Hawaii - Jeff Campbell [466]
Kukui Trail
Don’t let the fact that it’s 2.5 miles in (five total) fool you. The climb back out of the valley can be harrowing – it’s definitely for seriously fit and agile hikers only. The narrow switchback trail covers 2000ft and doesn’t offer much in the way of sweeping views, though there’s a river at the canyon floor.
Keep your eyes peeled for a small sign directing hikers to turn left, and hike the steep slope down, with the hill at your back.
When you hear the sound of water, you’re closing in on the picnic shelter and Wiliwili Camp area, where overnight camping is allowed, but mostly hunters stay.
To get there, find the Iliau Nature Loop trailhead just before the 9-mile marker. It officially starts just beyond it at a hunter checking station on the right.
Kalalau Lookout to Pu′u ′o Kila Lookout
This mellow, 2-mile hike offers a pleasant walk along the closed road linking two lookouts. A two-lane strip of asphalt, currently closed to traffic, connects the park’s premier viewpoints of the Kalalau Valley, and in early morning and late afternoon, as the fog is wafting overhead, it is a delightful birding walk. You won’t see as many species as in the forest itself, but it’s worth the amble.
Koai′e Canyon Trail
Further along about 0.5 mile from the Kukui Trail is the Koai′e Canyon Trail (6 miles round-trip), a moderate trail that takes you down the south side of the canyon to some swimming holes – which are best avoided after rain, because of incredibly quickly rising waters and hazardous flash floods.
The trail offers three camps. After the first, Kaluaha′ulu Camp, stay on the eastern bank of the river – do not cross it. Later you’ll come upon the overgrown Na Ala Hele trailhead for the Koai′e Canyon Trail. Watch for greenery and soil that conceals drop-offs alongside the path.
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Top PICKS – WESTSIDE HIKES
Iliau Nature Loop (Click here)
Pihea Trail to Alaka′i Swamp Trail Click here)
Nu′alolo Cliffs Trail (Click here)
′Awa′awapuhi Trail (Click here)
Canyon Trail (Click here)
Okolehao Trail (Click here)
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Next up is Hipalau Camp. Following this the trail is hard to find. Keep heading north. Do not veer toward the river, but continue ascending at approximately the same point midway between the canyon walls and the river.
Growing steeper, the trail then enters Koai′e Canyon, recognizable by the red-rock walls rising to the left. The last camp is Lonomea. Find the best views at the emergency helipad, a grassy area perfect for picnicking. When ready, retrace your steps.
Waimea Canyon Trail
A difficult trail in this area is the 11.5-mile (one-way) Waimea Canyon Trail, which fords Waimea River. It starts at the bottom of Waimea Canyon at the end of Kukuio Trail and leads out to Waimea town. An entry permit is required at the self-service box at the Kukui Trail register.
You might see locals carrying inner tubes so they can exit via the river rather than hiking back out.
CYCLING
Coast downhill for 13 miles, from the rim of Waimea Canyon (elevation 3500ft) to sea level with Outfitters Kaua′i (742-9667, 888-742-9887; www.outfitterskauai.com; Po′ipu Plaza, 2827A Po′ipu Rd, Po′ipu; tour adult/child 12-14 $94/75; check-in 6am & 2:30pm), who will supply all the necessary cruisers, helmets and snacks. Remember, you’ll be a target for the setting sun during the afternoon ride.
Mountain bikers can also find miles of bumpy, 4WD hunting-area roads off Waimea Canyon Dr. Even when the yellow gates are closed on nonhunting days, cyclists are still allowed to go around and use them – except for Papa′alai Rd, which is managed by the Department of Hawaiian Home Lands and open for hunting, but not recreational use.
Sleeping
All four camps on the canyon trails are part of the forest reserve system. They have open-air picnic shelters and pit toilets, but no other facilities; all freshwater must be treated before drinking. Click here for camping permit information.
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