Truly one of the best hikes in the world. Of many possible options, the best way to hike the cliff edge of the NÄ Pali Coast in Kauai is on this loop.
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Distance: 12.2mi (9.8 without walking the road)
Elevation gain: 3,000ft (914m)
You could start with breakfast at Kokee Lodge in Koke’e State Park. The trailhead is nearby. And parking is secure.
From there the Nuʻalolo Trail 3.75m (6km) takes you to a superb vista of Nuʻalolo Valley.
It’s gorgeous. But the spur out to the “Lolo” Lookout is scary enough that some day hikers opt not to go all the way to the railing.
Rather than backtrack, use any hiking guidebook to find what’s often called the “Cliff Trail” which follows the edge of the DROP over to the next viewpoint. This section is not a scramble, but it is dangerous with no shortage of “exposure”. If raining, you may not want to traverse.
Amazingly, the vista from Awa Awaphui Lookout is even better, the steep-sided Nuʻalolo and Awaʻawapuhi Valleys unique and mesmerizing.
The highlight of the day, for me, was looking DOWN on helicopters in the valleys below.
Click PLAY or watch a short video on YouTube.
When you can tear yourself away from the cliff edge, the Awaʻawapuhi Trail 3.25 (5.2km) climbs back up to the highway.
The only downside of this route was the 2mi walk downhill on the road to my vehicle at Kokee State Park campground and Lodge:
Amazing.
See the rest of my photos from this hike on flickr.
besthike.com 