Kalalau Trail

The 8 mile version to Hanakapiai falls was intense and gorgeous. A few years ago, I had taken a helicopter tour around the island and I’ve always wondered what it was like to be inside the valleys and coasts of Napali. Needless to say, every step and view of this trail was rewarding.
The coastal views took my breath away. You can see, hear, and smell the Pacific Ocean roar against the coastline. The valley hike was incredibly tropical and lush; Hawaii at its finest. At the end of the 4 mile walk, excitement builds as you approach the 300 foot Hanakapai waterfall. It is absolutely stunning and you begin to wonder if you are dreaming. We had lunch and a dip in the waterfall. We even saw someone get engaged at the falls!
Be sure to wear your best hiking boots, and utilize walking sticks. Check the weather — do not hike if it’s raining, because the small stream flash floods have taken lives.
I will go again! Stunning!

This might be a throw-​away review given the time involved but after seeing this trail on Unilocal,i felt I had to contribute.
I’ve hiked the Kalalau two times in the mid-1970’s. It was different back then, I think, based on what I’ve seen in reviews here and other places and in other media over the years. Back then, there was no access to the beach other than hiking the eleven miles which made it a pretty exclusive experience. No one was running Zodiac boats yet, at least not when I was there. When you hiked in, you were effectively on another planet.
The trail itself seems to be largely the same, which isn’t too surprising. When I hiked it, I had very little knowledge of what to expect. What I encountered was an occasionally brutal, spectacularly scenic hike that challenged me physically and made a lasting impression for its beauty and serenity. It was awesome.
I recall the trail winding in and out from the sea, and in and out between two extreme environments: hot and dry, then wet and shaded. The waterfall a couple of miles is spectacular. Scary drop-​offs. At a couple of places I stopped and sat with my legs dangling off a cliff with the sea 800 feet directly below.
Towards the end as we neared the beach, the trail became distinctly clothing-​optional. At the beach itself, it seemed not to be an option at all.
With both hikes, I’d say we encountered maybe a couple dozen people along the trail and at the beach. There were a few permanent residents up a bit in the valley.
Kalalau was nothing short of a life-​changing experience for me. I’d like to go back, but I can’t manage the hike anymore.

A hikers DREAM!
This is one of the best, most intense trails I have ever hiked. Not to mention the absolutely spectacular scenery and views you get along the trail! And we only did a portion!!!
We hiked the first leg to Hanakapi’ai Beach, and this was enough to give any amateurs a run for their money. Always be looking around at the views, but you may want to stop and look so you don’t fall, trip, or step off the side of the trail… So many vistas you’ll be feeling like you’re in Hawaii if you weren’t already. It’s really special because you have to unplug and explore — this is why we chose the garden isle for our trip! Make your way along the Napali coast and find the Hanakapi’ai Beach — be very careful swimming if you dare — very strong rip current! Hike inland and you get to Hanakapi’ai Falls, if you can make it! Woo wee! What a trail! Did I say it was intense? But it’s so fun! 2 miles to the beach, another 2 to the falls, and then 4 back — our feet were really hurting afterwards, but it was so worth it.
Goooood luck parking — and read all of the cautions before Daring the trail. It really does flood in spots and is super dangerous if the water is rushing so just wait out the rain and don’t try to be brave. People have died on this trail!

We’ve hiked this trail twice total and the second time really kicked our asses! With the heat and humidity in August, it was a little more strenuous than I remembered it being the first time when we went three years ago. We were determined to hike to the waterfall and actually jump in and swim this time around. Mission accomplished! The views are breathtaking.
Make sure to bring enough water to prepare for the water loss from sweating balls!

