaugen

Hanakapi’ai Falls is one of the most sought-after hikes to embark on, located on the north shore of Kauai. This hike begins at the aptly named “End of the Road” (literally, where the road stops and the start of Ke’e Beach begins) near Haena. Technically, this hike is the beginning to both Hanakapiai and Kalalau Trail. If you’re only looking to see the Hanakapiai Falls, the hike consists of 4 miles (each way). The trail winds you along the stunning Na Pali Coastline, past Hanakapiai Beach, through ancient bamboo forests and up into the hidden Falls. It’s an absolute must-see when on Kauai.

5. Kalalau Valley

This strenuous hike spans 11 miles (each way) through winding valleys, over mountain tops and past waterfalls until arriving at the world-famous Kalalau Beach; as seen in Pirates of the Caribbean, Jurassic Park and countless other films and television series. This beach, resting at the foot of the jagged Na Pali Coastline (translating to “The Cliffs” in Hawaiian) is one of the most remote areas on Kauai. The only way to get to Kalalau Beach via land is by hiking. Charters and kayak trips are a fun alternative. The trail is known for being unforgiving so plan accordingly. Otherwise, be ready for the adventure of a lifetime!

Always be sure to plan ahead for trail closures, current news and other helpful information as well as attaining necessary Kauai Hike Permits. If you’re looking for more fun outdoor activities on Kauai be sure to check our Activities page or one of our many helpful blog posts (Rainy Day Activities, Kid-Friendly Activities).

If you’re looking for someone to take you on a guided Kauai hike, we recommend hiking with Tab at https://hikingtourskauai.com/

When it comes to waterfalls on Kauai that you must visit, the 100-foot Uluwehi Falls, nicknamed Secret Falls by locals, is one of Kauai’s most popular secrets. However, getting to the falls is not such a secret, if you know how and where to go.  We make it easy for you, with a description of how to get there, what you will see and information on the tour company we recommend for a trek to Uluwehi Falls.

@jessfrolics

Location

Nestled in the heart of Wailua on the east side of Kauai, Uluwehi Falls belongs to one of the stream systems that feed directly into the Wailua River from Mount Waialeale, the wettest spot on Kauai. The waterfall gracefully cascades from 100 feet into a small pool of water, before flowing into a meandering stream that eventually connects to the Wailua River. The only way to get to Uluwehi Falls is by a journey up the Wailua River, mainly by kayak unless you know someone with a small boat. Wailua River is one of the most scenic in all of Kauai, with distant views of Nounou Mountain (aka Sleeping Giant) and the Fern Grotto.

Guided Tours

To get the most out of your adventure to Uluwehi Falls, we recommend going with Outfitters Kauai for a guided kayak tour. They have the best kayaks for paddling up Wailua River – including comfortable padded high back backrests and their quality paddles (it does make a difference.) Once you are comfortable in your kayak, the ruddered kayak makes it easy to steer and maintain control while your guide tells you stories and shows you points of interest, such as the Kamokila Hawaiian Village and Fern Grotto, during the approximately 45 minute paddle up the river.  After several miles of paddling, the wide part of the river forks into a less wide part. You will keep to the less wide river stream which leads you to a landing area for your kayak.

Next, it is time for a 20-minute hike through the tropical rainforest to the waterfall. The trail is mostly flat and does not require hiking up high elevations. Wearing the right footwear for this part of the trek will save your fun, and it is important to make sure it is footwear that can get muddy and wet, but also provides good tread for hiking in different conditions. Definitely not a good time to break in a brand new pair of sneakers, unless you want a Kauai red dirt stain on your shoes as souvenir. Water socks or sport sandals with heel straps are a good option. Also, don’t forget to bring bug spray to avoid being bit my Kauai’s rarest insect, the mosquito.

With so much strenuous activity, you must be thinking when and how do you eat? Outfitters Kauai provides a delicious lunch of either a Turkey Watercress Wrap or a Mediterranean Veggie Wrap, pasta salad and a chocolate chip cookie, and cold drinks are available throughout the trip. The best part is that you get to enjoy your lunch while gazing in awe at Uluwehi Falls and maybe even take a quick dip in the refreshing pond too.

