Kauai Hanging Suggestions?

[El Gordo]

My wife and I are going to be in Kauai in mid-March, and we would like to do some backpacking, despite the fact that her knee is still not 100%. From what I read, the Kalalau Trail is awesome, but sounds too difficult for now. Any other ideas?

[Ratdog]

I'll tell you where not to go, Hanakapiai Trail is there's been rain or threatening to rain. Too many people get swept away by fast rising water because they think they can cross the river before the water rises. Sunny days, no worries....mostly.

There are loads of places to hike, there are listed on some of the well known websites:
http://www.kauai.com/hikes
http://www.hawaii-guide.com/kauai
And many more.

The Kalalau Trail is awesome but unless you plan on getting your leg on, it's an overnighter and there are squatters in the valley. Not to mention a couple stream crossings and switch backs up the steep portion. Better off taking the Capt Andy's rubber jet boat ride to check out Na'Pali from the water. But if you are fit for the trip, do it, more about it later.

You have to go check out Waimea Canyon, there are cabins for rent up there and you can day hike.

There are loads of day hikes around, beach trails, through the arboretum and more.

Kukui and Kuilau are great but like all the trails, a little loose stuff and rocks and a drag when it's muddy, which it is a lot. But if you're up for a mudder, do it.

Awaawapuhi Trail is easy enough just kind of a drag if you hike out to the end and have to walk back along the road.

Waipoo falls is worth the hike though the best views are at the beginning, it's a fun hike.

NouNou Trail, don't go if it's wet (continuing theme). Bit of climb, nice views.

Maha UlePu is easy. Some blow holes, down by the water.

You need to get up to Hanalei and hit Tunnels beach to snorkel the tunnels. Drive there and park in the lot, grab some sugar cane cookies from the woman selling them out of the back of her Subaru and bring some back for me. Seriously though, fun place to snorkel. There are a couple trails up there too.

Backpacking if kind of limited to Waimea Canyon or NaPali Coast.

If there is any way you can do Kalalau Trail, do it. It is THE trail. Some say one of the most dangerous in the US but despite the steep climb, mud and rocks, all the danger is in fast rising water. If the water is rising, do NOT cross, just wait it out. It's been years since I've done it, but totally worth it.

There's the NaPali Coast Trail and you can camp but parking is sketchy, best to shuttle. Good info here:
http://kayakkauai.com/napali_backpack/
http://www.trykauai.com/Backpackers.htm

You can backpack the Canyon to Lonomea. It's the red dirt Mars type thing for a bit and gets much better.
Kukui Trail to Koaie Trail, you can hammock camp. Bring topo maps.

Best info in PM. Can't publicize everything.


Mamala Aina

[El Gordo]

Ratdog, you da Man!!

[Hiker Boy]

I saw people hanging in the trees at Lydgate State Park two years ago. Looked like a good place for it as you had the choice of extra shade or ocean view. The Kokee area also looks like a cooler camping type option.

[dkurfiss]

Color me confused El Gordo but are you wanting hanging locations or hiking locations?

[Zilla]

Looks like Ratdog could open up his own travel guide shop there, nice info.
This is an awesome site where we have members like RD who take the time to help out fellow hangers in a above and beyond manner as stated here, Kudo's to you Ratdog.

[El Gordo]

Color me confused El Gordo but are you wanting hanging locations or hiking locations?

Sorry for the confusion. I was trying to indicate an interest in a location that we could hike to; hang for a night; hike the next day to another location; hang for a second night; and so forth. For two to three nights.

And thanks to everyone for all the suggestions so far!

[Ratdog]

Hawaii Magazine just published an article about the Kukui trail, thought I'd pass it along in case you were still on the mainland.

http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/conten...-waimea-canyon

And here's a link to Secret Beach. (secret because most folks don't know about it and those that do often forget how to get there)
http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/conten...d-secret-beach

[El Gordo]

Hawaii Magazine just published an article about the Kukui trail, thought I'd pass it along in case you were still on the mainland.

http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/conten...-waimea-canyon

And here's a link to Secret Beach. (secret because most folks don't know about it and those that do often forget how to get there)
http://www.hawaiimagazine.com/conten...d-secret-beach

Thanks again, Ratdog! By the way, I just found Secret Beach Road on Google Maps!