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Author
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Topic: Best/ favorite hikes on Kauai
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SteveL
TUG MemberPosts: 44
From: Sebastopol, CA USA
Registered: DEC 2000
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posted 01-24-2002 20:04
 
Appreciate opinions about the best (or your favorite) hikes on Kauai. We'll be there in February. Thanks everyone!------------------
Steve
levenbergseb@pol.net
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rschallig
TUG MemberPosts: 91
From: Northern California USA
Registered: JAN 2001
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posted 01-24-2002 20:52
I recommend the paperback "Kauai Trails: Walks, Strolls and Treks on the Garden Isle, by Kathy Morey. (Wilderness Press) This book is periodically updated and describes 60+ trips that you can take. This is part of a series by Kathy Morey that includes Maui Trails, Oahu Trails and Hawaii Trails. A great resource to really explore the beauty of the Islands. The books retail at $14.95. I never travel to the Islands without these gems.
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Makai Guy
Administrator
TUG VolunteerPosts: 5396
From: Aiken, SC Prefer to be: Hawaii
Registered: DEC 2000
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posted 01-25-2002 08:06
The Kalalau Trail is a difficult 14-mile hike along NaPali coast. Trail leaves from the parking area at Ke'e Beach at the end of the road at the northwest "corner" of the island.It's about 2 miles to the first beach and lots of people just go there and back. This portion of the trail is not too difficult, although it can be slippery in places. To go beyond this beach requires a hiking permit, I think. The first mile of the trail climbs several hundred feet before it rounds the headland and gives you your first view down NaPali. It is a magnificent view and many people don't go beyond this point. You can read a bit more about this trail, not much more though, on my North Shore Kauai website -- see sig block below. ------------------
Doug Wilson, "The Makai Guy" -- BBS Administrator / TUG Area Rep, Hawaii
makaiguy@iname.com -- You might enjoy a visit to my North Shore Kauai website
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EAM
TUG MemberPosts: 758
From:
Registered: MAY 2001
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posted 01-25-2002 08:17
My favorite: hiking down into Waimea canyon. Bring plenty of water. Expect to encounter red dust. I would still recommend wearing good hiking shoes. We were able to get most of the red dust off of ours.
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greenjean
TUG MemberPosts: 254
From: LAKE OSWEGO, OR USA
Registered: DEC 2000
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posted 01-25-2002 10:48
Queen's Bath: This is a really short hike but well worth it. The trail can be muddy and slippery after a rain but it goes right down to the ocean crashing on rocks. On a previous trip we swam in a natural rock pool (in the summer), but last trip (winter) the waves were huge and swimming was out of the question. It's right in Princeville down a little trail...here's a link: http://www.visionsofheaven.com/journeys-kauaidocs/kauaiQueens.html P.S. Look at the rest of the Kauai stuff on this link...it shows lots of great hiking possibilities. ------------------
Worldmark owner since 1995 [This message has been edited by greenjean (edited 01-25-2002).]
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JEFF H
TUG MemberPosts: 2286
From: Tucson,AZ
Registered: DEC 2000
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posted 01-26-2002 02:19
quote:
Originally posted by greenjean:
Queen's Bath: This is a really short hike but well worth it. The trail can be muddy and slippery after a rain but it goes right down to the ocean crashing on rocks.
We did this last Jan and it was muddy and slippery in spots and had not rained all week. WE saw a huge sea turtle swimming close to the rocks and crashing waves. There were even a few crazy people swimming in Queen's bath but it looked to dangerous for me. one guy was climbing on the rocks near the ocean and every now and then a big wave would hit and flow over the top of the rocks into queens bath. He would jump into the bath area and avoid the wave everytime but what a foolish and dangerous thing to do. ------------------
http://jeffhilburger.tripod.com
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hibbeln
TUG MemberPosts: 511
From: Rochester, MI
Registered: JAN 2001
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posted 01-26-2002 06:10
This was a HUGE favorite for us. It is on the longer side, but very flat until the end when you get to clamber over rocks! I think it is in the Kauai Revealed book that explains some hikes that take you first driving (we had an SUV and it helped!) straight in towards Mt. Waialeale from the east side of the island. One of the hikes was called "Jungle Hike" and the other is for the tunnel. You park at the gate where the Jurassic Park gate was constructed and continue walking along the dirt road here right up toward Waialeale Crate. We veered off on the Jungle Hike (which was our main destination) but didn't find it too exciting so we continued on until the road hit the Wailua River. The Wailua River forms from the precipitation on Mt. Waialeale and tumbles down getting bigger andbigger. It is all big rocks with the river tumbling through it at this point and it is loads of fun scrambling over them. You can go as far or as little over these rocks up into the Crater itself with heavy clouds hanging overhead and hundreds of waterfalls cascading down the sides of the crater. We ran into one other family back in here, otherwise it was very secluded. All the helicopters are whizzing overhead, so we felt like we got a great view of the crater for the bargain hike of merely some muddy shoes!
We did this hike with a 3 1/2 year old and 5 year old so it took awhile and we packed sandwiches and water. Up until the rocky river part, really anyone in reasonable condition could do it.If you're interested, look in the book and you'll see the general description of how to get to this area. It was fun getting back to the parking area too, we drove across 2-3 streams on the road, etc. The kids had a blast!
