The best running trails in AlakaʻI Wilderness Preserve

The Awaʻawapuhi Trail Viewpoint loop from Kokee State Park offers a demanding yet spectacular jogging route through Kauaʻi's lush interior to the iconic Nāpali Coast. You'll descend through verdant forests, experiencing a diverse ecosystem, before reaching the breathtaking ridge-top lookout with panoramic views of the dramatic cliffs and the Pacific Ocean. The trail surface is often muddy, rocky, and root-filled, requiring careful footing and sturdy trail running shoes.

To tackle this difficult 5.8-mile (9.4 km) route with 1708 feet (521 metres) of elevation gain, plan to start early, especially if you want to complete it in the estimated 1 hour and 27 minutes. The trailhead is located in Kokeʻe State Park, and arriving early helps secure parking and avoid the midday heat. Bring ample water for the strenuous uphill return, and be aware that cell service is unreliable.

This trail is renowned for providing some of the most striking ground-level views of the Nāpali Coast, making it a standout experience in Kauaʻi. Its significant downhill first half and subsequent uphill climb back create a memorable physical challenge, appealing to experienced trail runners. While primarily an out-and-back, it can be combined with the Nuʻalolo Trail for a much longer, more strenuous loop, though this option involves road walking.

The Halemanu and Pu'u Hinahina Trail Loop offers a truly immersive jogging experience through the dramatic landscapes of Kōkeʻe State Park. You'll navigate a mix of well-maintained paths, rocky sections, and tree roots, winding through lush lowland and montane forests. The highlight is undoubtedly the continuous, expansive views of Waimea Canyon, often revealing Waipo'o Falls, making this a visually rich 2.8-mile (4.5 km) journey with 369 feet (112 metres) of elevation gain.

Planning your visit is straightforward, with ample parking available at the Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, which also provides immediate access to stunning canyon vistas. This moderate route typically takes about 35 minutes to jog, but it's always wise to check the weather forecast before you go, as fog can sometimes roll in and obscure the incredible views. It's a perfect choice for a rewarding run without committing to a full day on the trails.

This trail is particularly notable for its direct access to the Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, offering some of the most iconic views of Waimea Canyon and, on clear days, even the distant island of Ni'ihau. The diverse forest ecosystems you pass through showcase Kauaʻi's unique flora, and if you're lucky, you might even spot some of the island's famous wild roosters along the path. It's a fantastic way to experience the natural grandeur of the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific."

This moderate 3.0-mile (4.8 km) jogging loop, typically completed in about 42 minutes, offers a fantastic way to experience the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific" with 698 feet (213 metres) of elevation gain. You'll traverse diverse forest ecosystems, winding through native koa and ohia trees, before being rewarded with stunning panoramic views of Waimea Canyon's dramatic red dirt crags and lush green vegetation from the Pu'u Hinahina Lookout. The varied terrain, from potentially paved sections to muddy forest paths after rain, keeps the run engaging and requires a good fitness level.

Planning your visit means being prepared for a parking fee at the lookouts, though one ticket usually covers multiple lots within the park. While the trail is generally well-maintained, it can become muddy when wet, so check conditions before you go. For the best views of the canyon and potentially the Pacific Ocean and Ni'ihau island, aim for a clear day.

The Waimea Canyon area is renowned for its unique ecosystems, and this route provides opportunities for bird watching, including potential sightings of the endangered Hawaiian honeycreeper. Keep an eye out for wild roosters, which are known to roam the paths. The Pu'u Hinahina Lookout also acts as a gateway to other trails like the Black Pipe Trail Loop, offering options to extend your run or explore further into Kōkeʻe State Park.