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Hiking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Scenic Na Pali Coast (Part I)

Home » Hiking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai’s Scenic Na Pali Coast (Part I)

Last Modified: May 21, 2020 //  by Anda //  9 Comments

        Did you ever start a hike and soon realized that you should have never done it? Such was my feeling shortly after we began hiking Kalalau trail, the gorgeous but strenuous 11 miles road along the Na Pali Coast of Kauai.

When we started the hike we didn’t realize how difficult it was. The first few miles didn’t seem ok, although a little slippery from the previous day’s rain. Laszlo and I may not be hardcore hikers, but we are in a fairly good physical shape and hike regularly, but what we were about to experience was a far cry from our usual trails.

Na Pali Coast is a very dramatic and spectacular place with lush vegetation, rugged cliffs and narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea. Kalalau trail starts on the north shore of the island, at Keʻe Beach, offering some of the greatest views that you would ever see.

Overview

  • When is the best time to hike the Kalalau trail?
  • What to expect on the Kalalau trail
    • The Hanakapi’ai Beach
  • Tips for Hiking the Kalalau Trail

When is the best time to hike the Kalalau trail?

The best time for hiking the Kalalau trail is in summer (May to October) when the weather is dryer and the terrain less slippery. But the steep drop-offs, narrow path and falling rocks make Kalalau trail one of America’s most dangerous hikes. 

view of Kee Beach from hiking Kalalau Trail
Ke’e Beach view from the Kalalau Trail

What to expect on the Kalalau trail

      The first part of the road is moderately strenuous, but muddy and slippery even during the dry season. As you continue the ascent, the road gets narrower and crumblier. And to make things even more terrifying, in some parts the trail gets dangerously close to steep ravines. If you fall, there is nothing to stop you from slipping into the ocean. 

Image depicting hikers hiking kalalau trail
Trail gets dangerously close to the ravine

Accidents on this road are very frequent, but surprisingly enough no fatalities have been reported yet. Even so, people falling on the greasy, slippery mud are not an amusing site.

image depicting Hanakapiai beach from hiking Kalalau trail
Hanakapi’ai Beach

But regardless of the danger, tons of visitors continue to take the challenge every year.  About 2 miles from the starting point the trail reaches Hanakapi’ai Beach, which is equally beautiful and dangerous.

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Treacherous Waves at Hanakapi’ai Beach

The Hanakapi’ai Beach

Hanakapi’ai Beach is very secluded and quite majestic. But in spite of the idilic look, the beach is very deceitful. The huge surf and strong currents make the area very unsafe.

Over the years, many people have been swept off this beach or drowned in these waters. But even if you can’t swim, you can still enjoy this enchanting place and explore the caves carved along the cliffs by the high waves.

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Caves carved along the cliffs

Before reaching the beach, you need to cross Hanakapi’ai Stream that creates a beautiful waterfall towards the base. But climbing up and down the big river stones with photographic equipment can be a nightmare. 

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SAMSUNG DIGITAL CAMERA

To continue the Kalalau trail beyond the Hanakapi’ai Beach you need to have a permit. Not only that, but from this point on the conditions become even more hazardous, so only the very experienced hikers continue the road. Therefore, we changed course at the beach and decided to hike to the Hanakapi’ai Falls instead.

Tips for Hiking the Kalalau Trail

      Hiking the Kalalau Trail is a very uplifting experience, but it can be hazardous if you don’t come prepared. Those who do the entire 11 miles trip usually camp out on the coast and return the next day. If you want to take up the challenge, here are a few tips that will make your trip easier: 

  • check the weather before you go and never attempt this hike on a rainy day or right after  
  • remember, the hike takes approximately 9 hours, so plan your daylight accordingly
  • wear long pants, hiking boots with grippy soles, a hat and sunglasses  
  • use sunscreen and insect repellant
  • bring lots of water and some snack
  • even if you have a good balance, use a trekking pole to improve your stability in difficult passages
  • bring a small first-aid kit in your backpack
  • don’t swim at Hanakapi’ai Beach no matter how calm the water may seem
  • if you are planning to camp in the area, get a permit
  • do not attempt to cross the Hanakapi’ai and Kalalau streams in high water, it is extremely dangerous
  • know your limits: if at any point you feel exhausted, turn back, don’t risk an accident  

      Even if you are not an experienced hiker you can still enjoy Kalalau by doing just the first part of the trail, up to the Hanakapi’ai Beach and back. It is an exhausting and difficult 4 mile road, but not as dangerous as the rest of the trail.

Category: Destinations, Kauai, Pacific IslandsTag: Hiking trips

About Anda

Anda is an award winning travel writer, avid globetrotter and passionate photographer. She is the voice behind "Travel Notes & Beyond," a collection of stories and travel impressions from her wanderings around the world. When she is not busy writing, traveling, or editing photographs, you can find her hiking in the foothills behind her house together with her husband and their dog.

Previous Post: « 10 Romantic Things to Do in Maui Besides Going to the Beach
Next Post: Hike to Hanakapiai Falls – Great Hikes in Kauai (Part II) »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Rob+Ann @TravelLatte(.net)

    February 10, 2017 at 3:05 pm

    Thankfully, we balance out: I tend to charge up trails that might be too dangerous, usually just to get a great picture. Ann will certainly live longer because she looks at trails like this and steers us the other way. So she will thank you in advance for the warning. I will want to go see just how dangerous it really is. Because… #boys… 😉

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      February 11, 2017 at 11:44 am

      Ha,ha,ha, well up to a certain point and during the dry season this trail can surely be attempted with caution. However, there is a part of it that I would never attempt to take, and that is beyond the points that I described. However, if you are young and in a good physical shape you can surely do it if you exercise caution.

      Reply
  2. Rhonda Albom

    February 6, 2017 at 2:16 am

    The views look amazing but it doesn’t sound like my kind of hike. You must be very sure footed.

    Reply
  3. Anisa

    February 5, 2017 at 5:54 am

    Hmm I am a hiker but there have been times I have turned around because the trail seemed too dangerous. This hike does look really beautiful though. #TheWeeklyPostcard

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      February 5, 2017 at 4:44 pm

      Part of the trail is OK, Anisa, but the longer you go on it the more dangerous it becomes. Quite scary at times.

      Reply
  4. Paula McInerney

    February 4, 2017 at 10:47 pm

    “dangerously close to steep ravines”, not a fan, so thank you for doing it for me

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      February 4, 2017 at 11:16 pm

      Yea, I agree, Paula. Kalalau Trail is one of the most dangerous hikes in the USA. I was thankful that I came back in one piece.

      Reply
  5. Grace

    September 30, 2014 at 4:27 am

    Wow, Kalalau Trail looks so interesting. It has a great view of a beautiful nature to explore. I sure want to get a great hiking experience there soon.

    Reply
    • Anda Galffy

      September 30, 2014 at 11:07 am

      For you Kalalau Trail will be a real blast, Grace. You seem to be into hiking.

      Reply

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