Waimea Canyon
While you’re staying at our vacation rentals in Kauai, there’s no better way to witness the beauty of the island firsthand than by hitting the trail. Kauai is known for having some of the most magnificent scenery found anywhere, and these trails travel through the heart of it.
Sleeping Giant Trail
The Nounou Mountains are said to resemble a sleeping giant, and this trail passes directly through them, stretching across the area that resembles the giant’s chest. It’s a steady, 1,000-foot climb up the side of the mountain through native forests of ironwood and guava trees. This 3.5-mile long trail provides spectacular views of Kapaa and Wailua Bay and ends at a picnic grove where you can stop for a hard-earned lunch.
This dirt trail can be difficult after a hard rain, as portions of it can become extremely muddy. If you feel well-rested after enjoying your picnic lunch, continue on another leg of the trail that will cross the giant’s face. We recommend this stretch for advanced hikers only, as parts of the trail are very narrow with extremely steep drop-offs.
The Makaleha Falls hike is only 3 miles long, but will require a bit of adventure to navigate — dense growth requires bushwhacking in some parts, while others require wading through a stream or rock-hopping. Plan at least a half day to experience this trail, as you’ll want to have time to enjoy the beautiful falls, intriguing forests and breathtaking mountain views. You’ll also have the chance to cool down in a pool at the bottom of the falls. Since parts of this trail are not well-maintained, it’s highly recommended that you bring a compass with you in case you get off course. If you’re still a little unsure about navigating this trail, we can recommend local guides.
The Kalalau Trail
This trail begins in Ha’ena State Park, and extends through several valleys and along oceanside cliffs. You’ll pass over rushing streams and enjoy views of several magnificent waterfalls along the way, as well as glimpses of the remains of some stone terraces that once were homes for native Hawaiians. This trail concludes with a stretch of flat land along the beach, which can be especially breathtaking to walk along during sunset.
This hilly hike offers few level spots throughout, so expect it to take the better part of a day, even if you are in good physical condition. It’s highly recommended that you depart early in the morning and carry plenty of water with you to avoid dehydration.
Along the way, you’ll have plenty of chances to cool off in the ocean waters that run alongside this route, and enjoy tropical plants and stunning views of local cliffs. Keep an eye out for interesting wildlife, including herds of wild goats.
Insider Tip:
If you’d like, the Kalalau Trail can also be broken up into sections to make it easier to navigate. Hike the two-mile stretch from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai falls, and you’ll have a fairly easy hike that provides you with views of spectacular waterfalls. A four-mile section spanning from Hanakapi’ai to Hanakoa features a steep climb of 800 feet and partially passes through the Na Pali Natural Area Reserve. The final stretch is a five-mile trek, which consists of panoramic views of the local valley and narrow sections of trail that hug the cliffs very tightly.
After a day on the trails, come home and relax in our Kauai vacation rentals. Tucked on the east side of the island in Kapaa, Fern Grotto Inn offers authentic old-style plantation cottages with island-inspired furnishings and modern amenities. Discover the Kauai vacation rental you’ve been dreaming of, surrounded by a lush landscape of fruit trees and located only a block from the beach. Please contact us to see how we at Fern Grotto Inn can help make your stay on the Isle of Discovery an unforgettable adventure!