Kuilau Ridge Trail

This is an easy hike, but kinda muddy in spots. The views are beautiful and the vegetation surrounds you almost the entire hike. There is a picnic area at around the half way point, that makes a nice stopping point if you bring kids along. We saw lots of birds and a couple large toads.

I love doing this hike! Its a nice slow incline going to the clearing. Sometimes its muddy, sometimes not. Depending on how the morning looks.
Its right before loop road’s first crossing all the way up Kuamoo in Wailua Homesteads. Sometimes you’ll have to park at the first crossing and walk to the yellow gate.
There is a clearing with a covered bench area. So we usually bring small snacks on this hike. To the right of the clearing is the continuation of the trail if you’d want to go further. Its going downhill. It brings you to Olohena rd across a small bridge.
Not sure how long the hike really is. Usually don’t look at the mile markers.
Such a good hike. Nothing treacherous. Something that can be done pretty much everyday.

Very easy hike. Beautiful setting. The trail is very well laid out. The one tiny annoyance was that there were a couple puddles blocking the pathway but if u skirt on the outside of them u don’t get too dirty. Did this early morning and had the trail and breakfast area to myself. Took less than 2 hours w a short stop at the picnic tables. Good hike if you want a leisurely hill walk with nice canyon views.

An easy muddy post rain hike up a ridge and then atop for a bit offered astounding views I was not expecting.
Best enjoyed on a clear day, this hike is easy enough for novice hikers. When you reach a bridge after about 2.2 miles you can procede on another trail or turn around. See pic.

Activity Type: Hiking
Nearby City: Lihue
Length: 4.4 total miles
Elevation Gain: 700 feet
Trail Type: Out-​and-​back
Duration: 2.5 hours
Season: Year-​round
The Kuilau Ridge Trail begins at the Keahua Arboretum and climbs a forested ridge in the Lihue-​Koloa Forest Reserve. Along the way, panoramic views open up across the rolling hillsides and picturesque valley to Mount Waialeale to the west, the Makaleha Mountains to the north and the Pacific Ocean to the east. This trail can be combined with the Moalepe Trail for a one-​way, 4.6-mile shuttle hike.

Those who have suffered post-​traumatic stress from hiking the Na Pali coast in the pouring rain in sandals with no traction or sneakers that should’ve been retired years ago will appreciate this easy nature walk. Starting at a tiny parking lot (which had a lot of broken glass from a previous car break in) walk up a very moderate and wide gravel/​earth path which brings you to a forest of shedding eucalyptus type trees. Eventually come out to a meadow with two sheltered picnic tables and a view of the hills beyond and the trees below. The trip is only about 2 miles to a bridge. Beyond the bridge is another trail that goes down more steeply, but we decided to stop there, then back tracked to the picnic tables for a break.
Notable moments –
1. The trees shedding their bark on a certain part of the trail have SPONGY bark. That is, the bark feels soft and delicate like a baby’s bottom… or Sham Wow. It’s very bizarre and I highly recommend stopping by a tree and trying to hug it, literally.
2. We saw an earthworm with a head shaped like a hammer (ie. Hammerhead worm). This was the day after a big rain. Weird stuff is everywhere on this trail.
3. A toad with a horny spine and weird Aztec-​type markings was hanging out in our path.
4. There are plentiful ginger trees around, especially near the bridge (their flowers are already past their full bloom) — but they’re producing a ton of ginger. The blossoms smell great.
If you’re not a hiker or aren’t planning to do any other walks during your trip, this one is easy and recommended. Can be done easily with sandals or rotting running shoes. Best on a nice day, though.

This is an easy walk/​hike (at least to the picnic table meadow) with only one difficult section that is steeper and slick. It could be dicey if it rained.
The views of the mountains and the forests were breath taking. This is one reason we go to Kauai.

This was a perfect hike for us and our four-​month old (carried in a front-​pack). Incredible views of the mountains and easy terrain. Park at the arboretum lot, just a few metres past the trailhead. If you are using your GPS or maps app to find this, I would suggest looking up Kuamo’o Rd and just keep driving until you hit the arboretum (where the road goes from pavement to dirt).

This was a great trail that’s very family friendly. My sister and I did this hike for the first time, and we really enjoyed the balance of well-​worn paths with natural beauty. Like the other reviewer said, I agree that the path can often be exposed to sun, rain, etc. So know the weather forecast! And expect the grounds to be mushy/​muddy at times. We did the 1.25 miles to the bridge, where we came across an older couple who had hiked from the other side. They were friendly and took a photo for us tehe.
Total hike: 2.5 miles
There are plenty of hikers so I would say this trail is pretty safe.
I would totally bring my parents and do the hike again with them!

This is one of my favorite hikes on the island. It’s not too long or strenuous although I’d recommend avoiding it during a hot midday because it is somewhat exposed. The trail is wide and well marked. It’s largely covered in grass and gives you great views of local fauna and mountain scenery. Once you’ve reached the top field, you get views to Poipu and Kapa’a and up close views of back country mountains and valleys. This hike gets you the most bang for your buck. It’s pretty easy but the payoff is big. Plus you can hang out in the lovely arboretum at the base of the trail for lunch or a swim in the river. This is the hike to take if you want the back country mountain experience of Kauai.

SLOW STEADY INCLINED HIKE THAT“S EASY TO DO
It’s all uphill for 1.25 miles to the grassy meadow w/​picnic table at the top, but it’s quite gradual. We did this hike at around noon with temperatures in the mid-80’s, but it was fairly easy. We sweated a bunch, but it had more to do with the humidity than the strenuousness of the hike.
This ridge trail has beautiful views of both the mountains and the ocean.
Lots of lush vegetation … ferns, guava trees, vines, etc. The trail itself is a grass-​covered access road… very wide and easy to walk on. Only a few muddy or rocky areas.
After our hike, we got back in the car and drove about 200 feet and had lunch next to the stream in the Keahua Arboretum rec area. A wonderfully, relaxing place.