What are the Best Hikes in Kauai for Recreational Hikers

My husband and I enjoy hiking, although we mostly do it during our vacations. We’re recreational hikers, not experts, but we’re in good shape and like hikes ranging from two to eight miles.

The first few times we went to Kauai, we hiked quite a bit, and it was an incredible way to experience the island. After our son was born, we took a break from it and started again when he was six years old. Hiking with him when he was younger was out of the question since he was fearless.

My favorite hiking spots in Kauai are the Napali Coast and Waimea Canyon. However, these can be challenging, especially with young kids. We opted for easier kid-friendly hikes during our last trip, like Ho’opi’i Falls and the Kuilau Trail.

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Napali Coast hikes

Napali Coast Hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach-Kauai

Hiking Napali is quite an experience. The hikes start at Haena State Park, and you have a few options to choose from that mainly depend on how far you want to hike.

Hanakapi’ai Beach hike – Kalalau Trail

The first time we hiked Napali, we went two miles to Hanakapi’ai Beach. This was in December, and it was raining a bit, so the trail was very muddy and slick.

When we arrived at Hanakapi’ai Beach, there was a large stream to cross and no way around it. Luckily, my husband gave me a piggyback ride across since it was nearing waist-deep for me. Again, this was in December, so there was much more rain. When we returned during the summer, this wasn’t an issue.

We wandered around the beach for a while, and there were some small caves to check out. The water is rough, so pay attention to the posted warning signs. If you google this beach, there are some very sad and scary stories.

Hanakapi’ai Falls hike

If a four-mile roundtrip hike is a breeze for you, step it up to an eight-mile hike to Hanakapi’ai Falls.

We did this the second time we hiked Napali and were very happy we went the extra four miles.

Since it was summertime, the trails were much drier, making the hike easier. It’s less worrisome when you’re not slipping and sliding along cliffsides.

Once we arrived, we saw that the trek was definitely worth it. The waterfall was stunning, and my pictures don’t do it justice.

A cold swimming hole was in front of it, and my husband swam under the waterfall while I chickened out. 😞

The four-mile return was okay. I think we were ready to be done around mile six.

Napali Coast Hike to Hanakapi'ai Falls-Kauai

It took us four to five hours to complete, and we recommend wearing good shoes, bringing snacks, and plenty of water.

Next level Napali

The entire Napali hike is twenty-two miles round trip! This is where I tap out. I’m sure it must be epic, but no way, no how, no thank you!

For expert hikers who want to pass Hanakapi’ai Falls, good luck and have fun!

Proceed with caution

Hiking the Napali coast isn’t easy and can be very dangerous. There were quite a few times when I remember walking slowly on a narrow, slippery path with steep drops right into the ocean.

If you can, go when there’s little rain in the forecast. Also, I would not take my son on this hike, and I’m still not sure what age I would be comfortable with it.

Make reservations

We haven’t been to Napali since Kauai implemented its reservation process, but now you must have advanced reservations and a parking permit or shuttle pass to visit the state park. Click here for more details.

Waimea Canyon hikes

Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls

We’ve done this hike twice and mistakenly thought the mini falls pictured below were Waipo’o Falls. It turns out it’s not since Waipo’o Falls is an 800-foot waterfall!

If we’d gone further, the trail would have led us to the top of Waipo’o Falls. Nonetheless, this is still a great hike, even if you only go to the mini falls.

For me, the best parts of this hike were the views of the canyon. You get great views from the lookouts, but getting inside the canyon a little way is the best. There are interesting rock formations, and the colors are amazing.

This is a fairly easy hike that’s only two miles round trip, and I think we might take our son next time we visit. I have avoided it so far because a few places in the canyon have steep drops, and sometimes, he’s oblivious to such dangers.

Using Google Maps, driving to the trail is easy. Parking is across the road, and you’ll typically see at least a few cars parked nearby.

Pihea Vista Trail

Okay, so this one could probably be filed under Napali, but I’m parking it here since you drive through Waimea to get there.

I would say the Pihea Vista Trail is easy, depending on how far you go. We went when I was pregnant in 2016, so it has been a while, but I think we only walked about a quarter to a half mile to get amazing views.

