The best walks and hikes in MoloaʻA Forest Reserve
4.4
(141)
1,634
hikers
22
hikes
Hiking in MoloaʻA Forest Reserve explores a landscape of lush vegetation and rugged terrain on the northern side of Kauaʻi. The reserve features dense native forests with koa and ʻōhia lehua trees, alongside varied terrain that includes wide paths, gradual inclines, and some steep slopes. Coastal areas offer rugged scenery with lava rock tide pools. The reserve was established to protect its valuable forests and vital watershed.
Best hiking trails in MoloaʻA Forest Reserve
- The most popular hiking route is…
Last updated: May 13, 2026
4.0
(3)
23
hikers
4.49km
01:16
90m
90m
Hike the easy 2.8-mile Mokolea Point Trail to discover rugged coastal scenery, lava rock tide pools, and a blowhole in Kilauea.
3.8
(4)
9
hikers
5.85km
01:30
20m
20m
Hike the easy 3.6-mile Wai Koa Loop Trail to the historic Kilauea Stone Dam, winding through Kauai's vast mahogany forest.
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4.1
(11)
119
hikers
5.47km
01:24
20m
20m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
3.8
(11)
106
hikers
7.68km
01:58
30m
30m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
5.0
(1)
25
hikers
12.5km
03:14
70m
70m
Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
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Popular around MoloaʻA Forest Reserve
Tips from the Community
Kapa'a Beach is a long beach with golden sands that parallels the Kapa'a Bike Path. The full name is Ke Ala Hele Makalae, meaning “path that goes by the coast." Most people simply call it the Kapa‘a Bike Path or Kaua‘i Bike Trail. This bike path is a multi-use path that totals about 7 miles.
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Donkey Beach is a secluded beach in the northeast of Kauai. The beach was a very popular nudist beach, but isn't anymore as the current owners decided against it. As the water is pretty rough here, it's not the perfect beach for swimming and snorkeling, but still a very nice spot for sunbathers and to take a little break after a long day
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Keālia Beach is a long, white sand beach popular for whale watching during the winter. Surfers frequent here, depending on the swell and wind conditions. The north end of the beach can be good for swimming and boogie boarding. Keālia Beach has lifeguards, restrooms, and showers. The Kapa'a Coastal Path is awesome for biking and is paved.
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Kapaa Bike Path is one of the best places to ride along the coast in Kauai, it can be perfect to enjoy a ride surrounded by the beautiful coast landscape, while feeling the offshore breeze. It is 8 miles of a nice paved multi-use path that allows family-frendly cycling.
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Keālia Beach is particularly popular among surfers but also offers swimming opportunities at the north end of the beach if the ocean is calm.
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True to its name, the Pineapple Dump pier marks where workers of Hawaiian Canneries Company once unloaded railroad cars brimming with pineapple waste into the sea. A decades-old practice from Hawaii's pineapple boom. These discarded trimmings reflect the rise and fall of the Hawaiian pineapple industry that dominated global production for much of the 20th century.
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Donkey Beach is a secluded beach in the northeast of Kauai. The beach was a very popular nudist beach, but isn't anymore as the current owners decided against it. As the water is pretty rough here, it's not the perfect beach for swimming and snorkeling, but still a very nice spot for sunbathers and to take a little break after a long day.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are the trails in Moloaʻa Forest Reserve always open?
Not always. While many trails are popular, the official Nā Ala Hele trail system for Kauaʻi sometimes lists trails as 'Closed Inactive'. It's a good practice to check the current status of any trail before you go. You can find the latest updates on the official Nā Ala Hele website.
Is Moloaʻa Forest Reserve good for beginner hikers?
Yes, the area is very suitable for beginners. There are 10 easy-rated hikes to choose from. A great option is the Pools of Mokolea — Kilauea National Wildlife Refuge, an easy 2.8-mile (4.5 km) path that is appropriate for all fitness levels.
Are there any family-friendly hikes in the area?
Absolutely. The Wai Koa Loop Trail to Kilauea Stone Dam — Kauai is a fantastic choice for families. It's a mostly flat, well-maintained loop that is easy for all ages and leads to the interesting Kilauea Stone Dam.
Can I bring my dog on the trails?
Leashed dogs are generally welcome on some trails in the area, such as the Wai Koa Loop Trail, which even has a dog park at the trailhead. However, regulations can vary, especially within the forest reserve and wildlife refuge areas. Always check for local signage at the trailhead before starting your hike with a dog.
Are there any circular walks available?
Yes, there are several loop trails. For a straightforward and scenic circular route, consider the Kilauea Stone Dam loop from Kalihiwai. It's an easy 3.4-mile (5.5 km) walk that takes you through the area's beautiful landscape.
What kind of wildlife can I see in Moloaʻa Forest Reserve?
The reserve is a great place for birdwatching. Keep an eye out for native Hawaiian birds like the ʻapapane, ʻamakihi, and the red ʻiʻiwi. The forests are also home to a variety of native plants, including impressive koa and ʻōhia lehua trees.
Are there any hikes that lead to waterfalls?
While the reserve's main purpose is watershed protection, which means there are many streams, there are no prominent, easily accessible waterfall hikes directly within the Moloaʻa Forest Reserve itself. The main water feature you'll encounter on popular trails is the historic Kilauea Stone Dam.
Where is a good place to park for hiking?
Parking availability depends on the trail. For hikes starting near the Kuilau Trail, the Kuilau Ridge Trailhead on Highway 580 is a popular and well-established starting point. For the Wai Koa Loop, there is dedicated parking near the trailhead entrance on Kahiliholo Road.
What should I pack for a hike in Moloaʻa Forest Reserve?
Sturdy footwear is essential as trails can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. Bring plenty of water, sun protection, and insect repellent. A light rain jacket is also a good idea, as weather on Kauaʻi can change quickly.
How many hiking trails are in the Moloaʻa Forest Reserve area?
You can find over 15 different hiking routes around Moloaʻa Forest Reserve on komoot. These range from easy, flat loops to more moderate jungle treks, offering plenty of options for a day of exploring.
What do other hikers think of the trails in Moloaʻa Forest Reserve?
The trails in this area are highly regarded by the komoot community, with an average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from over 100 reviews. Hikers often praise the lush jungle scenery, the stunning ocean views from certain trails, and the well-maintained paths on popular routes.
Are there any longer, more challenging hikes available?
Yes, if you're looking for a longer outing, you can try the Kilauea Stone Dam loop from Kīlauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. This moderate 7.2-mile (11.6 km) hike takes around 3 hours and offers a more extensive tour of the area's characteristic landscape.
Most popular routes in MoloaʻA Forest Reserve
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