Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hiking
Most hiking on the Eastside ascends into Kauaʻi's tropical-jungle interior. You can ex-
pect humid climes, red dirt (or mud) and slippery patches after rains.
Kuilau Ridge & Moalepe Trails
HIKING
The
Kuilau Ridge Trail
(2.1 miles; one way) leads to emerald valleys, colorful birds,
dewy bushes, thick ferns and glimpses of misty Mt Waiʻaleʻale in the distance. After 1
mile, you'll see a grassy clearing with a picnic table; continue east in descending switch-
backs until you reach the
Moalepe Trail
(2.25 miles). From here on, you'll see Nounou
and the Makaleha Mountains.
While they are independent trails, the two are often mentioned together because they
connect and can be hiked in sequence. Both are moderate hikes and among the most
visually rewarding on Kauaʻi. Remember, the trails don't complete a circuit so you must
retrace your steps on a 9-mile out-and-back. Mountain bikers would also enjoy these
forestland trails, although they're used mostly by hikers and hunters.
The Kuilau Ridge Trail starts at a marked trailhead on the right just before Kuamoʻo
Rd crosses the stream at the Keahua Arboretum, 4 miles above the junction of Kuamoʻo
Rd and Kamalu Rd. The Moalepe Trail trailhead is at the end of Olohena Rd where it
bends into Waipouli Rd.
Nounou Mountain Trails
HIKING
Summit Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant) and you'll ascend over 1000ft, rewarded
with panoramic views of Kauaʻi's Eastside. Approach the mountain from the east on the
Nounou Mountain East Trail
(1.75 miles), from the west on the
Nounou Mountain
West Trail
(1.5 miles) or from the south on the
Kuamoʻo-Nounou Trail
(2 miles). The
trails meet near the center.
Visitors tend to prefer the exposed East Trail because it offers sweeping views of the
ocean and distant mountains. The well-maintained trail is strenuous and steep, climbing
through wild thickets of guava,
lilikoʻi
and ironwood, with switchbacks almost to the
ridge. At the three-way junction near the top, take the left fork, which will lead to the
summit, marked by a picnic shelter. Now atop the giant's chest, only his head prevents
you from a 360-degree view. Climbing further is extremely risky and not recommended.
Do this hike early in the morning, when it's relatively cool and you can witness daylight
spreading across the valley. The hard-packed dirt trail is exceedingly slippery when wet;
look for a walking stick, which hikers sometimes leave near the trailhead. The East Trail
starts at a parking lot a mile up Haleilio Rd in the Wailua Houselots neighborhood. When
the road curves left, look for telephone pole 38 with the trailhead sign.
