11 Easy Kauai Hikes For Beginners, Seniors & Families With Kids
A common Kauai adage is “the harder the Kauai hike, the better the views and nature experience“.
Some of the hardest Kauai hikes like the epic 22-mile Kalalau Trail hike or the 13 mile Awa’awapuhi Trail and Nualolo Trail loop hike offer stunning views of the rugged, beautiful Na Pali coast, rainforest jungle mountains, and lush, emerald-green valleys.
In fact, hiking is a top Kauai bucket list item for most visitors!
What do you do if you are vacationing on Kauai with your family including younger kids or senior parents or pregnant women?
You can still sample Kauai’s beautiful nature on easy trails without scary drops, strenuous climbs or hours-long hikes.
We have culled the best easy Kauai hikes for you, and whatever your constraints, you can easily find 2-3 hikes that are just perfect for you!
Some are short and sweet, others give you fabulous views with little or no climbing, and yet others are more like strolls in forested settings or along the coast.
But if you do want to knock off some of the more challenging hikes off your Kauai bucket list, we have included initial, easily manageable, sections of the best hard Kauai hikes like the Kalalau Trail and the Kalepa Ridge Trail.
Join us on a virtual tour of these easy Kauai hikes, and you can take your pick, and make your plans. We have detailed travel guides on many of these best Kauai hikes to help you plan your trip!
Up for an active adventure on the scenic Wailua River in Kauai? Discover the Secret Falls kayaking + hiking excursion on the east side of the island!
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Easy Kauai Hikes
1. Ho’opi’i Falls Trail Hike
Quick Facts: 1.8 mile total distance, out & back, 150 feet elevation gain
Enjoy waterfalls? The Ho’opi’i Falls Trail is one of the best easy Kauai hikes to waterfalls: the Lower Ho’opi’i Falls and the Upper Ho’opi’i Falls, two of the best Kauai waterfalls.
The Ho’opi’i Falls Trail is a rainforest hike, with the trailhead off Kapahi Road near Kapa’a on the northeastern side of Kauai.
One of the best easy family hikes on Kauai, the Ho’opi’i Falls Trail is short, with minimal climbing, making it great for families with younger kids.
Our kids loved splashing and cooling off in the pools at the base of the Ho’opi’i Falls. The Upper Ho’opi’i Falls is more secluded, and the pool at its base was better for our younger kids.
The Lower Ho’opi’i Falls has 20+ feet cliffs from which we watched some daring locals jump into the pool. Obviously, be careful, since cliff diving can be very dangerous.
>> Book these 5 star rated, highly popular, Kauai Tours now!
2. Kaluapuhi Trail Hike
Quick Facts: 2.3 mile total distance, out & back, 200 feet elevation gain
If you’re not content with admiring the lush Kalalau Valley from the Kalalau Lookout in Koke’e State Park, you can take the nearby Kaluapuhi Trail, one of the best easy Koke’e State Park hikes, for better views.
Apart from the views, the hike along Kaluapuhi Trail covers a dense rainforest jungle with native Ohi’a and koa trees, along with California redwood trees, eucalyptus trees and fruit trees like strawberry guava and plums.
This short hike is popular with bird watchers, and you may spot some of the pretty forest birds the Koke’e State Park is famous for, including some endemic honeycreepers like the i’iwi, ‘apapane and ‘amakihi!
To plan this hike, check our detailed guide to visiting Koke’e State Park!
3. Pu’u ka Ohelo / Berry Flat Trail Hike (+ Water Tank Trail Hike)
Quick Facts: 3.2 mile total distance, out & back, 600 feet elevation gain
The Pu’u ka Ohelo or the Berry Flat Trail is another easy Koke’e State Park hike, reasonably short with gently sloped grades.
The Berry Flat Trail trailhead is off Muhihi Road, across the street from the campground.
A great nature trail for families with smaller kids, seniors and pregnant women, the Berry Flat Trail doesn’t have frightening sheer drops or steep climbs.
Ask your kids to look out for the Ohelo berry plants with pretty red berries, after which the trail is named.
You can expect to see Japanese sugi pine trees and California redwood trees, along with native koa and Ohi’a trees.
To plan this hike, check our detailed guide to visiting Koke’e State Park!
