Awaawapuhi Trail
Awaawapuhi Trail
4.4
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
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4.4
219 reviews
Excellent
139
Very good
50
Average
20
Poor
6
Terrible
4
510globetrotter
Oakland, CA61 contributions
Oct 2020
The views from the end of the trail are just as they say—spectacular. Dramatic green cliffs set against a deep blue sea. It feels like paradise.
However, be forewarned - it's a tough hike. My wife and I (both 57) and our 22 year old daughter hiked the trail in late October 2020. I would describe our conditioning as slightly better than average. None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly.
If you are in good shape and up for a challenge, there is the option continuing onto the Nualolo cliff trail and then Nualolo trail, making the total hike 10 miles. The views along Nualolo are reputed to rival Awaawapuhi. Beware, however, that the Nualolo trail was closed when we were there. There were no signs or other indications of the closure. We only discovered this when some hikers told us as they headed back along the Awaawapuhi. As for the trail, the ground was wet and slick, the texture of clay, with tangled roots nearly the entire 3+ miles. I slipped and fell twice. It's a steady descent along a narrow path through a jungle. The path itself is beautiful but it does not boast views, as you are deep inside the trees and tall grasses. Because of the slick condition of the trail, the return ascent was actually slightly easier, but by the end of the 6+ mile hike my wife, daughter and I were spent and sore. If you go, bring plenty of water and something to eat. There is no cell reception on the mountain. The hike took us about 2.5 hours each way.
However, be forewarned - it's a tough hike. My wife and I (both 57) and our 22 year old daughter hiked the trail in late October 2020. I would describe our conditioning as slightly better than average. None of us are obese, nor do we work out regularly.
If you are in good shape and up for a challenge, there is the option continuing onto the Nualolo cliff trail and then Nualolo trail, making the total hike 10 miles. The views along Nualolo are reputed to rival Awaawapuhi. Beware, however, that the Nualolo trail was closed when we were there. There were no signs or other indications of the closure. We only discovered this when some hikers told us as they headed back along the Awaawapuhi. As for the trail, the ground was wet and slick, the texture of clay, with tangled roots nearly the entire 3+ miles. I slipped and fell twice. It's a steady descent along a narrow path through a jungle. The path itself is beautiful but it does not boast views, as you are deep inside the trees and tall grasses. Because of the slick condition of the trail, the return ascent was actually slightly easier, but by the end of the 6+ mile hike my wife, daughter and I were spent and sore. If you go, bring plenty of water and something to eat. There is no cell reception on the mountain. The hike took us about 2.5 hours each way.
Written October 31, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
MattB2
220 contributions
Jan 2020
I wanted to write a review about this trail since much has been written about it. First off my family of four did the trail after much reading about it, it was very hard for all of us who do not hike on a regular basis. I have a 12 year old and 16 year old daughters and myself and my wife who are in a mid 40's. I do workout a lot on a peloton but my wife does not. This trail is muddy and step although I consider myself in shape I was very sore for about 3 days after and my wife just had to push through it and swore to me that she would never do this again. Having said that we all agree we are glad we did it. I will say that we recommend several things before you head out. Make sure you have plenty of water and wear cloths that you don't mind getting muddy, that means shoes. I would not go so far as buy cleats but if you have them then they would be a great plus. This trail is about 7 miles round trip and if you can do it add in the other trial which makes it a loop however we knew we could not handle that much walking. A walking stick is a great help and you are sure to find them at the trail head, it took us 2 hours to the lookout, we stayed about an hour which did help with rest then it took us 3 hours to get back out we were passed many times by young fast hikers. The look out does have a small trail that I would recommend going down but not for the faint of heart. It does have 3 little sections, after you go to the first landing you can venture out to a second then a third. I could not do the third as it looked to risky however it would have been amazing. Overall I would say do it if you can. Don;t worry too much and carry what you need but don't load yourself down as it is a long day. Also arrive early, once in Waima its still about 45 minutes up the mountain. We arrived at 9am and the parking lot was almost full. Even when we returned their was no parking.
