Kalalau Trail
A legendary 22-mile trek along Kauai's Na Pali Coast, offering dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and remote beaches. A true test of endurance and spirit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Trail conditions are best
Kalalau Trail
Best Time
Trail conditions are best
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary 22-mile trek along Kauai's Na Pali Coast, offering dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and remote beaches. A true test of endurance and spirit.
"This is the best hike I have ever accomplished in my life and strongly recommend!"
🎒 Pack Light, Pack Smart
Secure your pack to avoid shifting on narrow trails. Prioritize essentials for a 22-mile trek.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Invest in good hiking boots with excellent traction. Avoid sandals or flip-flops; they are dangerous here.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hanakapi'ai Falls
Mile 2 of the trail
A stunning 300-foot waterfall accessible via an 8-mile roundtrip hike. A refreshing reward after a challenging trek.
Crawler's Ledge
Past mile 6
A notorious, narrow section of the trail with sheer drop-offs. A true test of nerve and balance for experienced hikers.
Kalalau Beach
End of the trail (mile 11)
A remote, pristine beach offering unparalleled beauty and a sense of accomplishment after the long hike.
Kalalau Lookout
Near the start of the trail
Offers breathtaking panoramic views of the Kalalau Valley and the dramatic Na Pali Coastline.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Permits Are Essential
Safety First on a Challenging Trail
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack Light, Pack Smart
Secure your pack to avoid shifting on narrow trails. Prioritize essentials for a 22-mile trek.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Invest in good hiking boots with excellent traction. Avoid sandals or flip-flops; they are dangerous here.
💧 Water Filter Recommended
Plenty of water sources exist, but bring a filter to stay hydrated without carrying excessive weight.
🏕️ Best Campsites at Kalalau
Sites after the second bathroom offer better access to water and the waterfall for cleaning.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack Light, Pack Smart
Secure your pack to avoid shifting on narrow trails. Prioritize essentials for a 22-mile trek.
🥾 Sturdy Footwear is Key
Invest in good hiking boots with excellent traction. Avoid sandals or flip-flops; they are dangerous here.
💧 Water Filter Recommended
Plenty of water sources exist, but bring a filter to stay hydrated without carrying excessive weight.
🏕️ Best Campsites at Kalalau
Sites after the second bathroom offer better access to water and the waterfall for cleaning.
🌈 Double Rainbows Often Appear
The trail is known for its stunning double rainbows, especially when it opens to the ocean.
⚠️ Be Aware of Dangers
The trail is challenging and can be dangerous, especially in wet conditions. Take your time and be safe.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Kalalau Trail is an overwhelmingly positive, yet intensely challenging, experience. Hikers rave about the unparalleled beauty of the Na Pali Coast, the sense of accomplishment, and the remote paradise of Kalalau Beach. However, many also emphasize its extreme difficulty, the need for meticulous preparation, and the constant awareness of potential dangers.
"We did this on Aug 18th. The trail was solid and dry. The air was permeated with the fragrance of tropical flowers and fruits with the insects chirping out a symphony. There were double rainbows at every turn when the trail opens up to the ocean.
We only brought 3 liters of water so we just made it to the beach. But this was one of the best hikes I have done. I call it the trail of rainbows."
Brian Teng
"A breathtaking but strenuous trail. It was a wonderful experience. There are amazing views along the way. I recommend hiking sticks and good shoes. We didn't go to the very end of the trail and returned to the trailhead after a bit more than three hours."
Walter R
"This trailhead is the start to a very nice hike to one of the most popular waterfalls in Kauai. This trail also leads to a beach and experiencing the NaPali coast if you hike the full route. But on this day, I only went to Hanakapaiai Falls, an easy 7 mile hike. You have to use the shuttle to reach this trailhead, and permits are required to enter Haena State Park, for the hiking, and to proceed past Hanakapaiai Beach on the Kalalau Trail."
LC 444
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Kalalau Trail begins at Ke'e Beach in Ha'ena State Park. Access to the park requires a reservation and often involves taking a shuttle bus, as parking is extremely limited.
Parking at Ha'ena State Park is very limited and requires advance reservations. Most visitors opt for the shuttle service to reach the trailhead.
You can drive to Ha'ena State Park, but parking is scarce and requires reservations. The shuttle is the most reliable way to access the trailhead.
