How To Hike The Kalalau Trail In Kauai, Hawaii

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I’ve hiked the Kalalau Trail 3 times now, and it’s certainly one of my favourite hikes in Hawaii. It’s an epic coastal trek on the island of Kauai that’s often completed in 3 days and a couple of nights.

This journey has all of it: jungles, seashores, waterfalls, and the towering inexperienced cliffs of the Na Pali coast — the proper place to camp!

It’s additionally a notoriously lengthy and difficult hike with some dangers concerned, so permits are required to do the path.

In this weblog publish, I’ll clarify every little thing it’s essential to know in regards to the Kalalau Trail and the right way to hike it!

Quick Stats*

• Distance: 22 miles (35 km)
• Elevation Gain: 6,500 ft (1,980 m)
• Duration: ~3 days
• Difficulty: Hard

*These are whole stats for the roundtrip trek

 

Full Trail Description: Step-By-Step

• Mile 0–2: Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Beach

The hike begins at Ke’e Beach with a gentle climb alongside a rocky and muddy path. The first good views of the shoreline come at roughly 1.2 miles, and you then descend to Hanakapiai Beach.

After crossing the stream, there’s an optionally available spur path to Hanakapiai Falls if you wish to see a tall waterfall and go for a swim, however the detour provides 3.4 miles roundtrip, so that you’ll most likely need to save your vitality for the primary path.

 

• Mile 2–6: Hanakapi’ai Beach to Hanakoa Valley

There’s one other ascent, and the path turns into noticeably narrower and extra rugged, with thick foliage on either side. The bushes might sometimes disguise steep drop-offs, so don’t get too careless.

Eventually you’ll go by a gate at Space Rock, which is the very best level of the path, after which there are two smaller stream crossings (Ho’olulu and Waiahuakua).

There’s a tenting space on the Hanakoa Valley, nevertheless it’s buggy. Then there’s one other stream crossing and an optionally available spur path to Hanakoa Falls that provides 1/2 mile roundtrip.

 

• Mile 6–9: Crawlers Ledge to Kalalau Valley Rim

The part after Hanakoa is without doubt one of the most treacherous elements of the hike. It’s not technical, however will be scary.

There’s an ungainly descent on a slippery grime path, adopted by an notorious part referred to as Crawlers Ledge. The path is barely wider than an individual, with a rock wall on one facet and steep drop-offs on the opposite. You’ll have loads of traction so long as you stroll slowly and hug the wall.

After Crawlers Ledge, the path continues throughout excessive ridges with expansive views of the Na Pali coast. There are a number of grime sections the place it’s essential to watch your step, particularly if it’s raining, however aside from that it’s principally protected.

 

• Mile 9–11: Kalalau Valley Rim to Kalalau Beach

At this level, the path begins a protracted descent towards Kalalau Valley, providing sneak peaks of the seashore far beneath.

These are the most effective views of the entire hike in my view, however fatigue actually units in right here and the path begins to appear unending.

There’s yet one more stream to cross, and you then arrive on the majestic Kalalau Beach, which is surrounded by tall cliffs. Welcome to paradise!

In some ways, Kalalau is the last word place to camp, with loads of websites to pitch a tent or hammock among the many bushes. There’s even a bit waterfall you need to use to bathe, referred to as Ho’ole’a Falls. At night time, you sleep to the sound of the waves.

When you’re completed tenting at Kalalau, you retrace the identical path to return.

 

Map Of The Trail

Here’s a map from AllTrails that reveals the mountain climbing route and elevation profile.

As you possibly can see, it’s a reasonably easy route, nevertheless it’s lengthy and there are tons of ups and downs. It’s like mountain climbing on a rollercoaster!

If you join AllTrails Plus, you possibly can obtain the map and use it offline whereas mountain climbing. It’s very helpful!

 

Video Of The Trail

Here’s 6 hour lengthy video on YouTube that reveals the complete Kalalau Trail from begin to end, in order for you to have the ability to visualize every little thing.

 

Kalalau Permit System

A allow is required to hike and camp on the Kalalau Trail, and solely a restricted quantity can be found per day.

During the summer time months, permits can promote out very quick, so you must act rapidly and ebook months prematurely to get one.

Otherwise, it’s attainable to hike the primary 2 miles of the path (to Hanakapiai Beach & Falls) with a day use reservation from Ha’ena State Park, however anybody going previous Hanakapiai wants an in a single day tenting allow.

Remember to avoid wasting a duplicate of your allow in your telephone, or print a duplicate and hold it dry. You most likely received’t have the ability to pull up emails through the hike, and also you want to have the ability to present the allow if any park rangers do a spot test on the path.