It’s difficult to rate this trail (if you want to do all 11 miles) because of its beauty but also its extreme danger. Honestly, if this trail was within the National Park Service’s jurisdiction, it would be closed beginning at mile 7. I consider myself an experienced hiker, but I turned around at mile 8 because I just didn’t think it was worth risking my life to complete a hike. I’ve done a 41 mile day hike, multiple 20 mile hikes, and Mt. Kilimanjaro, and this is the first time I have failed to complete a hike.
I looked at pictures of the same sections of the trail in 2006 and 2011 and the eroded section of the trail is much worse than it was before. I believe someone could be doing everything right and still fall to their death. There is one 20 – 30 foot section where the trail is on a 30 degree angle of loose pebbly soil sloping toward a cliff dropoff, and there is literally nothing to grab onto (no roots, no rocks, not even a tuft of grass). At one point, I was squatting and my sneakers slid down the gravel even though I wasn’t moving.
I would however recommend hiking to camp 2 (6 miles), and then taking the half mile side trip to the falls. The falls and coastline views are gorgeous. This is definitely a doable day hike, as long as you are able to handle about 6000 feet of elevation change (includes ups and downs).

As an avid hiker, I loved this hike. It’s 11 miles on a narrow exposed ledge. Beauty every direction. Bring water. A water pump. Make sure you get a permit. If you don’t, you probably won’t get caught, but if you enjoy it and want it maintained, then pay for the permit.
Once our group got to Kalalau beach the homeless bums and drug dealers made it very uncomfortable.
Other backpackers reported that their camp had been looted by the «hippies» and gear was stolen. And while we slept somebody came in our camp and left a threatening note about staying out of the valley. Even though we had permits for a few more days we packed up and left. It just didn’t feel safe. There’s no phone service or way to get out of there.
The state really needs to do something about the homeless and riffraff there to keep people safe.

The most beautiful place I have been in all my world travels.
To start with, this is an advanced trail, prime for adventurers. Yes you can do it barefoot and at night, I’ve done it. No it’s not easy.
You need a permit (it says on a sign) to go past the 2 mile checkpoint at Hanakapiai beach (don’t swim here, you will 95% die.) Also, when it is raining, this river flash floods and wipes people out. Be very careful!
This is a good time to evaluate your choice of whether or not you should just head back, go up to look at the waterfall (an extra 2 miles each way,) or brave the 11 more miles to Kalalau.
Once you get to 6 mile, there’s a campsite if you can’t make the whole trail in one day, or if you’re in mixed company, or just want to go slow and enjoy the scenery. You can fish for prawns here, I have found some every time I cross. You can also go up to a waterfall or down to a valley (very dangerous trek back up.)
Now comes the treacherous part, or so I have been told. I think this is one of the more dangerous trails in Hawaii that’s semi legal, because anyone who has gone up the mountain ridges and trailblazed their own would say this is moderately difficult at best. Don’t get thrown by the steep edges, just fall left going in, or fall right going out. Or don’t fall.
At the 12 mile point, you’re at Red Hill overlooking Kalalau. Break out the camera and take a picture of your sweaty mug with the sign because I guarantee that once you go down this steep and surprisingly long hill, you won’t climb back up until you leave. Past that is a passion fruit orchard and a raging river. Don’t cross it when it’s raining, you will die (see the pattern here?)
Then, finally, the heaiau and then Kalalau beach. There are camping sites for those with permits (your brought a permit, right? :D) and then there are sand caves for everyone else.
NOTE: There are no sand caves in winter. They have filled up with boulders and seawater. Usually.
There’s also a sweet waterfall shower here. People always drink out of this and yes, that’s fine. Until you climb up and find out that frogs breed and poop right above you in the pond at the top.
If you choose to go into the valley, beware of heavy rain. It will flash flood so hard and fast, you will see waterfalls going UP and cascading off the cliff sides down to where you are standing. Run. Fast.
Last but not least, bring lots of food. The water is pure past 6 mile, if you know what you are doing, otherwise bring a filter. And always pack out what you pack in.
It’s all totally worth it. I will return!!!

