This page describes the individual hikes available to basecampers on the 2008 trip. Hike descriptions are drawn from several sources (see the list below).

Kukui Trail
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
5 miles round trip	Difficult	3 1/2 hours	2240 ft.
First trail on your right half-way up to Koke'e, between mile markers 8 and 9. Great views into Waimea Canyon! Its 2 ½ miles down to Wiliwilli camp at the Waimea River, but its also quite steep and 2240 feet down. We may not want to hike all the way down but we can still hike part of the trail and enjoy the canyon. Koa, silk oak, ohia, and lantana line the trail here, and they, in turn, are often covered with twining passionflower vines. To the east-northeast, Waialae Falls makes a dramatic plunge over distant cliffs. Many of the distant valleys are filled with the light green canopy of kukui, but the valley just south of the Kukui Trail is filled with silk oaks- stunning when they bloom with showy golden-orange blossoms.
Cliff Trail
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
1.75 miles RT	Easy/Moderate	2 hours	440 ft.
This hike takes you a little way into a lovely, forested valley and then to a spectacular overlook of Waimea Canyon. This is an easy hike of 1 ¾ miles round trip with only 440 feet of elevation change. It will be necessary to hike a 4-wheel drive road to reach the trail, but this really isn't a bad thing since the road is quite scenic. You begin the hike with a moderate descent between banks of glory bush (the one with the showy, single, purple flowers) and thickets of blackberry. At one point, a bank of ginger flourishes on your left along with koa and ohia. Halemanu Stream bubbles along the valley floor, crossing your path under the road. Near the half mile point, you will find sugi cedars, mountain naupaka, lantana, fuchsia, and even some little plum trees. We soon reach the cliff trail and follow it to its end at a spectacular overlook of the canyon; on a clear day, you can see all the way to the ocean.
Canyon Trail
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
8 mile RT	Moderate/Difficult	5 hour	1720 ft.
This hike begins by hiking down the Halemanu Valley Road, the same way we began the previous hike. This one descends all the way into the canyon on an 8 mile loop hike with 1720 feet of elevation change. It offers waterfalls, pools, forest, and dazzling canyon vistas. After visiting the Cliff Trail overlook, you will soon descend a steep "staircase", followed by a few gentle switchbacks through the forest. After some very loose footing on volcanic soil, you soon reach a ravine covered with lantana, blackberry, and banana passionflower. There are two waterfalls at Waipo'o Falls, the upper (fall 1) and the lower (fall 2) and each is only a couple of minutes from the trail. Continuing on the trail, you will have to boulder hop Kokee Stream above the upper fall and climb a grassy slope up to broken forest cover. Crossing a meadow brings you back to the canyon's's edge and great canyon views. The main trial zigzags through a forest to a view of Poomau Canyon and Awini Falls. If its been raining, you're sure to see other, intermittent falls on the distant wall. The trail goes northeast into the forest, where a short trail goes to the right for another great view of the canyon. The main trail dips into a grassy valley, then climbs steeply on switchbacks under swamp mahogany and traverses forest and meadow with an occasional canyon view. We will need to continue on Kumuwela Road for while to reach Kumuwela Trail. This trail follows a very steep descent from the ridge to an unnamed tributary of Kokee Stream. Be alert for obstacles hidden by the dense growth around the trail and for thorny blackberry vines. You cross and intermittent stream and pass through dense stand of karakanut trees. We complete our loop hike by following the Kumuwela Trail to the other section of Kumuwela Road and onto the Halemanu- Kokee Trail back to our starting point.
Nualolo/Awaawapuhi Trails
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
9.25 miles RT	Difficult	6 hrs	2980 feet
These are two trails which lead to spectacular views from narrow ridges over the Na Pali coast. The Awaawapuhi trail is a little easier than the Nualolo trail, but it still has 1560 feet of elevation change in a total of 6 ½ miles, round trip. Nualolo trail is 7½ miles with 1760 feet of elevation change. But, since there's a connecting trail, we can hike both trails in a loop of 9 ¼ miles with 2980 feet of elevation change. I know this sounds like a lot, but its well worth it, the views are absolutely spectacular! Both trails go through forests and soon make steep descents toward the coast.
