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4 Tips on Hiking Sustainably in Kauaʻi

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The beautifully biodiverse island of Kauaʻi is the oldest island on the 8 major islands belonging to the Hawaiian archipelago. It’s home to many endemic plant and animal species that have had thousands of years to flourish into distinct species found no where else on earth.

Some of the most popular destinations on Kauaʻi can be reached by trekking on foot, such as the Nouʻnou Mountain, nicknamed “Sleeping Giant”, and along the rim of Waimea Canyon. At Kauaʻi Hiking Tours, our goal is to help you explore the island’s diverse landscapes and take in scenic views while respecting the fragile balance of nature found on Kauaʻi.

Your guide will help you have a deeper understanding of Kauaʻi and how you can hike sustainably during your visit. Check out some of these tips to help you prepare for your sustainable hiking trip with us!

Choose Sustainably Minded Tour Companies

To get the most out of your trip, booking a hiking tour with a guide can help you navigate some of the best spots on the island. Our experienced guides will be able to tell you all about the trails you’ll be hiking and give you a better understanding of the natural landscapes.

Although tourism is an important industry to the economy of Kauaʻi, preserving the island’s natural landscapes is equally important. Booking with a hiking company that supports sustainable tourism helps maintain the wonderful fauna and flora that thrives on the island.

Sustainable tourism is defined as tourism that considers economic, social, and environmental impacts. This means that it supports the protection of a location’s environment and cultural heritage, which positively impacts the local communities and businesses and preserves wildlife and natural resources.

Kauaʻi Hiking Tours acknowledges and supports the principles of sustainable tourism set forth by the Hawaii Ecotourism Association. We’re committed to sustainable tourism practices that protect the natural and cultural resources of Kaua’i. We’re certified as a Sustainable Tour Operator through the Sustainable Tourism Association of Hawai’i.

Dispose of Waste Properly

One of the most important things you can do to hike sustainably is to dispose of your waste properly and leave no trace behind. Bringing a reusable water bottle can help limit your use of plastic and contribute to less waste.

Leaving litter and waste behind can be harmful to wildlife and plants. Many items take more than 10 years to fully decompose. Even fruit peels can take a couple of years to decompose. For easy disposal of your trash, you can pack a bag with you to keep your trash in for the duration of the hike.

When disposed of improperly, food waste can attract animals outside their home range. It can also cause animals to get sick, or become dependent, if they eat something they’re not supposed to. Leaving no trace behind also helps others enjoy the beauty of connecting with unspoiled nature during their hike.

Respect the Fauna and Flora

https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/laysan-albatross-profile-kauai-hawaii-213194677

Hiking the trails of Kaua’i is a great opportunity to do bird watching! There are more than 80 bird species on the island, many of which are native to Kauaʻi. Depending on the hike you take, you’ll have the opportunity to wander on a trail surrounded by lush vegetation, towering trees and/or native plant and bird species.

You might hear or spot some birds along your journey. It’s important to remember that you’re entering the habitats of many different types of animals and insects when hiking. Respecting nature and all it has to offer is key to enjoying a sustainable hike.

Unique plants and rocks can be appreciated but shouldn’t be removed from the environment. They add to the experience and could also be an important part of some species’ habitat or food source. Taking photographs is a great way to remember your experiences and encounters with nature while still preserving the wildlife and their habitats.

Don’t Go Off the Beaten Path and Respect Other Hikers

Our guides will help you navigate along the trails in Kauaʻi. Staying on the trails is important to reduce any environmental harm. Practicing trail etiquette is important for sustainable hiking. Venturing off trail can cause plants to be damaged. It can also lead to the spread of invasive species or ROD (Rapid Ohia Death)

Understanding trail etiquette can help you be more respectful of the environment and others on the trail. Stepping aside to let oncoming hikers pass through is not only curtesy but helps reduce trail degradation. Make sure to step off the trail so others can pass if you’re taking a break or traveling more slowly than those behind you. Avoid loud talking or playing of music so others can enjoy the sounds of nature.

Malama pono a mālama ia Hawaiʻi

Article in CNN Travel

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If you’re looking to stay away from the crowds altogether, check out Kauaʻi Hiking Tours’ new South Shore Coastal Hike. It’s a mellow, relatively flat three-mile oceanside hike along the southern sea cliffs, shaped by wind and waves and home to a variety of wildlife, cultural sites and scenic vantage points. It’s all brought to life by owner and lead guide Jeremiah Felsen.

