Kalepa Ridge Trail – Waimea Canyon, Kauai, HI

One of our favorite hikes in Hawaii, not just Kauai, is Kalepa Ridge Trail hands down. This trail is a frequently used unofficial trail that runs along the ridgeline between Kalalau Valley and Honopu. Hunters sometimes use it for hunting pigs and goats. Therefore, you can hike at your own risk. Since it’s an unofficial trail, it is not maintained nor does it have an official length. Most people hike down to about a mile. This trail has breathtaking, panoramic views of the Na Pali Coast and Kalalau Valley. It’s also more accessible than the Kalalau trail, which is a longer and more strenuous version.

STATS:

Where:
Kalalau Lookout: Kokee Rd, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Coords: 22°09’00.0″N 159°38’44.8″W

Trailhead Coords: 22°09’03.2″N 159°38’45.5″W

Parking: 
The Kalepa Ridge trail parking is the same parking lot for Kalalau Lookout. It is a decent size, paved parking lot.

Fee:
It’s $5 per car to park, daily. I believe it’s credit card only. Free for Hawai’i residents.

Restrooms: 
There are restrooms at the parking lot but not on the trail.

Distance: 
1.9 miles R.T.

Elevation Gain: 
610 feet

Level: 
Moderate when dry. Difficult when wet. The trail is very steep. It also can be very slippery and dangerous when wet.

Estimated Completion Time:
2 – 3 hours

Ideal Weather: 
Cool, dry days are best. The trail can get very slippery and dangerous when it rains or right after recent rain.

Ideal Time: 
Early mornings will give you cooler temperatures and a better chance of getting a parking spot.

Dog-friendly: 
No pets are allowed on the trail.

Weather:

VIDEO:

GETTING THERE:

The trailhead for Kalepa Ridge is located in Kalalau Lookout near the end of highway 550 in Koke’s State Park. Since it is an unofficial trail, the trailhead is unmarked. After you park, heads up toward the grassy lookout. As you’re facing the ocean, the trail is on the left-hand side, behind a break in the fence. It can be hard to find. It took us a minute but you can kind of see a faint trail right behind the metal fence.

THE ADVENTURE:

There is something exciting about hiking unofficial trails. It feels like you’re on a treasure hunt when you’re looking for the trailhead. Not knowing exactly where Kalepa Ridge trail was, Dustin and I walked around the grassy hill near the lookout, trying to find it. I noticed there was a little pathway that looked like a trail, hidden right behind the fence. We both walked toward it, trying to look inconspicuous. There was a sign on the fence that said “Trail Closed”. However, we then saw a group of hikers come out from behind the fence and leave. Next thing we knew, we both snuck over and powerwalked down that little path toward the copse of trees.

The first 1/4 mile is the hardest because of how steep it is. The trail has a lot of rocks and mud. This part will get very muddy and slippery when wet or during the rain. I would not advise hiking this trail in the rain. It wasn’t raining on the day we went, however, it rained a few days before. Therefore, part of Kalepa Ridge Trail was still wet and muddy. It made for a fun slip and slide (not really). This first part of the hike is also under thick bushes and trees so you won’t see much of the view.

The trail soon opens up to your first glimpse of the incredible view of the Kalalau Valley. The view of green wrinkled ridgelines resting against the blue ocean was such a breathtaking sight that we couldn’t help but to stop and admire it. This view changes as you go lower. It got better and better as we hiked along. This trail is quite popular despite being unofficial. Along the way, we ran into a few other groups of hikers. One of them brought a puppy with them. I wouldn’t bring my dog on this trail because of how steep it is. I don’t believe you’re supposed to either. However, the puppy and its owners were Hawaiian and they seemed to know the area quite well. We greeted them, pet the happy pup, and then went on our way.

Kalepa Ridge Trail weaves in and out through tree groves, dense brush, and tall grassy fields as well as open ridgelines with one of a kind views of the Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Valley. At times, the trail is camouflaged by tall grass and brush, however, it is easy to find your way again. That is one good thing about this trail, you won’t get lost. Another good thing about this trail is that it is beautiful every step of the way.

