This Gorgeous 6-Mile Trail in Hawaii’s Kōke’e State Park Is Worth the Mud and Sweat

Hikers often recall the phrase, “no risk, no reward,” when it comes to challenging hikes with big payoffs at the end. However, on the Hawaiian island of Kaua’i, this saying would be more aptly phrased as, “no red mud stains, only half of the reward.” It’s not as catchy, but any hike on a Hawaiian Island is bound to be stunning, so there’s a reward no matter what. And yet, if one can complete a truly challenging Hawaiian trail all the way through, there’s likely to be something unimaginably gorgeous waiting for you.

On the island of Kaua’i, this phrase is wonderfully suitable for the Awa’awapuhi Trail in Kōke’e State Park. This is an out-and-back trail at approximately 5.8 miles, starting in the state park and going into Nā Pali-Kona Forest Reserve. The length of the hike depends on weather conditions and the physical fitness of the hikers involved. Although this might apply to many hikes, this one in particular can vary anywhere from 3.5 hours to five hours for one main reason—mud. Red mud, to be exact. 

Kaua’i is famous for its red dirt. Although some of the other Hawaiian Islands have the dirt to a certain extent, Kaua’i’s advanced age has allowed more of the iron in the volcanic rock to age into red, oxidized dirt. The entire Awa’awapuhi Trail features this dirt, and as the end of the trail is directly downhill for the entire trek, wet conditions mean you may be slipping and sliding down to reach your goal. However, when the goal equals sweeping views of the famous Nā Pali Coast, the blood-like mud stains just might be worth it. 

With towering cliffs that look like they’ve been carved into the land rising thousands of feet above the ocean, the landscape provides a dramatic and unforgettable backdrop as native birds chirp and lush vegetation surrounds you. But this is the end goal, and to get there, you have to keep a few things in mind.

As said, the trail to the view is downhill and made of red dirt, but there are also roots and rocks to watch out for. This also means that the trail back is, of course, uphill. During dry conditions, this may be no issue if you’re ready for a bit of a sweat. If it’s raining or otherwise damp conditions, bringing hiking aids such as poles or spikes for your shoes can be helpful. Even so, some areas are rather steep and, going either up or down, hikers have been known to get low and slide or crawl along when the dirt becomes especially slick (a warning—stains left from red dirt are unlikely to come out).

In any case, on the way down, you can expect a moderate level of difficulty, and the way up will be hard. Sweat and dirt are promised, but so is a beautiful trek through a rainforest-like setting where the trail is well-maintained and marked. Additionally, although the Nā Pali Coast and Kōke’e State Park are popular, this specific trail won’t be as crowded due to the potential difficulties and certain levels of inaccessibility.

So, let’s recap: gorgeous views, a challenging climb, sweat, and dirt (but it’s RED dirt). Sounds like everything you’d need for a truly unforgettable experience on Kaua’i!

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