About

The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile (one way) backpacking trail located in Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai. The trail was originally constructed in the 1800’s, though construction technically continues to this day due to occasional mudslides and washouts. At that time, there were still settlements along the coastline, and the original trail linked these settlements together.

Many sections of the trail are very narrow and steep. Erosion happens relatively easily here, so rains can occasionally cause sections of the trail to fall away.

At the end of the trail lies the Kalalau Valley and Kalalau Beach. The valley is surrounded by 2,000 ft. fluted cliffs, and was once inhabited by native Hawaiians even into the 20th century. At one point, its inhabitants numbered in the thousands. Some of their agriculture — like mango, guava, and cherry tomato — is still prevalent today.

Many of the walls making up their terraced gardens still exist. Please respect Kalalau by packing out your trash and never manipulating the stones that make up the walls. This place holds a deep history and culture for the Hawaiian people.

The trailhead for the Kalalau Trail lies adjacent to Ke`e Beach in Hāʻena State Park.

Hāʻena State Park is reached by traveling north/northwest up Highway-560. The most convenient ways to reach the trailhead are:

• Parking at Hāʻena State Park (limited to 100 stalls)

• Taking the Kaua'i North Shore Shuttle which requires a transportation ticket.

I recommend taking the shuttle. It runs along the coast all the way to Princeville. However, if you are not staying along the northern coast, you may need transportation to this area of the island.

If you drive yourself to Hāʻena State Park, you will encounter 1-lane bridges. Proper etiquette dictates that 7 vehicles from one direction cross the bridge, and then 7 vehicles from the other direction cross the bridge.

Many cab companies will not operate past Princeville, and some won’t even go that far. Services like Uber are spotty on the northern side of the island. If you are needing a cab, call various cab companies as soon as you arrive on the island. You will eventually find one willing to drive you to the northern coast. Make plans with a cab company for both drop-off and pick-up times. Expect to spend upwards of $100 each way, if riding all the way to Hāʻena State Park.

There is no cell service in Hāʻena State Park!!!

Click here to visit Google Maps.

General Information

The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile (one way) backpacking trail located in Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park extending from Ke`e Beach to Kalalau Beach. Many sections of the trail are very narrow and steep. The fluted cliffs are made of basalt rock and compacted mud. As you hike the trail, you may notice a few sections where the trail has previously washed out. The land erodes relatively easily here.

These fluted cliffs extend out into the ocean like “blades.” Usually, when the trail reaches a blade tip, you will have expansive views of the coastline. Conversely, when between two blades, you will be hiking through the jungle. The jungle is noticeably more humid.

A couple important things to remember about these blades:

1. In general, the the trail will ascend (hiking in) on the east side of a blade, and the trail will descend (hiking in) on the west side of a blade.

2. In the morning, the east side of a blade will receive direct sunlight. In the afternoon, the west side of a blade will receive direct sunlight.

Use this information to maximize comfort while hiking.

Trail Synopsis

Your hike will begin at Ke`e Beach at a set of rugged rock stairs. There is an invasive species of pine all throughout this area. Since this area is adjacent to the beach and the first 2 miles of the trail do not require the Kalalau Permit, you will experience a lot of people in this area.

The views will pretty quickly open up, and you will experience your first view of the coast. This is the scene you see scattered all over the internet. As good as these views are, these aren’t remotely close to the best views you’ll be seeing. The first half of the trail’s coastline is quite straight — limiting your view. The second half of the trail follows a more concave coastline and provides more expansive views.

After 2 miles, you will reach Hanakāpīʻai Beach. Crossing Hanakāpīʻai Stream to the beach is very safe most of the time. You can wade through the shin/knee-deep water or attempt to hop across the rocks.

Always be wary of the stream’s flow rate. This stream can become very dangerous, especially for day hikers unprepared for extended stays at the beach due to inclement weather. Do not attempt to cross this stream once the flow rate becomes dangerous. You are not stronger than the water.

It is also worth acknowledging the currents at this beach. You will see people venturing into the water, but I recommend against it. Almost 100 people have died at this beach from the currents. There is also a sign warning beachgoers of the deaths that have occurred.

