Summary:
Look down onto remote valleys once cultivated by ancient Hawaiians, surrounded by the steep cliffs of the dramatic Na Pali Coast.

The loop is described clockwise, descending Nu’alolo Trail, contouring around the head of the valley on Nu’alolo Cliffs Trail, and ascending on Awa’awapuhi Trail. At the end of the loop, you will need to walk a section of Koke’e Road to return to your car – this has been accounted for in the total hiking distance. Although Awa’awapuhi Trail makes for a steeper ascent, the road section will be downhill.

The Nu’alolo Trail heads over Kaunuohua Ridge behind the museum and lodge and enters Ku’ia Natural Area Reserve, which protects rare plants and native ohi’a forest. On upper sections of the trail there are also New Zealand karaka, redwoods and peach trees, but as the trail descends there is a noticeable change in vegetation due to lower rainfall.

After 3.4 miles, Nu’alolo Cliffs Trail branches off to the right, but first continue ahead for another 0.4 miles to the end of Nu’alolo Trail. It follows the western rim of Nu’alolo ‘Aina Valley and there are dramatic views up Na Pali coast. Retrace your steps, climbing back up to the trail junction and turn left onto Nu’alolo Cliffs Trail. This section of the loop is an easy 2.2 miles, contouring the head of Nu’alolo ‘Aina with fantastic views of the valley and ocean.

At the junction with Awa’awapuhi Trail, turn left and descend for 0.1 mile to the end of that trail, on a narrow ridge dividing Awa’awapuhi and Nu’alolo ‘Aina Valleys. The panorama of rugged ridges, lush valley and blue ocean 2,500 ft below is simply stunning. The only distraction is the seemingly relentless sightseeing helicopters that shatter the peace of this special place.

When you can drag yourself away, head up the switchbacks of Awa’awapuhi Trail,
through lantana, guava and koa trees. As you get higher, the vegetation changes, and once again you enter ohi’a forest. Each quarter mile is marked. It is 3.1 miles to Awa’awapuhi trailhead parking area on Koke’e Road, but fortunately the trail levels in the final mile.

To return to your car, turn right and follow the highway (taking care of oncoming traffic, particularly on winding sections) for just over 1.5 miles.

Pihea Trail
For more views of fluted cliffs and the largest valley on the Na Pali Coast, drive north to the end of Koke’e Road. At Pu’u O Kila Lookout there are wonderful views into majestic Kalalau Valley, and the start of Pihea Trail. It runs along the cliffs above the valley to Pihea Peak, where you can branch left off the trail to Alealau Point high above the sea. There is little elevation change on this out and back hike of around 3 miles. It is impossible to climb down to Kalalau Valley – the cliffs are treacherous – but it can be reached by foot from the beach at the end of the difficult, strenuous Kalalau Trail, or by boat in summer when waves are low.

Directions: From the capital Lihue, take Hwy 59 (Kaumualii Hwy) west to Waimea. Turn right onto Hwy 530 (Waimea Canyon Rd), which joins Hwy 550 (Koke’e Rd). Continue north to Waimea Canyon and the adjoining Koke’e State Park.

Trailhead: Between mile markers 15 and 16, about 0.1 mile before Park headquarters and Koke’e Museum and Lodge.

Length: 11.3 miles / 18.1 km

Trail Type: Loop

Elevation Change: 1,520 ft / 463 m
Total ascent approx 2,100 ft/640 m

Duration: 7 hours

Trail Condition: Well maintained, with steep switchbacks in places.

Features: Tropical vegetation and native forest, stunning valley and ocean views.

Climate: Moderate to warm year-round, with temperatures at these higher elevations around 10 F lower than on the coast. Fog and cloud often descends, obscuring the spectacular views. Heavy rain is more likely in winter (November to April).

Accommodation: Cabins at Koke’e Lodge, and tent and trailer camping (free permit required to camp inside any State Park – obtain from the State Building in Eiwa Street, Lihue). Outside the Park, Waimea has some cottages and a few private rental homes, with the nearest hotels at the popular resort of Poipu on the south shore.

Trail Notes: Trail map available at Park headquarters and Koke’e Museum. Carry plenty of water – the ascent can be hard, humid work. Don’t be tempted to go beyond the barriers on the cliff edge – they are there for a reason. The rock is crumbling and people have fallen to their deaths.