Information
Landmark: Kalalau TrailCity: Kauai
Country: USA Hawaii
Continent: North America
Kalalau Trail, Kauai, USA Hawaii, North America
Overview
The Kalalau Trail winds along Kauai’s rugged Na Pali Coast, earning its reputation as one of Hawaii’s most famous-and toughest-hikes.This 11‑mile trail, traveled one way, leads you deep into one of the island’s most untouched and isolated corners, where waves crash against jagged cliffs, valleys spill over with green, waterfalls glint in the sun, and quiet beaches wait at the end.Known for rugged climbs and sweeping mountain views, the trail draws seasoned hikers who dream of tackling it at least once.Highlights and must‑see spots: 1.The Kalalau Trail begins at Ke’e Beach, where waves roll onto golden sand at Kauai’s north shore, and winds 11 rugged miles to the secluded Kalalau Beach.The trail winds through Na Pali Coast State Park, revealing some of the island’s most breathtaking ocean vistas.It’s split into sections, each with its own character-steep climbs that leave your legs burning, knife-edge ridges, and valleys thick with emerald foliage.This challenging hike climbs and drops sharply over rocky ground, all under the heavy heat of the tropics.The first stretch-two miles from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapiai Beach-draws crowds for its sweeping ocean views and is among the island’s favorite short treks.From here, you can see the coastline stretch for miles, with the Pacific’s glassy blue water catching the sunlight.Hanakapiai Beach may look stunning, with golden sand and turquoise waves, but its strong currents make swimming risky.From there, hikers can push on two more miles to Hanakapiai Falls, where water plunges 300 feet into a cool, misty pool.The trail to the falls gets tougher, with slippery stream crossings and patches of thick, clinging mud, but it pays off with sweeping views of the waterfall framed by lush tropical rainforest.From Hanakapiai to Kalalau Valley-seven long miles-it grows harsher still, climbing steeply, edging along narrow ridges, and testing every step.From here, you can take in sweeping views of the coastline, glimpse hidden strips of sand, and look down into valleys that drop away into shadow.Before reaching Kalalau Valley, hikers weave through dense forests, scramble over jagged rock ledges, and step carefully across cold, rushing streams.The trail ends at Kalalau Beach-a remote crescent of sand embraced by sheer, green cliffs.Thick tropical greenery surrounds the area, and with a permit, hikers can pitch their tents beneath the swaying palms.For centuries, Hawaiian settlers called the lush Kalalau Valley home, its cliffs echoing with the sound of the sea.The Kalalau Trail, though stunning, is a grueling climb best left to seasoned hikers who know how to handle its sharp turns and sheer drops.Steep climbs, cliff-hugging paths barely wider than your boots, slick mud, and icy stream crossings make the trail a real challenge, especially given how far it is from anywhere.Most hikers spend two to three days tackling the whole route, though some break it up with a day trip to Hanakapiai Beach or the falls.If you’re hiking the whole trail, plan to camp at Kalalau Beach-you’ll fall asleep to the sound of waves and wake to the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.Just be sure to get a camping permit first, since it’s required for overnight stays.These permits go fast, so book early through the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR)-weeks ahead if you can.You’ll need a day-use permit to hike beyond Hanakapiai Beach, and from the higher points on the Kalalau Trail, the Pacific stretches out below-deep blue water framed by rugged cliffs and untouched white sand.Rugged cliffs tumble into deep valleys beside the bright blue ocean, creating some of the most breathtaking hiking anywhere.Along the trail, you’ll cross streams and pass waterfalls where cold spray can cool your face on a hot summer afternoon.Hanakapiai Falls is the showstopper here-a sheer 300-foot ribbon of water plunging into a cool, glassy pool.Along the trail, hikers weave through a tropical rainforest thick with ferns, tangled vines, and the scent of damp earth.In the tropics, the trail winds through lush green forest, and now and then a cool mist drifts in, softening the edges like a dream; along the way, it leads to secret beaches you can reach only by foot or boat, including Kalalau Beach, a flawless stretch of sand cradled by sheer cliffs.These beaches may be stunning, but the ocean’s powerful currents and pounding waves can make swimming risky.The trail, too, has steep climbs and drops, with slick mud underfoot after a rain.The trail often turns muddy, and after rain it can get slick enough to send your boots sliding.Wear sturdy shoes, and you might want hiking poles to steady yourself on uneven ground.Kauai’s skies can change in minutes, and the Na Pali Coast often sees drenching winter rains.Storms can roll in fast, and flash floods are a real danger, especially down in the narrow valleys where rainwater rushes through.Check the weather before you set out, and be ready for skies that can shift without warning.The Kalalau Trail is far from help, and your phone will likely sit with no signal the whole way.Bring enough water, food, and gear to last the whole hike, and be sure you’re ready before you set foot on the trail.If you’re heading to Kalalau Valley, remember there’s nothing-no water, no restrooms-once you pass Hanakapiai Beach, so bring what you need.Along the trail, you might spot bright red ‘i‘iwi birds flitting through the trees and native plants lining the cliffs.Respect the environment, and leave the wildlife undisturbed-no snapping twigs or chasing birds.Watch for falling rocks along certain parts of the trail, particularly when storms sweep in and the air smells of wet earth.The Kalalau Trail starts at Ke’e Beach, where Highway 560 comes to its northern end on Kauai’s coast.You can drive there, but in peak season you might circle for a spot under the hot afternoon sun.The trailhead’s easy to spot, with a clean wooden sign pointing the way.To get there, drive to Hanalei, then follow Highway 560 until it ends at the Ke’e Beach parking lot.Parking can be scarce, especially when tourists flood in, so it’s smart to arrive early-think sunrise, when the air’s still cool.The ideal time to hike the Kalalau Trail is in the dry season, usually from April through October.This time of year, the weather tends to settle, and you’re less likely to find the trail slick with mud after a rain.From November to March, heavier rains can sweep in, turning the trail slick and more dangerous.Always check the forecast before you set out-the weather here can flip in an hour under heavy, humid skies.Camping at Kalalau Beach rewards those who finish the hike with a remote stretch of sand and the sound of waves rolling in.
