Kalalau Trail

Kalalau Trail - Na Pali Coast, Kauai

Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

  • Length: 11 miles (one way)
  • Difficulty: 8/10
  • Season: Year-round
  • Type: Out-and-back
  • Elevation Gain: 664 ft
  • Terrain: Wet gulches to open ridgeline

The beautiful Kalalau Trail is an 11 mile trail that leads from Ke'e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the coast of the famous Na Pali Coast. Na Pali has scenery so magnificent that its picture is published worldwide. Hiking to the #1 rated beach in the world is a long trip, but if you want just a small glimpse of the coastal views and lush jungle, you can take a short 2 mile hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach. The weather is very pleasant year-round as temperatures seldom drop below 60° F. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady trade winds and occasional showers, while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapi'ai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. Hikers also want to be aware that all trash must be packed out of the area. All in all, backpacking the Kalalau Trail is one trip you are bound to never forget.



Trailhead Directions

The trailhead of the Kalalau Trail is located in the Ha'ena State Park, on the north side of the island. Travel 41 miles (a 1 hour drive) from the Lihu'e Airport to the northwest end of Kuhio Highway (Route 56). There is a lot of parking there, but unless you arrive early in the morning, you will not find a spot close to the trailhead. However, there are many reported car break-ins at the trailhead, so parking (especially overnight) is not recommended. You may choose to park at the wet cave that you pass before arriving at the trailhead.



Kalalau Trail Guide

The first section of the Kalalau Trail is a great idea for a day-hike or not-too-serious backpackers. These first 2 miles are the easiest, with more difficult terrain if you continue on. While hiking along this section of trail, you will mainly pass through wet, jungle terrain. Once entering the Hanakapi'ai Valley, you will need to cross a small stream flowing into the Pacific Ocean. Heading up the valley is a 2-mile, unmaintained trail to Hanakapi'ai Falls. The trail is moderate in difficulty, but should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks. Although it is not required, the waterfall provides hikers with pleasant views and a nice swimming spot. Back on the main trail, Hanakapi'ai Beach offers the last glimpse of the Na Pali Coast for those without permits. Hanakapi'ai Beach is a beautiful sight, although swimming or wading is not recommended. Surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, and are worse in winter. If a swim to cool down is necessary, the best idea is to hike 2 miles up the valley to the falls.

If you decide to camp overnight on the beach or continue onward, you must have a permit. Beginning just recently, you must obtain your camping permit from the new online permits portal or visiting the Lihu'e Office or any other state parks offices. Again, permits are required if you decide to camp anywhere along the Na Pali Coast or travel past the Hanakapi'ai Valley. Day-use hiking permits are also required when continuing beyond this point, even if overnight camping is not planned.

Hanakapiai Warning Sign on the Kalalau Trail

The more strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapi'ai Valley. Near the Hanakoa stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers. Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. The poorly marked half-mile trail up the east fork of the stream to Hanakoa Falls has hazardous, eroded sections, but affords spectacular views.

After leaving the Hanakoa Valley, the trail enters drier, more open land that offers little shade from the midday sun. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the drop off on the ocean side is severe .Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather.

The Kalalau Trail crosses a stream near the valley mouth before ending at the Kalalau Beach with a small waterfall on the far end. Camping in Kalalau isallowed only behind this sand beach. During the summer, the sea caves just beyond the waterfall provide popular camping shelters,but winter surf removes much of the beach and enters the caves. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. Though the waterfall provides pretty fresh water, but most prefer to be safe and purify it. An easy 2 mile hike into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool as it passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, until about 1920. These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including java plum, guava, and mango trees, which are all great to eat! Though this is the most remote beach in Hawaii, there are people in the valley, including nudists, hippies, and Vietnam War veterans, seek out the solitude and relief from civilization that the pure nature of Kalalau Beach offers.

Narrow section of the Kalalau Trail

It is common for backpackers to stay only one night at the Kalalau Beach after hiking all day, then heading back to the trailhead. Some backpackers attempt to hike the full 22 miles in one day, but this is discouraged. However, many consider the best option is to take their time, sleeping 2+ nights at either the Hanakapi'ai or Kalalau beaches. Whichever way you choose to hike the Kalalau Trail, it is guaranteed to be a trek you will always remember.



Additional Resources

Trail Maps

Videos

Related Links

Recommended Books

  • The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook: Wizard Publications Inc, 2006




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