Should you decide to rent a kayak and make the trip yourself, knowing current weather conditions is a must before visiting any Kauai river or stream. Often times, even when it’s beautiful and sunny on Kauai, there is a chance of heavy rain in the mountains. Uluwehi Falls can go from a light sprinkling mist to a heavy gushing downpour in a matter of minutes. Consult local weather forecasts and don’t forget to secure your kayak before you get to the hiking portion of your trip.

Here are a few more tips when kayaking to Uluwehi Falls:

• If you do find yourself in a situation where the stream level has swelled and is flowing rapidly, do not attempt to cross the stream. Get to higher ground and wait for the water to subside
• Kayaking is a strenuous sport and you should be in reasonably good physical condition. The river can get quite windy at times and a paddle upwind, against the flow of current can be very challenging
• Tour boats and other boats are constantly running up and down Wailua River. To stay out of the way, stick to the right side of the river going up and down. This side of the river is also more sheltered from wind
• Don’t forget sunscreen and/or bug spray
• Remember to bring a hat, sunglasses with a neck strap and a waterproof camera

Add Uluwehi Falls to your Kauai adventure bucket list and see why the secret is too jaw-dropping and majestic to keep to yourself.

For those of you traveling with young Keiki (children), Kauai is an extremely kid-friendly island. From the beaches to the mountains there is fun to be had at every age. If you’re lucky enough to find yourself in Poipu, we’ve put together a collection of the best kid-friendly activities that the whole family will enjoy!

BABIES – TODDLERS:

Coastal Stroll – Beginning at Shipwrecks Beach is a winding walking path that stretches from the Hyatt Resort & Spa and up towards Poipu Beach Park. The walk consists of a mild to moderate trail with both paved and unpaved paths, and (of course) incredible coastal views. The entire pathway loops back to Shipwrecks if you’re feeling ambitious!

Spouting Horn – Make lasting memories at the iconic Spouting Horn blowhole, located across the street from Allerton Botanical Gardens. Legend has it a giant lizard is stuck beneath the lava shelf and as she roars her breath sprays up and out of the lava tube. Depending on the day, the blowhole can shoot hundreds of feet high! Authentic souvenirs are also available the Spouting Horn shops.

Kauai Culinary Farmer’s Market – Every Wednesday from 3:30 pm – 6:00 pm visitors can enjoy the culinary market at The Shops at Kukuiula. Bring the kids down to enjoy live music, delicious food and get a feel for the local flavor!

PRE-TEEN:

Take a tour of the Koloa History Center– a free outdoor exhibit showcasing Kauai’s sugar plantation days. Then walk through quaint Old Koloa Town, where Hawaii’s first successful sugar plantation came into being.

Nukumoi Surf Co. – Gear up and hit the water! Nukumoi Surf Co. has just about every beach necessity from fins and snorkels to masks and surfboards. Head across the street to Brennecke’s Beach where you are guaranteed to see some Honu (green sea turtle).

Mahaulepu Heritage Trail & Makauwahi Cave Tours – Down an island style dirt road past the Grand Hyatt Resort & Spa guests will find the quiet Mahaulepu Beach. Along the scenic coastline is a trail that spans a few miles in either direction. Located at the beginning of the trail is the Makauwahi Sinkhole, where Hawaii’s largest limestone cave can be found. Learn about ancient rituals, fossils and what Kauai was like thousands of years ago. See their website for daily tour information.

Helicopter Tours – See the craggy mountainsides and vibrant greens of the Na Pali Coast from high above. Enjoy sights of majestic waterfalls, pristine coastline and magnificent cliffs.

TEENAGER:

Surf Lessons – These folks are the best in the business. Located to the left of the Sheraton Hotel, Kauai Surf School is a group of passionate and local instructors who are known for their friendly and helpful attitudes. Paddling out has never been so fun!

Kauai ATV – Enjoy a day of guided all terrain vehicles winding around waterfalls, movie sites, jungle landscapes, and a 1/2 mile tunnel through the Ha’upu mountain range. A fantastic behind-the-scenes look at the land.

