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.
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Spectacular views from Kuilau Ridge Trail, one of the best easy Kauai hikes for a taste of Kauai nature trails
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.
Best Things to Do in Kauai at a Glance
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Activities & Best Tours (Reserve now, before they sell out!)
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!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Kauai, check out the some of the top things to do in Kauai, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
You just can’t miss these things to do in Kauai!
Makawehi Bluffs, lithified sand dunes along Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, one of the best easy Kauai hikes near Poipu
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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
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.
Want to REALLY experience the Na Pali Coast from the water? If you are physically able and up for the adventure, a raft tour takes you in and out of sea caves and under waterfalls for a thrilling adventure! 🌊 🌊 🌊
Ho’opi’i Falls Trail, one of the best easy Kauai hikes to experience the island’s natural beauty
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.
Upper Ho’opi’i Falls from the Ho’opi’i Falls Trail, one of the best easy Kauai hikes to a waterfall
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.
A small plane sightseeing flight over Kauai is an amazing experience. Fly over such Kauai highlights as the jaw-dropping Na Pali Coast and the majestic Waimea Canyon! ✈️ ✈️
The Kaluapuhi trailhead to an easy Kokee State Park hike on Kauai island, Hawaii
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!
I’iwi, native honeycreeper, a forest bird commonly found in the Kokee State Park
Looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure on Kauai? Check out theKoloa zipline, where you will soar over lush green forests and the Waita Reservoir. These are Kauai’s longest ziplines! 🌳 🌴
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.
Ohelo berries, endemic to Hawaii, along the Berry Flat Trail, one of the easy Kokee State Park hikes
You can expect to see Japanese sugi pine trees and California redwood trees, along with native koa and Ohi’a trees.
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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.
Mahogany plantation along the Wai Koa Loop Trail, one of the best easy Kauai hikes for seniors and beginner hikers
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.
Spectacular Kalalau Valley from the Pihea Trail, a moderate Kokee State Park hike
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.
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.
Alakai Swamp Trail, a hard Kokee State Park hike through unique wetlands terrain
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.
Kuilau Ridge Trail, one of the best easy Kauai hikes with rainforest jungles and views
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.
Kuilau Ridge Trail, one of the best easy Kauai hikes, may get muddy and slippery with rain
7. Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail Hike
Quick Facts: 3.8 miles total distance, out & back, 300 feet elevation gain, 1 1/2 hours
Mahaulepu Heritage Trail along Shipwreck Beach and the beautiful Keoniloa Bay, one of the best easy Kauai hikes with minimal climbing
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.
We would stay back to watch cliff jumping on Shipwreck Beach (jump at your own risk, obviously dangerous) and the sunsets are also spectacular.
Cliff diving on Shipwreck Beach, starting point of the Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, one of the best easy Kauai hikes near Poipu
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.
Waimea Canyon views along the canyon rim section of the Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls, Kauai, HI
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.
The Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls takes you to the top of this spectacular Kauai waterfall
Like to see some majestic Kauai waterfalls close-up? Check out these 5-star rated Kauai helicopter tours!
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!
Hanalei bay and Na Pali range from Okolehao Trail, one of the best easy Kauai hikes near Princeville and Hanalei
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.
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.
Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali Coast from Kalepa Ridge Trail, one of the best Kauai hikes in Kokee State Park, but currently closed
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.
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.
Kalalau Beach on the Na Pali coast, land-accessible only by the Kalalau Trail, Kauai
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.
Ke’e Beach Viewpoint near the start of the Kalalau Trail Kauai
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.
Kalalau Trail, one of the best Kauai hikes, along the beautiful Na Pali Coast
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!
>> 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!
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.
Rainforest jungle along Okolehao Trail, one of the best easy Kauai hikes near Princeville and Hanalei
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.
Clouds rolling into the Kaluapuhi Trail, one of the best easy Kauai hikes, late morning
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?
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.
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!
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.
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