Known as the Garden Isle, Kaua’i’s is covered by a tropical rainforest, gigantic cliffs, and beautiful mountains. One of the Hawaiian islands, it’s home to the Instagram-famous Na Pali Coast State Park and the popular Kalalau Trail, which traces the ridge of the island’s sea cliffs. There are many other ways to explore this picturesque island on foot and with fewer crowds. Here are four amazing Kaua’i hikes that showcase the natural grandeur of this 550-square-foot island, from its rocky shores to waterfalls and verdant forests thick with vines to swampy preserves.

1. Secret Beach

• Distance: Less than a mile
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Difficulty: Trail is short, but steep, rooty, and rocky.
• Secret Beach Access Point: 22.219429, -159.417992

The name Secret Beach is a bit of a misnomer. This secluded crescent of golden-sand near Kilauea, officially called Kauapea Beach, is well-known enough to have its own Wikipedia page—and for good reason. From the trailhead, follow a social path ¼ mile. While short, this trail is steep, rooty, and often muddy. Once at the beach, turn left to scramble over jumbled lava rocks and shelves. After about ⅓ mile, you’ll reach blue and green tide pools. They’re perfect for swimming in the summer, but watch out for heavy surf and waves during rough sea conditions. There are no lifeguards here.

Directions

Take Highway 56 northwest out of Kilauea. Turn right (toward the ocean) onto Kalihiwai Rd. Take the first right onto a dirt road and follow it to parking at the road’s end.

2. Ho’opi’i Falls Hike

• Distance: 2 miles
• Elevation Gain: Minimal
• Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
• Trailhead: 22.102983, -159.343317

See two different waterfalls in 2 miles—and jump off them, if you’re looking for a rush—on this beginner-friendly out and back. The unmarked trail starts at an old dirt road, winding through pastures to Kapa’a Stream. Follow the trail downstream, past Nepal alder and psidium forest hanging with thick vines. A side trail leads to the top of the first waterfall, which cuts through blocky black rock. Continue along the hillside above the river, following the trail as it hooks back around and descends to a rocky shelf below the next falls where a rope swing hangs over the pool. If a swim isn’t in the plans, enjoy lunch here before heading back the way you came.

Directions

From Highway 56, take Olohena Rd north through Kapa’a, toward the mountains. Turn right onto Kapahi road. The trailhead is on the left after .3 miles. Park along the road.

3. Nounou Mountain Trail (Sleeping Giant)

• Distance: 4-mile out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: 22.061341, -159.346634

Gaining 1,000 total feet of elevation up the east side of Nounou Mountain, this 4-mile out and back starts climbing right away. Switchbacks flaunt views of the beach at Wailua Bay to the east. Near the top, take the left fork to continue to a small, flat area with picnic tables. If you’re not bothered by a little exposure, continue toward the next summit for bonus views to the mountain’s forested western slopes. Cross a narrow ridge and ascend to the “giant’s chin.” Pay close attention to conditions as the last section can be dangerous when wet.

Directions

From Highway 56, take Haleilio Rd toward the mountains between mile markers 6 and 7 in Wailua/Kapa’a. The trailhead is about a mile from the highway as the road begins to bend left. Park here.

4. Alaka’i Swamp Trail (Koke’e State Park, access from Waimea, south shore)

• Distance: 7.7-mile out and back
• Elevation Gain: 1,000 feet
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Trailhead: Pu’u O Kila Lookout-22.147637, -159.631562

This a 7.7-mile out-and-back takes hikers to the high-altitude bog, Alaka’i Swamp, more properly known as the Alaka’i Wilderness Preserve. The trail will immerse you in one of the world’s wettest spots and surround you with the rich plant and animal life that springs from it. Starting at the Pu’u O Kila Lookout, follow the Pihea Trail along a ridge overlooking the verdant Kalalau Valley. After a mile, the trail bends back to join the Alaka’i Swamp Trail. Take the raised boardwalk through enormous hapu’u tree ferns and under arching ‘ōhi’a lehua trees cloaked in moss. The trail ends at the Kilohana lookout. While it’s often shrouded in fog, patient hikers who who show up on a dry day can feast on views all the way to Hanalei Bay and the clifftop Kilauea Lighthouse.

Directions

Drive up Waimea Canyon Drive (Highway 550). The trailhead is where the highway ends.

Tips for Kaua’i Hikes

• Kaua’i isn’t called the Garden Island because it’s dry. The trails are usually muddy. Wear boots with aggressive tread or Chacos for beach hikes.
• Trekking poles are very handy, but pick a set that’s easy to stow for rock scrambling.
• It’s usually between 65 and 80 degrees, but the summits are windy. Bring a light shell or windbreaker.
• Bring extra bug spray. The mosquitoes are sneaky and you’ll likely sweat off the first coat.
• Be respectful of plants and wildlife, and follow invasive species protection rules to the letter. This island is home to many species that exist nowhere else, especially birds and plants. Look out for Puaiohi, `Akikiki, and the Nene goose (one of the rarest geese in the world). Of all the Hawaiian islands, Kaua’i has the highest number of plant species that exist nowhere else in the world, including Lysimachia venosa, which was thought to be extinct until it was rediscovered in 2012.