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The hike to the Ke'e Beach Overlook along the Kalalau Trail results in this epic view over the Kauai beach

Day Hike

Looking to day hike the famed Na Pali Coast of Kauai?

The full Na Pali Coast hike along the Kalalau Trail is 11 miles one way from the trailhead in Haena State Park, and is a multi-day backpacking trip for almost all hikers.

But fit hikers that want to experience the beauty of the Na Pali Coast up close on a day hike can hike a part of the famous Na Pali Coast trail.

A view of the Na Pali cliffs from the Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii
A view of the Na Pali cliffs from the Kalalau Trail

There are great views along much of the trail, so even on a short foray on the Kalalau Trail you will be rewarded with some of those epic views of the cliffs and coastline.

You can hike any length of the Kalalau Trail on your day hike, but know that going beyond Hanakapiai Beach on the trail requires a permit even if you do not plan to camp.

Below we describe the hikes visitors usually do as Na Pali Coast day hikes, from the easiest to the most challenging.

Ke’e Beach Overlook (0.5 mile one way)

Length: 0.9 mile round trip, out and back
Elevation change: ~ 430 feet
Difficulty: Moderate

Hiking just one-half of a mile along the Kalalau Trail brings you to a viewpoint from where you get sensational views over Ke’e Beach.

Ke'e Beach Overlook Kalalau Trail Kauai Hawaii
Looking out over Ke’e Beach and the Pacific ocean from the Kalalau Trail

The easiest of the day likes along the Na Pali Coast, this short hike is still by no means a walk in the park. Considered moderate, it is doable for relatively fit visitors.

Note that the trail starts climbing almost as soon as you leave the trailhead, so wear shoes with good grip and bring along your trekking poles or pick up sticks at the trailhead if they are available.

From the overlook, you look back over Ke’e Beach, which you left at the start of your hike. The view of the sandy beach, the ocean with little white curves of surf, and the coconut palms that fringe the beach all make for a wonderful view.

Allow about an hour to hike to the overlook and back, with some time to enjoy the views and snap photos.

Hanakapia’ai Beach (2 miles one way)

Length: 4 miles round trip, out and back
Elevation change: ~ 1,100 feet
Difficulty: Challenging

Golden-sand Hanakapi’ai Beach along the Na Pali Coast is a popular destination for day hikers that want a more immersive experience along the Kalalau Trail.

This Na Pali Coast day hike involves a steep ascent to the ridge line at the start and ends with an equally steep descent into the Hanakapiai Valley and Hanakapiai Beach and is only for fit hikers.

Hanakapiai Beach, Na Pali Coast, Kauai, HI
Boulder-strewn Hanakapiai Beach

The trail follows the coastline and offers gorgeous views over the ocean as well as views of the fluted Na Pali cliffs.

Be sure to stop to snap photos of Ke’e Beach at the 0.5-mile viewpoint, and photos of the Na Pali cliffs at the 1-mile mark. The row of overlapping cliffs, rising straight up from the ocean, make an indelible impression on a nice weather day.

When you descend into the valley, you will have to cross the Hanakapiai Stream before you get to the beach. Make sure water levels are low and non-murky before you cross.

Hanakapiai Beach is a boulder-strewn picture postcard beach, among the prettiest of the Na Pali Coast beaches.

But beware of the currents and riptides here. A marker shows the grim tally of drownings at the beach. Be smart and stay safely above the water line.

You’ll see many cairns on the beach, built by hikers: we do not recommend disturbing the natural beauty of the beach with man-made boulder stacks so please don’t add to them!

Allow 2.5 to 3 hours to hike to Hanakapiai Beach and back, snap photos en route, enjoy the scenery at the beach, and maybe have a snack or a drink.

Hanakapi’ai Falls (4 miles one way)

Length: 8 miles round trip, out and back
Elevation change: ~ 2,480 feet
Difficulty: Challenging

A more challenging but nonetheless popular day hike along the Na Pali Coast is to Hanakapiai Falls, without question among the best Na Pali Coast waterfalls.

This hike does not require an overnight camping permit, since you detour into Hanakapiai Valley at Hanakapiai Beach.

Hanakapiai Falls on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai, Hawaii
Hanakapiai Falls

The trail leading through the jungle into the valley and to the waterfall is not maintained, so expect it to be much more difficult to navigate, with overgrown vegetation, loose roots and rocks, and other debris along the route.

Hanakapiai Falls is a stunning 300-foot waterfall that tumbles down a lava cliff into a beautiful green-grey plunge pool below. The waterfall is a fitting reward for hikers that make it here!

You may see hikers taking a dip in the plunge pool. If you do so, be alert to falling rocks and know that the water may contain bacteria. There are also sharp jagged rocks below the water’s surface.

There are multiple stream crossings en route to Hanakapiai Falls, so be alert to the possibility of flash flooding. The trail can be slick and muddy.

It’s not a hike to do when it’s raining or just after heavy rains, although with the amount of rain this part of Kauai receives it may not be possible to avoid showers or rain.

Allow 6 to 8 hours to complete the hike to Hanakapiai Falls, with stops en route for photos and some time at the waterfall. Start early so you can be back while it’s still light out.