These trails start on the left side of the road heading up towards Koke'e, and head towards the ocean, leading to views of spectacular valleys and cliffs (palis) along Kauai's northwestern coastline. (All of the other Koke'e trails start on the right side of the road, or towards the interior of the island.) These are tough trails for the well-equipped hiker. Many unwary hikers lured by the easy 1000 feet downhill descent, find themselves challenged by the steep climb back up to the trailhead.
NA PALI OVERLOOK TRAILS
Trail
Miles
Hiking Time
Description
(Round Trip)
(Round Trip)
Awa'awapuhi Trail
6.2
3:00
This challenging trail begins in the parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. There is a rich variety of native dryland plants. The trail ends abruptly on the ridge top, at 2500 ft. elevation, affording spectacular cliff-to- ocean views into Awa'awapuhi and Nualolo Valleys overlooking the <>Pacific Ocean. Picnic grassy area at the end of the trail. Don't venture beyond the safety railing at the end of the trail because footing is extremely unstable, and the drop to the valley floor is over 2000 feet.
Nu'alolo Trail
7.6
3:30
This moderately difficult trail starts just before the Koke'e State Park Headquarters. Used mostly as an access route for hunters, but also serves as an alternate route to cross over Nu'alolo Cliff Trail to connect to Awa'awapuhi Trail. Trail ends at 2234 ft. elevation at marker titled "Lolo No. 2."
Nu'alolo Cliffs Trail
4.2
2:00
A moderate trail that starts near the 3 mile point on the Awa'awapuhi Trail and meets the Nu'alolo Trail between the 3 mile and 3.25 mile markers. For the experienced hiker, plan an all-day loop hike down Nu'alolo Trail, along the Nu'alolo Cliff Trail, and back up Awa'awapuhi