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hibbeln
TUG MemberPosts: 511
From: Rochester, MI
Registered: JAN 2001
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posted 01-26-2002 06:16
Hmmmmmm, just thought of one more. Again, this is as short or as long as you like. Go to the lithified cliffs at Meheulepu (I think I slaughtered that spelling!) down on the Poipu side. Again, follow the directions in the book and then explore. Be sure to bring water because it is HOT! As you start out looking at the ocean, if you veer to your right along the shore you can explore LITTLE coves and caves in the cliffs. Be careful and use caution of the surf! Then head to your left and go up and over the cliffs. It's kind of like walking on the moon and HOT! You get to an area where you have to crawl under a barbed wire fence or else dangling out over the cliff and crawl around it. This will take you back to a secluded little beach in a cove with very fun waves to play in and a NASTY undertow. There are crabs EVERYWHERE on the rocks. Be forewarned though, this is the ONE place where we did not heed the "never swim in murky/sandy water" anti-shark rule (the waves were really kicking up the sand on the bottom) and what did we encounter? A 6-8 foot shark in the shallows! If you're feeling ambitious and your quadriceps are good, keep following along the shoreline and up and over the next ridge (and it's a big one and very hot!) and you will find a beautiful beach that is so secluded you won't believe it. Again, bring LOTS of water! This side of the island is HOT!
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hajjah
TUG MemberPosts: 693
From: USA // Owner: 2 weeks=Dikhololo, 1 week Mt. Amanzi, 1 week Perna Perna Mossel Bay (All SA)
Registered: DEC 2000
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posted 01-26-2002 17:07
Take the suggestion given regarding Queen's Bath very serious. We tried this hike back in August and barely made it to the spectacular site. Of course, it had rained earlier in the day and the path was slippery and muddy. Yes, I fell way before I even reached Queen's Bath. I was determined to get there despite my fall. My traveling partner turned around and headed back. By the time I made it down to the water and back up, I was as dirty as could be. Why did I wear white pants that day? I have no idea. Despite all this, Queen's Bath was a beautiful place to see. I have pictures taken with my digital camera for my colleagues to see posted in my office.------------------
Hajjah
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tiger
TUG MemberPosts: 392
From: add another 300 posts Schenectady, NY,USA Lawai Beach Resort registered Dec. 2000
Registered: APR 2002
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posted 01-28-2002 08:07
Hibbeln, sounds like you got to Kipu Kai, a secluded private beach. You were trespassing but I congratulate you on getting there. Since there are no signs I think it's still technically legal. This area is scheduled to be deeded to Hawaii around the year 2050 or so when the last deeded relative passes.Currently my favorite hike is the Kohua Ridge trail (formerly called the Maile trail I think). Starts well into the Mohihi 4WD road, then down across a ditch, up a ridge, down to a swimming hole and stream, then up to and along another ridge out to a lookout in the middle of the canyon. From this lookout you can see, several miles distant, all the other tourists looking into the canyon where you are. 5 miles RT, bring lots of water. ------------------
Norb Woods
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hibbeln
TUG MemberPosts: 511
From: Rochester, MI
Registered: JAN 2001
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posted 01-28-2002 17:21
Us?!?! Trespass??!!!!! You mean crawling under that barbed wire fence??????!!!!! Maybe that was a guard shark we encountered! Shhhhhhhhhhhhh just don't tell the authorities! (wink! wink!)
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beachbarbie
TUG MemberPosts: 291
From: Pompano Beach, FL USA owner: Mt Amanzi, Aquamarine Villas,Chateau Orleans,Ridge Tahoe, Dikhololo
Registered: FEB 2001
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posted 01-28-2002 21:37
I second the Kalaulau Trail. We only went the first 2 miles in and then 2 miles back. It was AWESOME. You climb for the 1st mile. At one point we were looking DOWN at the helicopters flying below. The views of the Napali Coast are Amazing!
The second mile is down to a beautiful beach. From there you can take a side trip up the valley to a waterfall. Take plenty of water.
Barb
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Poobah
TUG MemberPosts: 395
From: Burnsville, MN, USA Owner: EVR, Poipu
Registered: DEC 2000
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posted 01-29-2002 18:34
All,We like to hike in Waimea. We have done the Awa'Awapuhi trail twice. The trail itself is real easy, but it drops 1600 feet in three miles. Which means you walk up 1600 feet on the way out. The view at the end of the hike is spectacular. There are nice vistas as you walk in and out of few valleys. There is one point where the entire valley wall, about 75 feet up is covered with flowering Lantana. Really cool. There is also the Pihea Trail at the end of the road in Waimea. It is a walk more than a hike, but it does rim the Kalahlau Valley. It then dives into the Alaka'i Swamp. The Cliff trail is nice walk, great views of the canyon, but when you get to Waipo'o falls you can't see it. You are at the top and the water just disappears. Be careful on the Kalalau Trail. It is not really for the beginner. You can stop at Koke'e Lodge and get maps and recommendation. Enjoy Paul
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fduvall
unregistered
TUG MemberPosts: 395
From: Burnsville, MN, USA Owner: EVR, Poipu
Registered: DEC 2000
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posted 02-01-2002 15:32
Regarding the Kalalau Trail, it is an amazing sight. It feels like you entered the "Lost World." But it can be treacherous. I am an experienced hiker, in good shape, and hiked about 8 miles in before getting heatstroke. Brought LOTS of water, but still went through all of it on the way in! Had to purify water for the trip out the next day.It is also very slippery. On the 2 mile hike to the first beach, I saw at least a dozen "day hikers" slip and fall. On the trail farther in, a slip could be fatal. Wear the right boots! Bring a camera and enjoy. It's definitely a CAN'T MISS for the experienced.
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SteveL
TUG MemberPosts: 44
From: Sebastopol, CA USA
Registered: DEC 2000
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posted 02-05-2002 19:47
Thanks to all of you for your great ideas. If we're lucky, we'll do it all. If we just do some of it, we'll still be lucky. Even if we don't do any of it, we'll still be lucky 'cause we'll be in paradise next week! Can't wait. Steve------------------
Steve
levenbergseb@pol.net
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