The Kalalau Trail is a trail that runs along the Npali Coast of the Hawaiian island of Kauai. From Kee Beach to the Kalalau Valley, the trail runs approximately 11 miles (18 km) along the island’s north shore. The trail has been named one of America’s most beautiful and dangerous hikes.
Expert hikers or trail runners can complete the 22-mile (35-kilometre) roundtrip trek in a single day, but the average hiker will need at least two days and camp. Camping is only permitted at Hanakoa Valley (6-mile mark) and Kalalau Beach, both located in forested streamside areas.
The trail’s first section is a two-mile (3-kilometre) stretch from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai stream and beach. This section is moderately difficult and does not necessitate a camping permit. Six miles from the trailhead, the next section connects Hanakapiai Stream to Hanakoa Valley. Hikers must obtain a camping permit from the Hawai’i Department of Land and Natural Resources to continue past Hankapiai Beach to Hanakoa Valley.
Hanakoa Valley is home to Hanakoa Falls and a stream, but it is a hanging valley with no access to the beach. The trail to Hanakoa Falls is not well maintained and can be difficult to navigate at times. The trail begins just before the covered shelter, after the Hanakoa stream crossing.
The trail continues to Kalalau Valley, a large, flat-bottomed valley nearly a mile wide. It’s about a half-mile down Red Hill to Kalalau Beach, requiring crossing the Kalalau stream.
There are several water sources along the trail that hikers can use to rehydrate. Still, stream water is generally unsafe to drink and must be treated. Camping permits are only issued for Kalalau Beach and are valid for 5 nights. Hikers with a valid Kalalau permit may camp in Hanakoa Valley for one night.
After Hanakapiai Beach, the trail climbs from sea level to 800 feet in 1 1/4 miles, making it the most difficult part of the hike.
The Kalalau Trail is one of the world’s most difficult hiking trails. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail is one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast by land. A similar foot trail once connected traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. The trail winds through five valleys before reaching Kalalau Beach, obstructed by sheer, fluted cliffs.
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The 11-mile trail, which winds above towering sea cliffs and lush tropical valleys, is graded but rarely level. At the beaches of Hanakapi’ai and Kalalau, the trail descends to sea level. The first two miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapi’ai Beach, are popular for a day hike.
Hiking the 11 miles will take most backpackers a full day if they are in good shape. Therefore, those who do not have Kalalau Valley camping permits are prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a single day. Get an early start if you have a camping permit to avoid overexertion in the midday heat.
Nearshore waters provide limited swimming and body surfing opportunities for experienced swimmers familiar with local sea conditions. Swimming is not advised at Hanakapi’ai Beach due to the dangers of rip currents and wave patterns. There are several points of interest for naturalists. Tropical plant species, both native and introduced, abound. Along the trail, there are many rare native plants. Wild goats are frequently spotted along the trail.
Seasons and Climate of Kalalau trail
Temperatures rarely fall below 60°F throughout the year. Steady tradewinds and sporadic showers characterise summer weather (May to October). In contrast, winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. Showers from the tradewinds are more common at night and early morning. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods.
Travel light with your gear. Popular are lightweight hiking shoes with good traction. A lightweight sleeping bag, tent with rainfly, stove and fuel, water purification tablets, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, and biodegradable soap should all be included in your camping gear.
Camping in Kalalau Trail
Camping is only permitted at Hanakoa and Kalalau and is not permitted elsewhere along the trail or at the trailhead. To camp, you must have a permit. Without a permit, you can hike to Hanakapi’ai and up to Hanakapi’ai Falls in a single day. Even if you do not intend to camp, permits are required to hike beyond Hanakapi’ai. There are no tables or drinking water in the designated camping areas along the trail. There are composting toilets at Hanakapi’ai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. All of the camping areas are on shaded terraces near streams.
The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trail that connects Ke’e Beach and Kalalau Beach on the Hawaiian island of Kauai’s Npali Coast. This website contains information and media to assist you in planning your trip to the secluded Kalalau Beach and/or Kalalau Valley. The Kalalau Trail is part of the Hawaii State Parks system and is located in the Npali Coast Wilderness Park.
The only land access to this part of the rugged coast is via the Kalalau Trail. The trail winds through five valleys before reaching Kalalau Beach, where sheer, fluted pali block it. The 11-mile trail is graded but never flat as it winds through lush valleys and above towering sea cliffs.
