Makaleha

## Overview Makaleha Spring is widely regarded as one of the finest natural springs in all of Hawaii. Nestled in the lush, verdant foothills of the Makaleha Mountains on Kauai's east side, near Kapaa, this spring delivers a generous flow of sweet-tasting water in a setting that lives up to its name — "Makaleha" is a Hawaiian word meaning "to gaze with awe at something," and the surrounding landscape absolutely warrants it. The spring sits at the end of a short but memorable trail that winds through dense tropical vegetation, offering glimpses of Kauai's dramatic interior ridgelines. The Makaleha Mountains themselves are among the more rugged and less-visited ranges on the island, making this spring feel like a hidden gem even for seasoned Kauai explorers. ## Directions 1. From Kapaa town, head mauka (inland/toward the mountains) on Kawaihau Road. 2. Turn onto Kahuna Road and follow it as far as it goes — the trailhead area is near the end of the road, in the vicinity of 7283 Kahuna Road. 3. Look for an informal trailhead; the path to the spring is approximately 0.4 miles one way. 4. The trail can be narrow and quite muddy, especially after rain — sturdy footwear with good traction is highly recommended. 5. GPS coordinates: 22.104693, -159.389767. Having these loaded on your phone or GPS device is helpful, as the trailhead is not formally signed. *Note: These directions are based on user-submitted information and have not been independently verified. Conditions and access may change — check locally before heading out.* ## What to Expect The hike to Makaleha Spring is short — just 0.4 miles — but the trail is often muddy and can be slippery, so wear shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Despite the mud, the walk is absolutely stunning, passing through thick tropical foliage typical of Kauai's wet windward slopes. At the spring itself, visitors have reported a strong, reliable flow rate and water that tastes remarkably clean and sweet. The spring has historically been used as a drinking water source by locals, though as with any natural water source, conditions can vary. The surrounding scenery is breathtaking — towering green ridges, the sound of flowing water, and the kind of pristine Hawaiian wilderness that most tourists never see. This is a place to linger, fill your bottles, and take in the beauty that gives Makaleha its name. Because the trail is informal and the area can be wet year-round, visiting during drier conditions will make the hike more pleasant. Early mornings tend to be clearer on Kauai's east side before afternoon showers roll in.