This is Part II of our Kauai 2013 trip journal describing our trek across the Nu’alolo Cliff Trail and climbing the Awa’awapuhi Trail in Kauai’s Koke’e State Park. Hiking the Nu’alolo Cliff Trail & Awa’awapuhi Trail complete the ~12 mile loop from the Koke’e State Park Lodge & Museum which starts with the Nu’alolo Trail. The Nu’alolo Cliff Trail is roughly 2 miles long and links the Nu’alolo and Awa’awapuhi trails, while the Awa’awapuhi trail is spans roughly 4 miles when you account for venturing down to the lookout point then ascending back up the 1,600+ feet to return to the elevation you started your day. The entire loop is a solid day-hike with views that will knock your socks off! The lookout at the end of the Awa’awapuhi Trail which peers down into the vast Awa’awapuhi Valley will leave you reeling!
The Nu’alolo Cliff Trail, which links the Awa’awapuhi and the Nu’alolo Trails, traverses the ridge that separates the Nu’alolo & Awa’awapuhi Valleys. Views abound as you work your way along the narrow trail.
From open exposure to dense woodland, even the Nu’alolo Cliff Trail transitions through numerous vegetation communities.
The Nu’alolo Cliff Trail, which links the Awa’awapuhi and the Nu’alolo Trails, traverses the ridge that separates the Nu’alolo & Awa’awapuhi Valleys. Views abound as you work your way along the narrow trail.
We’ve reached the 1/4 mile section of exposure that requires some serious focus. A misstep will send you plunging into the Nu’alolo Valley, which is not recommended according to the posted signs.
Glancing back from where we just came, we prepare to cross over the ridge dividing the Nu’alolo and Awa’awapuhi valleys.
In addition to the chickens which are all over the place, the beautiful Red-crested Cardinal (Paroaria coronata) thrives in Kauai. This guy is enjoying the view.
A view looking down into Nu’alolo Valley from the highly exposed portion of the Nu’alolo Cliff Trail. That’s a 2,000+ foot drop over that crumbling ledge.
We’ve made it to the Awa’awapuhi Vista Point, where this exposed spine lies just beyond the recommended stopping point. A slip here would end your day in a hurry!
Clara and I have thoroughly enjoyed our first day in Kauai! What an amazing hike punctuated with perfect weather!
The Awa’awapuhi Valley is even more impressive than the Nu’alolo Valley and leaves you feeling like you are exploring another planet.