The Napali Coast Trailhead is the Kalalau Trail, located at the end of the road in Ha'ena State Park. Reservations are mandatory for park entry.
The drive to Ha'ena State Park can take about an hour from Lihue, depending on traffic. The shuttle service also takes a similar amount of time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, a permit is absolutely required for the Kalalau Trail, especially if you plan to hike beyond the first 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach. Permits are difficult to obtain and sell out quickly.
Permits are released 90 days in advance at midnight and sell out almost instantly. You'll need to be persistent and try multiple times on the official reservation website.
You can hike the first 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach without a permit, but you must have a permit to go further along the trail.
There are entrance fees for Ha'ena State Park, and these are separate from the hiking permits. Check the official website for current pricing.
Day-use permits are required for Ha'ena State Park, which includes access to the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail. Full Kalalau Trail permits are for overnight camping.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The Kalalau Trail is considered strenuous and one of the most dangerous hikes in the US. It's a 22-mile roundtrip with significant elevation changes and challenging terrain. 
The full 22-mile trail typically takes 2-3 days for backpackers. Day hikers often go to Hanakapi'ai Beach (4 miles roundtrip) or Hanakapi'ai Falls (8 miles roundtrip).
Wear sturdy hiking boots with good traction. Layers are recommended as weather can change quickly. Bring rain gear and sun protection.
Yes, there are water sources along the trail, particularly near campsites. It is highly recommended to bring a water filter or purification tablets.
The Kalalau Trail is generally not recommended for beginners due to its difficulty and inherent dangers. Experienced hikers with proper preparation are advised.
📸 📸 Photography
Look for viewpoints along the trail that open up to the Na Pali Coast, especially around mile 2 (Hanakapi'ai Beach), mile 6 (Crawler's Ledge views), and the final destination of Kalalau Beach.
Sunrise and sunset offer dramatic lighting for the Na Pali Coast. Midday can be harsh, but the lush greenery and waterfalls are beautiful year-round.
Drone usage is typically restricted in Hawaii's state and national parks. Check the specific regulations for Ha'ena State Park and the Kalalau Trail before flying.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive coastal views. A sturdy tripod can be useful for low-light conditions or long exposures. Protect your gear from rain and moisture.
Kalalau Beach itself offers stunning sunset views, dramatic sea stacks, and the iconic red dirt hills in the background.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 However, families can enjoy a portion of the trail by hiking the first 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach or the 8-mile roundtrip to Hanakapi'ai Falls.For these day hikes, ensure children have appropriate footwear and are supervised closely. The waterfall pool areas can be safer for swimming than directly under the falls, but be aware of falling rocks.
🎒 Budget Backpackers
To save money, focus on carrying your own food and utilizing the natural water sources with a water filter.
🏃♀️ Trail Runners
Many runners opt to run it as an out-and-back in a single day, a feat that showcases incredible endurance.Key considerations for runners include lightweight gear, hydration packs, and trail running shoes with aggressive grip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Na Pali Coast Trail
Preparation is paramount. Securing a permit is the first hurdle, as they are highly sought after and sell out rapidly.
The reward for this arduous journey is unparalleled natural beauty. From the cascading Hanakapi'ai Falls
Permit Acquisition: The Ultimate Challenge
It's crucial to use the official state park reservation website (often referred to as GoHaena.com or similar) for these permits. Be aware that third-party sites may exist, but always verify you are on the legitimate portal to avoid scams. The permits cover overnight camping and are essential for hiking beyond the first two miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach.
For day use of Ha'ena State Park, including the initial section of the trail, separate reservations and fees apply, which also need to be booked in advance.If you don't secure a permit for the full trail, don't despair. The first two miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach offer a rewarding day hike with stunning coastal views and access to a beautiful, albeit often rough, beach. Many visitors find this section alone to be a worthwhile experience.
Safety and Preparedness on the Trail
Crawler's Ledge, a narrow section past mile 6, is particularly notorious and requires extreme caution.Water management is critical. While there are water sources along the trail, relying solely on them without a purification method is risky. Carrying a water filter or purification tablets is highly recommended, allowing you to refill your bottles from streams and waterfalls safely.
In case of emergencies, cell service is unreliable. Inform someone of your hiking plans and expected return time. Be prepared for changing conditions; rain can transform dry paths into treacherous mudslides in minutes. Respect the trail, your limits, and the power of nature to ensure a safe and memorable adventure.
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