Na Pali Coast Hike: The Kalalau Trail in Kauai, Hawaii
The Na Pali Coast Hike is also known as the Kalalau Trail. It is one of the most epic hikes on Kauai, and indeed in all of Hawaii.
The three ways you can currently experience this stunning part of the island are a Na Pali Coast helicopter tour or airplane tour, a Na Pali Coast boat or raft tour, or a Na Pali Coast Hike along the Kalalau Trail.
Hiking is the only way currently to access the famed Na Pali Coast of Kauai by land.
The Na Pali Coast Hike is the most arduous of the ways to experience the Na Pali Coast, but on the plus side, the trail along the coast lets you get up close to the incredible beauty of this part of Kauai.
While the full Na Pali Coast Hike is very strenuous and long, the good news is that you can experience some of the Na Pali Coast by hiking a part of the trail.
Enjoy sensational views of the cliff-lined coastline and the Pacific Ocean, observe flora and fauna, and admire waterfalls and beaches along the trail.
Considering a visit to the Na Pali Coast of Kauai? Be sure to visit our Na Pali Coast homepage for all the details you need to plan!
Napali Coast Hike to Kalalau Beach on the Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail, which begins at Ke’e Beach in Ha’ena State Park on Kauai’s north shore and ends at Kalalau Beach, is the only hiking trail along the Na Pali Coast.
This epic trail is 11 miles each way, and traverses a series of valleys before it ends at secluded Kalalau Beach.
Considered a strenuous backpacking trail, the Kalalau Trail requires an overnight permit beyond Hanakapiai Beach.
Hike the NaPali Coast to Hanakapiai Beach on the Kalalau Trail
If you want to experience the Na Pali Coast on a day hike, you can hike from Ke’e Beach up to Hanakapiai Beach, a distance of 4 miles round trip.
You will get fabulous views of the legendary coast along the route, and Hanakapiai Beach is very picturesque.
Soak up the beauty of the scene from the shore, or relax on the sand, but swimming or wading in the ocean at Hanakapiai Beach is not advisable, because surf conditions are usually dangerous and there are rip currents.
This Na Pali Coast hike does not require a permit, but you do need reservations to access the trailhead in Haena State Park, and parking reservations if you plan to park your car at Haena State park.
Hike to Hanakapiai Falls on the Na Pali Coast
Waterfall enthusiasts can experience one of the beautiful waterfalls of the Na Pali Coast by hiking to Hanakapiai Falls.
The hike from Ke’e Beach to Hanakapiai Falls is 8 miles round trip. At Hanakapiai Beach on the Kalalau Trail, the trail for Hanakapiai Falls branches off into Hanakapiai Valley.
The 300-foot Hanakapiai Falls is one of the best attractions on the Na Pali Coast, but the trail is challenging, with stream crossings and rough terrain.
At Hanakapiai Falls, you can choose to have a dip in the plunge pool!
The trailhead for the hike to Hanakapiai Falls is within Haena State Park, so you will have to reserve time slots in advance.
Hike the Kalalau Trail to the First Viewpoint (over Ke’e Beach)
Even just hiking the first one half of a mile on the Kalalau Trail to the first viewpoint (over Ke’e Beach) affords gorgeous views of the ocean and the coastline.
Moderately challenging, this mini Na Pali Coast hike is perfect for visitors with limited time or those that want a less strenuous hiking experience on the Na Pali Coast.
It’s still a climb, so shoes with good grip are a must and trekking poles may come in handy.
This Na Pali Coast Hike begins at the trailhead at Ke’e Beach in Haena State Park, so you need reservations to visit.
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