Best Hikes on Kauai’s North Shore

Kauai isn’t called the Garden Island for nothing. The North Shore is full of trails that wind through jungle, climb to ridgelines, and open up to ocean views that take your breath away. Whether you’re visiting with kids, hiking as a couple, or looking for adventure, there’s a trail here that fits you.

Easy Hikes

Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge Lookout Walk
Perfect for families with little kids. Stroll along flat paths and watch birds soaring over taro fields. The valley stretches wide, glowing green in the sunlight.

Limahuli Garden Paths
Short, easy trails through a lush valley. Learn about native Hawaiian plants, hear streams rushing over rocks, and pause at lookouts where jungle meets sea.

Moderate Hikes

Okolehao Trail (first mile or two)
Starts right in Hanalei Valley. Switchbacks rise above the taro fields, giving you postcard views of Hanalei Bay. Perfect for a half-day adventure.

Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach
The first two miles of this famous trail are accessible without a permit. Cliffs, ridges, ocean views, and jungle all in one hike. At the end, a wild beach awaits. Families with older kids will love the challenge.

Adventure Hikes

Kalalau Trail (extended)
One of the most legendary hikes in the world. Eleven miles along the Na Pali Coast with towering cliffs, hidden valleys, and beaches you can only reach on foot. Permits required. For serious hikers only.

Hanakapiai Falls
From Hanakapiai Beach, continue inland through bamboo forest and river crossings. At the end, a 300-foot waterfall thunders into a pool. A bucket-list hike that rewards every step.

Tips for Hiking the North Shore

• Always check weather and surf conditions. Trails can be slippery.

• Wear sturdy shoes, bring plenty of water, and reef-safe sunscreen.

• Morning hikes are cooler and less crowded.

• Pack snacks, but carry everything back out with you. Leave no trace.

• Families with young kids should stick to the easier trails.

The North Shore’s trails aren’t just hikes. They’re journeys into the heart of Kauai. You’ll see waterfalls, valleys, ridges, and oceans from angles that few travelers ever witness. Whether you want an easy stroll or a life-changing adventure, Kauai’s trails are waiting.