4. Wai Koa Loop Trail Hike
Quick Facts: 3.7 miles total distance, out & back, 580 feet elevation gain, 1 1/2 hours
The Wai Koa Loop Trail is a beautiful hike near Princeville on the north shore of Kauai, excellent for seniors, pregnant women and families with younger kids due to its gentle slopes and wider trails.
The Wai Koa Loop Trail is on private property (mahogany plantation and farms), and you will need to sign a waiver available at the Wai Koa Community Center or gift shop.
The trailhead can be accessed from the North Shore Dog Park.
The Wai Koa Loop Trail takes you past a beautiful mahogany plantation, mildly forested sections with eucalyptus, bamboo and pine trees (Kilauea Woods), orchards, lagoons, farms and the Old Stone Dam surrounded by beautiful gardens.
>> Book these 5 star rated, highly popular, Kauai Tours now!
5. Pihea Vista Trail Hike
Quick Facts: 2.3 miles total distance, out & back, 440 feet elevation gain, about an hour
The Pihea Vista Trail trailhead is at the Pu’u O Kila Lookout at the end of Koke’e Road (Highway 550) in Koke’e State Park.
The Pihea Vista Trail is one of my favorite Koke’e State Park hikes: short with minimal climbing, and with fabulous views of the Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali Coast.
The Pihea Trail upto the Pihea Vista Junction is the easy part, ending at a spur (the Pihea Overlook), the highest point of the rim. But even a short distance into the Pihea Trail offers great views, so don’t be afraid to venture onto this trail for a bit.
The Pihea Trail is a hike through a forest reserve, and you can expect to spot the famous Koke’e State Park forest birds on this trail as well.
To plan this hike, check our detailed guide to visiting Koke’e State Park!
If you are feeling like a longer hike, you can continue to the Alaka’i Swamp Trail, a beautiful hike in an surreal, wetlands landscape, but be warned, the hike is moderate to hard due to the distance.
6. Kuilau Ridge Trail Hike
Quick Facts: 3.6 miles total distance, out & back, 680 feet elevation gain, 2 hours
If you are looking for an easy trail that will give you a good flavor of Kauai nature scenery, the Kuilau Ridge Trail is an excellent choice.
The Kuilau Ridge Trail is of reasonable length with relatively gentle gradation (compared to other ridge hikes).
You will have fabulous views of mountain ranges and valleys covered with lush-green, dense, rainforest jungle on both sides of the ridge trail.
While the Kuilau Ridge Trail is a great hike for families with kids, younger kids might find this difficult, especially after rains, when the mud trail can be slippery and wet.
7. Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail Hike
Quick Facts: 3.8 miles total distance, out & back, 300 feet elevation gain, 1 1/2 hours
The Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail is one of my favorite Kauai hikes to take the family, especially when the kids were younger.
The Maha’ulepu Trail is the best hike near Poipu on the southern shore of Kauai, a hike along the coast offering a great variety of hiking terrain and things to see.
Our kids loved the opportunity to spot nene (Hawaiian endemic geese) along the golf course path, the endangered Hawaiian monk seal on the Mahaulepu Beach, and migrating humpback whales off the coast, in winter.
Older kids will like the lithified sand dunes (Makawehi Bluff), the tortoise farm with giant African tortoises (Lida’s Field of Dreams), and the Makauwahi Cave and sinkhole.
We would stay back to watch cliff jumping on Shipwreck Beach (jump at your own risk, obviously dangerous) and the sunsets are also spectacular.
8. Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls
Quick Facts: 3.0 miles total distance, out & back, 790 feet elevation gain, about 2 hours
Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls is a harder trail than the ones above, especially towards the end, where you will have a bit of scrambling near the falls.
The Canyon Trail is an excellent choice for beginners who want to challenge themselves or for families with older kids. I’ve seen toddlers and seniors on the trail, but they will likely find this difficult.
The Waimea Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls is one of the best Koke’e State Park hikes, taking you first through a dense rainforest (you will have to navigate fallen trees and exposed tree roots), and then along the rim of famous Waimea Canyon, a Kauai bucket list item for most visitors.
The trail along Waimea Canyon is wide, and the viewpoints have a safety railing, so you can stay at a safe distance from the steeper parts, but I would keep an eye on the kids.
