Awaʻawapuhi Trail
Hawaii hikers

PARK UPDATES: 4/25/22

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DIAMOND HEAD STATE MONUMENT - As of May 12th, 2022 all out-of-state visitors must have an advanced reservation to enter Diamond Head State Monument. The reservation system will activate on April 28th, 2022 allowing for reservations to be made 14 days in advance. Hawaiʻi residents continue to enjoy free access without reservations, but entry may depend on parking availability. Commercial tour and trolley patrons must have a reservation. Registered PUC carriers will have access to a PUC-only reservation portal.

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.