This Pihea Vista Trail is 2.3 miles roundtrip, and if you are looking for more of a challenge, you can head onto Alakai Swamp to make it 7.8 miles round trip.

When we did this hike (or very short walk 😂), we parked at the Pu’u O Kila Lookout parking lot. You’ll need to buy a parking pass when you arrive and place it on your dashboard.

Queen’s Bath

We love going to Queens Bath, but it’s an adventure, to say the least. The hike to the bottom is steep and slippery. It only takes about 15-20 minutes to get down, but how gnarly it is always surprises me.

We’ve visited this place three times and found the trail was drier in August, making the hike easier. However, in October and December, it was very muddy and slick.

On our last adventure there, I was six months pregnant. Looking back, I realize it wasn’t the best idea, but I made it to the bottom without falling. Sadly, my mom fell twice and broke her wrist! 😔 She later discovered stepping in the puddles instead of avoiding them would have been better because it was less slippery.

So, if you go, be sure to get a more steady footing in the puddles on each step.

As you make your way down the slip-and-slide, you’ll be rewarded with views of beautiful plants and waterfalls along the way.

Once you reach the bottom, take some time to explore the rocks and enjoy watching the waves crash in and out of each area. Observing how the pools and alcoves fill up and then get really low is also fascinating.

While exploring, be careful not to get too close to the edges. The waves can be unpredictable, and people have been swept off the rocks into the water.

This happened to a woman right before we visited in December 2018, and Queens Bath was closed during our trip.

During the summertime, my husband and I went for a swim in Queen’s Bath. The waves were not as intimidating as in the fall and winter months. It was like a huge swimming pool with plenty to see, so don’t forget to bring your goggles or snorkeling gear.

We stayed in Princeville on all three occasions when we visited the trailhead, which was conveniently within walking distance. While there’s a small parking lot outside the trailhead, it can fill up quickly, and no additional parking is available in the residential area.

Ho’opi’i Falls (kid-friendly)

A few years back, a local told us about Ho’opi’i Falls and how it’s a great hike for kids. Well, we finally tried it, and all three of us loved it!

We all wore flip-flops, so luckily, the hike was really easy, and most of the trail was along a stream. It’s a little less than a mile to get to the waterfall.

When we arrived, a dad and his daughter jumped off the rocks into the water, which looked like a 20-foot jump. Down below, kids were jumping off smaller rocks.

At the top of the waterfall are some places to sit and relax, in and out of the water. My son enjoyed exploring and walking through the stream.

Driving to the trailhead is easy using Google Maps. You’ll come to the end of a residential street, and cars will be parked on both sides.

Kuilau Ridge Trail (kid-friendly)

We hiked Kuilau Ridge Trail when we were staying in Kapa’a and needed to spend some time between checking out and checking into our next resort.

From Kapa’a, we drove about half an hour to reach the trailhead. There are four parking spots at the entrance, but all were taken when we arrived. If you continue a few hundred feet down the road, you’ll cross a bridge with plenty of parking spots and restrooms on the other side.

The trail was easy, but the weather was muggy, and some parts were muddy. Regardless, we enjoyed the breathtaking views of the trees, plants, and mountains throughout the hike.

When you get near the top of the trail, there are ocean views in the distance. I also saw the most interesting crab-like spider. Apparently, it’s a Spiny orb-weaver.

Spiny orb-weaver spider on Kuilau Ridge Trail in Kauai

At the top, there are two covered picnic tables. It looked like the trail continued from there, but we had already walked close to two miles, and my son was ready to go back.

Once you return to the car, there’s a stream nearby to rinse off your shoes and legs.

Red mud woes

Do you love Lululemon, Vuori, Athleta, or any other expensive athletic clothes or shoes? You might want to think twice about wearing them on hikes in Kauai.

The mud on these trails, also known as “Red Mud,” will stain your clothing and shoes. So, it’s best to wear something you don’t mind getting dirty unless you’re intentionally going for a new red-dirt-stained look. Even the strongest detergents and stain removers won’t get rid of these stubborn stains.

Before our first trip to Kauai, we went to Target the night before our flight, and I bought $3 shorts on clearance. I still bring them with me on every trip, and it’s the only time I wear them. If you scroll up, you can see my $3 black shorts with white trim.