Hiking the Awa'awapuhi Trail in Waimea Canyon, Kauai | Top Hikes in Kauai
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Waimea Canyon Overview
Waimea Canyon is located on the western side of Kauai. It is sometimes referred to as the Grand Canyon of the Pacific. Waimea, which means reddish water, is a beautiful red soil canyon with numerous hikes and viewpoints.
Getting to Kauai
You can get to Kauai via the Lihue Airport located on the Southeast corner of Kauai. Flights from other Hawaiian aiports range from $40 to $100. You can pick up your car rental straight from the Lihue Airport.
Distance from Lihue Airport to Waimea Canyon
The distance from the airport to the canyon is 38 miles. You will make your way from the Southeast corner of Kauai all the way to the west side. The drive is all on paved road so you won't have any issues with your rental car. This drive will take you approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes.
Hiking the Awaawapuhi Trail
One of the best hikes in Kauai leads you to a breath taking view of the Napali Coast. This hike will take you from the inside of Waimea Canyon down towards the coast with gorgeous views along the way. You will see green forest, red canyons, and turquoise waters along the trail. This hike is 6.7 miles round trip. The first half of the hike is all downhill as you make your way towards the coast from the canyon.
Permits for the Awaawapuhi Ridge Trail
The good news is, there are no permits required to hike the Awaawapuhi Ridge Trail. The bad news is, since there is no permits then it could be relatively crowded.
Parking for the Awaawapuhi Ridge Hike
There is a small parking lot for the Awaawapuhi Ridge Trail hike that probably fits around 20 cars.
Difficulty of the Awaawapuhi Ridge Hike
This trail is rated as difficult as there is 2,125 feet of elevation gain. The elevation gain is all on the way back to the trail head. You will be hiking downhill from the start to a beautiful view of the Napali Coast. If it rained a few days prior, expect muddy hiking. If it rains when you are on the trail, your boots will get very muddy!
Dangers of the Awaawapuhi Hike
For most of the hike from the trail head to the danger sign, it is relatively safe with one or two spots with some exposure. The most dangerous part of this hike is the last 300-500 feet after the warning sign. Here you will be on the ridge line of the hike to see down onto the canyon and ocean below.