Kalepa Ridge, Kokee (Kauai)

I was kind of bummed when the group leader (Baron Yamamoto) said we (Steve Decker, Katie Ersbak, Jenny Ersbak, Daniel Hu, Aaron Toma, Lynne Honda and myself) were gonna go back to Kokee (Koke`e) to hike Kalepa Ridge (ridge west of Kalalau Valley), especially since it’s far away from most of the other hikes we had intended to do on Kauai. We had just been there a few months earlier to hike the adjacent ridge line (Honopu) and several other short hikes in the area, so it was kind of an overlap of adventures… but I had come to realize that it was unfinished business for Baron to check this one out. The hike is definitely worth the time though if you haven’t been to Kokee before, and is probably < 3 hours round trip. Mind-blowing panoramic views of the Na Pali Coast Kalalau Valley, as well as some glimpses of Honopu.

The early morning trek started at the Kalalau Lookout, where we quickly jumped on a distinguished trail in the uluhe ferns.

I was immediately surprised to how open the ridge line was, especially the several grassy, meadow-like sections. Leaning close to the edge, the wind threw brisk gusts of cold air at us.. probably in the mid to upper 50s.

The open sections of the ridge were far superior when compared to that of the lookout, mostly because of the vegetation which blocks the foreground and steep, windswept pali (cliffs).

Continuing down the ridge, there were several sections where the trail narrowed and bordered steep, bare, crumbly drop-offs.

But other sections were very friendly with vegetation and shade.

Looking back, the perspective of what we are walking on can be seen better.

Based on the trampling of vegetation and worn-ness of the exposed rock and crumbly sections, most hikers end here.

Which is definitely a noteworthy view of Kalalau Valley.

However, given the adventurous nature of group, we descended further on the steep, eroded section…

…to seek views of some of the gnarly teeth above the “showering waterfall” in Kalalau.

We didn’t hike down much further and for good reason… we had another hike to do in a few hours back in Poipu!

Make sure to check out the other write-ups from this trip, including an adventure to “Blue Hole” in Wailua, and Hanakapiai Falls on the Na Pali Coast!

Kalepa ridge is a moderately short trail, but may be intermediate/advanced for some because of the windy, eroded sections and steep drop-offs. If visiting here, please be cautious and responsible hikers… but also have fun and take as many photos as you can!

Aloha and mahalo nui for visiting… Come back again soon!

Questions??? Just Ask!!!