Kuilau Ridge Trail
Kuilau Ridge Trail
4.5
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4.5
235 reviews
Excellent
161
Very good
66
Average
7
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Jeremy H
San Francisco, CA1 contribution
Jun 2023 • Family
We took this hike with our 2,3,5,7 year olds and 70,75 year old parents because of the positive reviews about hiking with kids. I’m guessing a subset of us got halfway, the rest maybe 3/5 of that. It was steeper than I expected. The mud was totally navigable (June), and only on the flat parts so it was fine going back down. It was definitely in the jungle, so that was really cool, got to hear the birds, feel the life all around us. A couple folks told us they couldn’t find the waterfall at the end, I’m sure it’s a great hike if you don’t have really young or old ones hiking, but this was a bit of a flop for us. Still very grateful to have access and for maintenance!
Written 21 June 2023
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.
sitzmark60
Barnegat, NJ114 contributions
Apr 2024 • Couples
Great hike with great views of the mountains and valleys. Park at the bottom by the bridge and backtrack up the road to the gate. Go through the gate and follow the trail a short way to the trailhead which has a posted map. The hike is a steady uphill through the valley to the ridge. The views are spectacular and all of our picture came out great. Worth the effort.
Written 28 April 2024
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.
abyss64
Seal Beach, CA664 contributions
Sept 2021
Easy trail, with some great jungle views. Make sure you go PAST the picnic tables, as the trail continues to the right. The best views are beyond the picnic tables, and it won't be very far (less than half a mile) until you see the gorgeous views. You'll also pass a small waterfall. The trail ends at the bridge, but you can continue on if you like. I turned around there. Yes, it can get muddy, and I went right after it rained. Don't let that stop you though, it's worth it.
Written 23 September 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.
Robin D
Livermore, CA112 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
Beautiful hike with a waterfall 1/2 mile past the picnic tables. Gradual easy ascent with a fair amount of mud! Great vistas. Bring good hiking boots and sticks. Rated easy which this 63 year old agrees with
Written 24 May 2023
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.
Theresa B
Salmon Arm, Canada507 contributions
Nov 2022
It's a lovely walk through the trees and vegetation. I was looking for something a little less strenuous after doing several other hikes and this one was a nice change of pace.
I referred to the AllTrails website to get directions and reviews.
We parked in the parking lot across the small one lane bridge. A lively river with picnic tables is there. (End of the road)
We weren't prepared for the mud we experienced on the trail and like everyone else hiking that day, took advantage of the small river to wash off our running shoes. Hiking shoes not required.
We just hiked as far as the picnic tables at the top. We were told by other hikers, that the trail as it continued didn't offer anything different than what we had already seen.
I enjoyed the hike and do recommend it.
I referred to the AllTrails website to get directions and reviews.
We parked in the parking lot across the small one lane bridge. A lively river with picnic tables is there. (End of the road)
We weren't prepared for the mud we experienced on the trail and like everyone else hiking that day, took advantage of the small river to wash off our running shoes. Hiking shoes not required.
We just hiked as far as the picnic tables at the top. We were told by other hikers, that the trail as it continued didn't offer anything different than what we had already seen.
I enjoyed the hike and do recommend it.
Written 2 December 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.
John P
Kauai, HI54 contributions
Jul 2015 • Solo
I love to hike and the Kuilau trail is my overall favorite. There are more scenic ones; there are more dramatic ones; but for a good workout, nice wide safe trail, great views, convenience - Kuilau comes out on top. I take my dog up there all the time. My tips are bring water, shoes that can get muddy and maybe even a picnic. Here's a helpful tip too: in Hawaii we DON'T SIT ON PICNIC TABLES! It's an old school thing, but basically who wants to eat off something someone sat on...also park over by the river instead of at the base of the trail - your stuff will be safer.
Written 29 July 2015
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.
rusticpress
Alexandria, VA611 contributions
Nov 2012 • Friends
Kuilau Ridge Trail is a terrific two-mile rainforest hike on Kauai, Hawaii. Both the sounds and the scenery on this trail are unforgettable. It's wide and easy to navigate, though it may be a little too slippery and muddy after a rain. The trail took us through a fantastic landscape with awesome vegetation and sweeping views of lush valleys, Mount Waialeale and the Makeleha Mountain Range. The views were breathtaking and birdsongs complemented the lush tropical environment.
The trailhead is about a 20 minute drive inland from Kapa'a on Kuamoo Road (Highway 580). Parking at the trailhead is limited to 3 or 4 cars but there is plenty of parking just around the corner at the Keahua Forestry Arboretum, a few hundred feet from the trailhead.
