Discover the Awaawapuhi Trail: The Napali Coast at your feet

One of the most beautiful landscapes in the world, the Napali Coast, will be under your feet when you reach the end of the Awaawapuhi route, in Kauai (Hawaii).

Kauai is Hawaii's most historic island accessible to tourists, yet one of the least visited.

It is a volcanic island, but do not expect lava rivers or pyrotechnic effects. Centuries ago its volcano fell into an eternal sleep.

Now, it is only a matter of time (a long time) before weather phenomena erode its profile until it becomes a small atoll of sand and coral covered by the ocean.

Relax, you're in luck! You are living in a time when Kauai is the most beautiful, remote and mysterious island in the Pacific.

Although this may depend on taste, dozens of blockbusters such as Jurassic Park, King Kong, Indiana Jones or Jurassic World chose it as a setting.

Need more clues?

When you close your eyes and try to remember what the Jurassic Park characters see when they arrive by helicopter or boat to the island, what do you see? Do you remember the green mountain, furrowed by rock veins like blades?

Well, it is real. It exists, it is on planet Earth, at your fingertips (more or less).

Are you going to miss it? 

Specifically, the images I am talking about were shot on the Napali coast, the most beautiful and inaccessible of the whole island.

No road will take you there. To get closer to its secrets you will have to walk, fly and sail the seas.

And, despite your best efforts, you will never succeed in unraveling all its mysteries. Or will you? Do you dare to try?

Next, I'm going to give you some tips and tell you about our adventure on the Awaawapapuhi Trail, one of the best windows to the Napali Coast.

Due to inclement weather, it was one of the few trails we hiked during our visit to Kauai in November 2016.

Awaawapuhi Trail

Practical information

• You will find a parking lot near mile 17 of Kokee Road from which this route departs.
• It is 6.2 miles i/v (about 10 km), descending a total of 360 m to the Nualolo Valley.
• It is necessary to reserve about 4 hours to do it.
• It has a medium-high level of difficulty.
• It takes place, for the most part, under the shade of the trees.
• The road is dirt, mostly mud, at least in our case.
• The outward journey is downhill and, therefore, the return is uphill. However, its relative difficulty will be determined by the state of the terrain. If the ground is muddy from rain, it is much more difficult to descend than to climb. The danger of slipping and falling is very high in this case, so I recommend wearing good footwear, going slowly taking short steps and, if possible, using a hiking stick or looking for a branch to use as a support when walking. When the terrain is dry, the climb is harder because of the high humidity and temperature.

The way

During the first half of the trail we had to be very careful not to fall. If you pass by the 0.5 mile sign, remember me, that's where I bit the dust! Or the mud, rather 🙂 🙂

We crossed forests of beautiful giant ferns and walked most of the time surrounded by trees. These gave us plenty of protection from the gentle but continuous rain that followed us from the parking lot.

About halfway up, the ground began to gain consistency under our feet. It stopped raining and the sun began to filter through the clouds to form rainbows as we passed.

You haven't seen a real rainbow until you've seen one in Hawaii.

They are real, huge, almost tangible. When you have them in front of you, you can only thank the rain that accompanied you for having caused it. The landscape, already fascinating in itself, multiplies its attractiveness incalculably thanks to them.

Just before reaching the viewpoint, you cross a very evocative field of spikes, as you can see in one of the video clips embedded below.

The goal

And then, the magic moment arrives.

The ground opens up under your feet and reveals the characteristic valleys, embraced by mountains eroded over the years in the form of soft, delicate blades.

The color of the sea, the clouds, majestic birds flying between cliffs... and those impossible shapes in the rock.

And, as if that were not enough, a rainbow to complete the picture.

But... yes, there is a but.

The official viewpoint fence offers limited views of the landscape.

To fully enjoy it, it is necessary to enter a dusty area without any kind of protection.

All signs, both external and internal (if you have two fingers in front of you) urge you not to do so.

We were lucky that it was not wet. Otherwise, it would not have been possible to walk on it without the danger of falling.

As you advance, the scenery becomes more spectacular at the same rate that the risk of putting your life in danger increases. And I'm being very honest.

The first meters in this area are not so dangerous. The terrain is still wide and, if it is dry, you can take a few steps without suffering too much. On both sides, the perspective of the valleys begins to open up, and it is incredible.

My recommendation, don't go any further.

To continue, I had to cross, from one area to another, crouching on all fours. I did it despite the precipice falling on both sides and overcoming the beginnings of vertigo, which I had not suffered before.

Here again, the scenery became even more spectacular.

Beyond that second stop, which I never passed, stretched a narrow dusty road no wider than my hips.

And yes, the views were sensational, but high risk. Not only was there the danger of vertigo, but also of tripping and falling. The terrain left no room for error.

Despite all this, my photographer made it to the end of the 'unofficial lookout' and took these stunning photos - I hope you enjoy them!

The return

On the way back, we realized that the weather had not changed at all. Every section of the trail maintained the same condition as in the morning.

The area closest to the sea was still dry, with clear skies. On the other hand, in the last kilometers and in the parking lot, it continued to rain a little harder, even. Because of this, the concentration of mud was even greater. However, being uphill, it was much easier to walk on it without falling.

Deciding between Awaawapuhi or NualoloTrail

The Nualolo Trail departs from a parking lot at the entrance to the Kokee Natural History Museum, between miles 15 and 16.

