If you had to do one hike on Kauai...

[ESquared423]

...which one would you pick?

My husband and I are heading there for a long weekend in October and we don't want to spend our whole weekend hiking, but definitely want to do at least 1, possibly 2 depending on how we feel.

This one is at the top of my list right now: www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/hanakapiai_hike.php ...8 miles roundtrip, which is about the longest hike we'd want to do. I've read that this one is a beast though, with plenty of fire ants and mud along the way. Have any of you done the Hanakapi'ai hike?

We are in good shape and would do anywhere from 2-8 miles roundtrip, nothing that would take longer than 4-5 hours at the MOST.

Also, is a little boating excursion along the Na Pali coast worth it?

[orangello]

You've chosen the best one :-) Only go if the weather cooperates though - its best done when it's not raining, and hasn't rained hard for a few days before. Go early, bring lots of water, and head to Tunnels beach afterward to relax a bit.

[keweenawlove]

That's the one I would do if I could only do one. It was tough but if you're in good shape, you'll be fine. I think it took us about 5 hours total to go to falls and back but that included a lunch stop, swimming at the falls, and a ton of photo stops. Getting to the falls is definitely worth it!

We took a catamaran tour with Na Pali Catamaran. It was worth it to us. Although it made us want to hike the whole Na Pali Coast trail.

[aurora]

I'm not sure what you consider beastly in a hike, but I'd rate this one as moderate. There is a lot of up and down, but it's not crazy. Definitely don't wear anything you're not OK getting stained with reddish mud, though, and I agree not to do it if it's been raining hard in the last couple of days. It might go a little slower than some other hikes but only because you're stopping to ogle the scenery and take pictures.

[ESquared423]

Awesome, I think we'll fit this one in then.

I've done quite a few hikes here in Hawaii, a lot of reviews on this one said "extremely difficult" and sounds like people had a hard time so I was getting a little nervous, but I saw pictures of children doing it so...shouldn't be too bad?

Do you think water shoes would suffice on this trail? Lightweight but with a good grip, not the flimsy ones.

[aurora]

I've seen people out there in flip flops. I wouldn't recommend that, but I think if you have comfortable water shoes they're probably OK. The muddy sections can be slippery so grip is important, but you don't need mountaineering boots or anything. Water shoes might be nice for the stream crossings once you get to the beach and start heading inland.

[orangello]

Water shoes may be ok - I would bring some backups, like good grippy Tevas or something. If the weather's been nice, you'll be fine. And the PP was correct - don't wear or bring anything you don't mind getting stained red.

[Deleted]

I've done the first mile of this and it was rough. (I was not in great shape, but not terrible either) You need good grip shoes. Ditto pps on not going if it's raining or has been raining for a day or so.

Na Pali coast tour is worth it if the water is calm. You might need to play if by ear in October.

[mdgirl]

If you're worried about it you can always just assess when you get to the beach whether or not you want to go back to the waterfall. Just take some snacks and enough water for the full hike and get there as early as you can.