Guide to Hiking on the South Shore of Kauai

So you are on the island of Kauai living it up at the resorts. Going to the luaus, drinking mai tais, and you want to go see a little more. The best way to see more of Kauai is by hiking. The south shore of Kauai offers some great hikes to help you work off the kalua pig. The following is guide to hiking the south shore of Kauai.

There is a great hike along the Pacific coastline that many locals consider the finest trail on all of Kauai. Starting at Shipwreck Beach and walking northeast along the shore to Mahaulepa, you will see some of the most gorgeous rigged coast line on all of Hawaii. This hike is about two miles and is considered easy, but the terrain can be tough due to the rocky shore and narrow cliffs. Much of the trail opens up to sandy beaches, but swimming is not recommended due to the rough surf. Along the coast you will find lithified cliffs that were created over 18,000 years ago during the last ice age. This is a really nice hike for the vacationer looking for just a little bit of an adventure.

If you are looking for a longer trail that includes some historical stops, try the Koloa Heritage Trail. The one thing to note about this trail is that it is ten miles long and can be driven, but what a great way to get some exercise while seeing some of the great sights on the south shore of Kauai. Along the Koloa Heritage Trail you will find fourteen stops including the Spouting Horn, Prince Jonah Kuhio Birthplace Monument and Park, Moir Gardens at Kiahuna Plantation, Keoneloa Bay, Jodo Mission Buddhist Temple in Koloa, and the Koloa Missionary Church Sanctuary, and many others. This is a fantastically historical trail on the south shore of Kauai.

If you are feeling a little apprehensive about hiking by yourself, Kauai does offer some guided tours along the south shore coastline. Kauai Nature Tours (888-233-8365) will take you on a tour of the Mahaulepa trail. The tour is about $90, but is led by a scientist or environmentalist, and includes lectures on how the coastline has changed over the millions of years of its existence. The Hawaii Sierra Club also offers group tours on the south shore and is a little less expensive and is worth looking in to.

While vacationing at the resorts on the south shore of Kauai, be sure to check out some of the local scenery. The south shore offers some great hiking and trails to help you add a little bit of exercise to your otherwise relaxing vacation.