The Moalepe Trail located on the eastern portion of the island offers beautiful views of the green jagged ridges of Makaleha as well as far off ocean views. The trail-head is at the end of the pavement on Olohena Road in the upper Wailua Homesteads. On the first part of the hike you will enjoy ocean vistas, views of Kong Mountain, and close-up views of the Makaleha Mountain Ridge.
After about one mile of hiking, you will enter the Halelea Forest Reserve, then the trail narrows and becomes dense with foliage eventually narrowing to single track and ending at a wooden bridge. The trail is well maintained and a popular workout route. For a longer hike, continue past the wood bridge onto the Kuilau Ridge Trail. However, if you plan to do all of the Kuilau Ridge Trail, you will want a car to pick you up on the other side.
2.1 miles each way
To view more, please visit our Kauai Hiking Guide.
HIKING SAFETY TIPS
- Always tell someone where you are hiking (name and location of trail) and when you plan to return.
- Bring water and stay hydrated. Do not drink from the waterfalls and streams. Kauai has been known to have seriously harmful bacteria in its fresh water.
- Bring snacks as its always a good idea to provide your body enough calories to support the physical activity you are engages in.
- Its important to know that cuts in tropical climates should be closely monitored. Do not expose open wounds or cuts to the river.
- Comfortable footwear with good tread that can stay strapped to your feet is a must. Wear shoes that you don’t mind getting stained with the Kauai red dirt.
- Dress in layers so you can easily remove a layer when you get hot. And add one back on when it cools of again. Because we are close to the equator the trails heat up quickly. However, conditions cool just as fast; winds picking up speed and a passing showers causes wind chill factor.