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Kapaa, Hawaii

Top Spots in and near Kapaa

  • Kapaa, Hawaii

    Hike to the nose of Sleeping Giant

    4.5
    4 mi / 1000 ft gain
    There are a few different approaches for this hike - you can take either the East route, West route, or the Kuamoo-Nounou route. The East route is closest to nearby towns of Kapa'a and Wailua, so for convenience I chose this route.The trail quickly begins with several switchbacks, all of which a...
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  • Kapaa, Hawaii

    Kayak the Wailua and Hike to Secret (Uluwehi) Falls

    5.0
    1.5 mi
    First, you need kayaks to get on the river. I bring my Oru Kayak with me everywhere, but we did have to rent one additional, and there are rentals everywhere - a quick Google search will get you tons of options. You can launch your boat from directly across the Wailua River Marina where you see t...
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  • Kapaa, Hawaii

    Hike to Ho'opi'i Falls

    4.0
    2.2 mi
    Easiest/Direct route: When in the Kapa'a area from the main highway turn left onto Kawaihau road. Follow Kawaihau all the way up until you see a sign for Kapahi road, turn left onto that road. Driving in, you'll see a red gate on your left-hand side. The parking area is just after the gate, along...
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  • Kapaa, Hawaii

    Wailua Falls

    4.8
    1.5 mi / 150 ft gain
    This is one of the most beautiful waterfalls on the island of Kauai. There is a designated parking lot with a viewpoint to see the top of the falls. 
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  • Kapaa, Hawaii

    Hike the Kuilau Ridge Trail

    4.0
    5 mi / 488 ft gain
    Parking at the trailhead is limited to approximately four vehicles, so arrive early. If you are unable to park, continue down Highway 580 and you will find parking next to Kawi Stream. The beginning of the trail, an old fire road, starts with a gradual incline where you are exposed to a variety o...
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  • Lihue, Hawaii

    Take A Helicopter Ride Over Kauai

    5.0
    There are lots of options for heli rides in Kauai, ranging from plush interiors with AC and noise canceling headphones, to deeply discounted, crowded rides, but my personal recommendation is to find a company that offers a doors off option (there are two options as of winter 2015/16). Not only w...
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  • Kalaheo, Hawaii

    Swim in the Waikoko Stream & Waterfall

    1 mi / 166 ft gain
    You will need a 4WD high clearance vehicle to reach this trail. To reach the trailhead, take Highway 580 which will eventually turn to dirt. You'll cross over a couple of streams and when you reach a Y, take a left. In one more mile, you will reach a second Y which you will turn left. If the gate...
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  • Kilauea, Hawaii

    Wai Koa Loop Trail

    3.3
    5 mi / 227 ft gain
    The trailhead is located at Anaina Hou Community Park, off Kuhio Highway near the Kauai Mini Golf Course. A Waiver for the trail must be signed within the office located at Kauai Mini Golf. There is plenty of parking and the trail is open to the public from dawn to dusk. There is no charge unless...
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  • Kilauea, Hawaii

    Hike to the Waterfalls at Kauai's Secret Beach

    4.0
    2 mi
    Disclaimer - as I was shown this spot by a local, I would suggest asking for the exact location of the trail from a local. It can be reached by one of the nearby neighborhood roads in Kilauea.The boot path is fairly short (approximately a mile or so), and involves a short stream crossing, which ...
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  • Kilauea, Hawaii

    Relax at Kauai's Secret Beach

    4.8
    Is a so-called ‘secret beach’ that sits on Secret Beach Road considered secret anymore? Perhaps not, but don’t let that deter you from exploring the depths of Kauai’s renown Kauapea Beach, more widely known as Secret Beach.The 3,000-foot long north shore beach is known for it’s size, privacy, and...
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  • Kilauea, Hawaii

    Camp at Anini Beach Park

    5.0
    The shallow nearshore ocean bottom makes Anini a great beach to visit if you have kids. Anini Beach Park is also a snorkeler's delight - here you may spot Hawaii's state fish, the humuhumunukunukuapua'a (triggerfish) and uhu (parrotfish), kala (unicornfish) and other tropical fish. On the downsid...
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  • Princeville, Hawaii

    Scramble the Okolehao Ridge Trail

    4.5 mi / 1200 ft gain
    They don't call it the butt slide trail for nothing— the Okolehao Trail (translated to iron butt, for more than just the glutes involved) —is a short drive from Princeville, just before Hanalei Bay. Filled with lush vegetation, ample wildlife, and stunning viewpoints, the full trail isn't for th...
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  • Princeville, Hawaii

    Hike to Wyllie's Beach

    5.0
    0.8 mi / 265 ft gain
    Wyllie's beach is a small beach next to Anini beach. It is on the northwest side of the river mouth. There is a 0.8 mile trail down to the beach. The trail head is near the Westin Princeville. This is a handy beach for those staying in the Princeville area, as it is walkable from most vacation ho...
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  • Hanalei, Hawaii

    Kayak Camp on Miloli'i Beach

    17 mi
    NOTE: The beach is closed in the winter months due to high surf. Be sure to work with a local guide to insure you do this adventure safely.The only way to reach Miloli'i is by Kayak.  Unless you are going to be bringing your own kayak to the island chances are you will need to rent one from a com...
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  • Hanalei, Hawaii

    Relax in Hanalei Bay

    5.0
    Hanalei Bay is one of the most scenic beaches on the north shore of Kauai.  It features mountain views and a pier.  In summer, the water gets calm and clear.  It's perfect for swimming, SUP, and diving.  During the winter, the it becomes a beautiful surf spot. There are small lots for parking sca...
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  • Princeville, Hawaii

    Hike to Turtle Cave

    3.8
    0.75 mi / 62 ft gain
    Turtle Cave is located within a small bay on the Princeville side of Kauai. This hike requires swimming, repelling down a steep cliff and potentially high tides.  This particular access point is located on private property, so you should be staying in one of the rentals or traveling with a guest....
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Guides, Insights and Stories from Kapaa

A Beginner's Guide to Exploring Kauai

A Beginner's Guide to Exploring Kauai

Will Cebron