Founder of HawaiiGuide & certified travel expert with 20+ years of experience in Hawaii tourism.
NaPali Coast Hiking Trail
Kokee and Waimea State Park
The Nualolo Cliff Trail is one of the most breathtaking hikes on the island of Kauai.
This trail's location means only the most dedicated adventurers will ever see it, as it's only accessible by hiking over three miles down the Nualolo Trail or the Awaawapuhi Trail. Consider the trail the "bridge" that connects the other two trails in a sort of giant loop. In fact, that's exactly how we recommend folks hike it.
The Nualolo Cliff Trail begins between the 3-mile and 3.25-mile markers on the Nualolo Trail and meets the Awaawapuhi Trail near the 3 mile point. For the experienced hiker, plan an all-day loop hike down Nualolo Trail, along the Nualolo Cliff Trail, and back up Awaawapuhi Trail, or vice versa (though we recommend the first option). Check out our map of the Nualolo Cliff Trail Loop.
Another good reason to hike the loop clockwise is that you can decide early on if you want to experience the "cliff" portion of this trail. As you leave the Nualolo Trail (likely just coming back from Lolo Vista Point), you'll notice the trail narrow and for a portion (about a quarter mile) you'll question your sanity for taking this trail to begin with. To say it's along the edge of a cliff is a literal fact, and while it's passable - extreme caution is needed during that short portion. Beyond that, the trail is significantly easier as it heads towards Awaawapuhi, occasionally providing you some incredibly scenic lookouts on your left into Nualolo Valley.
Our Other Kauai Recommendations
The Garden Isle truly is a marvel of Mother Nature... there are so many sights to see, trails to hike, and adventures to be had. Here at GuideofUS- Hawaii, we have explored on our own and with some of the best guided tours available. And trust us when we say that with a guided tour, you get to see and experience things in a way you simply cannot do independently. Here are some of our favorite Kauai guided tours, as well as helpful maps to get you oriented. Enjoy!
