Stretching from the north shore between Hanalei and Princeville to the upper east side of Wailua, the 10 mile Powerline Trail is an unmaintained dirt road which is perfect for a long, tough running route. It’s also a good opportunity to explore the green interior of the island, yet the trail climbs high enough to offer the occasional ocean view. There are also nice vistas of Mt. Hihimanu and beyond, as the route follows the eastern boundaries of Halelea Forest Reserve to the Keahua Forest Reserve. Depending on how long you want to run, the Powerline Trail can be accessed from either side. For a short run, the two miles on the Princeville side are more popular and better maintained. However, if you make it all the way to the Wailua end, the bonus is a cool swimming hole complete with a rope swing. Try to go in dry weather as this trail can get both slippery and muddy.
Rick McCharles
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Essentials
- Up to 10 miles (one way). The first 2 miles from the north side are easier and better maintained
- 1657 feet (one-way)
- North End in Princeville: End of Kapaka Street; South End in Wailua: End of Kuamoo Rd. (Rt. 580)
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Other Routes in Kauai, HI
One of the most scenic runs on Kauai, this 4.2 mile coastal path on the island's eastern 'Coconut Coast' area connects Waipouli Beach and Paliku Beach. An easy trail, with spectacular water views. There's a shorter southern section, with plans to connect them.
Hanalei Bay Beach Run — Hanalei
Kauai, HI
Kauai is known for its beaches, so don’t miss a chance for a fantastic beach run at Hanalei Bay — one of the flattest and firmest stretches of sand on the island. Starting from Hanalei Pier you can wrap around the half-moon shaped beach for about 1.6 miles.
Great coastal views on a narrow but little trafficked road, just east if Princeville. It's about 2 miles from Wyllie's Beach to toward Kalihiwai before the road turns inland.
One of the better beach runs on Kauai. It is 2.2 miles from one end to the other. The sand is generally firm during the right season and tides. Best done during summer. Can do in combination with Kilauea Rd. from the Lighthouse, up toward central Kilauea.
A great running option for those staying in the busy Princeville area. A pleasant 2.5 mile bike path runs along Ka Haku Road between the Shopping Center and the St. Regis Hotel in downtown Princeville. Slight downhill heading west.
With the Wai Koa Loop Trail as a center point, there are multiple routes radiating out from central Kilauea: The Kahiliholo Rd. up Kalihiwai Ridge or the Kilauea Rd. out to the Kilauea Lighthouse are two great running options.
A good street run on Kauai’s north shore. 5-mile out and back from the Princeville Shopping Center. Not too trafficked as you enjoy the sprawling estates and lush farms bordering the Wildlife Sanctuary. Can add on with Powerline Rd.
The Mahaulepu Heritage Trail, known locally as the “beach walk” runs about two and a half miles along the coast from Shipwreck Beach up to Punahoa Point, and is a good option for anyone wanting to avoid running on Poipu streets.
This area hugging the south coast is a good option for runners situated in the hotels in Poipu. A 3-mile route from Poipu Beach to Spouting Horn Park has good water views. The roads surrounding the gold courses are also good for running.
Kehaka Beach, on the west side of the island, is one of the longest stretches of white sand beach in the entire state of Hawaii. You can head west and enjoy a long beach run or run east along Kaumualii Highway.
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