KUILAU RIDGE TRAIL TO MT WAIALEALE VIEWPOINT HIKE
A nature lover’s dream!
Starting off, we make our way past O’paeka’a Falls and hike up a well-maintained trail for views of the mountains and their abundant plant species. Our turnaround point is a large open area with picnic tables and expansive views of Kahili Mountain to the south, Wai’ale’ale Mountain and Mount Kawi to the west and the Makaleha Mountains to the north. Back at the arboretum, you will have a chance to take a quick dip in a cool mountain stream. A perfect hike for all ages!
The word kuilau (koo-E-lau) means “to string together leaves or grass.” Plant fibers were used for everything from thatching roofs (pili grass huts) to making large sails for ocean voyaging canoes (from the hala [tree] leaf), so one might imagine that this lush trail originally got its name from native Hawaiians gathering and utilizing natural resources from the area.
After a day of climbing, nothing feels better than a cooling dip. So, if you want, you can add on a waterfall swim! The waterfall swim option will add approximately 4 hours to the tour time. We also stop at one of several “ono” (tasty) local restaurants to refuel before continuing to this final part of our adventure.
Our local guides take you to some of their favorite spots and share their knowledge of the abundant plants you’ll see along the way. These plants include wild orchids, tasty guava (when in season), brilliant ‘ōhiʻa lehua blossoms, the versatile hala tree (used for hats, mats, baskets, and sails for voyaging canoes), and the ti plant (a popular material for making hula skirts, among many other uses).
View 151-foot Opaeka’a Falls
Diverse array of impressive tree and plant species, including ʻōhiʻa and colorful “rainbow eucalyptus”
Expansive views of Mount Waiʻaleʻale Mountain, the Makaleha Mountains, and several distant waterfalls
Lots of opportunity for bird watching
This hike is a favorite for families of all ages! Our hike begins as a gentle climb up a wide, well-maintained trail. The trail is lined with impressive Sydney blue gum trees (a type of Eucalyptus), which can grow over 150 feet tall. As we make our way higher, views of several mountain ranges begin to emerge. On overcast days, we’ll still be rewarded with the intensely green views of lush gulches that dominate the foreground; their abundant native and introduced plant species still offer much to discover.
At our turnaround point, there are expansive views of Kahili Mountain, Wai’ale’ale Mountain and Mount Kawi, and the Makaleha Mountains to the north. Then we return to the arboretum for a short stroll through an area dense with the often photographed “rainbow eucalyptus” trees. Time and conditions permitting, we will have the option of taking a quick dip in a cool mountain stream! A lovely way to cool off after your hike!
3-Hour Private Hiking Tour On Kauai
Private Hiking Tour | $300.00 |
Private Hiking & Waterfall Swim | $500.00 |
You choose your start time. Meeting locations vary for each tour: You will be sent a meeting location after you book
You may cancel up to 5 days before your tour starts.
No cancellations, changes or refunds can be made within 5 days of your tour, but we will attempt to reschedule you if possible. Cancellations made more than 5 days before the start of the tour may be subject to a 10% service charge.
Note: As Kauai’s weather is localized and changes often, tours will operate rain or shine, except in the most extreme cases.