Halemanu-Kokee Walk
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
3 miles RT	Easy	1 hour	360 feet
OK, here's one for the wiener walkers, its only 3 miles with 360 feet of elevation change, but its still a nice hike down forest roads and trails. It follows Unnamed Trail, which can be wet in the morning, Halemanu Valley road, Kumuwela Road and Kokee trail through a dense forest. Look for Japanese honeysuckle, blackberry, glory-bush, koa trees, and angel's trumpet trees. Actually, there are several trails and old roads through the forest and we can choose our own route; all are very nice.
Kawaikoi Stream Trail
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
6 miles RT	Moderate	4 hours	700 feet
The Division of Forestry and Wildlife describes this as "likely the most scenic stream side trail in Hawaii", but it may be one of the most scenic streamside trails anywhere. The total is 6 miles with 700 feet of elevation gain. We'll need to hike almost 2 miles down a steep four-wheel drive road to reach Sugi Grove Camp and the trailhead for this trail. A stream crossing means we won't be able to do this trail if its been raining. The trail soon brings you to the water's edge and an exquisite picture: tall ohia trees rise gracefully above a broad stream that drifts through a valley between banks of lush greenery, the whole scene framed by wooded slopes and bright blue sky.
Kalaupuhi Trail to Kalalau Lookout
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
3.5 miles RT	Easy	1 - 2 hours	160 feet
Its 3½ miles and only 160 feet of elevation gain but it runs through a high upland forest to dramatic views of the Na Pali coast and the final valley which the backpackers will have, hopefully, reached. The forest is dominated be ohia and mountain naupaka with uluhe, strawberry guava, and ginger growing close to the ground. Banana passionflower and blackberry are busy smothering other plants. There was once a trail down to the valley from the lookout, but it has long since been discontinued due to the great danger of hiking down steep slopes. Bring your camera.
Alakai Swamp
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
2 miles RT	Moderately Difficult	4 hours	n/a
This other-worldly swamp is usually shrouded with mist or rain; it's formidable and very difficult to navigate so I've only included a short 2 mile trail into the swamp. This trail is what is left of an attempt to connect the north end of the island across the swamp; the swamp soon won and the road was abandoned. The trail starts at Poo o Kila Lookout and gradually deteriorates until it becomes impassable. You will soon be clinging to roots and branches to avoid falling into the murky swamp. Please give up and admit defeat when you are ready to turn around.
Powerline Trail from Hanalei
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
8 miles RT	Moderate	6 hrs	1800 feet
The entire trail runs over 9 miles across the northeast quadrant of the island from Hanalei to Keahua Arboretum with 1800 feet of elevation gain in ups and downs. Its probably best to hike the northern part one day and save the southern part for another day. The trail passes dense shrubbery of guava, strawberry guava, sword fern, and hua (a wide shrub with round leaves and clear yellow hibiscus like flowers). The guava is refreshing and delicious, but please be careful as there are steep dropoffs which are concealed by the dense vegetation. Near the half mile mark enjoy the seaward view over the Hanalei Valley. The Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge stretches out below you with its watery taro patches. At one mile there are several waterfalls in the valleys around you. The largest is Namolokama Falls. The first mile gains 200 feet.
Powerline Trail from Keahua Arboretum
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
5 miles RT	Moderate	3 hours	820 feet
This trail offers easy walking on an old abandoned road with excellent views into the adjacent stream valleys and mountains. But one of the highlights is the color of the soils... vivid reds, oranges, and shades of black. This can be hiked as an out and back hike of 5 miles with only 820 feet of elevation gain; the turnaround point has great views of Kapakaiki Falls and Kapakanui Falls.
Moalepe Trail
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
4.75 miles one way	Moderate	3 hours	700 feet
