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Route Rating Level 2 to Level 4

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TRIP NOTES

All meals except 1 dinner.

Cancellation Policy

Cancellation fees may vary based upon departure date. Please call our expert Trip Consultants at (800) GO-ACTIVE (462-2848) for more information.

Meet / Depart

Lihue, Kauai

Special Interest

Culture & History, Geological Wonders, Kayak, Snorkel, Tropical/Winter Sunshine, Water Activities

Recommended Reads

Essential trip reading

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Contact Us

Call: 800-462-2848
or 510-527-1555
Fax: 510-527-1444
E-mail us

801 Cedar St.
Berkeley, CA 94710

Business Hours:
7 days a week
from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Pacific Time

Or contact your travel agent

Kauai Walking Hiking Vacations

Kauai Walking

Please Note: This trip is currently only available as a Private Trip. Looking for a similar trip? See New Zealand Walking, Big Island Multisport, Kauai Multisport, Costa Rica Walking, Costa Rica Insider, and Baja Multisport. Or call 800-462-2848 to speak with a Trip Consultant.





The Garden Isle's Magnificent Coastline, Cliffs & Canyon
The forces of nature have had plenty of time—over 6 million years, in fact—to work their erosive magic on Kauai's shores, producing more sand beach than any other isle of the archipelago, the incredible plunging Na Pali Coast cliffs and the dazzling orange Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon in the Pacific. And with a climate that provides just the right amount of sun and an abundance of life-giving rain, Kauai is blanketed with some of the earth's most incredible native flora. Experience the wonders of Kauai on this Backroads trip featuring some of the best hiking this stunningly beautiful island has to offer, as well as plenty of sun-soaked downtime, poolside or on the beach.

View other trips in Asia & the Pacific

Days 1-2 princeville

Meet in Lihue  Hike Nounou or "Sleeping Giant" with stunning views of the ocean  Savor the tranquility of a wildlife refuge and visit the beautiful Kilauea Lighthouse  At a traditional luau, Polynesian song and dance provide the perfect accompaniment to a bountiful Hawaiian feast Hike the Na Pali Coast for one of the world's most stunning ocean views Options abound: swim or snorkel at Kee Beach, golf, walk on a white-sand beach or enjoy a beachside massage at our resort's day spa  Explore beautiful Limahuli Garden and Preserve.

Days 3-5 waimea

Paddle up the Wailua River to the trailhead to Secret Falls, a natural amphitheater featuring a stunning waterfall that plunges into a freshwater pool Marvel at Waimea Canyon, the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific," where layer upon layer of exposed lava reveals Kauai's geologic history At the Kalalau Valley lookout, take in spectacular views of the Na Pali Coast Hike in Kokee State Park amid lush vegetation, birdlife, waterfalls, montane forest, and enjoy spectacular canyon vistas Hike along one of Kauai's most pristine beaches, where nature's artistry is apparent in carved sandstone cliffs, ancient lava flows and crashing turquoise waves You may be lucky enough to spot a rare Hawaiian monk seal or green sea turtle.

Guest Trip Reviews

The "Garden Island" lives up to its name with more shades of green and incredible plants than almost anywhere on earth. Dramatic nature is at its finest, including steep eroded cliffs, deep blue sea, intense surf, flowers, lots of white sand, forests and native birds.
Michael Flaherty - Regional Manager, California & Hawaii

All Guest Reviews

For 30 years, Backroads has been perfecting the art of active travel. We are the Hawaii tour experts. For walking tours and hiking tours in Asia & the Pacific, trust our in-depth connections. To see all our Asia & the Pacific walking tours and hiking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Asia & the Pacific biking tours click here. For our selection of award-winning Asia & the Pacific multisport tours click here.

Kauai Walking

SAND AND SEA: Casual Inns

Hanalei Bay Resort

Princeville (2 nights)
Nestled above spectacular Hanalei Bay, this resort offers a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, spa services, tennis courts, restaurant and sunset bar.

Waimea Plantation Cottages
Waimea Plantation Cottages

Waimea (2 nights)
Authentic sugar plantation homes, set in a coconut grove on a black-sand beach, welcome you with period-inspired décor, hammocks and an oceanfront pool.

Kauai Walking

Route Rating: Daily Mileage Options & Cumulative Elevation Gain

Trips For All Abilities

Every Backroads trip is designed to appeal to a wide variety of interests and fitness levels. We know your pace may vary from one day to the next-and your traveling companion's may differ somewhat from yours. So we present a range of mileage options, and each day you decide exactly what and how much you want to do.

Activity Level Average Time Average Distance
    Biking Walking
& Hiking
1 2-3
hours
10-20
miles
2-5
miles
2 2-4
hours
21-30
miles
5-7
miles
3 3-5
hours
31-40
miles
7-9
miles
4 4-6
hours
41-55
miles
9-11
miles
5 5-7+
hours
56-75+
miles
11-13+
miles
Day 1
  • Levels 1 to 2   5 Route Options Available
  • 4, 6 miles
  • 5000 - 1500 feet elevation gain
  • 1, 1.4, 4.5 miles
  • 0 - 1000 feet elevation gain
Day 2
  • Level 1  2 Route Options Available
  • 4 miles
  • 1000 feet elevation gain
  • Optional 1 mile 
  • 0 feet elevation gain
Day 3
  • Level 1  2 Route Options Available
  • 1 mile
  • 0 feet elevation gain
  • 2 miles (with 1 hour of kayaking to and from trailhead)
  • 0 feet elevation gain
Day 4
  • Level 2  1 Route Option Available
  • 6.5 miles
  • 1500 feet elevation gain
Day 5
  • Level 1  1 Route Option Available
  • 2.2 miles 
  • 0 - 500 feet elevation gain