Kuilau Ridge Trail Hike – Kauai

Overview

• This trail is located within the Līhu’e-Kōloa Forest Reserve on Kuamo’o Road just before the Keahua Arboretum, approximately 15 minutes from Wailua
• Kapaʻa, Kauai
• 3.5 miles round trip
• Moderate

Things to know

• Plan for 2 hours for this hike
• Limited parking, a total of 3 spaces at the trailhead. Additional parking can be found closer to the Arboretum park.
• Hiking shoes recommended
• Be sure to bring bug spray and plenty of water

Conditions

• Often very muddy
• It rains often in the area
• Humid

Features

• Lush native plant life
• Views of Mount Waialeale and the Makaleha Mountain Range
• Picnic area 1 mile into the trail

Hiking the Kuilau Ridge Trail

It was late in the afternoon when we arrived at the Kuilau Ridge Trail. It had been a long drive, and we had just enough time to hike before sunset. It was cloudy, with light rain falling as we passed the trailhead. Although it wasn’t the best weather, we continued on knowing that the rain often passes quickly on the island. The trail started out very wide and ascended gradually through the forest. Everything was lush and beautiful, with many varieties of native plants and vines draping from the trees of the forest. We found many open areas that we could look out and see views of the valley below. 

As we gained elevation and neared the top of the ridge, the trail became very narrow, and in many areas we could no longer walk side by side. The trail was very muddy, and we tried to go around it, but our feet sank into the mud with every step we took. It wasn’t long before we were covered in mud to our ankles, making it our messiest hike yet! As we reached the top of the ridge, it made our journey worthwhile. We gasped at the panoramic views of the Makaleha Mountain Range surrounded by the lush rainforest. The mountains were covered in a blanket of fog from the rain and humidity filled the air. 

As night began to fall and the sun started to set, we hurried back. It was exhilarating as we followed the trail back with only a short time before we would be in complete darkness. We were relieved to make it back to our car just in time. Hiking the Kuilau Ridge Trail was challenging, but the views made the journey worth it! This was one of our favorite hikes, and an adventure that we’ll always remember.