Hiking the Kalalau Trail (Na Pali Trail) to Hanakapi’ai Beach and then up to Hanakapi’ai Falls. Yes- lots of Hawaiian words here.
What is the Kalalau Trail?
The Kalalau Trail, aka The Na Pali Trail is located on the North Shore of Kauai in Hawaii. The entire trail is 11 miles long and is one of the most beautiful and most dangerous hikes in the US and maybe even the world. There are some treacherous areas. Full disclosure, I have NOT hiked the entire trail and this blog is about the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi’ai Stream & Beach and the two miles inland to the Hanakapi’ai Falls.
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While this 8-mile hike I’ll be sharing about is not as hard at the full trail, it’s also something not to be taken lightly. It is listed as hard on AllTrails. You need to be prepared for this adventure. I’ve done it several times and will do it again on every visit. It’s that fantastic. It’s also that challenging at times. During the 8 miles of hiking, you will gain 2500 feet of elevation, deal with many stream crossings and a LOT of mud. There is scrambling, vegetation and even some bamboo. You will see a little of everything. It’s awesome!
If you are a hiker at all you need to at least try the first part of the trail, Hanakapi’ai Beach via the Kalalau Trail section. This is 4 miles round trip and 1300 feet of elevation. You can get to the beach and decide if you want to continue 4 more miles round trip to the waterfalls or just head back. If you can make it to the waterfall, you will be glad you did.
You must see the Na Pali Coast!
When you visit Kauai, you MUST see the Na Pali Coast. This is the 13-mile stretch on the north shore that you can’t drive around. The cliffs are so steep, stunning, and lush. The only way to see it is by boat, trail, or air. Obviously the easiest and cheapest way to see it is to hike. If you want to learn more about our doors off air adventure and catamaran adventure of the Na Pali Coast and Kalalau Trail read my blog on our adventures on Kauai and my blog on my favorite food and beaches on Kauai.
How to hike the Kalalau Trail!
First? Permits
You do need a permit to do any of the Kalalau Trail. While it can be annoying to get permits it’s worth it when you realize that it keeps huge crowds away. The permit system was implemented because the crowds were becoming overwhelming. I’ve done this hike with big crowds and it’s the pits. It’s so much better now and just requires a bit of planning.
Reservations are available at Go Ha’ena and can be purchased 30 days in advance. The hiking permit with parking permit usually sells out right away. I usually set an alert in my phone to get online right when they become available. Remember that Hawaii is 5 or 6 hours behind the east coast. Your 3 options are: 1. Hiking and parking permit. 2. Hiking and shuttle to the site permit. 3. Hike only permit.
If you are lucky enough to score parking, you will be right at the Kalalau Trailhead. If you can’t get that you will have to park a few miles off site and get a shuttle that leaves at set times. The final option is the hike only where you get dropped off by someone or find different parking and walk in. There is not a ton of parking nearby so that should only be if you have a ride arranged. We’ve parked on site and have also taken the shuttle. The shuttle is a small hassle but not too bad.
Preparing for your hike!
Just FYI, I took my 5-, 7- and 10-year-olds on this hike when we lived there in the 90’s and they loved it. It’s hard but not that hard. (Unless it’s been raining or is raining-Ha!) Just be prepared. Make sure you have your essentials. Lots of water and snacks and a lunch for either the beach or the waterfall. Good shoes with lots of grip. Not sneakers. We love Merrell and you can see our favorites in our Amazon favorites store. If you have room in your pack stick in a towel and a raincoat just in case.
We see people all the time trying this hike in flip flops and with one bottle of water. That won’t work. You need to do this prepared. You don’t want to be the one being rescued from the helicopter landing sites. (see pictures below) If you are going all the way to the waterfall there are lots of places to filter and refill your water. Check our Amazon favorites store for our filter suggestion. We love it and it’s easy to drink out of or add to your backpack bladder. Water is a must on this hike, especially if you are going all 8 miles.
Know your trail details!
Maps
I highly recommend that you use some GPS if you are heading all the way to the Hanakapi’ai Falls. The first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail is easily followed and it’s almost impossible to get lost. When you turn and head up toward the falls you are following a stream but it’s easy to get off trail especially with stream crossings. I personally love AllTrails and always download the trail details and map before we head out. This allows me to follow the trail even when we do not have service. I love a good paper map too. You can’t be too prepared when hiking in wilderness areas.
Weather
The Kalalau Trail is highly weather related. There is so much water involved in this hike, and you need to know if they trail is open, stream crossings are possible and what the future weather is so you don’t get stuck OUT on the trail. We have never had an issue but there have been times when people on the trail had to be rescued by helicopter because of rain making the streams too high to cross and get back. Check the conditions for your day of hiking and don’t go if big storms are expected or have been in the area for the week prior.
Kauai is one of the rainiest places on earth so you will almost always see mud on the trail and possible rain showers. But you want to avoid this during especially rainy times. Winter months from November to March are usually the rainiest times. Just use good judgement.
