Hiking the Kuilau Ridge Trail on Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi
Distance: 3.4 miles / 5.5 km
The Kuilau Ridge Trail on Kauaʻi feels like a hidden gem next to other, more popular hikes, like the Sleeping Giant Trail.
I say this because the Kuilau Ridge Trail is one of the most gradual ridge hikes on the island, with great views of the mountains to the west. Being the case, Kuilau Ridge can make for a great trail run, so long as you don’t mind getting a little dirty!
By this, I mean that Kuilau can be as dry as the photos I took below or extremely muddy throughout the entire trail to the Moalepe junction. In either case, wear clothes that you wouldn’t mind getting a little muddy.
Kuilau Ridge Trailhead Parking
Parking for the Kuilau Ridge Trail is located in small parking area just outside of the trailhead off Kuamoʻo Road.
Out of caution, consider the Kuilau Ridge Trailhead to be a high-crime area for petty theft, meaning you should never leave visible bags or anything valuable in your car.
Google Maps Directions: Kuilau Ridge Trailhead
My Hawaiʻi Hiking Checklist
Osprey 3L Water Bladder - The Osprey 3L water bladder is the most universal hiking and backpacking water bladder on the market, and it’s my go-to because of the slide-off seal that allows it to be quickly filled from the top. Additionally, individual parts are easily replaceable, such as the bite valve.
Blister / Heel Protectors - I swear by these cheap, amazing heel protectors to prevent blisters for nearly every kind of hiking and backpacking that I do!
Black Diamond Headlamp - Personally, I recommend the Black Diamond Storm because it is one of the brightest, lightest, and longest-lasting headlamps on the market—and trust me, the weight-to-battery-life ratio really does matter!
Hiking / Trail Running Shoes - Depending on the type of trail, I prefer to use either the Keen Targhee for longer, more rugged hiking or the HOKA Zinal Trail-Running Shoe for lighter, less intense trails. In either case, both have been amazing to me for many years across countless environments, and both can be found in men’s and women’s sizes. - (Men’s Keen / Women’s Keen) (Men’s HOKA / Women’s HOKA)
Waterproof Rain Shell - You never know when it may rain, and I’ve learned over the years that a rain shell is far better than a rain jacket. By this, I mean that it’s best to have something that the water will roll right off of, which is why I recommend the Patagonia Torrentshell 3L available in both men’s and women’s sizes.
High SPF Sunscreen - Packing high-SPF sunscreen is a must for long days outside!
Hiking the Kuilau Ridge Trail
For the most part, the Kuilau Ridge Trail is a fairly straightforward day hike with only one important turn once at the Kuilau Shelter.
The incline on Kuilau Ridge starts off very gradual, which will remain nearly constant for much of the hike to Moalepe.
Once Kuilau reaches the Uluhe ferns, you have made it to the most native-forested section on the entire trail. This is also where the best views of the mountains to the west are located.
That being said, Kuilau Ridge is a fairly low-elevation trail by Hawaiʻi standards, meaning that the vast majority of the hike is dominated by non-native, invasive species, with a few exceptions here and there.
Kuilau Shelter
Just past the shelter, go right at the split to continue toward Moalepe.
The trail to the left doesn’t lead to anywhere of interest.
Kuilau Ridge should continue through the grass in the photo above and around a switchback to the view in the photo below.
That being said, this section is also some of the last views on the Kuilau Ridge Trail before reaching the Kuilau-Moalepe Bridge.
After 1.7 miles (2.7 km), Kuilau Ridge meets with the Moalepe Trail that continues down to Olohena Road.
Roundtrip the distance from the Kuilau Trailhead to the Moalepe Trailhead and back is around 8.1 miles (13.0 km), but typically only trail runners complete the both trails in this way.
Nevertheless, the best views on the Kuilau Ridge Trail are all before and just after the Kuilau Shelter, which can make for an even easier adventure than the total 3.4-mile (5.5 km) roundtrip distance to the Kuilau-Moalepe Bridge described here.
Native Plants on the Kuilau Ridge Trail
As previously mentioned, the Kuilau Ridge Trail is a relatively low-elevation hike in Hawaiʻi, meaning that the trail is predominately non-native/ invasive species throughout.
However, once the ridge reaches the Uluhe ferns at about the halfway point, there is the opportunity to see both ʻŌhiʻa lehua and Kalia growing alongside the trail.
If you would like to learn more about these and many other native Hawaiian plants from across the islands, I encourage you to check out my separate post linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Native Hawaiian Plant Guide
More Kauaʻi Adventures
If you’re interested in reading about some more amazing Kauaʻi adventures, check out my separate posts below!
Best Hotels & Vacation Rentals on Kauaʻi
Since the best things to do on Kauaʻi are located on all different sides of the island, I recommend starting your search on VRBO.
You may want to stay some nights in Poʻipū, some nights in Kapaʻa, and even some nights on the beautiful North Shore, but this way you can plan out places to stay and adventures on all different sides of the island!
Kauaʻi
Best Way to Book Rental Cars!
I travel quite a bit, and I know firsthand that finding a good rental car deal can be a challenge, but that’s why I recommend comparing all of your options with Discover Cars.
In short, Discover Cars is a well-known, reputable business that allows you to search for the best deal across companies, and they have the best full-refund cancellation policy I’ve ever seen, valid up to 72, or sometimes even 48, hours prior to your reservation!
Book Here: Discover Cars
Kauaʻi
Visiting Other Islands
If you are visiting Kauaʻi or heading to another island, check out some of my personal recommendations for Oʻahu, Maui, Kauaʻi, Molokai, Lānaʻi, and Hawaiʻi Island (Big Island) in these separate posts.
If you’re trying to decide which island is right for your visit, check out my overview about each island in the post below.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Hawaiian Island to Visit?
What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
The weather in Hawaiʻi can often appear to be warm and beautiful throughout the year, but in my experience, there is a lot more to consider when planning what time of year to visit the islands, such as what island you are considering, what sides of each island do you plan to stay, what activities are you most interested in, the wildlife, and countless other nuanced variables that can all impact the type of trip you can expect to have.
For these reasons, I highly recommend reading through my separate article to not only understand my thoughts regarding the best time of year to come to Hawaiʻi but also what you need to consider based on the time of year that you plan to visit.
Read My Separate Post: What is the Best Time of Year to Visit Hawaiʻi?
Safety
All hikes in Hawaiʻi should not be compared to trails outside of the islands, and hikers should exercise due caution on every adventure, given that many are extremely dangerous.
By this, I mean that Hawaiʻi is known for hot, humid weather, steep, dramatic, and unstable cliffs, and flash floods, which can occur without warning. Therefore, it is important that you check the local forecast, understand the physical condition of your entire group, and pack sufficient food and water before attempting any adventure.
Disclaimer
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