Kalalau Trail Overlook Kauai
Iconic overlook offering dramatic panoramas of Kauai's Na Pali Coast and Kalalau Valley.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best chance for clear views
Kalalau Trail Overlook Kauai
Best Time
Best chance for clear views
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Iconic overlook offering dramatic panoramas of Kauai's Na Pali Coast and Kalalau Valley.
"The views are incredible and unmatched. It is picture perfect and looks great with or without the fog."
Check the Weather First! :cloud:
Fog and rain can completely hide the view. Visit multiple times if possible for the best chance.
Limited Parking: Arrive Early :car:
Parking is scarce, especially during peak times. Consider going early or late.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kalalau Valley Panorama
Kalalau Trail Overlook
Gaze upon the iconic Kalalau Valley and the dramatic Na Pali Coast from this stunning vantage point.
Sunset Spectacle
Kalalau Trail Overlook
Witness a magical sunset painting the sky over the rugged coastline.
Double Rainbows
Kalalau Trail Overlook
If you're lucky, you might catch a rare and stunning double rainbow over the valley.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Permits & Parking Hurdles
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Check the Weather First! :cloud:
Fog and rain can completely hide the view. Visit multiple times if possible for the best chance. +1
Limited Parking: Arrive Early :car:
Parking is scarce, especially during peak times. Consider going early or late. +1
Permit for Hiking: Plan Ahead :ticket:
Day hiking the Kalalau Trail requires permits, which are hard to get. Book months in advance!
Bring Layers :wind_chime:
Weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for sun, rain, and wind.
Tips
from all over the internet
Check the Weather First! :cloud:
Fog and rain can completely hide the view. Visit multiple times if possible for the best chance. +1
Limited Parking: Arrive Early :car:
Parking is scarce, especially during peak times. Consider going early or late. +1
Permit for Hiking: Plan Ahead :ticket:
Day hiking the Kalalau Trail requires permits, which are hard to get. Book months in advance!
Bring Layers :wind_chime:
Weather can change rapidly. Be prepared for sun, rain, and wind.
Picnic Spot Available :sandwich:
There are picnic tables and restrooms at the overlook for a break.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the unparalleled, breathtaking views of the Na Pali Coast from the Kalalau Trail Overlook, calling it 'picture perfect' and 'spectacular.' The scenic drive through Waimea Canyon is also a highlight. However, weather can be a significant factor, with fog and rain frequently obscuring the vista, leading some to plan return visits. Limited parking and potential fees are also noted.
"The dead end Look out on your trip through the Waimea Canyon and kokee State Park scenic driving.
To get to the famous Lookout point takes about an hour drive with no Stops. I was really hoping to see this famous overlook of the Na pali coast. However, it was raining and full of fog when I went. I realize halfway up the drive, but I was committed to hopefully see the clouds part and see some Beautiful scenery.
Either way it was a really nice drive and I got to see nice fog. Just kidding when I was ready to walk back to my car it started pouring rain thank you to the restroom for giving me shelter.
Definitely coming back here again.
Just remember to pay for your Parking.
$5 For each person plus another five for your car"
Michelle Mariano
"An epic drive that takes you to an even more epic view. Construction on the mountain road takes traffic down to one lane at times. Parking at the lookout is limited. It seemed as if there was a charge to go to the lookout spot from the parking lot (even though it is only 100ft from the lot). This was not enforced afaik.
The views are incredible and unmatched. It is picture perfect and looks great with or without the fog."
K
"This beautiful lookout provides a stunning view of the Na Pali Coast from above. It's incredible to see how high up you are, even spotting small tour helicopters far below. The view is truly spectacular. This particular lookout offers picnic tables and restrooms. We visited in early May, and this was the last point accessible by car; the road ahead was closed. You can reach the other lookouts only by hiking."
Shahbaz Salehi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The overlook is accessible by car via Waimea Canyon Road and Kokee Road. It's the last parking lot before the road closure. The drive itself is scenic, often compared to the drive up Mauna Kea. +1
The road is generally open, but construction can cause one-lane traffic. The road ahead of the main overlook is often closed, requiring hiking to reach further viewpoints. +1
The drive from the base can take about an hour without stops, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Yes, you can drive to the Kalalau Trailhead parking lot, which is the starting point for the hike.
Public transportation is not readily available to reach this remote overlook. A rental car is highly recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No permit is required to visit the overlook itself. However, permits are essential for hiking the Kalalau Trail beyond the first two miles.
Yes, there is typically a parking fee for vehicles, and sometimes an additional per-person fee, though enforcement can vary.
The overlook is generally accessible during daylight hours. It's best to visit when there's sufficient light for viewing.
Expect to pay a parking fee, which can be around $5 per person and $5 per car.
Permits for the Kalalau Trail are available online through the official state park website (gohanaena.com) and sell out very quickly.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon offer the best light for photography, with potential for dramatic sunsets. However, clear skies are crucial.
A wide-angle lens is ideal for capturing the expansive valley and coastline. A polarizing filter can help with glare on sunny days.
Drone usage is generally restricted in Hawaii's state parks. Check current regulations before flying.
Yes, fog can create a mystical and moody atmosphere, offering unique photographic opportunities.
The main viewpoint offers the classic panorama. Look for different angles along the railing for varied shots.
🎫 🚶 Onsite Experience
The primary activity is enjoying the stunning views of the Kalalau Valley and Na Pali Coast. There are also picnic areas and restrooms.
The overlook itself is easily accessible from the parking lot. The difficulty comes if you choose to hike the Kalalau Trail, which is strenuous.
Yes, restrooms are available at the main overlook area. +1
Wear comfortable walking shoes, layers of clothing, and bring rain gear as weather can change quickly.
Allow at least 1-2 hours to soak in the views, take photos, and potentially wait for clouds to clear.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1Pack snacks and drinks, as amenities are limited. Be prepared for changing weather conditions, and ensure children stay within safe viewing areas. The sheer drop-offs are significant. Consider visiting during clearer weather for the best visual experience for kids.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
Be aware of potential traffic delays due to construction and limited parking. If the weather is poor, consider visiting again later in the day or on another day for a clearer view. The overlook offers restrooms and picnic areas, making it a good spot for a brief rest.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Bring your widest lenses to capture the scale of the valley. Consider a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures. Remember that permits are required for any hiking beyond the immediate overlook area.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Kalalau Trail: A Hiker's Challenge
+2Permits are absolutely essential for hiking the Kalalau Trail beyond the first two miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach. These permits are released 90 days in advance and sell out within seconds, making them incredibly difficult to obtain. Many visitors attempt to secure them multiple times before succeeding.
+1Even if you don't have a permit for the full hike, the first two miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach are open for day use (with a permit) and offer a taste of the trail's stunning scenery, including lush jungle and coastal views.
+1Navigating Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park
+1As you ascend, the landscape changes, becoming more lush and dramatic. The roads can be winding and narrow, with occasional construction causing delays. It's a scenic drive that builds anticipation for the breathtaking vistas at the higher elevations.
Kokee State Park offers additional lookouts and trails, with the Kalalau Trail Overlook being the furthest accessible by car. Beyond this point, further exploration of the Na Pali Coast requires hiking.
Capturing the Magic: Photography Tips
A wide-angle lens is highly recommended to encompass the vastness of the valley and coastline. Consider a polarizing filter to enhance colors and reduce glare on sunny days. Be prepared for rapidly changing weather; fog can create dramatic, moody scenes, while clear skies reveal the full grandeur.
Remember that parking is limited, so arriving early or staying late might offer more photographic opportunities without the crowds. Always be mindful of safety and stay within designated viewing areas.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit