Best Hiking on the North Shore of Kauai

Kauai is one of the least developed Hawaiian Islands. The best way to see much of the island is on foot. The North Shore of Kauai has some of the best trails on the island. The following is a guide to the best hiking on the north shore of Kauai.

The most famous hike in all of Hawaii just happens to be on the north shore of Kauai. The Kalalau Trail is an eleven mile hike along the north coast, and is the trail into the Na Pali range. This hike is not for the average hiker, but more for the hiker that wants to camp out and really enjoy mother-nature. In order to hike the entire eleven miles, you will need a permit which can be obtained from the Division of Parks (808-274-3444). The entire hike should take two to three days depending on how many diversions you take. There are some great falls that require off shoot hikes including the Hanakapi'ai, which is a two mile side trip, and the Hanakoa Falls. The trail ends at beautiful and isolated Kalalau Beach. Enjoy, but remember you do have to hike back.

If you are looking for a short hike that has an amazing ending, the Pools of Mokolea are for you. To get to the pools take Kilauea Road to an unmarked road about ¼ miles from the Kong Lung Center. You will need 4WD to continue on this dirt road; otherwise you can walk the ¾ miles to the Mokolea peninsula. Once at the point, you will see the lava bench being pounded by the surf leaving lava pools as it recedes. If the tide is low, you can soak in the pools. Continue walking and you will come to a trench which has been carved by the pounding surf. As the ocean hits the trench the water explodes out with deafening force. This is a great place to understand the power of the Pacific.

If you are looking for a challenging hike that will test your quadriceps, check out the Hanalei 'Okolehao Trail. To get to the trail take Highway 560 westbound, make a left after crossing the Hanalei Bridge and than a right at the gate. The 'Okolehao Trail is a two mile hike that gains 1250 feet in elevation, which is why it is such a workout. The hike is worth it once you reach the top and have an almost bird's eye view of the north shore of Kauai, which includes views of the Kilauea Lighthouse and Hanalei Bay. This hike is a rough one, even on the way down so hikers take caution.

If you are going to Kauai, pack your hiking boots because there are so many wonderful things to see that can only be seen on foot. This guide includes the best hikes on the north shore of Kauai.