Book Now: Kalalau Camping Permits

 

Trailhead: How To Get There

The trailhead for Kalalau is situated at Ke’e Beach close to Hanalei, on the north facet of Kauai.

If you’re planning to discover different locations in Kauai, one of the best ways to get round is by renting a automotive. We’ve used DiscoverCars and might advocate them. Coming from the Lihue airport, the drive is simple however takes a bit over 1 hour.

Otherwise, in case you don’t have transportation in Kauai, you will get to the trailhead with Lyft or Uber, nevertheless it’s going to be costly.

There’s additionally a shuttle system from Princeville and Waipa, nevertheless it’s fairly restricted.

 

Facilities At The Trailhead

The trailhead has bogs, out of doors showers, and ingesting fountains.

You can use these to get recharged or cleaned up, earlier than and after the hike.

 

Parking At The Trailhead

Another situation on the Kalalau trailhead is parking.

Even when you’ve got a tenting allow for the total hike, you want a separate allow to park in a single day on the trailhead. These can be found at Go Haena.

Vehicle break-ins are quite common on the trailhead, so please don’t depart something helpful or vital in your automotive.

If you get to the trailhead by shuttle or another drop-off, you don’t want a parking allow for that.

Last time I did the hike, a relative dropped me off on the path after which picked me up after. A allow isn’t wanted for that so long as they don’t park or keep on the trailhead.

 

What To Bring

• Backpack. I’ve at all times traveled gentle at Kalalau by utilizing my day bag, which is a 20 or 30 liter backpack. However, many individuals will most likely want to make use of a correct full measurement pack meant for backpacking, reminiscent of this one from Teton Sports.
• Clothes. I’d advocate a lightweight shirt and shorts for mountain climbing within the warmth all day, plus possibly a spare change of garments to sleep in.
• Hat. You’ll desire a cap to guard your face from getting burned by the solar, or a wide-brim hat to cowl your ears and neck.
• Shoes. It’s vital to have sturdy mountain climbing sneakers/boots with good traction and ankle help. For mountain climbing socks, I like Cloudline; they’re comfy and don’t maintain scent.
• Sandals. Very helpful for strolling across the camp when you get there. Trust me, your ft will probably be very sore after the hike, and also you received’t need to stroll barefoot on sticks and rocks!

• Trekking Poles. This comes down to private desire, however lots of people discover trekking poles useful on the Kalalau Trail.
• Waterproofing. I exploit a backpack cowl like this one, plus some plastic baggage or Ziploc baggage for issues on the within if wanted. Just bear in mind to pack out something you pack in.
• Stove. Something like an MSR PocketRocket or Fire-Maple is sweet for cooking freeze-dried meals on the camp. You can hire these regionally in Kauai in case you don’t need to purchase one.
• Fuel. You’ll want gasoline canister(s) like this one for the range. Keep in thoughts gas can’t be introduced on planes, so that you’ll have to purchase it in Kauai.
• Food. The finest meals to carry for tenting is freeze-dried meals like Mountain House or Backpackers Pantry. These are gentle and straightforward to prepare dinner, and style fairly good. Remember to carry a spoon or spork for consuming! 🙂
• Snacks. While mountain climbing, it’s good to have small snacks for vitality/protein. I wish to carry path combine, beef jerky, or granola bars.

• Water. I’d begin the trek with not less than 2 liters. It’s higher to have an excessive amount of than not sufficient. It will be useful to have a CamelBak or different hydration bladder, that method you don’t must take water bottles out and in of your bag whereas on the path. You may additionally need to take into account a collapsible jug to make use of on the camp web site.
• Filter. This is important as a result of you possibly can’t carry an infinite quantity of water. Some folks say the water is protected to drink from the streams at Kalalau, however I personally wouldn’t danger it unfiltered. You can simply make it protected by utilizing purification tablets, a straw filter, a UV pen, or a filtered bottle. Boiling additionally works. Each of those strategies have their very own professionals and cons.
• Drink Mixes. You’ll be sweating like loopy on the path, so it’s good to have hydration powder to exchange your electrolytes. I like these mixes from Liquid IV, and so they’re sufficiently small to hold a bunch simply.

• Sleeping Gear. For the camp, most individuals will carry a lightweight tent or a journey hammock, plus a sleeping bag or blanket. I’ve at all times completed the hammock, however in case you get unfortunate with climate, a tent is healthier.
• Bug Spray. I’ve by no means had points with bugs on the Kalalau Trail, however you have to spray in case you plan to camp at Hanakoa.
• Headlight. This is an absolute should. You would possibly end up mountain climbing after darkish, and also you want to have the ability to see the place you’re stepping. A light-weight can be useful for locating your method round camp. I like this headlight from Bushnell or this one from Streamlight. Remember to carry additional batteries too.
• Toiletries. Small issues like journey measurement tissues, physique wash, shampoo, and so forth.