It is as famous, if not more, than the Awaawapuhi Trail. A few years ago, there was an intermediate route, called Nualolo Cliff, that connected them. This made it possible to start on one and return on the other in the same day, thus enjoying both landscapes.

Unfortunately, today the Nualolo Cliff Trail is closed as it was destroyed by landslides. Cliff means cliff, so it is not surprising that this trail ended up falling off.

So, to do both trails, it is necessary to reserve two days, if you have them.

I hesitated for a long time about which of the two to go for and in the end, the schedule tipped the balance. Here are the differences between the two, both what I knew at the beginning and what I learned there, first hand.

I hope they can help you decide if, like me, you don't have time to do both.

• Nualolo Trail is slightly longer: 12 kilometers, compared to 10 kilometers for Awaawapuhi.
• The elevation gain in Nualolo is greater: 435 meters compared to 360 meters in Awaawapuhi.
• Nualolo Trail reportedly enjoys less shade than Awaawapuhi.
• I was also told that the Nualolo Trail is considered tougher, more leg-breaking, because it has climbs and descents all the way up and down. Awaawapuhi is essentially downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back.
• The views are equally beautiful, of the same valley; although the perspective is somewhat different. From the viewpoint at Awaawapuhi, you see two valleys for the price of one, both below your feet, with the sea in the background. From the Nualolo, you see one valley from the side, giving you a glimpse of the Napali coast cut out behind it, over the Pacific. As much as I compared photos of one and the other, I couldn't decide which one I preferred. Too personal, you'll have to choose.
• In danger to gain views at the end of the trail, I would venture to say that the Awaawapapuhi is worse. This will vary depending on the terrain conditions and the risks you are willing to take. Please use your head.

Practical advice

What to bring

Here is a list of basic items that should always accompany you during your visit to Waimea Canyon & Napali Coast:

• Rain coat and/or rain jacket. Kauai is the second wettest spot on the planet, Mount Waialeale. Therefore, it will be very rare that you pass through here and you don't get caught in a downpour. A waterproof jacket will come in handy to cut the wind, keep you warm and protect you from the rain. However, when the big downpours start (temporary, don't panic), the cape will be very useful, as it will not only cover you, but also your backpack and your precious photographic equipment. We made good use of both.
• Appropriate footwear for mountaineering. I saw many people trekking in flip-flops, and I assure you, they didn't look like they were having a good time. I recommend hiking boots with goretex or similar waterproof technology. This will be very useful when you have to get all the mud stuck to them without getting them wet inside... I tell you from experience. I also saw that some tourists wore a type of footwear with soles suitable for walking in those places, but open to some extent, like these. They are much easier to wash, lightweight and suitable for warm environments like Hawaii. If I were to go there again right now (I wish!), I would get a pair of these shoes without hesitation.
• Lightweight clothing. If possible, wear something that dries quickly. In my opinion, shorts will be more comfortable, as they will not get as dirty in the mud as long pants.
• Food and drink. If you are going on a hike, bring enough water (1-1.5 liters per person minimum) and food. You will not find drinking water in the restrooms. Also, the only nearby places to buy food and drink are a small stand at the lookout. Waimea Canyon Lookout and the restaurant next to the museum, where prices will be high and options limited. It's best to bring everything from home. Honey cereal bars and dried fruit make excellent, easy-to-carry energy pills. Add a couple of snacks and some fruit and you're ready for adventure.

What not to wear

In Hawaii, as almost everywhere else in the world, thefts inside cars are common. The Kokee Road is a good example of this. Here are the steps you should take into account to avoid losing your personal belongings:

• Never leave your luggage or valuables inside a parked car. Take everything with you.
• Don't leave any item, no matter how insignificant, out of sight. You will be tempting fate.
• Don't park in parking lots where there is already broken glass on the ground. The world is giving you a sign.
• If, for some strange reason, you need to leave something of value in the trunk (I do not recommend it at all), do not open it in the parking lot. Leave everything well stored in it before leaving your accommodation and do not open it again. On the road, behave as if you are not carrying anything. This may work if you are only stopping at viewpoints for a few minutes. However, it is high risk if you are going to leave the car parked while on a long hiking route.

For us, following the first three tips listed above, we did not have our car opened. But again, it's a matter of luck.

Useful Links

• Booking offers in Kauai.
• ESTA application.
• International flight deals to Hawaii: Trabber, eDreams, andMomondo.
• Get 5% off your IATI travel insurance.

If you are interested in learning more about Kauai, here is all the information I gathered during our visit to the island:

• 9 days on the road in Kauai, step by step. 
• A practical guide to organizing a trip to Kauai on your own.
• Discover the Napali Coast on a luxury boat.
• Kalalau Trail, Kauai's most challenging hike.
• Kauai's most beautiful beaches: what would you like to do today?
• Fly over Kauai in a helicopter... without doors!
• Waimea Canyon, the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.
• Queen's Bath, forbidden beauty in the Garden of Eden.
• Mahaulepu Trail, hiking, temples, and pristine beaches on Kauai.

Do you want to know another island of Hawaii? Take a look at our experience in Maui:

• 7 day tour of Maui.
• Guide to organizing a trip to Maui on your own.
• The best snorkeling beaches in southern Maui.
• Sighting of humpback whales off the coast of Maui.
• Nightmare before dawn at Haleakala.
• The full description of our experience at O'hoe Gulch and Pipiway Trail.
• 3 days and 2 nights discovering the Road to Hana.

And remember, if you need more information or help about Hawaii, feel free to leave a comment below. I will be happy to help you in any way I can.

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