Kauai East Shore - Kapa`a & Wailua

Island of Kauai

Adventures on Land - Hiking

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The Powerline Trail is a challenging 11-mile path that connects the north side of the island to the east side. The trail gets its name from the electric line that brings electricity to the north shore. You can start from the trailhead in Princeville or the trailhead at the Keahua Arboretum. Starting from the Princeville trailhead is a bit easier. You won’t see many hikers as the trail is used more often by mountain bikers. If you’re not up to doing the entire trail, you can always start at one end, hike inland for a while, and then return to your car. Be aware that hunters are known to frequent the area. Consider wearing bright colors as a precaution.

To get to the trailhead on the east side of the island, take Kuamoo Road from Kuhio Highway. You’ll come to a stream crossing where the road ends. The trailhead is only a halfmile from here. If the water’s low, you can drive across, but use your best judgment. You can also park your car before the crossing and walk to the trailhead from this point. Follow the dirt road and you’ll see a sign marking the trailhead for the Powerline Trail.

Sleeping Giant Trail (Nounou Mountain Trail East Side). This is a moderate to difficult hike that climbs 960 feet in elevation, ending on the chest of Sleeping Giant. The trail is clearly marked, so you shouldn’t have any problems finding your way. The incredible views at the top make the challenging climb worthwhile. You’ll look down to the coast and, on a clear day, you’ll have a great view of Mount Wai`ale`ale. Be sure to stop at the picnic tables near the top of the trail for a well-deserved rest. Beyond the tables, the trail becomes really narrow and dangerous. At about 1½ miles in, the east side of the trail joins the west side trail. You can get to the trailhead from Haleilio Road in Wailua. Turn onto Haleilio from Kuhio Highway and drive up to the parking area adjacent to the Department of Water pump site.

Nounou Mountain TrailWest Side is a very difficult climb. It’s shorter than the east trail (about 1½ miles), but it’s much steeper than the east side. Even though you get to only 800 feet in elevation, this is a tough way to get there. If you really want the challenge, you can reach the trailhead by driving up Kuamoo Road and then turning onto Kamalu Road (Highway 581).

Kuamoo-Nounou Trail is a pretty easy trail that connects with the Nounou Mountain Trail West Side. The trail is two miles long, starting on Kuamoo Raod about a half-mile past Opaeka`a Falls.

The Kuilau Ridge Trail is a two-mile trek through a heavily forested area. Along the way, you’ll come across a picnic area before the trail meets with the Moalepe Trail. If the weather cooperates, you can see stunning views of Mount Wai`ale`ale. The trailhead is at the Keahua Arboretum, just before the parking area. You can choose to continue on the Moalepe Trail, which is a moderate 2½-mile path that get very sloppy when it’s raining.

Hoopi`i Falls Hike is in the northern end of Kapa`a. This is a 1½-mile moderate trail that runs parallel to a stream and leads to Hoopi`i Falls. To get there, take Kuhio Highway toward the northern Kapa`a. Turn onto Kawaiahau Road, then onto Kapihi Road. Follow the road until you see a dirt road on the left. Get out of the car here, take that road to the stream, then follow the stream. Keep an ear out for rushing water as you’ll get to a point where you walk down a staircase that leads to the falls.

Guided Hikes

Kayak Kaua`i, 800-437-3507, 808-826-9844, www.kayakkauai.com, offers hiking tours that include transportation from their Hanalei or Kapa`a office, a deli lunch, beverages and, of course, a guide. They have a three- or four-hour hike of Sleeping Giant on weekdays. The cost is $81 per person with a two-person minimum.

Kaua`i Nature Tours, 888-233-8365 or 808-742-8305, www.kauainaturetours.com, leads guided 4½-mile hikes over Sleeping Giant. The hike is rated easy to moderate. They depart from Po`ipu and the cost is $92 per person. Lunch is included. Their hikes are guided by knowledgeable scientists and environmentalists, who offer a very detailed perspective on the area.

If you want to hike with a group, check out the Sierra Club at www.hi.sierraclub.org. The Kaua`i chapter regularly schedules group hikes all over the island, including the Na Pali Coast area. There’s a $5 donation for the hike. They have a list of upcoming hikes on their website.

Dr. Carl Berg of Hawaiian Wildlife Tours, 808-639-2968, will take you on a personalized tour to see Kaua`i’s native and vanishing species, from forest birds and flora to hoary bats, monk seals, and green sea turtles. Rates are $45 per couple, per hour. Reservations one month in advance are recommended.

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