10 Easy Hikes in Kauai: The Best Scenic Trails You Can’t Miss

Kauai is called the Garden Isle for a good reason. We discovered this on our recent trip to Hawaii when we finally visited this island. The landscapes are wild, lush, and absolutely magical. While many of the island’s most famous trails involve serious elevation and muddy climbs, there are plenty of easy hikes in Kauai that still offer jaw-dropping views without needing hiking boots and a week of training!

Trust us! We don’t like hiking long hikes. We have traveled across Hawaii in search of easy hikes that have massive rewards at the end. Whether it be an awe-inspiring landscape view or a burbling waterfall. In this guide, we’re sharing the best easy hikes in Kauai, sorted by our personal favorites, plus tips to make your hike smooth, safe, and unforgettable.

Trying to decide if Kauai is the right island for your Hawaii trip? We’ve explored both Maui and Kauai in depth. If you’re curious how they compare, from hikes and landscapes to overall vibe, don’t miss our full guide: Maui vs Kauai: Which Hawaiian Island Should You Choose?

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1. Waimea Canyon Lookout Trail (Cliff Trail, 0.2 miles)

Waimea Canyon |Very Easy | ~0.2 miles roundtrip | ~10 minutes

Want to see the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” without an intense trek? The Cliff Trail is your answer. It’s a short and flat walk through the forest leading to an incredible viewpoint over the canyon.

Find details here.

Tip: Go early for better light and fewer crowds. After rains, the canyon colors pop even more!

2. Kuilau Ridge Trail (4 miles)

East Side (near Wailua) | Easy to Moderate | ~4 miles roundtrip | ~ 2 hours

If you want a trail that’s slightly more adventurous but still easy, the Kuilau Ridge Trail is perfect. You’ll walk through lush rainforest and open ridges with panoramic views of the valley and Mount Waialeale in the distance. It’s shady, green, and never too steep.

Find details here.

Tip: Expect some mud after rains. It’s Kauai, after all.

3. Ho’opi’i Falls Trail (~2 miles)

East Side (near Kapaa) | Easy | ~2 miles roundtrip | ~ 1 hour

This local favorite winds through a tropical forest to two pretty waterfalls. The trail is shady and mellow most of the way, though it gets a little rooty in sections. A short side trail leads you down to the upper falls for a quick dip if you’re feeling adventurous!

Find details here.

Tip: Respect private property signs and stay on the marked paths.

4. Sleeping Giant (Nounou) East Trail (1.5 miles, first viewpoint only)

East Side (Wailua) | Easy to Moderate | ~1.5 miles roundtrip to first viewpoint | ~45 minutes

Full disclosure: the full Sleeping Giant trail is moderately strenuous, but you don’t have to do the whole thing. Hike about 20-30 minutes up from the East trailhead, and you’ll reach the first major viewpoint overlooking Wailua and the ocean. Without exhausting yourself.

Find details here.

Tip: It gets hot here. So start early and bring water.

5. Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge Overlook (0.5 miles)

North Shore (Hanalei) | Very Easy | ~0.5 miles | ~10 minutes

This isn’t a hike in the traditional sense. It’s a peaceful paved path leading to gorgeous views over taro fields, misty mountains, and Hanalei River. Super relaxing if you want something scenic but zero effort.

Tip: Bring binoculars if you’re into birdwatching. This is a major habitat for Hawaiian waterbirds.

6. Okolehao Trail (~1 mile, first section only)

North Shore (Hanalei) | Easy to Moderate |~1 mile roundtrip to first lookout | ~ 30 minutes

Like Sleeping Giant, you can do just the first part of the Okolehao Trail for a nice, easy walk to panoramic views without tackling the steep sections.

Find details here.

Tip: If it’s rained heavily, the trail can be muddy and slippery, even early on. Tread carefully!

7. Ke Ala Hele Makalae (Kaua‘i Multiuse Path)

East Side (near Kapaa) | Moderate | ~7 miles roundtrip | ~3 hours

A scenic, paved multiuse path that hugs Kaua‘i’s stunning eastern shoreline. Ideal for walking, biking, or jogging, this family-friendly trail offers panoramic views of the Pacific, breezy trade winds, and plenty of whale or turtle sightings in season. ~7 miles one way (but you can easily choose a short stretch)

Find details here.

Tip: Start from Kapa‘a Beach Park and head north toward Kealia Beach for one of the most beautiful and breezy sections.

8. Iliau Nature Loop Trail (~0.2 mile, Waimea Canyon)

Near Kekaha |Very Easy | ~0.2 miles roundtrip | ~10 minutes

Short loop trail highlighting local plants with partial canyon views. It isn’t the best hike on this list, but it is great if you just want a very relaxed short walk!

Find details here.

Tip: Great to pair with visiting the canyon overlooks.

9. Alaka’i Swamp Trail (~2 miles, first part only) (Koke’e State Park)

Near Kekaha | Moderate | ~7 miles roundtrip | ~3 hours

Normally a longer and more moderate hike, but the first 1 mile or so is a flat boardwalk across native rainforest and bogs. Super unique landscape!
So it is a ~2 miles roundtrip if you just do the first section

Find details here.

Tip: Wear layers! It’s chilly and foggy up here.

10. Wai Koa Loop Trail (~4 miles)

North Shore, Kilauea | Moderate | ~4 miles roundtrip | ~2 hours

This peaceful, flat loop trail winds through private land but is open to the public and free to access. It’s an easy walk suitable for all fitness levels, meandering through one of the largest mahogany forests in the U.S., alongside tranquil streams and open pastures. While it’s not a trail known for ocean views or dramatic scenery, the serene atmosphere and shade make it a perfect nature walk.

Find details here.

Tip: Don’t miss the hidden gem along the way, the peaceful Stone Dam, a great spot for a snack break or photo. Trail starts near Anaina Hou Community Park, where you need to sign a waiver.

Tips for Easy Hiking in Kauai

• Start early: Kauai heats up fast. Mornings are cooler and less crowded.
• Prepare for mud: Even easy trails can be slick if it’s recently rained.
• Sun and bug protection: Sunscreen, hat, and bug spray are your best friends.
• Footwear: You don’t need hardcore boots, sneakers or hiking sandals are perfect for most if these trails.
• Respect the land: Stay on marked paths and be mindful that much of Kauai’s beauty is sacred to locals.

Final Thoughts

If you thought Kauai’s beauty was reserved only for hardcore hikers, think again. With so many easy hikes in Kauai offering epic views, waterfalls, and coastlines, you can soak in all the magic of the Garden Isle without turning your vacation into a boot camp!