This was a beautiful hike. There are a few different options for doing this (I think the full trail is about 11 miles long). We did the popular 8-​mile round-​trip, where you hike in 2 miles to a beach, another 2 to the Falls, and 4 miles back. I wasn’t sure what to expect as lots of the reviews were saying it was a very difficult hike and that the 2 miles from the beach to the falls was a bit technical, but did not elaborate on what technical exactly means to those of us not familiar with hiking terminology.
First, I would advise wearing shoes with support (meaning no sandals or toe shoes). I would also suggest planning on taking 6hrs for the hike alone to the falls and back. Thus if you want to spend an hour at the beach and falls, I would plan a total of 8hrs. We were going pretty slow (to enjoy the wonderful views, etc) and it took about 2.5hrs to the falls, and about 2.5−3hrs back.
As for the actual hike itself, the first 2 miles to the beach has a lot of elevation. You’ll be hiking up a lot, then back down and back up and back down. It’s not that bad unless you’re really out of shape. The second 2 miles to the falls is the technical part. «Technical» meaning you’ll have to cross several rivers on wet rocks, scale up the side of steep (muddy) hills, and navigate some very rocky terrain. Some spots it definitely helps a lot to have both hands free to steady yourself on branches and other rocks. The 2 miles back to the beach from the falls doesn’t feel bad and you’re starting to think this hike wasn’t bad at all. But let me tell you, those last 2 miles back to the parking lot from the beach are brutal.
We kind of had the impression that the beach would be secluded and private and the falls would be quiet, but couldn’t have been more wrong. This is a very popular hike (for locals and visitors) and the trail was packed, as were both of the scenic spots. It’s still totally worth it (just don’t expect to have the views to yourself)

This trail will be more technical than you expect. It feels like 5 mile round trip rather than 4 because of the rocky slippery path. It’s absolutely beautiful but not for flip flop or Vans wearing hikers. Wear your lace up grippy boots and be prepared to fall on your bottom.

The Na Pali coast is amazing and what I really love is that this side of the island has never been developed (they tried and some of the construction equipment is still stuck up there). Although we took a boat tour to see this side of the island, I think this trail is the much better option.
The trail is 11 miles, but we only hiked a portion (about 4 miles) of it since we were on a time schedule. Boo. We totally plan to go back and do the whole thing and maybe camp over night (you need a permit and that’s my limit for camping, 1 night).
We did this in November, so the weather was perfect. Its all about the scenery. There were people, but I didn’t find it too crowded. (we were able to find parking in the lot, so that’s probably an indication that I was there when it was less crowded). I’d recommend snacks, water, good shoes & sunscreen.

I didn’t get to do a lot of hikes while on Kauai, but this is one I really wish I had more time for!
Parking is plentiful and showers and facilities are available at the beginning of the trail (which is also beach access for those who just wanna chill!) They have clearly marked signs and maps at the beginning of the trail that were VERY helpful and even included estimated times for each trail.
According to the maps, it’ll take about 2 hours one way on the trail to reach the beach, then another few hours to reach the end where the waterfall is. This is going to take all day, so plan accordingly! The last thing anyone wants is to be rescued. That is, if your cell phone even has reception out there…
Bring lots of water and a big sun hat because you will be exposed to the sun for a lot of the trail, and when you’re lucky enough to have trees shading you, you will be walking over water coming from the mountains. Be prepared for all the elements!

What they don’t tell you — Its absolutely all steep uphill in the beginning! It’s not the smooth uphill either… There are some big steps, and big rocks to go over… Think of it as a one giant Stairmasters. Which also means, at the end when you’re tired, its also all downhill… Therefore, its not for someone with knee problems.
Once you get past the first portion tho, the views are absolutely amazing. It does level off a bit, before going down and up again. Weather can be fickle at times, and the dirt gets quite muddy & slippery after a little bit of drizzle. We had the sun going toward the waterfall, and rain on the way back. It’s a completely different view when you have the sun vs rain cloud. Both beautiful, but I was glad to have taken lots of pics when I had the sun.
I felt like an absolute tourist when I find myself sweating in my full on REI hiking outfit, and then you see a local person in swim trunks run past you, bare footed, carrying a 6’6″ surfboard. Like, really? I am such a weak sauce. :-/​
We only made it to the beach. Once we got there, it was like the clouds parted, the trumpet sounded, and woahhhh. we found a secret beach! (that is not so secret). It’s so worth the ½ day hike. Gorgeous.
I would recommend those hiking shoes that you can get wet. Or bring a towel to dry your feet (and sweat & rain) after crossing little streams. There is a bathroom just above the 1^st beach, but bring your own tissue. Bring plenty of water & snacks for a fabulous beach picnic. :)