London’s “Sunday Times” Write-Up for Kauaʻi Hiking Tours

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Nualolo Trail write up in “The Sunday Times” (Sunday Edition of London’s best selling newspaper “The Times”)

Looking northeast from the Nualolo Trail
About 4 miles in length (one way), the challenging Nualolo trail loses over 1,500 feet in elevation as it winds itʻs way towards where the Nāpali Coast begins to dramatically crumble thousands of feet to the ocean below. Along the way the vegetation transforms from a wetter mixed mesic forest to dryland forest.
View of the world famous Nāpali Coast from Lolo Vista (at the end of the Nualolo Trail). Mount Makana and Keʻe Beach visible on the far horizon.

Pono Pledge

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The Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau (IHVB) and County of Hawaii have partnered to launch the “Pono Pledge,” a new public information campaign aimed at educating and encouraging residents and visitors to be safe, responsible and respectful to each other and the environment while enjoying the bounty of the island of Hawaii.

​Though designed with Hawaiʻi Island in mind, this pledge can apply to all of our beautiful Hawaiian islands:

​I pledge to be pono (righteous) on the island of Hawai‘i.

I will mindfully seek wonder,
but not wander where I do not belong.

I will not defy death for breathtaking photos,
or venture beyond safety.

I will mālama (care for) land and sea,
and admire wildlife only from afar.

Molten lava will mesmerize me,
but I will not disrupt its flow.

I will not take what is not mine,
leaving lava rocks and sand as originally found.

I will heed ocean conditions,
never turning my back to the Pacific.

When rain falls ma uka (inland),
I will remain high above ground, out of rivers and streams.

I will embrace the island’s aloha spirit,
as it embraces me.

Lawe i ka maʻalea i kūʻonoʻono.
“Take Wisdom and Make it Deep.”

Professional traveler, blogger, and Instagramer Sarah Alexander takes on Kauaʻi with Kauaʻi Hiking Tours!

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Kauaʻi Hiking Tours was thrilled to welcome professional blogger, Instagramer, and all around world traveler extraordinaire Sarah Alexander on our Kuilau Ridge Hike!

Click Here to be linked to the where.is.sarah Instagram Page

Click Here to be taken to the extensive Where Is Sarah – For The Adventurous Female Solo Traveler – Official Blog

​Hiking the Kuilau Ridge Trail in Kaua’i, Hawaii
HAWAII / WEDNESDAY, APRIL 25TH, 2018
​​Words & Images by, Sarah Alexander

Trudging through the muddy path along the edge of a steep descent, I gazed out at the layers upon layers of mountains in the distance. The sun rays peaked through the predominantly cloud filled sky and shone on the Waimea River glistening in the valley below. It was peacefully calm, the occasional bird chirping or rustle of wind through the trees was the only sound to break the silence. The wild beauty of inland Kaua’i was incredible to see from such height. This hike left me charmed and fulfilled…

​As I was deciding which Hawaiian Islands to visit, I couldn’t go past the breath-taking views of Kaua’i and the Napali Coast. I instantly knew I had to get on the trails and hike through this uncanny island myself. There’s something about the landscape that draws you in and makes you want to explore every inch. With the recent flooding in the north shore of the island, and being a solo traveller unfamiliar to the terrain, I didn’t feel confident tackling the routes myself. Many of the trails I had planned to trek were now closed temporarily and I was left unsure where to go. I needed a local’s knowledge on the paths for this time of year and was also keen to learn about the history and culture of this little place they call Hawaii.

Kaua’i is a fascinating island, originally formed by a volcano now known as Mount Wai’ale’ale. 5 million years ago during the final eruption of the volcano, one side collapsed which caused a divide in the island. The north side resulted in incredibly wet weather, the summit of Wai’ale’ale being one of the wettest places on earth, and the south is much dryer in comparison.

For years hiking in Kaua’i has become a must do activity for visitors. Almost every sightseers’ itinerary will include the Waimea Canyon and the Napali Coast then other waterfalls and beaches scattered in between. While these are great and definitely on my list, it’s always worth making the effort to see the sites off the beaten path for a more authentic experience.

