The best running trails around Kapaa
4.4
(11)
890
runners
29
runs
Jogging routes around Kapaa offer diverse landscapes, from coastal paths with ocean views to trails winding through lush jungle. The region, located on Kauai's Coconut Coast, features a mix of flat, paved multi-use paths and more challenging routes with moderate elevation gains. These running trails provide opportunities to explore Kapaa's natural beauty, including its beaches, rivers, and hills.
Best jogging routes around Kapaa
- The most popular jogging route is Ke Ala Hele Makalae Trail, a 4.8 miles (7.8 km)…
Last updated: April 25, 2026
21
runners
7.77km
00:48
30m
30m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
3
runners
8.30km
01:04
190m
190m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Sign up for free
2
runners
7.37km
00:52
110m
110m
Hard run. Good fitness required. Sure-footedness, sturdy shoes and alpine experience required.
8.72km
00:56
80m
80m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
4.0
(1)
126
runners
9.65km
01:00
20m
20m
Moderate run. Good fitness required. Mostly paved surfaces. Suitable for all skill levels.
Get access to more routes and recommendations from other explorers.
Sign up for free
Already have an account?
Our route recommendations are based on thousands of hikes, rides, and runs completed by other people on komoot.
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Popular around Kapaa
Tips from the Community
It looked like eucalyptus to me and not only did the leaves smell like it, but the slender leaf shape also fit.
0
0
Here on the Moalepe Trail you will find a strand of stark white paper birch trees lining the trail. The ridge opens up on either side and you get views over Kawai's gorgeous rolling hills.
0
0
Waipouli Beach is a more low-key park by the Waipouli Beach Resort. There is public beach access on the south end, and it's a hangout spot for Kauai’s monk seals, right off the biking coastal path. This area is family-friendly, with shopping, coffee shops, activities, and hiking very close by. It has been marked as a wonderful spot to see the sunrise.
0
0
Kapa'a Beach is a long beach with golden sands that parallels the Kapa'a Bike Path. The full name is Ke Ala Hele Makalae, meaning “path that goes by the coast." Most people simply call it the Kapa‘a Bike Path or Kaua‘i Bike Trail. This bike path is a multi-use path that totals about 7 miles.
0
0
Donkey Beach is a secluded beach in the northeast of Kauai. The beach was a very popular nudist beach, but isn't anymore as the current owners decided against it. As the water is pretty rough here, it's not the perfect beach for swimming and snorkeling, but still a very nice spot for sunbathers and to take a little break after a long day
0
0
Kapaa Bike Path is one of the best places to ride along the coast in Kauai, it can be perfect to enjoy a ride surrounded by the beautiful coast landscape, while feeling the offshore breeze. It is 8 miles of a nice paved multi-use path that allows family-frendly cycling.
0
0
This is a nice beach to spot beautiful sunrises in Kauai, and if you are lucky you can see Kauai’s monk seals, who often stop to rest in the area. Here is where the Kaapa Bike Path starts, and you can enjoy the convenient and family-friendly lodging, with shopping, coffee shops, and other activities. The beach is just in front of Waipouli Beach Resort, but it has public access on the south end.
0
0
True to its name, the Pineapple Dump pier marks where workers of Hawaiian Canneries Company once unloaded railroad cars brimming with pineapple waste into the sea. A decades-old practice from Hawaii's pineapple boom. These discarded trimmings reflect the rise and fall of the Hawaiian pineapple industry that dominated global production for much of the 20th century.
0
0
Frequently Asked Questions
How many running routes are available around Kapaa?
Kapaa offers a good selection of running routes, with nearly 30 different options to explore. These range from easy coastal paths to more challenging mountain trails, catering to various fitness levels.
Are there any easy or beginner-friendly jogging paths in Kapaa?
Yes, Kapaa has several easy jogging paths suitable for beginners or those looking for a relaxed run. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae Trail, also known as the Kapaa Bike Path, is a paved multi-use path offering stunning ocean views and is very accessible. Lydgate Park also features a paved path that is family-friendly.
What are the best routes for scenic views while running in Kapaa?
For breathtaking scenery, the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Trail offers continuous ocean views along the coast. For panoramic island vistas, the trails on Nounou Mountain, like the Nounou East Trail viewpoint via Papaloa Road loop, provide rewarding climbs with expansive views of Kauai.
Are there any running routes that feature waterfalls in Kapaa?
Yes, for a unique experience, the Kapaʻa to Upper Hoʻopiʻi Falls route leads you through lush jungle to beautiful waterfalls. You can also find Upper Hoʻopiʻi Falls and Lower Ho'opi'i Falls as highlights in the area.
What is the best time of day to go jogging in Kapaa?
To make the most of your run and avoid the heat, it's generally best to jog in Kapaa during the early morning or late afternoon. This is especially true for more challenging trails like those on Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant).
Are there any loop running trails in Kapaa?
Yes, Kapaa offers several loop options for runners. The Nounou East Trail viewpoint via Papaloa Road loop provides a challenging circuit with great views. Another option is the Waipouli Beach – Kapaa Bike Path loop from Wailua, which combines coastal running with a loop back.
What do other runners say about the trails in Kapaa?
The running routes in Kapaa are highly rated by the komoot community, with an average score of 4.6 stars from 6 reviews. Runners often praise the diverse landscapes, from stunning coastal views to immersive jungle scenery, and the variety of options for different skill levels.
Are there any family-friendly jogging options in Kapaa?
Absolutely! The paved path through Lydgate Park is an excellent family-friendly option, offering ocean views and access to the park's amenities, including protected ocean swimming pools. The Ke Ala Hele Makalae Trail is also suitable for families due to its flat, paved surface.
What kind of terrain can I expect on Kapaa's running routes?
Kapaa's running routes offer a diverse range of terrain. You'll find flat, paved multi-use paths along the coast, such as the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Trail. Inland, routes like the Moalepe Trail immerse you in lush jungle scenery with some elevation changes, while trails on Nounou Mountain provide more significant climbs and challenging terrain.
Are there any interesting landmarks or attractions to see along the running trails?
Yes, many routes offer points of interest. Along the coastal paths, you might spot whales or dolphins during certain seasons. Trails leading to waterfalls, like the Kapaʻa to Upper Hoʻopiʻi Falls route, lead to natural wonders. For those exploring Nounou Mountain, reaching the 'Chin of the Sleeping Giant' offers a notable landmark and incredible views. You can also find highlights like Donkey Beach and the Bridge connecting Kuilau Ridge Trail & Moalepe Trail.
How long is the Ke Ala Hele Makalae Trail, also known as the Kapaa Bike Path?
The Ke Ala Hele Makalae Trail is approximately 4.8 miles (7.8 km) long. It's a popular coastal path that takes about 48 minutes to complete at a jogging pace, offering continuous ocean views.
Are there any challenging running routes for experienced runners in Kapaa?
Experienced runners looking for a challenge will find options like the Nounou East Trail viewpoint via Papaloa Road loop on Nounou Mountain (Sleeping Giant). This route involves a steady climb and significant elevation gain, offering a more strenuous workout with rewarding panoramic views.
Most popular attractions around Kapaa
Get inspired with the komoot mobile app
Explore more
Browse the best Running Trails & Routes in other regions.
