Kalalau Trail
Kalalau Trail, Kauai
The Kalalau Trail is the most popular hike on Kauai. The trail leads along the majestic Na Pali Coast, which is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful coastlines in the world. The views from the trail are amazing, and the hike is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for many visitors.
However, the 11-mile (18 km) trail is not suitable for everybody. It is very strenuous with steep inclines and declines. If you have a fear of heights, you may not like the fact that the trail hugs high sea cliffs and is very narrow in several areas, not more than a mere two feet (60 cm) wide. Furthermore, the trail can be very slippery after recent rainfall and also because of loose crumbly rocks underfoot. In the past, high surf has eroded some parts of the trail, and flash floods and strong currents can pose a danger at river crossings.
The trail begins at Ke'e Beach and leads all the way to Kalalau Valley. A physically fit and experienced hiker can do the hike to Kalalau in a day, but most people need two days and camp at Hanakoa (for which a permit is required). Access to Kalalau is controlled and only a limited number of permits are issued in the cause of conservation. For Day Use Access via parking or shuttle to Ha'ena State Park (including DAY hiking at the Kalalau Trail), visit gohaena.com/info-faqs
The first 2 miles (3.2 km) of the trail from Ke'e Beach until Hanakapi'ai Beach are moderately strenuous (the second mile is a steep downhill hike and tough on the way back). Most people hike up until here, which takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way, so it's a good day trip. From Hanakapi'ai Beach, a side trail leads to Hanakapi'ai Falls (another 2-mile hike inland). Hiking past Hanakapi'ai Beach requires a camping permit, even if no camping is planned.
From Hanakapi'ai Beach, the trail continues for about 4 miles (6.4 km) to Hanakoa Valley, which doesn't have beach access. From here, there is another half-mile (800 m) side trail to Hanakoa Falls. The last 5-mile (8 km) stretch of the Kalalau Trail is the toughest, with many switchbacks and narrow spots (especially between miles 6.5 and 8). At the end, you'll reach Kalalau Valley, which measures almost a mile (1.6 km) across. This is one of the most remote and inaccessible spots in Hawaii. The gorgeous views of the valley, the beach and the fact that it is so isolated make this a magical place to explore. From here, a 2-mile (3.2 km) side trail leads inland to the "Big Pool," a large pool in the stream.
From Kalalau Beach, some hardcore adventurers swim over to the neighboring Honopu Beach, which is the ultimate remote beach. Getting here requires getting wet because the only legal way to access it is by swimming to it (no boats, kayaks and even surfboards are allowed on the beach). However, the currents can be very strong along the entire Na Pali Coast and many drownings have occurred along this stretch of coastline. It is recommended to stay out of the water at all beaches along the Kalalau Trail. If you get into trouble, there is no lifeguard to rescue you.
Camping at Kalalau: Kalalau camping permits are required to hike beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley, even just for a day hike. Camping is only allowed at Hanakoa and Kalalau with a Kalalau camping permit. Napali Coast camping permits are currently available 90 days in advance. The maximum length of stay along the Kalalau Trail is 5 consecutive nights. The rate for Hawaii residents is $25 per person per night and $35 per person per night for non-residents.
Camping permits are only available online through this website: https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/all,details,1692.html
Limited overnight parking for campers is only available at the trailhead at Ha'ena State Park and with a valid camping permit AND an overnight parking permit. Overnight parking must be purchased at gohaena.com AFTER securing your camping permits.
Kalalau Trail Overview
- 11-mile (18 km) hike along Kauai's Na Pali Coast (north shore)
- Day hiking without a camping permit is allowed until Hanakapi'ai, which is 3 miles (5 km) from the trailhead
- Beautiful views of tropical scenery, tall sea cliffs and the crystal clear, azure blue ocean
- Strenuous and difficult hike, steep and narrow trail, strong sun
- Beware of dangers (narrow trail along high sea cliffs, dangerous shorebreak and rip tides at Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau beaches, flash floods and strong currents at river crossings, rock falls, etc.)
- No water fountains along the way, bring bottled water or water treatment tablets to drink from streams and waterfalls along the way (water may be contaminated by bacteria)
- Bring a small first aid kit and sunscreen, wear sturdy shoes
- Camping allowed with permit only at Hanakoa (6 miles) and Kalalau (11 miles)
- The only facilities along the way (at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa and Kalalau) are composting toilets
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