 

How Hard Is It?

Kalalau is a protracted, laborious hike with a ton of elevation acquire. There’s additionally the warmth and humidity, and the truth that you’ll be carrying a heavy pack for tenting.

It takes a full day of mountain climbing (6-12 hours) to hike a technique from the trailhead to the seashore, after which not less than as lengthy to hike again to the trailhead.

All in all, it’s one of many hardest hikes I’ve completed. You ought to undoubtedly prepare for it earlier than you go. It’ll wreck you.

Ideally, it is best to spend not less than a full day and two nights resting at Kalalau Beach earlier than you hike again.

Last time I did the trek in 2 days and 1 night time, however that was even more durable and I wouldn’t advocate it until you’re quick on time.

Usually by the point I attain the camp on the finish of the path and flop right down to sleep, I’m so drained I might sleep on strong rock. Even the laborious floor feels mushy like a mattress.

Going again is a chore too. The ups and downs appear limitless, like a rollercoaster of elevation acquire.

If it’s essential to make the path simpler, you possibly can break it up by spending an additional night time tenting at Hanakoa in both route, though that’s a buggy campsite with not a lot to see.

 

Is It Safe?

Kalalau isn’t with out dangers. This is a really climate dependent hike and the situations can change right away.

I wouldn’t advocate this hike for younger children, older individuals who aren’t in good condition, or anybody who isn’t surefooted and comfy with heights.

As of 2026, there have been 17 confirmed deaths on the path, and that’s in case you exclude drownings on the seashores, the place one other 59 have died.

I wrote an entire security information with extra data about these incidents, how they occurred, and how one can keep away from them. You can test it out within the hyperlink beneath.

Read More: Deaths & Safety At Kalalau

 

Other Tips For The Trek

• Water Sources. There are numerous good water sources on the Kalalau Trail. The primary streams are at 2 miles (Hanakapiai), 6 miles (Hanakoa), 9 miles (Kalalau Valley), and 11 miles (Ho’ole’a Falls). It’s a good suggestion to deal with or filter all water earlier than ingesting.
• Toilets. There are easy composting bogs on the trailhead (Ke’e Beach) and all through the hike at 2 miles (Hanakapiai), 6 miles (Hanakoa), and 11 miles (Kalalau Beach).
• Foraging. Sometimes yow will discover a number of totally different sorts of untamed fruit rising on the path, together with mangoes, guavas, papayas, lilikoi (passionfruit), and mountain apples.

• Bugs. There are mosquitoes on the Kalalau Trail, however they aren’t recognized to hold any illnesses. They’re primarily current in damp, nonetheless areas like Hanakoa or Hanakapiai Valley. It’s extra uncommon to see them at Kalalau Beach, and I believe the breeze there tends to maintain them away.
• Cell Service. From begin to end, there’s no mobile phone service anyplace on the path; not even within the car parking zone. It’s good to have a break from life, but when it’s essential to keep in contact for issues like trailhead pickup or checking in with household, then the one method to do it’s with a satellite tv for pc communicator such because the Garmin inReach. Some telephone networks like T-Mobile additionally supply plans with satellite tv for pc knowledge for smartphones. I used that on my final trek and it was useful for arranging my pickup afterwards.
• Supplies. There’s an Ace Hardware and Walmart in Kauai if it’s essential to purchase gas canisters and different provides. You also can hire tenting gear from Pitch A Tent.

 

Best Time To Go

The dry season in Kauai runs from April to September. You’re nonetheless not assured to have good climate in these months, however usually it’s the most effective time to do the hike. It’s going to be simpler, safer, and extra gratifying.

The wet season in Kauai runs from October to March, and the island is very moist from December to February. You can nonetheless do the trek in these months, however you’ve gotten the next likelihood of working into rain, mud, and cloudy climate.

Every time I’ve completed Kalalau was within the wet season, simply because we want to go to Hawaii within the winter to flee the chilly on the mainland. One of the good issues within the winter is that it’s simpler to snag permits as a result of there’s much less competitors for them.

As you’d count on, I’ve run into rain on most of my hikes at Kalalau, nevertheless it was nonetheless a blast and the hike remains to be very doable within the moist season so long as you’re cautious and also you respect the climate.

Before my hike, I saved a watch on the climate forecast for Hanalei at TWC and Accuweather, and that was fairly correct.

The state might shut the path if the climate will get too sketchy, however you possibly can monitor that on the DLNR web site or Go Ha’ena.

 

More Hawaii Travel Guides

Thanks for wanting! I hope you loved this information for the right way to hike the Kalalau Trail in Kauai.

Don’t overlook to take a look at my different Hawaii journey guides earlier than you go!
 

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