hike Na Pali in Hawaii with kids

Often included on lists of “best hikes in the world” — deservedly — is the Kalalau Trail on Kauai. It’s widely considered the best hike in Hawaii.

Many non-hiking tourists get a taste of the Kalalau by doing the challenging first 2mi (3.2km) from the trailhead at Ke’e Beach through to gorgeous Hanakapiai Beach.

Ke’e Beach

Hanakapiai Beach

We took a group of kids. Everyone enjoyed the adventure. All had a great day.

But I was somewhat shocked how unprepared many are on this day hike. This is a very dangerous adventure in many ways.

In fact, on the way out we met one woman with a lower body injury of some kind. The Fire Department was hiking in to evacuate her with this rig:

In other spots on the Kalalau Trail they evacuate by helicopter.

Fantastic hike for everyone, including kids. But please people, be careful on the Na Pali coast.

See the rest of our photos from that day hike on flickr.

details on the side trip to Hanakapi’ai Falls – Trailspotting

more information – Kauai Explorer