Heading out!
You’ve got your permit, your GPS, map, all your water, snacks, lunch, and gear. You are ready to do this! Either get your shuttle, park in the lot if you got a parking permit or get dropped off. Start early to be able to take the time to enjoy the various spots you will see along the way.
From the parking lot
When you get to the parking lot you will actually walk about 1/4 of a mile to get to the actual trailhead. There is a boardwalk through a taro patch which is super fun to check out. Taro is a staple in Hawaii and it’s neat to see where it is grown. You will pass beach access and restrooms and showers before reaching the actual trailhead.
The first 2 miles
Once you hit the trail you will immediately start heading up and you begin to wonder if the up will ever end. It will end when you head down to the beach. And then you will come back up on the way back. Don’t let it stress you. Just be in the hike. It’s gorgeous. You will gain 1300 of elevation if you hike just to the beach and back. But your views are stunning. Here are a few things you will see on the way to the beach.
Hanakapi’ai Beach
You will feel things opening up at you get close to the 2-mile mark and the Hanakapi’ai Beach. As you are heading down the views of the beach begin to peek through. It’s so neat to see. The beach here is not sand during parts of the winter but is instead more boulders and rocks. In the summer there will be some sand.
A couple things to note. You will cross a decent size stream to get to the beach. If there has been a lot of rain, it’s possible that it will be unsafe to go through. Check carefully before wading through water you aren’t familiar with. Also, the beach is not a beach like you are thinking. It can be rocky and extremely rough. Don’t try swimming here. Just have your lunch or a snack and enjoy the views. If you are lucky there may be some locals surfing. They know how to handle the rough conditions.
You will cross a decent size creek to get across to the beach and to continue your hike to the falls. I watched a lot of people stop to take off their boots, but we just plow right through in our Merrell boots. They will dry just like new and it’s nice to have good footing in the water. Check out our Amazon favorites store for the different options of Merrell boots. We really do love these boots. Once you cross you can head right to the beach or take a left to continue left to the falls. I always recommend a break at the beach for a snack and to enjoy the views.
Decision Time
So, once you enjoy your time on the beach you have to decide if you are going to head back or continue on to Hanakapi’ai Falls. If at all possible, I suggest continuing on. It’s gorgeous. One disclaimer though. While it can be stunning weather at the beach as you hike up into the valley the weather can change, and it may rain and become cloudy. Unless it’s extreme rain continue on because the weather in Kauai can change on a dime.
As soon as you leave the beach you will head up again. It becomes even more muddy and wet as you are following and crossing a stream. There are numerous stream crossings. If you try and just follow the trail you may miss exact crossings which is why I recommend a GPS map like AllTrails. You will thank me. The stream crossings are fun, and we just plow through in our boots. This part of the trail is 2 miles up and 2 miles back and you will find yourself thinking that this is a very long 2 miles. It will end. Ha!
This 2-mile part of the trail is fun to do and there is more scrambling and way finding compared to the first 2 miles of the Kalalau trail. I really like this part. It’s got lots of different views and vibes and you are never bored. As you get higher up there are several small waterfalls and pools and many people spend time swimming or soaking. We were plenty warm as we got close to the big falls and my hubby definitely took advantage of a pool to relax in.
The last 100 or so yards up are rocky and steep with some more scrambling to come out near the falls. There are a lot of rocks up here so just take your time to get to the large pool under the falls. There is so much room up here. The area just opens up. Find your own spot to relax, enjoy the falls and have some lunch. Then if the spray hasn’t cooled you down enough, head on into the pool under the falls and really cool off.
Heading back!
Make sure you take some time at the falls. You worked hard to get there. We usually spend at least an hour at the top. We have our lunch and just enjoy the views and relax before the trip back to the trailhead. Sometimes you get all the way the way to the falls, and it just pours on you. That’s when that raincoat in your bag may come in handy.
Once you head back take it a bit easy. You are going downhill for the first 2 miles, and you feel like you are on a roll. However, it can be quite slippery, and you get excited to get back and that’s when you can make a silly mistake and hurt yourself. Enjoy the views and take your time. Once you get back to the beach you have to cross the stream again and then you do quite a bit of uphill to get back to the trailhead. This hike never really lets up.
The Kalalau trail is epic. If you can, do it. If you can’t, enjoy the pictures. It’s truly one of my top 5 hikes of all time. (read about another top 5 hike here). Whenever we reach the trailhead again we are always a little bit proud of ourselves and a little exhausted. Oh, and a little bit hungry. We love this trail and all the views.
I hope this helps you with trip planning. Give this hike a try. Even if you only go a mile, you will see amazing things. If you have done this trail let me know your thoughts in the comments. I’d love to hear what you thought about it. I would love it if you would like, comment, or share this blog post and maybe do all three. You can follow me on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, LinkedIn, and X.
Keep exploring,
Stephanie
seymoreoftheworldwithme