Hike· Kauai· Hawaii
Kuilau Ridge Trail
22° 4.3′ N · 159° 25.0′ W
A scenic, well-graded ridge walk through the Lihue-Koloa Forest Reserve beneath Mount Waialeale, with views into the island's green interior - one of the easiest ways to get into Kauai's mountains.
Practical
Na Ala Hele: Kuilau Trail, 2.1 miles, moderate, about 640 ft of climb; starts on Highway 580 (Kuamoo Road) about 100 yards before the Keahua Forestry Arboretum and ends at the Moalepe Trail (total 4.25 miles to the Moalepe trailhead on Olohena Road). Shared with bikes, horses and hunters; no motorized vehicles; commercial use by permit only. Listed open in October 2026. Coordinate is the Na Ala Hele trailhead position. Drive in from Wailua (about 20 minutes from Kapaa); the stream crossing at Keahua can flood after heavy rain.
Best for
Easy mountain day from the east side