The trailhead is about a 20 minute drive inland from Kapa'a on Kuamoo Road (Highway 580). Parking at the trailhead is limited to 3 or 4 cars but there is plenty of parking just around the corner at the Keahua Forestry Arboretum, a few hundred feet from the trailhead.
Written 1 February 2013
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.
Wendy H
10 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
Kuilau Ridge is one of our favorite hikes on this side of the Island. We got about 15 minutes up the trail and it was blocked by a very large tree that had fallen over. Possible to climb up the hill and go around the roots but couldn’t negotiate it without getting quite muddy. Disappointed, we decided to head back along with several other groups of hikers who decided it wasn’t worth the slippery climb. The trunk of the the tree had one saw mark all the way through it so there must be some plan to eventually remove it. This was August 7th.
Written 8 August 2018
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.
Bruce Fehring
Kilauea, HI11 contributions
Jul 2014 • Solo
I've not been on this hike, so my 1 start review is a bit unfair. The one star is for all the reviewers who left reviews for a hike which is NOT where Trip Advisor says it is. This hike is in Wailua, NOT in Kilauea.
Written 14 July 2014
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.
Sergio SM
15 contributions
Sept 2019
We visited this trail in late September 2019; weather was nice but had just rained. We did the whole trail and even continued for a few miles past the bridge.... don't pass the bridge; it gets pretty boring and significantly warmer if sunny. The trail was great and the views were amazing. Beware that once you get to the picnic table you have two options, either left or right. Right takes you to the actual trail and towards a small old bridge (end of trail). If you go left, you will have amazing views, but it can get dangerous especially when muddy... the end of this section seems like it continues into the actual trail but don't try it unless you have experience in muddy vertical climbing. Parking was scarce but not many people there. Enjoy!
Written 22 October 2019
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.
I'm afraid of heights. Are there any people that are afraid of heights that hiked this trail and would be open to telling me how scary it is?
Written 9 May 2022
Would this trail be safe to carry a 1 year old in our backpack? Thanks!
Written 6 June 2019
Yes. I think the only trouble would be the very beginning of the trail because they are longer steps to get up hill. Once up hill you should be fine. Don't do this in the rain.
Written 14 June 2019
We will be in this area June 10-15. We planned to hike this trail the last time we were in Kauai, but when we got ready to start the hike it seemed to be cloud covered. Are there certain times of the day that tend to be more clear?
Written 22 May 2019
Early morning is the best chance for dry, clear weather.
Written 24 May 2019
Do we need to wear hiking shoes/boots on this hike or are tennis shoes or something like Teva sandals adequate?
Written 22 June 2016
On this and many Kauai hikes, I've worn about every foot covering available from Five Finger Vibrams to Tevas to sneakers to hiking shoes. They all worked well for me. The deciding factor is -- how muddy will the trail be? Tevas and light sneakers can get sucked off your feet in the sloppy mud. If your feet are accustomed to Vibrams, they provide a natural "barefoot" experience with minimal weight and distraction. Sturdy sneakers and light hiking boots probably fit the majority of Kauai hikers. Whatever you wear, they will get dirty. The good news is -- there is an ankle-deep stream just down the road. Perfect for washing that dirt right out of your shoes! Great trail! Don't miss it!
Written 12 September 2017
I want to try this hike... so do you have the address of the parking at the trail head, or is it obvious at the end of Kuamoo Road? Thanks.
Written 20 March 2016
It's obvious. You will continue past Wailua Homesteads on the right toward the end of the road. At the bottom of a hill there will be 4 or 5 spaces and a "red" metal gate on the right. There is also a sign indicating the trail head. If there is parking there...excellent. If not, continue a few hundred feet and there is more parking on the left. If nothing there, continue through the stream that goes over the road and there is more parking across the water. Judge the stream for your self, as you will have to walk across it after parking the vehicle. If there has been a lot of rain, you might not want to do that as the current might be too swift. There usually is parking after the trailhead...do it during the week, as the weekend usually is busy at the Arboretum and parking might be full there. Have fun.
Written 21 March 2016
I need driving directions to get to Kuilau Trail, Is it very hard to hike?
I will be taking my 2 teen age kids,
thank you,
Written 16 April 2015
To reach the Kuilau trailhead take Highway 56 to Highway 580 (just north of the Wailua river, south of Kapaa). Go for 8 miles on Highway 580 until you reach Keahua Forestry Arboretum. The arboretum isn't maintained, and it's hard to recognize. There are two parking lots on the side of the road. Once you park, head back down the road on foot to the trail head. The trail is not as challenging as other trails on the island. The first part is a dirt road, and there is some elevation changes. If your teenagers get tired you don't have to go all the way -- just go to the clearing and picnic tables. If you continue on the trail, there are some big tree ferns along the way!
Written 17 April 2015
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