The views of Waimea Canyon are spectacular, with the lush green vegetation dramatically contrasting with the reddish canyon walls. No wonder Waimea Canyon is one of the most heavily visited places in Hawaii!
You can expect to see a mini-waterfall at the end of the trail, along with the water flowing towards the mighty Waipo’o Falls, one of the best Kauai waterfalls.
Because you are at the top of the falls, you won’t see the actual waterfall. But do stop at the Waimea Canyon Lookout, where you can see this beautiful, two-tiered, 800-foot Waipo’o Falls in the distance, across the canyon.
Like to see some majestic Kauai waterfalls close-up? Check out these 5-star rated Kauai helicopter tours!
To plan this hike, check our detailed guides to visiting Koke’e State Park and visiting Waimea Canyon State Park!
9. Okolehao Trail Hike to the First Viewpoint
Quick Facts: 2.6 miles total distance, out & back, 920 feet elevation gain
One of the best Kauai hikes near Princeville and Hanalei on the North Shore, the Okolehao Trail takes you to multiple viewpoints from where you get amazing views of Hanalei and Hanalei Bay!
The complete Okolehao Trail is rated hard, but getting to the first viewpoint is manageable for most hikers, and I recommend you turn back after that.
Though the climb to the first viewpoint is also significant, the payoff is well worth it! You can expect to have panoramic views of Hanalei Bay, the north shore of Kauai and the Pacific Ocean.
The Okolehao Trail hike is one of the best things to do in Hanalei!
10. Kalepa Ridge Trail Hike [Indefinitely Closed]
Quick Facts: 2 miles total distance, out & back, 700 feet elevation gain
The Kalepa Ridge Trail is a hike along a ridge that overlooks the famous Kalalau Valley, a lush, emerald-green valley along the rugged and beautiful Na Pali Coast.
This hike is rated hard because it is a narrow trail that follows Kalepa Ridge, and often with sheer drops on both sides, so you need a good head for heights on this trail.
The Kalepa Ridge Trail trailhead is near the Kalalau Lookout in Koke’e State Park.
The initial part of the Kalepa Ridge Trail is more manageable for adventurous hikers of different skill levels, but I would not venture too deep into the trail.
Luckily, some of the better views are in the initial section!
Currently, the Kalepa Ridge Trail, one of the best trails in Kauai, is indefinitely closed, but may re-open in the near future, with hopefully additional safeguards for this trail.
To plan this hike, check our detailed guide to visiting Koke’e State Park!
11. Kalalau Trail Hike to Ke’e Beach Viewpoint
Quick Facts: 1 miles total distance, out & back, 700 feet elevation gain
The 22-mile round trip Kalalau Trail is an epic hike along the Na Pali coast, one of the most difficult hikes on the island of Kauai!
Starting from the pretty Ke’e Beach, the trail winds up and down through jungles, mountains and valleys, until it finally ends at the secluded beach paradise, Kalalau Beach.
Obviously, I am not suggesting you hike the entire Kalalau Trail, but the initial sections of the trail have beautiful views and may be manageable, depending on your abilities and physical condition.
The simplest hike on the Kalalau Trail is to the first viewpoint, the Ke’e Beach Viewpoint, a short 0.2 distance from the trailhead.
A bit further on the Kalalau Trail, at 0.5 miles from the trailhead, you come to the Kalalau Trail Coast Viewpoint, where you get panoramic views of the beautiful Na Pali coast.
To get to the second viewpoint is roughly a 500-feet elevation gain, and I’ve seen toddlers and seniors make it up to this point, though I’m sure they found it hard.
Beyond this point, I would rate the hike as moderate to hard, but 2 miles into the trail, you come to Hanakapi’ai Beach, a beautiful beach, but with dangerous swells, especially on days of high surf.
I would not recommend going beyond this point for a beginning hiker, and you should turn back, content with striking the Kalalau Trail off your Kauai bucket list for now!
To plan this hike, check our detailed guide to visiting Haena State Park!
>> Book these 5-star rated, highly popular, Kauai tours now!
Map of the Best Easy Kauai Hikes
The below easy Kauai hikes map shows the locations of the trails and trailheads mentioned above, along with places of interest.
