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Kukui Trail
Located within the West Region on Kauai
Garden Isle Hiking Trail
West Kauai
Kukui Trail offers some gorgeous views of Waimea Canyon. The first part of the trail descends sharply, switchbacking through the forest, at first, and then out in the open along the side of the mountain. Expect the path to be eight inches wide on slippery dirt with nothing to one side of you in places. It's not that dangerous, but just be careful. As with many Kauai hikes, you may benefit from a guide who can educate you and your travel party about the history of the area, the plants, and animals of the trail.
Trail day tools
Before you drive to the trailhead, check the trail and weather layer.
Hawaii hikes can change quickly with closures, rain, mud, heat, and daylight.
You'll soon reach a vast stretch of slanted red rock that goes down the mountain and after traversing this segment of the path you'll descend deep into the forest where wild chickens rustle in the brush and kukui nut trees grow in abundance. As you dive deeper, you'll find yourself amidst waist-high grasses and passing large spear-like plants. Not far now, as you make the final trek towards your reward... the cool and soothing waters of the Waimea River! Look above you, and you will hardly believe how far you've climbed. Take a long rest here and enjoy a swim in the pool near Wiliwili Camp. You'll need it before turning around to ascend the two miles back up to the rim. Remember to take it slow and easy and to drink lots of water. Bringing some form of water purification device to allow you to refill water from the river and treat it is highly recommended. The Waimea River is naturally brown from the tannins which are absorbed by the feeder streams as they pass through the Alakai Swamp above Waimea Canyon. The name, Waimea means "red water." The scenery is gorgeous so enjoy it during your rest breaks and take plenty of pictures. If you want adventure and a great workout, this is one hike you won't want to miss!
Founder & certified Hawai'i travel expert with 20+ years in Hawai'i tourism, University of South Carolina climate-research training, and NOAA weather-station experience.
Breezy trade winds are in place with windward and inland showers expected tonight and early morning through Monday. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday evening—avoid them if rough water concerns you. East-facing shores will see building swell Sunday as Tropical Storm Fausto approaches. Tuesday and Wednesday the storm moves in with heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough seas on the windward side. Forecasters are still narrowing down the exact track, so check updates this weekend. By Thursday normal trades return.
Leeward beaches work through Monday if you stay clear of the high surf. Plan indoor activities or protected bays for Tuesday and Wednesday when the storm passes through.
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Trade winds are bringing showers to the windward side and inland areas, mostly at night and early morning through Monday. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday—avoid them if you're not comfortable in rough water.
Tropical Storm Fausto arrives Tuesday and brings heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough surf on east-facing shores through Wednesday. The storm is moving fast, so rain won't linger in one spot for days. Forecasters are still narrowing the track, so watch for updates this weekend. Impacts could shift depending on whether it passes north or south of the islands.
Leeward beaches work through Monday if you avoid the high surf. Plan indoor activities or protected bays for Tuesday and Wednesday when Fausto moves through.
0:000:66
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Right now you've got breezy trade winds with showers mainly at night and early morning on the windward and inland sides. Conditions stay stable through Monday with the same pattern—showers mostly after dark, trades during the day.
High surf is running through Saturday at 6 PM on south-facing beaches. Starting Sunday, east-facing shores will see advisory-level surf building as Tropical Storm Fausto approaches from the southeast. Tuesday and Wednesday the storm moves near the islands with heavy rain and gusty winds on the windward side. It's moving fast at 15 miles per hour, so rain won't sit in one spot for days, but forecasters are still refining the track—updates this weekend will clarify the exact impacts.
Stick with leeward beaches through Monday if you're comfortable in the current surf. For Tuesday and Wednesday, plan indoor activities or protected bays on the lee side while the heavy rain and wind move through.
0:000:48
Voice
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Breezy trade winds this morning with scattered showers on the windward side and inland—mostly at night and early morning. South-facing beaches have high surf through Saturday; skip them if rough water makes you nervous.
Tropical Storm Fausto moves near the islands Tuesday through Wednesday with heavy rain, gusty winds, and rough surf on the east-facing shores. The storm's moving fast, so rain won't linger in one spot. The exact impacts depend on whether it tracks north or south—forecasters are still pinning down the track, so check updates this weekend.
Plan leeward beaches or protected bays through Monday. Once the trades return to normal Thursday onward, conditions settle back to typical.
Created with AI from the official NWS forecast discussion · verify with NWS before heading out
