Okolehao Trail, Kauai Hawaii

Okolehao Trail is referred to as “The Puffer”. It gains 1250 feet in 2.5 miles. The first 2/3 of a mile the Okolehao Trail is really the remains of an old dirt road. You climb, climb, climb. The footing is generally good unless a good rain came through recently. There are 2 major plateau’s on the trail. The first nice overlook
is at 2/3 miles next to the tall powerline pole. At the one mile mark look for this unusual tree that I call “Woody”. Keep climbing another 5 minutes and you reach the first plateau which is flat and has "ti" plants on it. You have sweeping views of Hanalei Bay, Hanalei Pier (South Pacific), the Kilauea Lighthouse, Princeville, the taro fields you left behind, and Bali Hai. The next .25 of a mile is pretty flat then at the 1.5 mile mark it turns steep again and is far more muddy but the reward is ahead.
At the “END” of the Okolehao Trail is another plateau and you see everything you did before plus the Hanalei River coming out of the mountain valley and a close up view of all the mountains including Wai’ale’ale. In total you see 1/5 of the entire island!
You will find the Okolehao Trail off the main road from Princeville. Go toward Kee Beach on 560 leaving Princeville. Once you get to the bottom of the hill and cross the first one lane bridge take an immediate left by the taro fields. You will go down the road about ½ a mile to a parking lot across from the start of the trail. There are usually plenty of hiking sticks leaning against the bridge.

Don’t forget to stop at the Hanalei Overlook on the way back up the hill to see where you climbed.

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