Hiking Gear Checklist
Many of Hawaii’s hikes are demanding, make sure you are well equipped and well prepared. Here’s what we typically take with us:
- Water Bottle: I hate plastic bottles, and with opaque bladders you can’t see if it is moldy inside. We use this Hydro Flask water bottle – light, stainless steel, wide mouth (you can add ice), with double-wall vacuum insulation (greatly refreshing for hikes in summer). You can also get it with a Flex Straw Lid!
- Hiking Shoes: My preferred hiking shoes are the medium range Merrell Moab 3 Waterproof Hiking Shoe (men’s, women’s, men’s mid), great for Hawaii’s trails through mud and streams. My wife loves her high-end Salomon X Ultra 4 GTX Hiking shoes (men’s, women’s), also waterproof.
- Sunscreen: Hawaii’s sun can be harsh. Avoid sunburn with sunscreen compliant with Hawaii’s 104 Reef Act. The Sun Bum Original SPF 50 Sunscreen Spray, moisturizing with Vitamin E, is our go-to when we travel to Hawaii. Apply liberally and regularly!
- Trekking Poles: Great for hikes that involve climbing, both going uphill and downhill, and on trails that are wet, muddy and slippery! Improve your footing with this collapsible, high-end Black Diamond Trail Cork Trekking Poles, available for men and women.
- Headlamp: Planning a sunrise or sunset hike? Hiking in the dark is no fun, especially on many of Hawaii’s rainforest or ridge hikes. We love these two headlamps: the budget Black Diamond Spot 400 Headlamp and the premium Petzl Actik Core Headlamp, with many features.
Tips for Your Best Easy Kauai Hikes
You are the best judge of your hiking capabilities, so review the list and select the ones most suitable for your hiking ability.
If you are not comfortable, turn back! Trail conditions vary significantly from easy to hard based on rain and fog, and slippery, muddy trails are quite common in Kauai.
I recommend you wear sturdy hiking boots and carry hiking poles as needed.
Take bug spray and mosquito repellent, I’ve needed them on all Kauai trails, especially the ones through the rainforest jungles.
Many of the hikes will have no shade, so use a hat, sunglasses and sunscreen.
Some of the hikes are in remote areas, and you will not have cell service or reception. Download all the maps and information you will need on the trail.
Take a lot of water and snacks, especially if you are hiking with family and kids. Typical hiking weather for Kauai is hot and humid!
Rain is likely throughout the year, I recommend carrying a light poncho.
Start the hike early morning, especially if the hike is for views. Later in the morning and early afternoon, clouds move in obscuring the views.
Take binoculars with you, especially if you are hiking along the coast or in the forest. They will come in handy if you see spinner dolphins or humpback whales (in winter) breaching or spot pretty Hawaiian forest birds.
Heed all the warning signs along the trail, they are posted for a reason! Trail accidents are quite common in Kauai, and are mostly due to hikers ignoring posted signs.
Many of the hikes above include benches along the trail where you can stop and rest or catch your breath, make use of them!
Easy Kauai Hikes: FAQ
What is the easiest hike to a waterfall in Kauai?
The easiest hike to a waterfall in Kauai is the Ho’opi’i Falls Trail hike, a rainforest jungle hike that has minimal elevation gain.
What are very simple hikes for families with small kids?
Simple Kauai hikes for families with small kids are the Wai Koa Loop Trail hike and the Iliau Nature Loop Trail hike.
The Best Kauai Tours
Have you booked these top Kauai guided adventures yet?
Sunset catamaran tour of the Na Pali Coast (relatively more stable ride, insane views on good weather days!)
Doors-off helicopter tour of Kauai (unobstructed views, chance to see more of the island than you can by land, no middle seats!)
Kayak on the Wailua River plus hike to a waterfall (a super fun activity for active travelers, albeit a little muddy sometimes!)
Raft trip to the Na Pali Coast plus snorkeling (prepare to get wet on this exhilarating adventure!)
Eurocopter ECO-Star helicopter tour over Kauai (the most booked Kauai helicopter tour on Viator with close to 2K reviews and a 5-star rating!)
Entire Kauai Island Air Tour (super popular, less expensive than a heli tour, large bubble windows for flightseeing!)
Renting a Car in Kauai
The best things to do in Kauai are scattered all over the island.
Public transport options on Kauai aren’t great, so if you want to explore the island beyond your base, you’ll want to book a rental car for your Kauai trip.
