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Kalalau Beach in Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park in Kauai, Hawaii

Na Pali Coast Hike Permit

The hiking trail that runs along the Na Pali Coast is the Kalalau Trail, an epic 22-mile round-trip trail that most hikers do as a backpacking trip.

Hiking the Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapiai Beach, which is 2 miles from the trailhead at Ke’e Beach, requires a permit, whether you choose to camp or not.

For example, if you will do a day hike to Hanakoa Falls, which is beyond Hanakapiai Beach, you need a permit.

Best Na Pali Coast Tours in a Nutshell

ActivityBest Tours
(Reserve early, these sell out fast!)
Aerial ViewsHelicopter, doors-off helicopter, airplane
Boat cruise & snorkelCatamaran, raft, super raft
Sunset toursSunset & dinner, snorkel & sunset
More optionsNa Pali, Waimea Canyon, Kauai

Day hiking to Hanakapiai Falls, which involves hiking inland at Hanakapiai Beach, does not require a permit.

There are two authorized areas for Kalalau Trail camping: Hanakoa and Kalalau. Permits are issued for Kalalau Valley but allow for one night each way at Hanakoa if needed. Permits are issued for a maximum of 5 consecutive nights.

The Na Pali Coast Hike Permit is available 90 days in advance. You can make reservations online here.

Kauai Bucket List

If you’re going to splurge on one Kauai experience, make it a flight over the island. Soar above Nā Pali, Waimea Canyon, and hidden waterfalls on a once-in-a-lifetime helicopter or scenic airplane tour.

Na Pali Coast Hike Permit CategoryDetails
Permit Required?Yes, for all hiking beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley (2-mile mark), even if not camping
Permit TypeNā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park Camping Permit (covers both hiking & camping)
Reservation OnlineHawaii DLNR Division of State Parks – Go to: https://camping.ehawaii.gov
Reservation WindowOpens 90 days in advance at 12:01 a.m. HST; often sells out within minutes
Cost$35/person/night (non-residents); $25/person/night (residents); 3-night max
Access RulesPermit holders must also reserve entry + parking/shuttle to Hāʻena State Park
Day Hike (to Hanakāpīʻai)No overnight permit needed, but Hāʻena State Park reservation required
Na Pali Coast Hike Permit Summary Table

After you get your camping permit, you must also reserve overnight parking at Haena State Park if you want to park your vehicle there while you hike. Parking reservations can be made here.

You can also park overnight at the Alii Kai Resort.

A helicopter tour is undeniably a fantastic way to admire the breathtaking landscapes of Kauai, from the Waimea Canyon to the Napali Coast and Jurassic Falls. Check price and availability now! 🚁 🚁

A Na Pali Coast permit costs $25.00 per person per night for a Hawaii resident and $35.00 per person per night for hikers that are not residents of Hawaii.

Camping permits for the Kalalau Trail in Na Pali Coast Wilderness Park sell out quickly, especially if you are looking to go during the peak summer season, so get your permits as soon as they become available.

Considering a visit to the Na Pali Coast of Kauai? Be sure to visit the Na Pali Coast website for all the details you need to plan!

Book the top 5-star rated, immensely popular Kauai experiences! Reserve now (with free cancellation) before they sell out.