Okolehao Hiking Trailhead — Attraction in Kauai

Okolehau to Hihimanu Peaks hike is a 6 mile in and out hike, with extreme elevation gains form moment one. To be straight, this is the the entire hike, past the benches, to the peak, where, when you arrive, you can unpack your hammock and tier between the two trees and take a nap...you'll need it.

The trail is straight forward through 1.5 miles, with switchbacks and a few vista's to appease the appetite. If you haven't come prepared with solid foot wear, water, gloves, water, amd proper foot wear, stop at the benches, meditate on the beauty of the North Shore and turn back.

If you came prepared, get ready for what is rhe the most extreme hike for the mileage. Now I know some are saying, mpgink, the most extreme...yes, this hike will test your limits, your legs, your cardio, your upper body, your mental fortitude. Every time you think you admire getting close, you are reminded that you are not. It's the longest 3 mile trek to the summit ever...okay not ever.

You start out simply, and the 1.5 mile mark starts the ropes. You are conveniently provided ample rope to help you ascend and descend sections that are otherwise too steep to to climb without them. On sunnier days, you can sometimes get by without them, but, if rain has been in the forecast, you will be happy to see them, even though you are not necessarily happy about the almost vertical climbing in certain sections. Remember I told you to being gloves.

3100 feet if elevation gain, with many unassuming razor back spines to traverse, Hihimanu will certainly leave a lasting impression on any hiker.

Mahalo and...

Our hike was done in the middle of July 2025. The goal was to make it to the 1st look out and we did it. The trip consisted of my wife and I (in our 40s), three people in their 20s, two old teens, and our 5 year old son. The hike consisted of 4 parts to get to the first lookout. Part 1 consisted of the entry and the hardest part because of the dense jungle greens, mud, and just tight but doable. At this point with the mud and 5 year old we thought about going back but we keep moving forward. When you get out of this part go left/up. At the entry you might even find a good walking stick. Part 2 was the easiest part of the hike. Just start walking the path up. It has some mud but nothing to crazy the day we went up. Part 3 was the hardest and the longest part. It had mud, more incline, and you will start to feel it at this part. Just keep going. Part 4 is another incline but short. Next thing you know you will be to the look out point. It was amazing, with great view of the bay. It was funny with some clouds then the rain came down. It was very cool we took a pic in the rain. Coming down was easy and fast. Well worth the 1.5 to 2 hours of hiking. It took us longer since I had to stop and talk my 5 year old son put the hike. I had to carry him for a few minutes but he did hiked 95% of the time on his own.

Go ENJOY. Bring bug spray. I wore hiking boots. Sneakers for the others, that got a lot of mud, but we cleaned that off after it dried. Great...

Cool hiking trail. Effectively 1 viewpoint and 3 peaks. It gets progressively steeper and narrower as you get higher. First viewpoint is pretty family friendly. First peak is pretty easy too. Second peak is where things really start to narrow up. A lot more ropes on the trail and steep/narrow sections. We intended to make it to the second peak but failed due to weather. If it starts raining and gusting hard I'd recommend turning back. The trail is narrow past the first peak and you start running the risk of flash flooding on the trails. Not a place I would like to be stuck in bad weather.

The third peak we didn't see much of because it was buried in the clouds but it is much more strenuous than the first 2. Much taller. If you aren't athletic and relatively experienced I wouldn't go past the first peak. We didn't see anything too crazy but some people would definitely be past their comfort and possibly safety threshold on some of the steeper sections.

TLDR: Beautiful hike with no permit required. Start earlier and be prepared to bounce if weather gets bad. First viewpoint is worth it alone and pretty family friendly. Past the first peak is more geared toward and...