Awaʻawapuhi Trail
Hawaii hikers

**IMPORTANT PARK NOTICES**

⚠️ Always monitor weather reports and ocean conditions before your park visit. 

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[OʻAHU] UPDATE 4/17/26

‘Iao Valley State Monument: Currently CLOSED until further notice. Parking and entry CLOSED until June 28, 2026.

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Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area: Polipoli cabins and camping areas are CLOSED until further notice.

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[KAUA’I] UPDATED 4/14/26

The Kalalau trail has REOPENED and the Haʻena Shuttle has RESUMED.

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Koke’e State Park camping will be CLOSED for campground improvements. Construction to begin May 2026 and extend through Spring 2027.

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Polihale State Park and camping is CLOSED until further notice due to mud and debris removal.

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Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site: CLOSED for construction.

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[O’AHU] UPDATED 4/12/26

O’ahu state parks have REOPENED with the exception of Ka’ena Point State Park, both Mokule’ia and Mākua-Keawa’ula sections, and Pu’u o Mahuka Heiau State Historic Site.

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[HAWAI’I] UPDATED 4/10/26

Notice to bidders for Mobile Food Truck Concessions opened today for certain Hawai’i Island parks. More information at: https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/announcements/mobile-food-truck-concessions-hawaii/

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[HAWAI’I] UPDATE 3/25/26

Akaka Falls State Park: Water and comfort station CLOSED, park open with portable toilets.

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[MOLOKAʻI] 3/23/26

Palaʻau State Wayside and camping areas CLOSED for renovations until May 4.

Awaʻawapuhi Trail

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    DANGER: Do not venture beyond the safety railing at the end of the trail! Footing is extremely unstable, and the drop to the valley floor below is over 2,000 feet.
    Trail Length 3.1 miles (one way)
    Activity Pedestrian
    Difficulty Difficult
    Elevation Gain 1,180 ft
    Park Name Kōkeʻe State Park

    Route

    The trail starts at a parking area near the highway 17 mile marker. This forest reserve area is managed as wilderness because of the rich variety of native dryland plant species thriving in it (a plant guide is available). The trail ends abruptly on the ridge top, at 2,500 ft. elevation, affording spectacular views down sheer palis (cliffs) into Awaʻawapuhi and Nualolo Valleys overlooking the Pacific Ocean. The grassy area at the end of the trail provides an excellent place to picnic.

    As of March 11, 2014, the Kauai recreational trail map is temporarily unavailable for distribution or purchase.

    Do not use any trail or access road that is not delineated by name and color and that may also be displayed on these maps. The marked features are managed for public recreational use. Other trails or roads that branch off from the public features may be on private property, and are not managed for any public recreational use. Access is subject to adjacent landowner approval, and if used without authorization, you will be trespassing and possibly putting yourself at risk.