We always use Discover Cars to book Kauai car rentals. They search across a variety of rental car companies, both budget and brand, to offer you the best deals, AND they offer free cancellations. Plus, there are no hidden fees.
>> Check availability and prices on Kauai car rentals now!
Lihue Airport-Hotel Shuttle
Not planning to pick up a rental car at Lihue airport? Pre-arrange round trip transfer from the airport to your hotel and back!
This shared shuttle serves hotels or vacation rentals in Princeville, Kahala, Poipu, Kapaa, or Lihue, and then back again. It’s convenient and inexpensive, and saves time and hassle!
>> Check prices and availability for shared round-trip airport transfer in Kauai now!
Where to Stay in Kauai
Depending on whether you want a vacation rental with more room and the option to cook some of your meals, or you want a resort or hotel experience, and depending on which part of Kauai you want to choose as your base, you have a variety of options.
Since you’ll likely want to base in a couple places on your trip to Kauai, we suggest starting your search for Kauai accommodations by browsing vacation rentals on VRBO.
We have stayed in VRBO rentals in both Poipu and Princeville and find that the choice and quality are generally great.
>> Look for a Kauai vacation rental on VRBO now!
Want detailed recommendations for accommodations in Kauai? Check out our comprehensive guide to the best places to stay in Kauai!
More Kauai Travel Inspiration
Considering a trip to the Garden Isle in Hawaii? You’ll definitely want to check out some of our other comprehensive Kauai travel and attraction guides!
If you are a first-time visitor to Kauai, start by discovering the best things to do in Kauai! From beaches and botanical gardens to cliffs, canyons, and waterfalls, Kauai has it all, and our round-up lists all of Kauai’s must-experience activities and attractions.
Planning to split a week between Kauai and another island? We have a 3 days in Kauai itinerary article you must read to help flesh out what you would like to see and do!
Learn about the best things to do in Hanalei and Kauai’s scenic north shore, the best things to do in Poipu and Kauai’s south shore, and the most exciting things to do on Kauai’s Coconut Side or east side.
Read our in-depth guide to visiting the Na Pali Coast of Kauai. We give you the full scoop on the best ways to visit this stunning coast in the remote northwest of the island.
Discover our round-up of the nine spectacular state parks in Kauai, which house some of Kauai’s most treasured natural wonders.
We also have visitor’s guides to popular parks like Waimea Canyon State Park, which protects the namesake canyon, nearby Kokee State Park, and the remote but beautiful Polihale State Park.
Also check out the ultimate guide to visiting Haena State Park on Kauai’s north shore, and a full guide to hiking the epic Kalalau Trail.
Check out our round-up of the most beautiful waterfalls in Kauai, from waterfalls you can view from the road to falls that require hiking and falls that are best seen from a helicopter or sightseeing flight. We also have an article on everything you need to know to visit Secret Falls Kauai on an exciting kayaking and hiking tour.
Read our guide to Wailua River State Park to discover two easy-to-access Kauai waterfalls, and our trail guide for the easy hike to Ho’opi’i Falls. We also have an article on the best Kauai waterfall hikes.
And if a helicopter tour is part of your plans for Kauai, read our article on the top-rated helicopter tours in Kauai!
Hiking enthusiasts will want to read our article on the best hikes in Koke’e State Park: the trails here are some of the best hikes in Kauai!
We have detailed trail guides for the most popular Koke’e hikes, from the scenic Canyon Trail to the top of Waipo’o Falls, to the epic Awa’awapuhi Trail, challenging but very rewarding!
Also discover the best hikes in Waimea Canyon State Park, and the best hikes on Kauai’s north shore.
We also have a trail guide for the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail on Kauai’s scenic south shore, an article on how to hike the Sleeping Giant Trail, and a guide to the Kuilau Ridge Trail, one of the easy hikes on Kauai.
Get the scoop on the best botanical gardens in Kauai, from Limahuli Garden on the north shore to McBryde and Allerton Gardens on the south shore.
Read our guide to the best swimming beaches on Kauai, from Hanalei Bay on the north shore to Poipu Beach on the south shore!
We also have a guide to the best snorkeling beaches on Kauai, a round-up of the best Kauai north shore beaches, and an article on the best Kauai south shore beaches!
And if you love watching the sun go down in a burst of color, be sure to read our article on where to go for the best sunsets on Kauai!
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