Koloa Bass Fishing – Families can enjoy a fun activity hidden away from crowds, at the Waita Reservoir. Here is the largest inland body of fresh water in the state of Hawaii. This secluded hideaway is ideal for sightseeing and recreational activities. Enjoy our bass boat or Sun Tracker in this tropical paradise with catch & release fishing.

Na Pali Boat Trip – Seeing Kauai from the ocean is truly unlike anything you’ve ever experienced. The dramatic coastline and intense natural colors are sure to leave you speechless. A few of our favorite charter companies consist of Holo Holo Charters, Captain Andy’s, Blue Dolphin Charters and Kauai Sea Tours. If you’re on Kauai during whale season (link) then prepare for a real treat as these guides know the migration paths like the back of their hand.

Ziplining – The happy medium between skydiving and a helicopter tour, Ziplining is sure to get your heart racing. Choose from one of these amazing companies who offer beautiful back mountain views high above lush canopies, jungles and rivers: Outfitters Kauai, Koloa Zipline, Skyline EcoAdventures. Outfitters Kauai also specializes in bike tours, a second fast-paced alternative for thrill seekers.

ALL AGES AROUND THE ISLAND:

Allerton Garden – Home to the famous “Jurassic Park tree” Allerton Gardens is a great place to bring the family. Complete with a walking tour of the fruitful grounds, this garden is home to a number of exotic species found only on Kauai. Cross their signature bridge over a babbling river and be sure to snap a photo of the picture-perfect beach.

Ride the Aloha Spirit Trolley – With its signature thatched roof and green coat of paint, the festive Aloha Spirit Trolley can be seen giving visitors free rides around Poipu everyday. The perfect way to get a lay of the land in a relaxed environment. Be sure to smile and wave as you pass The Shops at Kukuiula!

Kayak Wailua River – Meet in the middle (between Poipu and Hanalei) to enjoy the beautiful stretch of Wailua River. Enjoy a guided tour up river towards the mountains and Fern Grotto or take it further and include a hike to secret waterfalls.

Koke’e State Park Discovery Center – High up in the dewy mountains of Koke’e is the Koke’e Museum. This also acts as the Discovery Center for children and visitors.  Learn about the local flora and fauna, weather patterns and what makes Koke’e so unique to Hawaii.

Kilohana Train Hike and Orchard Tour – All aboard! Located on the beautiful Kilohana grounds, the Kilohana Train Hike and Orchard Tour offers an interactive way to explore the island. Guests can ride the train, hike in the rainforest
and enjoy a gourmet picnic. In addition to disembarking and spending some time with the pigs, goats, sheep, cattle and horses. For more information about adult-themed rides ask about their Happy Hour Luau Express Train!

Historic Hanapepe Art Night – Every Friday night from 6-9pm head west to Historic Hanapepe Town where you will find their weekly Art Night. The quaint main street is lined with local artists, food trucks and live music. Stop by the famous Hanapepe Swinging Bridge for an extra element of fun.

Home to some of the most breathtaking beaches in the world, it’s no surprise that Kauai offers snorkeling second to none. From the tropical north shore to the sunny south side, visitors can get up-close-and-personal with an array of dazzling marine life. Snorkelers can expect to see sea turtles (Honu), Parrot fish, Trigger fish, Wrasses, Butterfly fish, Flounder and the Devil Scorpion fish, just to name a few. Not to mention live coral, which we take extra precaution to avoid, in order to protect the reef. So where can you get the most bang for your buck? Here are the best beaches to snorkel in the Poipu area:

Poipu Beach Park

Located in the heart of Poipu, this well known beach park is divided into two halves. 
The left side offers a calm, protected baby beach (complete with lifeguard) and the right, in front of Marriott’s Waiohai Beach Club, offers the ideal area for snorkeling, stand up paddling and swimming. Poipu Beach Park also offers pavilions and picnic tables for barbecues or celebrating a birthday. Just across the way is Nukumoi Surf Shop. An aqua colored building adorned with surfboards, this is your one stop shop for masks, fins and every other snorkeling necessities.

