Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Hiking
Several rugged trails lead deep into Waimea Canyon: keep in mind they're shared with
pig and deer hunters and that it's busiest during weekends and holidays.
The
Kukui trail
and its extension, the
Koaiʻe Canyon trail
, are two of the steepest on
Kauaʻi; they connect at Wiliwili Camp, 2000ft into the canyon. If the entire trek sounds
too strenuous, hike just 1 mile down the Kukui Trail, where you'll reach a bench with an
astounding view.
Iliau Nature Loop
HIKING
(
www.hawaiistateparks.org
; Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea Canyon State Park)
This easy, mostly flat
0.3 mile loop was named for the
iliau,
a plant endemic to Kauaʻi's Westside, which
grows along the route and produces stalks up to 10ft high. Canyon walls, waterfalls and
bursting
iliau
are all reasons to give it a try.
The marked trailhead for the 10-minute Iliau Nature Loop comes up shortly before
mile marker 9. Be sure to pass the bench to the left and walk about three minutes for a
top-notch vista into Waimea Canyon.
Kukui Trail
HIKING
(
www.hawaiistateparks.org
; Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea Canyon State Park)
This narrow switch-
back trail drops 2000ft to the canyon floor and doesn't offer much in the way of sweep-
ing views, though there is a river at the bottom. And don't let the fact that it's only 2.5
miles (five miles round-trip) fool you. The climb out is for seriously fit and agile hikers
only.
Keep your eyes peeled for a small sign directing hikers to turn left. 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 patronized by boar hunters. To get here, find the Iliau Nature Loop trailhead just
before mile marker 9. It officially starts just beyond at a hunter checking station on the
right.
Waimea Canyon Trail
HIKING
(
www.hawaiistateparks.org
; Waimea Canyon Dr, Waimea Canyon State Park)
The 11.5-mile (one
way) Waimea Canyon Trail starts at the bottom of Waimea Canyon at the end of Kukui
Trail and leads out to Waimea town, fording the river along the way. 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 float home the easy way.
Koaiʻe Canyon Trail
HIKING
