Hiking is my favourite outdoor adventure and I have explored many trails, hiking is best way to connect with nature and is gateway to discover natural gems in uneven trails. I have recently explored Waimea Canyon hikes also famous as “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” beautiful wonder that is located in Kauai. It was an extraordinary experience Waimea Canyon hikes are full of charming views, relaxing atmosphere, and breathtaking destinations these features attract many visitors throughout the globe.
In this blog we will virtually explore 10 most beautiful Waimea Canyon hikes that are gateway to the world of beauty and natural charm. In Waimea Canyon you will find beautiful hiking trails through cliffs and waterfalls that are heaven for outdoor adventure lovers.
List of 10 Best Waimea Canyon Hikes
- Waimea Canyon Trail
- Kukui Trail
- Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls
- Alakai Swamp Trail
- Pihea Trail and Alakai Lookout
- Cliff Trail
- Waimea Canyon Rim Trail
- Awa’awapuhi Trail
- Halemanu-Koke’e Trail
- Black Pipe Trail
1. Waimea Canyon Trail
One of the best trails in Waimea Canyon hikes for adventures or family outings, ascending this trail is beautiful way to explore charm and delight of Waimea Canyon. It was one of the best Waimea Canyon hikes that provide me everlasting experience of adventure and natural charm (it is full of natural views).
As we started hike, we were surrounded by beautiful natural views full of greenery, it is 3.4 mile long trail that is considered as heaven for adventure or hiking lovers. We recommend you to reach early in morning to avoid crowd and to witness beautiful sun rays that penetrate through trees and lights up this valley.
2. Kukui Trail
Iconic and most famous trails among Waimea Canyon hikes is Kukui Trail, it was challenging but awesome trail we took almost 4 hours to complete this hike. Kukui Trail is 7.2 kilometre long and is loved by many adventures and nature lovers it is open throughout year so you can visit anytime.
At the bottom of Kukui Trail you will find beautiful Waimea River that offers refreshing experience, it is must explore place for adventure lovers and we recommend you to leave your pets home because they are not allowed on trail.
3. Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls
Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls is another iconic Waimea Canyon hikes which promises captivating views, wildlife encounters and is also best place for bird watchers. We took almost 1 hour and 30 minutes to complete this 4.8 kilometres long hike, it was route full of joy and excitement best time to visit Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls is February.
Canyon Trail to Waipo’o falls end with amazing views of Waipo’o falls this waterfall is nearly 800 ft high and this Waimea Canyon hikes is best opportunity to have close sight on magical waterfall. Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls is not a long hike but we were obsessed with charming views of cliffs and greenery.
It is home to many wildlife species and birds that is why it attract many wildlife explorers and bird watchers, We recommend, to take your camera with you to capture captivating sights and you should not take your pet with you because they are not allowed on trail.
4. Alakai Swamp Trail
Alakai Swamp Trail is famous Waimea Canyon hikes that provides unique and charming hiking experience you will ever imagined. Alakai Swamp Trail is consider as moderate challenging Waimea Canyon hike it is nearly 11.3 kilometre long and we completed this hike in almost 3 hour and 40 minutes.
Alakai Swamp trail is best for wildlife explorers and bird watchers because its is home to many wildlife animals and bird species. There are many moss covered trees and ponds on trail, it is one of the longest trail among Waimea Canyon hikes that promises adventurous and unique experience.
5. Pihea Trail and Alakai Lookout
Pihea Trail and Alakai Lookout for me is bit longer but amazing trail, it offers great experience with beautiful and captivating natural views in other words Pihea Trail and Alakai Lookout leads you to world full of natural wonders. It is 13 kilometre long trail and is very famous place for hiking and exploring natural wonders like Kalalau Valley views and captivating sceneries.
Pihea Trail and Alakai Lookout starts with some amazing and breathtaking views then this trail becomes adventurous like passing through slippery muddy portions. We recommend to get prepare for slippery mud and enjoy magical walk in clouds and captivating views, that provides everlasting experience.
6. Cliff Trail
Waimea Canyon is home to many trails, Cliff Trail is one of them that provide extraordinary and amazing experience of hiking and is one of the best option for adventure lovers. Cliff Trail is best Waimea Canyon hikes for beginners and people traveling with family.