Brennecke’s

During the winter months the north shore’s swells grow massive while the south side becomes almost lake-like. This of course is the ideal time to go snorkeling. Brennecke’s beach, located just to the left of Poipu Beach Park is typically a boogie-boarder’s dream. With perfect barrels for the young and young-at-heart. However during the winter, this bay offers a tranquil place to look for Honu (sea turtles) and exotic fish. If you’ve worked up an appetite in the water be sure to stop by Brennecke’s Beach Broiler restaurant, which can be found across the street (Hoone Rd) next to Nukumoi Surf Shop.

Lawai Beach

Lawai Beach can be found right out front of the Beach House Restaurant and Lawai Beach Resort. Made up of a slender stretch of sand, this is the perfect beach to hop right in the water and get started. For ultimate ease, it is recommended to put on your fins in the water, but if you put them on before going in, walk backwards from the shore. Watch for rocks and sizable waves as you enter. Remember to come early as this beach can fill up fast!

Koloa Landing

Located just down the road from the private collection of luxury condo rentals known as Whaler’s Cove Resort is Koloa Landing. When calm conditions are present, this loading area for boats offers quite the show for snorkelers. Known for having a large turtle population you are sure to make some new underwater friends. Honu are protected so be sure not to touch them! And of course do not feed fish. The idea is to follow by their example: simply float and observe.

Mahaulepu

Drive past the beautiful Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and you’ll find yourself on an island style dirt road. Down this path (past the horse stables) you will find the secret gem that is Mahaulepu. While the trek to get there is more challenging than other beaches, the payoff is more than worth it. This quiet, less populated beach offers gorgeous blue waters to snorkel in. Always remember to trust yourself, know your limits and judge the weather accordingly before heading in. Bring a partner to share the fun!

Looking to go further out and explore deeper waters? Be sure to check out Blue Dolphin Charters, Captain Andy’s, HoloHolo Charters, Kauai Sea Tours, Outfitters Kauai and SeaSport Divers for personalized boating, kayak, snorkel and Scuba trips! Whether you’re looking to stay off the south side or venture to the Na Pali Coast, they’re here to help!

Did you know that many major airlines fly directly to Kauai from the west coast?  A direct flight to Kauai without a stopover in Honolulu means that you can swap your winter parkas for a swimsuit and feel your toes in the sand even quicker.

Kauai has one commercial airport, located centrally in the town of Lihue.  Lihue Airport is only a 20-minute drive to the the sunny shores of Poipu.  Many of  the main grocery stores on the island are located in Lihue Town, include Costco, Walmart and Safeway, where you can stock up on snacks, drinks and some beach toys for the kids before you head to Poipu.  There are also a number of large airline carriers that offer direct service to Kauai from major cities in the United States and Canada.  Here’s the lowdown on which airlines have nonstop flights to Kauai, depending on which major city you are arriving from.  These airlines also offer indirect flights to Kauai.

Direct Flights to Kauai

• Dallas, Texas
  American Airlines will start daily service in December 2017 through March 2018. (Seasonal direct)
• Denver, Colorado
  United Airlines will start daily service in December 2017.
• Los Angeles, California
  Nonstop flights are available with American, Delta, Hawaiian and United
• Oakland, California
  Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines
• Phoenix, Arizona
  American Airlines
• San Diego, California
  Alaska Airlines
• San Francisco, California
  United Airlines
• San Jose, California
  Alaska Airlines
• Seattle, Washington
  Delta will be starting five flights per week in December 2017
• Vancouver, Canada
  WestJet

If you do end up flying to Oahu or even Maui before connecting on an inter-island flight to Kauai, Hawaiian Airlines is the only airline currently flying between the neighbor islands.  They also partner with many of the main air carriers, making it easy to book reservations directly through other carriers.  A flight between Oahu and Kauai only takes about 30 minutes- just long enough to enjoy some POG (passion-organge-guava juice).

With so many options for direct service, we hope to see you on Kauai, and Poipu, soon!