​I had organised my tour to Kuilau Ridge with Kaua’i Hiking Tours, one of the only hiking companies on the island certified as a Sustainable Tour Operator by the Hawaiʻi Ecotourism Association. As I hadn’t been hiking for a while and felt my fitness had slipped a little, I was relieved to see the choice of varied difficulties. After booking through their website a confirmation email is sent with all the information required to be prepared for the day. The night before I received a call from Jess who was my assigned guide. She went through the check list and confirmed the pickup time and location. Jess forewarned me that the hiking destination would be weather dependant with all the recent storms but would keep me updated of any changes. As much as I wanted to see what the Kuilau Ridge Trail was about, it was good to see Kaua’i Hiking Tours taking their duty of care and customer safety seriously.

The grey clouds were threatening from above as we met at the hotel. The ride to the starting point was short but beautiful, passing landmarks along the way including the roaring Opaeka’a Falls. This was a good time to get acquainted with my guide and fellow hiking partners for the trip.

We arrived at our starting point and commenced the ascent, as we were already so high the views from the beginning were magnificent from the first step. I couldn’t wait to see what else was to come. The path was muddy but gradual, the perfect incline. We passed a couple coming the other way who gave us advice on how to get around the fallen tree up ahead. I thought it would be a breeze but little did I know it was a Swamp Mahogany tree, nearly as tall as me as it was wide and the canopy so far down the mountain you could barely see it. With a little guidance from Jess and a few attempts, we maneuvered our way around it.

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What was waiting on the other side was well worth all the effort. The views of the Makaleha Mountains and glimpses of Kawaikini and Mt. Wai’ale’ale were simply stunning. We stopped for a moment to absorb the serene view and our immediate surroundings. Home to towering ferns, oversized vines and unusual flora such as the Guava and the Hala Tree. It felt like we had stepped straight in to a scene from Jurassic Park.

About a mile in we approached an open area with a sheltered park bench and I feared we had reached the turning point much sooner than I had hoped. We took the time to rest our feet and have a bite to eat before exploring the grassy space to find the best views of the valley. The layer of vines covering the canopy of trees below was astonishing. Jess showed us some of the plants below our feet including the “hila hila”, or Mimosa pudica, the “sensitive plant”. As you touched it lightly with your finger it began to close just like a sea anemone.

​After the shelter the path continues down around the grass lined hills and through a shady canopy. One of the group spotted a smaller waterfall just off the path which we all ventured down to. The water was sky blue and just out of reach were thimble berries, so red and shiny they were perfect for eating. As our guide had taken a great interest in Hawaiian botany and knew an incredible amount about the local flora including the species you can eat and ones you can use for natural healing.
​We hiked on past the wooden footbridge which crosses the Opaeka’a Stream. This bridge signifies the end of the Kuilau Ridge trail and the beginning of the Moalepe Trail. Soon enough we unexpectedly found ourselves in the middle of a rainbow gum forest, with trees reaching over 150 feet tall. Occasionally a delicate wild orchid peaked through the foliage on the forest floor.

Three hours later with the back of our legs and our boots caked in mud we returned to the car with a smile on our faces. The conveniently located stream allowed us to freshen up before finishing the day back at the hotel.

Jess, our guide, had been hiking the trails of Kaua’i with Kaua’i Hiking Tours for several years before joining the team. She has a keen understanding for many of the trails. Her approach to life and the environment was refreshing and made me reconsider cutting corners in my big boots.

Although I’m a capable hiker, I did have hesitations about being alone in a foreign land. Kaua’i Hiking Tours isn’t just for the experienced, joining a guided tour is beneficial to anyone who wants to have a taste of the outdoors. They host a range of private tours for those of all levels, with durations of 2 – 10+ hours. Kauai Hiking Tours also offer group tours which is a great way to save money and make like-minded friends on the island.

If you have something specific you want to see, Kaua’i Hiking Tours can custom design your private hike to offer something unique to you. Don’t waste time searching for perfect scenes, this team knows where the gorgeous views, pristine beaches, cold running streams and the best of everything around. They’re passionate about the land, practicing ways of “leave no trace”, and spend their spare time exploring to find the greatest routes.

It was so nice to get outdoors and connect in nature with other humans, tasting the wild plants and experiencing the beauty of the island.

Would you hike this trail? Find Kaua’i Hiking Tours via their websiteInstagram or Facebook.