Awesome coast. That island just has it all. So versatile. I remember it was full of Vietnam chopper pilot vets. You could get a one hour trip for $100. If you go, would love to hear about it later.
My favorite place in Hawaii. Plus people I know who live there, Kauai is where you escape to when you live in Honolulu. Napali Coast is incredible. I did a great hike there but it was somewhat strenuous and not for everyone. Maui is also awesome and a great retreat.
I was on a work detail in O'ahu late summer-early fall 2019 and hiked on this wonderful Kauai trail twice (once by myself; second time with my son visiting. Views were just spectacular (I actually went beyond their view zone to get out further into the Mtns edges for views of canyon and ocean and to watch the helicopters come in and out of the coastal mtns.)
Went on the Awaawapuhi Trail and it wasn't as well marked at certain forks, but if you bear right at each fork heading in, you get to the expected lookout! Says "difficult" but I consider it moderate compared to some real difficult ones I did on O'ahu. Hiking poles are always recommended as the dirt/mud can be slick in some sections and there are a good number of tree roots.
Being an early bird, I go into their parking lot (grass of course) early around 7 am, but 8 am is probably good, as it fills up at/after 10am when the lazy tourists come in. hee hee