After the first quarter of a mile, the trail will level out to a more manageable grade. Although, you do still have some surprise steep parts. There are about 4 or 5 very narrow spots on the trail. A couple of these spots are less than a foot from the edge of the cliff. They are do-able but you have to pay attention to your footing. It is several thousand feet down if you fall. If you’re afraid of heights, this trail is not for you. It’s also perfectly fine if you don’t finish this hike due to, especially during bad weather, your health, or your ability.

As the ridge descends, the view of the valley and the Na Pali gets even better. Unfortunately, the trail also gets a lot more dangerous as well. Please don’t go further if you are not comfortable with the conditions. Since the trail was mainly dry, we kept going to a small overlook that looked like it was the end of the trail. From here, you can see the sweeping view of the Pacific Ocean, along with the Na Pali Coast. The corrugated ridgelines raise defiantly against the crashing white waves and the blue ocean was a view we could never forget. On a clear day, you can see the famous Kalalau beach and trail right below.

From this lookout, we saw a few people standing a lot further down on a spot on the left. The path to get there looked super sketchy. It was a tiny dirt ridgeline that ran alongside a steep dropdowns on both sides. As we were eyeing the path, a couple joined us at the lookout. They told us that it is doable to go over there and that they had done it multiple times before. Lured by the gorgeous landscape, we made our way slowly through the ridge. It actually wasn’t as bad once we were walking on it. However, we also have shoes with great traction and a lot of experience scaling ridgelines. I would not recommend doing this if you’re an inexperienced hiker.

It was a whole different view when we got down to the lower spot. We were directly on top of one of the ridges. We felt like we were immersed in the middle of a whole different world. From here, I supposed you could have gone lower. However, the trail becomes almost nonexistent and very steep. We decided to just hang out there, take some photos, and start heading back the way we came from. It was a kicker on the way back because of some of the steeper parts. Take your time and do it safely.

Since the trail is pretty much downhill almost the entire way out, you know what that means. The way back is all uphill. Be prepared to be breathing heavily and quite possibly sweating as you climb all the way back up the 610 ft ridges in less than a mile. Some parts were so steep that we were using our hands and feet to claw our way up. I’m not going to lie, we took several breaks to catch our breath along the way back up to the top.

We absolutely LOVE this trail. The reward far outweighed the effort you put into it. I would definitely hike this trail again in a heartbeat! Another cool trail in Waimea Canyon is Waipoo Falls Hike. If you want to see Na Pali Coast from the water, consider taking the Zodiac Ride with Na Pali Craze. Another fun, unique adventure in Kauai is the inner tube ride through the old sugar plantation with Kauai Backcountry. If you love snorkeling, check out our blog of the best 3 snorkeling spots for beginners in Kauai.

If you do island hopping, you can check out on some fun things to do on Oahu and the Big Island such as Top 10 off the beaten path things to do in Oahu, Top 10 things to do on the Big Island, exploring Kaumana Lava Caves, hike Kiholo – Queens Bath Hike, or taking scenic drives through Kapoho Kalapana Road Scenic Drive, Chain of Craters Road – Hawaii Volcanoes National Park or Onomea (Pepe’ekeo) Scenic Drive – Hilo.

Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and sign up for our newsletter!

RECOMMEND GEAR:

Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.

•  Hiking shoes
You definitely need hiking shoes for this, especially ones with good tractions. Vy’s shoes are Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Dustin’s shoes are TARGHEE III WATERPROOF.

•  Snacks/Lunch
This hike offers some gorgeous viewpoint, perfect for a picnic lunch.

•  Sunscreen: 
Hawaii’s sun can get very intense. PLEASE bring sunscreen. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.

•  Water
Bring more than you think you need. Vy uses the Camelback L.U.X.E. Dustin uses the Clik Small pack (sadly Clik is no longer around)

•  Trekking Poles
Trekking poles will help with the steeper sections. We use TrailBuddy Lightweight Trekking Poles.

CAMERA GEAR:
•  Camera:
   Sony a7 III
   Gopro Hero 7 Black

•  Lenses:
   Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens    

•  Accessories:
  GoPro The Handler Floating Hand Grip – Official GoPro Mount   
Aluminum GoPro protection frame

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