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One of the best hikes in the world

Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau is on the Nā Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. The best hike in the State.

AT A GLANCE

Kauai

11mi (18km)
hike any month of the year
trail sometimes closed due to weather
maximum elevation gain 800ft
Keʻe Beach to the Kalalau Valley
can be done as a long day hike though officially you are only allowed to day hike as far as Hankapiai beach
3 days, 2 nights recommended
most people camp at least one night at either Hanakoa Valley (6 mile mark) or Kalalau Beach.
in Nā Pali Coast State Park
limited number of permits issued for camping
one of our top 10 coastal hikes of the world

Why We Like This Hike

Kuaui is known as the “Garden Isle”, perhaps the best hiking island in Hawaii
the Kalalau is inaccessible to vehicles
remote, beautiful and challenging
otherworldly, weird and wonderful jungle vistas

side trip to Hanakoa Falls
you may see wild goats
remote sand beaches
temperatures seldom drop below 60°F nor does it get too hot
tenting in paradise

rumours of nude women showering under those falls turned out to be true

Considerations

often included on lists of “dangerous” hikes, though risks are often exaggerated. It’s not risky in good weather.
the main “danger” is falling off cliff edge trails
Kauai literally means “the cliffs“
one section is known as “crawler’s ledge”. It can be tricky in rain and mud.
bring the trekking poles
falling rocks are a slight risk too

3 stream crossings: Hanakapiai, Hanakoa and Kalalau
flash flooding is possible
In February 2013 a woman drowned while trying to cross Hanakapiai stream during a flash flood. 54 hikers were stranded overnight.
In April 2014 The Kauai Fire Department had to rescue 121 hikers over a two-day period when streams became impassable because of heavy rain.
In December 2014, 62 hikers who ignored the closed trail sign had to be airlifted out by the Kauai Fire Department when streams became impassable because of heavy rain
February 2014 another woman drowned when she attempted to cross Hanakoa stream during heavy rains and flash flooding.
in case of emergency, someone must hike out for help or signal a passing helicopter or boat. There is no cellular phone coverage for the Nāpali Coast.
Tsunamis are an infrequent, but great hazard
sections can be muddy. Shoes that grip and fit well are key. Be prepared to get dirty.
ocean conditions can be dangerous
there are no Rangers, no lifeguards
rugged location makes help and rescue challenging. We saw one injured hiker rolled out in something that looked half stretcher, half wheelbarrow 😦

treat the water, just in case
use the composting toilets at Hanakapai’ai Beach (2mi), Hanakoa (6mi) and at Kalalau (11mi)
all water sensitive items must be kept in waterproof bags. This is a very rainy part of the world.
camping on Hankapiai beach not allowed
Kalalau Valley has a fair number of permanent and semi-permanent “residents” who are illegal squatters. They may approach you to check if you have any unwanted extra food.
leaving vehicles overnight at the trailhead is not recommended. Vandalism and theft are fairly common problems in Hawaii. Here are some transportation options.

Cost

Permits often sell out and can sell out up to a year in advance for the most popular days. Get yours as early as possible. $20/day/person out-of-State and $15/day/person for Hawaii residents (2015).

Purchase a camping permit online or in person at any State Parks district office.

Trekking Guides

You don’t need a guide to hike Kalalau. Do it independently.

Logistics

Anyone can day hike. Simply arrive at the trailhead. Then walk the 2 miles from Keʻe Beach to Hanakapiai stream and beach. And back. It’s always busy with tourists.

You can add the side trip to Hanakoa Falls, if you like, without any permit.

If you want to hike past Hanakapiai:

obtain a camping permit from the DLNR – (808) 274-3444
if you are cited for no permit, you’ll be required to show up in court. A conviction will result in a criminal record in addition to penalties.
permits are limited to 5 consecutive nights maximum though you’ll meet people who have overstayed