It’s at this point day hikers may hike inland to Hanakāpīʻai Falls, but you’ll be heading to the start of mile 3 of the Kalalau Trail. It is a good idea to drink some water and replace your consumed water with filtered water. I only remember two reasonable sources of water between this beach and the Hanakoa campground.

The start of mile 3 will be your first trip into the jungle. Personally, I think the first half-mile of mile 3 is the most difficult of the hike. It is uphill, exposed to direct sunlight in the morning, and very humid.

Not too long after the ascent, you will reach the gate in the adjacent photograph — and beyond it your first truly jaw-dropping view of the trail. As you began mile 3, you may have felt a sense of loneliness leaving all the people behind as you entered the jungle, but this moment will give you a sense of adventure that clears your mind of any doubt.

The trail will be primarily jungle hiking with the occasional view of the coast until you reach the Hanakoa campground.

Hanakoa campground only contains about a half-dozen campsites, and you are limited to a 1-night stay. The campground has composting toilets and a picnic table. Bring your own toilet paper because the composting toilets are not well stocked.

Hanakoa campground is adjacent to Hanakoa Stream. The stream is cold and a great relief from the heat. Many people will sit in the stream on rocks — or at least cool their feet and ankles. It’s a great place to meet other hikers and rest.

You may also choose to hike the .5 miles inland to Hanakoa Falls.

About a half-mile past Hanakoa campground, you will leave the jungle for a pretty impressive section of the trail, including the notorious Crawler’s Ledge.

Crawler’s Ledge is a stretch of rocky coastline only a few feet in width. The ledge is only about 100 feet from the water, but the water immediately below is scattered with rock. Most of the time, this ledge is not truly dangerous. However, rains can make the rock very slippery, and winds can make balance quite difficult.

Not far beyond Crawler’s Ledge, the coastline becomes more concave. You will experience amazing, expansive views of Nāpali all the way to Kalalau Beach.

Up until now in the synopsis, I’ve tried to shield you from the impressive views so you can experience them for the first time in person. However, at this point in the trail, there is truly nowhere you can hide from them.

The Kalalau Trail — unlike most things — will always surpass the hype. It’s one of the few times in my life where no amount of anticipation can diminish the result. This section of trail will ruin other journeys for you.

The rest of the hike is a rollercoaster of water, cliffs, and views.

There are some sections I consider to be more dangerous than Crawler’s Ledge. They are thinner, significantly higher in altitude, and made entirely of mud.

On my hike out, one such section had about a foot of trail collapse and fall away. I had to hop over that section to continue.

Many people I met at Kalalau Beach were dreading the hike out more than the hike in because they now knew what to expect. Those with acrophobia will have a very difficult time with parts of the trail.

However, the trail is generally safe if you make common sense decisions and pay attention to where you’re stepping. So it goes.

As you enter Kalalau, you’ll be welcomed by a beautiful sign. The view opens up and the majestic Kalalau Valley lay before you.

The final stretch of trail is a somewhat steep descent all the way down to the beach.

Congratulations! You’ve made it to Kalalau Beach!

You can camp anywhere under the canopy. The space will feel almost limitless. To protect the park, only 60 permits per day are available, but many more could fit in the designated camping area.

Before you erect your tent, follow the trail all the way to the waterfall at the end of the trail so you can scout out which location you’d most prefer. There are a few prime spots at the edge of the canopy with views of the beach.

The composting toilets are near the end of the trail. Bring your own toilet paper as the composting toilets are not well stocked. The waterfall also doubles as a shower. There are tubes you can handhold to catch the water and create a makeshift shower head.

You will find many stone terraces created by the people who once inhabited this area. Do not manipulate the stones for any reason. These stones represent a deep history and culture for the Hawaiian people, and should be treated with the same respect you would show any cultural site.

Because of the terraced gardens, there is wild fruit all around. There are caves to explore at the far end of the beach. Carefully time your excursions around the bend because the bend is completely cut off well prior to high tide.

There’s not a large variety of activities to do at Kalalau Beach, but short of running out of food supplies, you will never want to leave. This place is Heaven.