Worth a Journey

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The World’s 100 Best Hikes

Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail

Kauai, United States

  1. THE WORLD’S BEST HIKES WORTH A JOURNEY · 2026 ✦ ✦ N° 69 2026
Mahaʻulepu Heritage Trail

A mostly flat coastal trail on Kauai's south shore runs from Shipwreck Beach along cliffs and past a golf course toward Makauwahi Cave and secluded beaches. Parallel cliffside and inland paths branch and rejoin, and sea turtles and monk seals often appear along the way.

Highlights

  • Cliffside bluff path
  • Makauwahi Cave Reserve
  • Poipu Golf Course section

Good to know

  • About 4 miles round trip, roughly 2 hours
  • Small lot at Shipwreck Beach fills early
  • Exposed to sun, no water along trail

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