Moloaa Bay Ranch Coastal Trail

Why you should do it: Nice coastal walk with birdwatching opportunities and stunning views of Moloaa Bay.
Area: East side, between Anahola and Kilauea
Trail Length: 1.4 miles (one way)
Difficulty: Easy

Little-known Moloa’a Bay is a hidden gem on Kauai, and the bay has its own little-known treasure – the Moloa’a Bay Ranch Coastal Trail. There’s little written about the trail, and we don’t know why, because it compares nicely with similar coastal trails such as the better-known Mahaulepu Trail near Poipu.

The trail starts at the far left end of Moloa’a Beach and gradually climbs to reveal sweeping views of the bay. Following the trail farther reveals interesting rock outcroppings juxtaposed against the raw ocean. This windswept area, with browns, reds and greens, may remind you more of an epic New Zealand landscape than Kauai. Throughout the trail, there is the presence of calm and peace amid the wind and the waves.

The area is a nesting location for Wedge-tailed Sheerwater (Ua’u Kane) birds (April-December) and Laysan Albatross (October-July).

According to some reports, there has been a dispute between the adjacent property owner and the State of Hawaii concerning the trail so it’s probably best to stay on the trail (near the coastline) and not venture too far inland.

Hikers will find the trail to be relatively easy with just a few spots that might require holding on to some rocks to navigate the trail.