Kalalau Trail
4.7(312)yelp
HikingCoastAdventurous
Overview
The Kalalau Trail is a trail along Nā Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. The trail runs approximately 11 miles (18 km) along the island's north shore from Keʻe Beach to the Kalalau Valley. The trail has been named one of the most beautiful, and dangerous, hikes of the United States.
Practical Info
Suggested Duration0.5-2 days
Best TimeAcclaimed as one of the most perilous yet awe-inspiring backpacking routes in the US, this trek must be tackled exclusively during the dry summer months from May to September. Whether completing the first 2 miles to Hanakapiai Beach or the full 11 miles, hitting the trail by 6:00 AM sharp is vital for pacing and weather safety.
Getting ThereThe trailhead is located at Kee Beach at the western terminus of Kuhio Highway. Due to strict ecosystem protections at Haena State Park, you cannot simply drive up; you must reserve a highly coveted parking-and-entry voucher online weeks out. Lacking that, park at Princeville and ride the official paid North Shore Shuttle.
Travel Tips
- The unbridged Hanakapi'ai Stream crossing at mile 2 is prone to explosive flash floods fueled by unseen interior mountain storms; if water levels surpass the knee, stay on the bank, as strong wilderness currents routinely cause fatal wash-aways.
- Hanakapi'ai Beach features severe, invisible shorebreaks and undertows with zero offshore reef protection; the dynamic rip currents are fatal even to elite swimmers, and entering the surf zone or wading past ankle line is strictly forbidden.
- Accessing the trailhead within Haena State Park demands a pre-booked non-resident entry voucher or an official shuttle reservation secured via Gohaena.org exactly 30 days out; staging a rental vehicle on Highway 560 results in a heavy fine.
Reviews
Positive
- Hiking along sheer cliffs with the emerald Na Pali Coast on one side and the vast Pacific on the other offers world-class, authentic visual grandeur.
- This 11-mile primitive trail is packed with extreme adventure fun, letting you step into Hawaii's most pristine, isolated wilderness.
- The trail strictly enforces a daily capacity permit system, controlling crowd density and protecting the pristine eco-environment.
- For backpackers, camping in this sacred, ancient valley under the brightest starry night offers a core value beyond money.
Heads up
- Extremely dangerous! Sections like Crawler's Ledge are one-person wide over sheer drop-offs with zero guardrails, posing severe falling risks.
- Without securing an entry permit online months in advance, you are flatly turned away on-site, offering awful scheduling flexibility.
- As an undeveloped wilderness, there are zero restrooms, trash cans, drinking water, or accessible facilities; comfort is absolute zero.
- The terrain is incredibly steep and turns into slippery mud after rain; flash floods can block streams, demanding top fitness and gear.