Finding the information about Heritage trail in Kauai can be tricky for Hawaii first timers. The reason is simple, there are two trails with heritage in their name. One is a heritage trail called Koloa Heritage Trail while other is Maha’ulepu Heritage Trail. Both trails are on the southern part of Kauai and can confuse many Kauai visitors. We try to differentiate both trails with focus on Mahaulepu trail.
Koloa Trail consists of 14 checkpoints and more than 10 miles long. It starts officially from Spouting Horn Park. It takes you from Prince Kuhio Birth place, Moir Gardens and Poipu Beach Park. The trail takes a turn from Paa dunes and takes you to Koloa downtown where you can visit Koloa Missionary church and Sugar Monument.
Poipu Golf Club
On the other hand, Maha’ulepu Heritage Hawaii Trail is one of the easiest hikes in Kauai and around 3 miles long. Some even call it a walk and not a hike, specially, if you compare it to Kalalau trail. It starts from from the shipwrecks beach,(also called Keoneloa Beach). Located in the southern part, you can explore the beautiful views of southern shores of Kauai. It will take you along the coastal area, covering lava cliffs, where water waves are crashing against the rocks.
Checklist for Hiking Heritage Trail
The Kauai heritage trail(Mahaulepu trail) can take up to 1 hour in one direction. Major attraction on the trail are Poipu golf course outskirts, CJM country stables and Makauwahi cave reserve. You might see some wild chickens on the heritage trail poipu as well which is quite unusual on hiking trails in Hawaii. The trail is free, very clean and less crowded.
The trial is a mix of sandy, red soil as well as rocky areas. You will be passing by a golf course edge with the underdeveloped but well maintained trail.
The trail is famous for easy hike and scenery which cannot be seen by car. You will not find covers on major part of the trail. Additionally, you may be lucky to see turtles along the shoreline. During the whale season, which is from December to March, you may see Humpback whales too, along the shores.
Kauai heritage trail (Mahaulepu) is not kind where you can find swimming spots. However, You can listen to the music of waves hitting the lava rocks and blow holes.
If you are coming by car, parking for Heritage Kauai trail can be found next to Hyatt. Recommended time to hike the trail is early morning as the temperature gets quite high when sun is shining.
Some people find it challenging to navigate along the trail due to missing sign boards. However, you must be attentive in reading the signs if you are walking too close to the edge. Considering the ease of this trail, you can go hiking with the kids. Only thing to worth considering is having a hat, water bottle, sunscreen and good shoes.
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