Cliff Trail is famous for gorgeous views and it is short hike we completed it in less than one hour.
7. Waimea Canyon Rim Trail
Waimea Canyon Rim Trail is one of the longest Waimea Canyon hikes. This trail is 16.7 kilometre long and is consider as challenging route it is best option for many adventure and nature lovers. We took almost 8 hour to complete this challenge it was one of the best hiking experience, Waimea Canyon Rim Trail is open throughout year so you can visit anytime.
8. Awa’awapuhi Trail
Awa’awapuhi Trail is iconic trail, it is day long trail and is blessed with many natural views and charm. Awa’awapuhi Trail is almost 11 miles in length but still it is wonderful trail to explore, it is sunny and tough hike but it is full of natural wonders, we recommend you to take enough food because you will spend almost whole day on hike.
9. Black Pipe Trail
Black Pipe Trail is one of the best 6 kilometre that has outstanding views and is heaven for nature lovers I like this trail very much hiking on this trail can take you to the world of adventures and delight. Black Pipe Trail is open throughout year and provide excellent views so you can visit it anytime, I recommend you to leave your pets at home because they are not allowed at this trail.
There are many famous points or stops on Black Pipe Trail, this property attract many visitors to conquer this Waimea Canyon Hikes.
10. Halemanu-Koke’e Trail
Halemanu-Koke’e Trail is generally consider as short trail and is famous Waimea Canyon hikes because of its adventurous and charming routes. This trail is only 0.3 kilometre long and it takes almost 5 minutes to complete it is beautiful walking trail that can refreshes your soul. Halemanu-Koke’e Trail is open throughout year you can visit anytime and the best thing about this trail is your dogs and pets are also welcomed here.
Safety Tips For Waimea Canyon Hike
- Always tell someone name of hiking trail so in case of emergency you could be found.
- Bring something to eat, it is always best thing to provide your body enough calories.
- Travel with water bottle, it will keep you hydrated, avoid drinking water from waterfalls or any pond because it may contain harmful bacteria.
- Choose perfect hiking shoes to make your trip comfortable.
- Prepare for cold and hot weather, you can wear more than one dress in layer when you feel hot you can easily remove layer of dress and when it is cold can wear it.
- You should keep first aid kit in your bag.
FAQs About Waimea Canyon Hikes
Q. List of 10 best Waimea Canyon hikes?
Here is list of 10 best Waimea Canyon hiking trails:
- Waimea Canyon Trail
- Kukui Trail
- Canyon Trail to Waipo’o Falls
- Alakai Swamp Trail
- Pihea Trail and Alakai Lookout
- Cliff Trail
- Waimea Canyon Rim Trail
- Halemanu-Koke’e Trail
- Black Pipe Trail
- Awa’awapuhi Trail.
Q. Is Cliff Trail is long?
No! Cliff trail is not long it can easily be completed within an hour.
Q. What are safety tips for Waimea Canyon hiking trails?
- Always tell someone name of hiking trail so in case of emergency you could be found.
- Bring something to eat it is always best thing to provide your body enough calories.
- Travel with water bottle, it will keep you hydrated, avoid drinking water from waterfalls or any pond because it may contain harmful bacteria.
- Choose perfect hiking shoes to make your trip comfortable.
- Prepare for cold and hot weather, you can wear more than one dress in layer when you feel hot you can easily remove layer of dress and when it is cold can wear it.
- You should keep first aid kit in your bag.
Q. Are pets allowed in Halemanu-Koke’e Trail?
Dogs are welcomed at Halemanu-Koke’e Trail.
Q. What is Length of Black Pipe Trail?
Length of Black Pipe Trail is 6 kilometre.
Personal Suggestions
Hiking is best outdoor adventure that can make your trip amazing but you should always keep safety tips in mind and you must have perfect hiking shoes that can make your hike comfortable. You must take water bottle with you to stay hydrated and avoid drinking water from waterfalls or ponds because of harmful bacteria in water.
Guide to Choose Perfect Hiking Shoes