ShoreTrips says...

Of all the Hawaiian Islands, none offers more trails or better hiking than Kaua'i. You could spend an entire month on this island hiking every day and still not tred on all of the trails--and we speak only of the officially maintained trails!

The Garden Isle's dramatic natural beauty is in full view on this exhilarating hike. Your naturalist guide's knowledge of geology, botany, culture, Hawaiian myths, and even plate tectonics will bring about a new appreciation and understanding of this magnificent place.

As you trek through the upland native forests, enjoy the Ohia trees laden with lacy red lehau blossoms and observe the Koa trees, with their sickle-shaped leaf-stem phyllodes dangling from their branches.

Half-way through your journey, you'll arrive at Waimea Canyon's stunning rim. Waimea Canyon is often referred to as the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific". And while Waimea is not as large as the actual Grand Canyon, what it lacks in size it more than makes up for in beauty. Iron-rich cliffs offer a vibrant contrast to the rugged green cliffs on the opposite side. Twenty-five hundred feet below on the canyon's floor the Waimea River winds its way to the sea.

By now, you've earned a break and some sustenance. Your guide will choose a secluded spot with fantastic 360-degree views for you to enjoy a healthy picnic lunch with bottled water, snacks and fruit. While you will have to carry your own lunch during the first part of the hike, the upside is that your pack will be lighter on the return trip.

The 5-mile loop trail loses and then regains 400-500 feet of elevation as it goes down through cloud forests to the canyon rim before returning to the starting point. It won't just be the elevation changes that set your heart racing. The overwhelming beauty of this area is sure to leave you breathless. You'll appreciate the fact that $5 of the cost of your hike will be donated to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife to help maintain their hiking trails.

It won't just be the elevation changes that set your heart racing. The overwhelming beauty of this area is sure to leave you breathless. You'll appreciate the fact that $5 of the cost of your hike will be donated to the Division of Forestry and Wildlife to help maintain their hiking trails.