The Hawaiian island of Kauai is home to countless incredible landscapes, lush, green scenery, and some of the best hiking you’ll find in America. These trails include the famous Kalalau Trail, the picturesque Waimea Canyon Trail, the unforgettable Alakai Swamp Trail, and the family-friendly Wai Koa Loop Trail, among others. One of our favorite hikes, however, is the Kuilau Ridge Trail, a stunning 4.5-mile hike with sweeping views of Mount Wai’ale’ale, one of the wettest spots on earth.
With sweeping vistas of Mount Wai’ale’ale, the Kuilau Trail may be long, but is welcoming to those who want a non-treacherous hike on Kauai.
Tina Chen/Flickr
The hike starts out pretty flat, but soon becomes a gentle incline with dramatic ridge lines carved into the mountains.
Terence Wei/Flickr
About one mile into the trail, you will be greeted by a grassy field and picnic area overlooking a grand, canopied valley. If you’d rather opt for a short hike, this lunch spot can mark an excellent halfway point if you want to head back to your car.
Terence Wei/Flickr
Those who wish to continue along the trail will be greeted with closer views of Mount Wai’ale’ale as well as a native Ohia forest.
Crissy Thomas/Flickr
When hiking the trail, be prepared for light rain and a little mud. We suggest bringing a light jacket, clothes you don’t mind getting muddy, hiking boots with good traction, and maybe even a waterproof bag to protect your camera and phone. If you find a walking stick along the trail, grab it.
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
The easy to moderate trail winds its way through the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve, and ends at the trailhead for the Moalepe Trail.
Martin Braverboer/Flickr
While there are several hikes in the area, nowhere will you find better views of Kauai’s lush and beautiful interior paired with a relatively easy footpath.
Martin Braverboer/Flickr
Located off Highway 580 in Wailua, the trailhead is found on the right side of the highway, just before the Keahua Forestry Arboretum parking lot.
Harold/Flickr
It is when you enter the lush, green interior of Kauai along the Kuilau Trail that you understand just how the island got the nickname “The Garden Isle.”
Jenny Lee Silver/Flickr
Have you ever hiked the beautiful Kuilau Ridge Trail? For more easy hikes throughout the Hawaiian Islands, check out these 15 enchanting trails under two miles.
Tina Chen/Flickr
Terence Wei/Flickr
Crissy Thomas/Flickr
Garden State Hiker/Flickr
Martin Braverboer/Flickr
Harold/Flickr
Jenny Lee Silver/Flickr
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