USA Honopu Ridge

This photo was taken at the "end" of the Honopū Ridge trail located in Kauai, Hawaii, USA. I'll explain why "end" is in quotes below in the Travel Information section.

This photo is looking back up the trail, northeast with a view of the Kalalau beach in the background. This is a beautiful location and a fun trail to hike. Please read the warnings below.

Technical Details are as follows:
Shutter Speed: 1/250 sec.
Aperture: f/8.0
ISO: 100
Focal Length: 8mm (crop sensor, so ~12mm full frame)
Camera: Nikon D7200
Lens: Sigma 8-16mm f4.5-5.6

Due to the danger and difficulty of the trail, I would not advise attempting to hike in/out of this location during the dark. So you're likely limited to more harsh lighting conditions. Afternoon the sun should be at your back.

If there are clouds just wait 10-15 mins and they will pass. Chill and enjoy the view.

Head to the town of Waimea in southwest Kauai, Hawaii. Then take 550 up into the Waimea Canyon State Park. Then, 0.4 miles past mile marker 17 there will be an obvious opening at a bend in the road. That's the Honopū Ridge trailhead.

Start hiking in that opening and follow the ribbons tied to the trees. The trail length is about 2 miles and you'll lose ~1000ft in elevation on the way out... Which means you will have a constant ascent on the way back.

Getting to this exact spot is VERY DANGEROUS and I would NOT recommend attempting. The ridge is extremely narrow and steep in many areas. It is exceptionally easy for one to lose their balance or slip and then fall a few thousand feet below to their death. In hindsight, it probably wasn't a great idea to go as far out on the ridge as I had gone.

In the Spot Description area, I mentioned this spot is the "end" of the trail. Technically, this trail is no longer maintained and is "unofficial." There are plenty of nice areas to terminate the hike without getting to this exact location. I considered this the end because I didn't feel safe continuing further without climbing gear (I'm not a mountain climber).

If you still want to attempt, make sure to bring water and a snack. Long pants are helpful because there are areas with thick brushes which will scratch your legs. Make sure to leave plenty of time to return so you're not stuck on the ridge at night. Hiking this in the dark would be fatal.