The trail, the remains of an old road, soon passes clumps of eucalyptus and hala trees on a gentle ascent. Soon you will see guava trees, Philippine orchids- small purple blossoms on foot long bare stems- and an occasional uluhe (false staghorn fern). The valley carved by the Moalepe Stream drops away to your right (north). Beyond it, Kamilii Ridge begins its impressive rise to the summits of the Makaleha Mountains. The trail begins to be steep in the last mile before it meets the Kuilau Ridge Trail, but it's only 2 ½ miles and 700 feet of elevation gain to this point. We can continue on the Kuilau Ridge Trail to arrange a shuttle if half of the group will hike from the other direction, the total distance is 4 ¾ miles.
Kuilau Ridge Trail
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
4 miles RT	Moderate	3 hours	760 feet
This is another old road which became a trail. It starts at the Keahua Arboretum and rises into the mountains. You will see red-fruited thimbleberry, uluhe, ti, guava, eucalyptus, hala, lantana, and blue-flowered cayenne vervain on the slope to your east. As you rise along the ridge, you will soon see the Kawi Stream valley to your left. At about the one mile point, you reach an open grassy knoll and picnic shelter. A few ohia lehua trees dot this little plateau; if they're blooming you'll know them by their intense red hemispherical, pompom like flowers. The trail climbs a few switchbacks before it descends a bit to cross a little ridge between Kawi and Opaekaa streams with a wooden footbridge over the last stream. We follow a gentle climb up to the intersection with the Moalepe trail. Its 2 miles with 760 feet of elevation gain to this very scenic point.
Kalalau Trail: Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
4 miles RT	Strenuous	4 hours	1,060 feet
This is the backpacker's trail, but I'm only planning on travelling two miles out to the first beach; however, it still requires 1,060 feet of ups and downs to reach this first scenic beach. The entire trail is 11 miles with 5,000 feet of elevation changes; the trail is very steep, slick, and involves steep drop-offs. Its a spectacular trail which runs along the Na Pali coast with 4,000 foot cliffs, wide valleys, rivers and scenic beaches. The complete trail is a very difficult backpack for experienced backpackers only. Dayhikers can reach the first beach with a rewarding effort. The trail steadily gains elevation over eroding volcanic rocks for the first mile and a half. We reach Hanakapiai Stream near mile two. There's a rope, which has been thoughtfully stretched over the stream for us to hang on to as we cross over the boulders. Winter storms sweep Hanakapiai beach sand out to sea, leaving only a boulder beach. Other currents return the sand by late summer. I'm not sure if this is supposed to be a clothing optional beach, but it was, last we heard.
Nonou Mountain Trail
Distance	Difficulty	Hiking time	Elevation gain
3.5 miles one way	Moderate	2 hours	1000 feet
This is the "Sleeping Giant" which is visible from anywhere in Kapaa. Its a 3 ½ mile trail with 1000 feet of gradual elevation gain from the east side, or 800 feet of steep gain from the west side. We can again arrange a shuttle if we hike it in two groups from opposite ends. The trail ascends up several switchbacks through ironwood, swamp mahogany, Christmas berry, koa haole, guava, strawberry guava and silk oak. Cayenne vervain adds its distinctive blue flowers to the understory, and you may find bindweed twining through the shrubs. You pass a stretch of ti, hau, and hala which reminds you you're on a tropical island. Near the top, you reach a picnic spot, the Alii Vista Hale Picnic Shelter. It’s a level grassy spot with panoramic views inland and seaward.

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notes and sources

Hike descriptions are drawn from several sources, including several written and on-line sources. The best single source that we have found in the past is The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook from Wizard Publications. Here is a link to the current publication: WIZARD KAUAI

A short, online hiking guide can be found at the Hawaiian Style Travel site.

Hike descriptions can also be found at the Hawaii Trails website.

See where you are going: Follow this link to the Austin Photo Gallery page for the Hawaii Photos. We have been there several times before and you will find photos of most of the places we will visit on the 2008 trip.

This list of hikes is not complete and it is possible that we will not do all of the hikes listed. Weather and trail conditions, group consensus and other contingencies may force us to drop specific hikes from the itinerary and to add others. Our motto is SEMPER GUMBY - 'always flexible.'