The Hawaii Hike That Leads To The Most Unforgettable Destination
By Megan Shute|Published October 06, 2018
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Megan Shute
Author
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
Nestled along the rim of Waimea Canyon between 3,200 and 4,200 feet above sea level, Koke’e State Park is home to some of the prettiest scenery in the Aloha State — including both Waimea Canyon, also known as the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific,” and the jaw-dropping Kalalau Valley. Koke’e State Park sprawls over 4,300 acres and contains approximately 45 miles of hiking trails along canyon rims, and through native Hawaiian forests. While one could spend weeks exploring this incredible park, there is one trail that often gets overlooked.
This is the Kalepa Ridge Trail, a difficult hike that leads experienced adventurers from the Kalalau Lookout along the ridgeline between Kalalau and Honopu Valleys to one of the prettiest views in Hawaii.
Kalalau Valley is easily one of the most photographed and recognized lookout points in the Aloha State, perhaps due to the fact that the valley, and surrounding coastline, have been featured in various Hollywood films, including King Kong and Jurassic Park.
While thousands of people visit the Kalalau Lookout within Koke’e State Park each year, few very complete the often overlooked Kalepa Ridge Trail, perhaps because its an unofficial trail according to the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Because the trail is unofficial, there's no exact length, but we advise experienced hikers to climb only as far as they feel comfortable. Most people allow two to three hours to hike the Kalepa Ridge. Be sure to wear appropriate footwear and utilize hiking poles.
With views like this, you'd be a fool to forget your camera. Many say that the views of the Na Pali Coast from the Kalepa Ridge Trail surpass those you'll find on both the crazy-intense 22-mile Kalalau Trail and a helicopter tour.
Luckily, for those who might not have the time or the skills to tackle Kalepa Ridge Trail, the views from the Kalalau lookout are still quite stunning.
If you want to explore all that Koke’e State Park has to offer, we suggest staying at this gorgeous campground. And if you’re looking for an easier hike within this stupendous state park, check out the Alakai Swamp Trail.
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