Written January 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
macy41
Nashville, TN77 contributions
Aug 2022
This hike is straight down then straight back up, yet it's so pretty. I loved being in the tropical rainforest and seeing the view at the end of the trail was amazing. Take trekking poles or find a good walking stick in the woods (this is what we did), it really helps.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DlB824
South Pasadena, CA51 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
This is a good hike it's listed as a moderate hike it's 3.25 miles the the vistas. It can be fogged in but the clouds here are constantly on the move. You decend close to 2000 ft we got up early and hit it before too many people showed when getting there we were the third car there when leaving there was 20-25 cars and no more parking if you do it go early.
Written October 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
KendianaJones
Burien, WA157 contributions
Mar 2020
A woman at the Koke’e Museum told us this was the best of the hikes to the west. It was muddy, but less of a problem than other hikes we went on. And the views at the end were spectacular. Yes, we had to climb back up 1600 feet on the return, but the trail was almost always in shade, and we had enough water. Best hike we did during our visit!
Written March 25, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
David B
147 contributions
Dec 2019 • Couples
I believe it was a little over 6 miles round trip. The hike isn't too bad and wasn't muddy when we went. Not too much to see but the view at the end is spectacular! We started at 8am and there wasn't anyone else on the trail except for 1 other couple. We had the viewpoint all to ourselves for a bit. By the time we left the viewpoint an hour later there were about 20-30 people showing up and we saw more on the way back. Going back is tougher since it is uphill. This is a must do if you have the time!
Written April 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Karen A
Durham, NC52 contributions
May 2021
This was a moderately difficult hike but 110% worth it for the view of the NaPali Coast and ocean. First 3.7 miles there has some slick muddy patches you navigate while going downhill. Sections with roots and loose rocks. Return hike is easier without slipping but it is all uphill. We took it to be our run for the day, and jogged the flat trail portions. You need to keep an eye out for a small sign with cars parked on the left side going to Koke SP, after the campground.
Written May 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Derek S
Houghton Lake, MI10 contributions
Oct 2020
My wife and I selected this trail for is moderate hiking difficulty and for the amazing views at the end of the trail. We found the trail to be fairly muddy and we took our time going down as it was rather slippery. The walk through the forest was really interesting as we viewed the different vegetation and listened to the various birds. Unfortunately for us when we reached the end of the trail at the outlook, fog had rolled in off the ocean and there was no view to be seen. The hike out was almost all uphill but our footing was better and we made better time. Total hike time for us was 4 hours but we took our time. For more experienced hikers I could see this being done in 3 hours. Overall we are glad we choose this hike but disappointed to miss out on the stunning views of the coast.
Written November 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Murugs Lingaswamy
146 contributions
Dec 2019
Great hiking - Trail was 7 miles round trip but we did little over 10 miles with all the deviations. Worth the hike with breathtaking views at the end where you see the Napoli coast line and the mountain ridges. When kids went ahead it was sunny and bright. When we reached it was bit cloudy, but we waited 15 minutes and it cleared. .Stunning views. Entire family made it all the way to the top. It was muddy as there was rain for the previous 4 days. It is going down the trails, it could be slippery(with rain) if you are not careful. But some of us used stick and it helps.
If you love hiking, this is one of the places.
If you love hiking, this is one of the places.
Written January 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steveh3Texas
Southlake, TX747 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Mud!!! The trail is very muddy right now. We slogged the 3.2 miles to the end, but it was Way more difficult than normal. Took us around 5 hours RT. Normally takes us 3. Also, try to pick a sunny day (as much as possible).
Views at the end are spectacular, as always.
I suggest Old hiking shoes with good tread.
Views at the end are spectacular, as always.
I suggest Old hiking shoes with good tread.
Written February 23, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi, caricenzerbush. What would you like to know about this attraction?
Hi - Your review is quite "glowing" for this trail in terms of the view. At the time you'd written this review, had you ever hiked the Kalalua Trail (Na Pali coast trail head Ke'e Beach)? If you have hiked Kalaua, I was just wondering how the views compare - because for me that hike was life changing. I look forward to hearing back from you - THX Cari
Written May 10, 2018
These views are great but they do not compare to those from Kalaua or Nualolo.
Written March 29, 2019
Where is the start of the hike located?? Like an address I can punch in my GPS to start the hike
Written March 10, 2017
There isn't one, but if type it in on an iPhone it will take you to the parking lot. Don't know about other phones, imagine it would work on an android as it also shows up in google maps.
Written March 10, 2017
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