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Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Kauaʻi County
Kapaa

Waipouli Beach Park to to Makaleha Falls trailhead

Routes
Road cycling routes
United States
Kauaʻi County
Kapaa

Waipouli Beach Park to to Makaleha Falls trailhead

Easy

4.6

(9532)

14,214

riders

Waipouli Beach Park to to Makaleha Falls trailhead

01:15

27.5km

240m

Road cycling

Embark on an easy road cycling adventure from Waipouli Beach Park to the Makaleha Falls trailhead. This route spans 17.1 miles (27.5 km) with a gentle elevation gain of 798 feet (243 metres), making it suitable for all fitness levels. You can expect to complete the ride in about 1…

Last updated: April 23, 2026

Waypoints

A

Start point

Parking

Get Directions

1

286 m

Kapaʻa Beach Park and bike path

Highlight (Segment) • Beach

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." …

Tip by

2

10.6 km

Trailhead to Makaleha Falls

Highlight • Trail

Here begins the Makaleha Falls Hike, a 2.6-mile out-and-back hike in the jungle. If cyclists choose to park and check out this hike, the trail is often muddy, but the …

Tip by

3

26.6 km

Waipouli Beach Park

Highlight • Beach

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, …

Tip by

B

27.5 km

End point

Parking

Loading

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

19.3 km

5.35 km

1.39 km

1.34 km

< 100 m

Surfaces

23.0 km

4.33 km

102 m

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Elevation

Elevation

Nothing selected – click and drag below to see the stats for a specific part of the route.

Highest point (160 m)

Lowest point (0 m)

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Weather

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Today

Wednesday 6 May

27°C

19°C

11 %

Additional weather tips

Max wind speed: 17.0 km/h

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This route was planned by komoot.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difficulty level of this road cycling route?

This road cycling route from Waipouli Beach Park to the Makaleha Falls trailhead is considered easy. It features well-paved surfaces and a relatively gentle elevation gain, making it suitable for cyclists of all fitness levels.

Is this route suitable for families or beginners?

Yes, absolutely! With its easy difficulty grade, well-maintained roads, and moderate distance, this route is very family-friendly and ideal for beginner road cyclists looking for an enjoyable ride on Kauai.

Where can I park to start this cycling route?

You can typically find parking at Waipouli Beach Park, which serves as the starting point for this cycling adventure. Parking availability can vary, especially during peak times.

What can I expect to see along the cycling route?

The route begins near the scenic Ke Ala Hele Makalae coastal path, offering ocean views. As you cycle inland towards the Makaleha Falls trailhead, the scenery transitions to more lush Hawaiian landscapes. You'll pass by Kapaʻa Beach Park and bike path, and the route concludes at the Trailhead to Makaleha Falls.

What is the best time of year to cycle this route?

Kauai generally offers pleasant cycling weather year-round. However, the drier months from April to October are often preferred for road cycling, as you'll encounter less rain and more consistent conditions. Always check the local forecast before you head out.

Are dogs allowed on this cycling route?

While the road cycling route itself is generally open to cyclists with leashed dogs (if they can safely ride in a trailer or basket), it's important to note that the actual Makaleha Falls hiking trail, which this route leads to, may have different regulations regarding dogs. Always check specific rules for the hiking trail if you plan to continue on foot.

Do I need any permits or pay entrance fees for this cycling route?

No, there are typically no permits or entrance fees required for cycling this specific road route from Waipouli Beach Park to the Makaleha Falls trailhead. However, if you plan to hike beyond the trailhead into the Nounou Forest Reserve to reach Makaleha Falls, you should check for any current regulations or permit requirements for the hiking trail itself, as these can change.

Can I rent a bike near Waipouli Beach Park?

Yes, there are several bike rental shops located in the Kapaʻa and Waipouli areas, often within a short distance of Waipouli Beach Park. It's a good idea to reserve your bike in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons.

What is the difference between this cycling route and the Makaleha Falls hiking trail?

This route is a road cycling path that leads to the Makaleha Falls trailhead. It is an easy, paved ride. The actual Makaleha Falls hiking trail, however, is a separate, challenging, unmaintained jungle hike involving multiple stream crossings, muddy sections, and bouldering, which is completely unsuitable for bicycles.

Are there any cafes or restaurants along the route?

The starting point near Waipouli Beach Park and the nearby Kapaʻa town offer numerous cafes and restaurants where you can grab a bite or a drink before or after your ride. As you head inland towards the Makaleha Falls trailhead, options become more limited, so plan accordingly.

What are the road conditions like on this route?

The road conditions for this cycling route are generally well-paved and easy to navigate. It's a smooth ride suitable for race bikes and other road cycling setups. Always be mindful of local traffic and any temporary road changes.

Nearby routes

Moderate

4.0

12

Ke Ala Hele Makalae

03:15h

63.5km

570m

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