Mountain Biking the Koke'e State Park Trails, Kauai
Mountain Biking the Koke'e State Park Trails, Kauai
Koke'e State Park, located at 3,200 to 4,200 feet above sea level on Kauai’s west side, offers some of the most breathtaking and challenging mountain biking trails in Hawaii. The dense forests, dramatic cliffs, and cooler temperatures make it an ideal location for adventure seekers looking for a thrilling ride through nature. These trails offer steep descents, root-strewn paths, and stunning views of Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali coastline, making them a must-ride for experienced mountain bikers.
Adventure Guide To Mountain Biking the Koke'e State Park Trails, Kauai
Awaʻawapuhi Trail
- Location: Koke'e State Park, access via Highway 550
- What makes it special: This 6.2-mile round trip trail takes riders through lush forests before opening up to a breathtaking cliffside viewpoint over the Na Pali Coast. The first half is downhill, while the return requires a challenging ascent.
- Key features: Narrow ridgeline sections, sweeping ocean views, and red clay terrain which can be slippery after rain.
Ditch Trail
- Location: Starts near Pihea Trailhead
- What makes it special: Originally created for irrigation ditches, this trail provides a fast-paced downhill ride with moderate technical sections and jungle-like surroundings.
- Key features: Hard-packed dirt, gentle rolling hills, and shade from koa and ʻōhiʻa trees, offering a more forgiving ride for intermediate bikers.
Nualolo Trail
- Location: Begins from Koke'e Lodge parking area
- What makes it special: A 7.5-mile out-and-back trail leading to stunning cliffside views, this ride features both open ridges and dense vegetation, offering dramatic elevation changes.
- Key features: Rocky sections, exposed areas with panoramic views, and a thrilling final descent.
Local Insights
- The dirt here is known as red Kauai clay, which becomes extremely slick when wet. Locals call it “slip and slide mud” because of how quickly bikers can lose traction.
- The park’s cooler temperatures, especially in the early morning, make for a more comfortable ride compared to lower elevations on Kauai.
Visitor Tips
- Best time to ride: Dry season (April-October) for better trail conditions. Avoid after heavy rains.
- What to bring: Full-suspension bike, plenty of water, energy snacks, map or GPS, and a lightweight rain jacket.
- Directions: Drive up Highway 550 from Waimea town (about 45 minutes) to reach trailheads.
Adventure Map
Reviews
Michal Brichaceka year ago
Incredible park! The views are stunning. There are plenty of great hikes you can do in the area, as well as lots of scenic viewpoints. We did the Pihea Trail which had some great views of the Na Pali Coast.
The road to get here is long and winding.
The entry fee to the park is $10 per car, plus $5 per person. This is payable at all the main viewpoints. This is not the price for just one outlook, but also valid for the whole park.
A must visit in Kauai!
Brian Mills3 months ago
It works... just about. It is helpful to know before you go.
- Most sites are walk-ins, so be aware of this before going.
- The toilet blocks work and are clean. They are also old. Very old.
- The showers also work but are cold. After a hot day hiking this is just fine.
- There does not seem to be any staff supervision. In the two nights we were there we saw the cleaner but nobody to monitor usage or provide advice. For a campground that charges fees that would be nice since there seems to be a certain amount of "informal" camping in sites that are otherwise booked and uneven adherence to checkout times.
- There are no signs indicating that the water is not potable but local opinions vary. Make your own decisions!
- The coffee shop at the Koke‘e Lodge (not associated with the campground) is a really nice place, with friendly staff, to spend an hour or two over some very nice coffee.
- It would be nice, appropriate, if the shop at the Lodge sold sunscreen.
- The nearby hiking trails are worth a day or two, or more.
- Plan for cool evenings. In October this required a sweater or jacket after dark.
- The weekends seem very busy with lots of overflow as families spend time together. This isn't a problem but know that it may be busy.
Emi Morrison11 months ago
Long journey up a mountain, but it is worth every single second!!
Great family day!!
I do hope they use the tourist money for park access to get some of the potholes fixed soon. With no service at the top, you really hope your car doesn’t blow a tire on some of those. They are deep and large!
Jeff Michael2 months ago
Beautiful park. Five major stops. The end is at 4,000 feet, which has a spatuclar view of the cliffs and ocean below. No cellphone service - download Mads before arriving.
Jill Sprankle2 weeks ago
Kōkeʻe State Park – A Must-Visit in Kauai!
Incredible park! See the dramatic landscapes and breathtaking overlooks throughout. There are plenty of great hikes in the area, offering something for every skill level.
Be prepared for a long, winding drive to get here, but it’s absolutely worth it.
If you’re visiting Kauai, this park is a must-see. Whether you’re hiking, taking in the panoramic views, or just soaking up the natural beauty, Kōkeʻe State Park is an unforgettable destination!
