The Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park is one of the most surreal destinations in the world. The sapphire waters, dense jungle foliage, and dramatic coastal ridges unite along Kauai’s northwestern coast into a truly unique landscape. You’re able to view the coast via boat tours, but today we wanted to highlight the hiking journey known as the Kalalau Trail, which treks along the scenic natural wonder that is the Na Pali Coast. 

Kalalau Trail Permits and Reservations

View from the Kalalau Trail

The Na Pali Coast is located in Haena State Park. Before you head to Na Pali, you’ll want to secure either a camping permit or a hiking reservation. No one is allowed in the park without one or the other anymore. 

Camping permits are available three months in advance and usually fill about two months before a particular date, so if you’re backpacking overnight, be sure to secure your permit as early as possible. You can stay in the park for no more than four nights. Camping permits cost $35 per night for non residents. 

To enter the park, you'll need to pay the $5 entrance fee per person. This is on top of the shuttle and parking fee (see more below). You can make your reservations for entry + parking and entry + shuttle here up to 30 days in advance. 

Kalalau Parking and Shuttle

There is limited parking available for day hikers, and parking is even more competitive for overnight campers. You can try to secure overnight parking online once you have your camping permit. Alternatively, you may want to book a shuttle here, which picks up at the Waipa Park and Ride on the corner of Kumu Road and Kuhio Highway in Hanalei. Parking and shuttle reservations are necessary if you plan on visiting the Kalalau Trail - even if just for the day. 

Make your entry + parking reservations or entry + shuttle reservations here. For overnight parking click here. For more information about parking, fees, and the shuttle, click here. 

PLEASE NOTE: Due to a recent landslide near Hanalei, the road towards Haena State Park has limited public access past Hanalei. Click here and scroll down to "Hanalei" to see the times that the road is open for public access. Please expect long delays and plan accordingly based on the public access times. 

The Kalalau Trail, Na Pali Coast Hike

If you want to hike the entire Kalalau Trail, you’ll need to be prepared for a 22-mile, round-trip expedition, much of which is rated at difficult. However, in return for your commendable sense of adventure, you’ll cross three jaw-dropping beaches, three massive waterfalls, and countless breathtaking views. 

The Kalalau trailhead begins at the very end of Kuhio Highway 560. You’ll want to make your first stop along the trail about 150 feet in, where you’ll find Ke’e beach, the first of several world-class beaches you’ll come to over the course of your adventure. 

Hanakapi’ai Beach

trukdotcom, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

About two miles in, you’ll find your second beach, Hanakapi’ai. If you’re just looking for a day hike, you can also spend some time on the beach and then hike back. If you are planning to just hike for the day, you’ll still need to book a hiking reservation, but these are much less competitive to acquire than camping permits. Hiking reservations do not allow access beyond Hanakapi’ai. 

Hanaakapai’ai Waterfall

Brian W. Schaller, FAL, via Wikimedia Commons

You’ll need to decide at this point if you want to add another four miles (round trip) of tough hiking into your adventure to see the Hanakapai’ai Waterfall. Hanakapai’ai is an impressive 300-foot fall with an excellent swimming hole, so if you’re up for a challenge, it’s worth the extra mileage. 

The trail to the fall begins just after crossing the Hanaakapai’ai Stream, near the vault toilets. The path gets extremely muddy around the end of the hike, so be careful. 

Hanakoa Campground and Hanakoa Falls

J Doll, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

The first campsite along the trail is located in the Hanakoa Valley about three miles past Hanaakapai’ai Falls. This is the first of two locations you are allowed to camp along the Kalalau Trail, which features a nearby waterfall and beautiful views of the surrounding landscape. 

There are composting vault style toilets available, but no other facilities such as potable (drinking) water, pavilions, or tables. There are freshwater streams nearby for gathering water to filter and drink. 

Crawlers Ledge

If you’re continuing on to Kalalau Beach, you’ll first have to cross the infamous Crawler’s Ledge. You’ve probably gathered this from the name, but Crawler’s Ledge is an extremely thin, sloped stretch of path overlooking a long, steep drop into the rocks and ocean below. It’s the most dangerous section of the trail, and you’ll need to be extremely careful to ensure your safety. Take your time and know your limits!

Kalalau Valley and Kalalau Beach

Kalalau Valley

A few more miles and you’ll find yourself overlooking the Kalalau Valley, and a few miles after that you will arrive at your final destination: Kalalau Beach. Here, you’ll camp surrounded by jagged green ridges of the Na Pali Coast, a lovely stream, and the beautiful Ho’ole’a waterfall. 

There are composting vault toilets available, but no other facilities. Be sure to bring a filtration system to treat water from the nearby stream. 

Kalalau Lookout

By Paxson Woelber, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

If you’d like to see the Kalalau Trail and Na Pali coast without hiking 22 miles round trip or booking a boat tour, you can drive right up to the Kalalau Lookout. Keep in mind that you get to the overlook from the other side of the park, which can only be accessed coming from the western side of the island. To find the lookout take Kokee Road Highway 550 almost all the way to its end. 

The lookout offers a breathtaking view of the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. You can see the entire Kalalau Valley and the dramatic ridges that surround it all the way to the ocean. 

Kalalau Weather

Bryce Edwards from San Jose, CA, USA, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hawaii generally has two seasons: a wet winter and a dry summer. The winter occurs from November to March. Temperatures pick up and precipitation decreases from April to October during the dry season. We recommend the summer season since certain parts of the hike are dangerous, even without rain. Temperatures vary from the mid-70s to the mid-80s.

Kalalau Safety

J Doll, CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

You should know before you start making plans that the Kalalau Trail is a dangerous adventure. The trail has claimed two lives and is responsible for countless serious injuries. What’s more, Na Pali is one of the most remote places in all of Hawaii, so if disaster does strike, you’ll probably need a rescue team to get out. 

Take the hike slowly, especially along dangerous sections like Crawler’s Ledge. Make sure to pack a water filtration device, since you won’t want to carry in all the water that you’ll need. You should also bring iodine tablets too, in case your filtration system malfunctions. You’ll, of course, want to pack plenty of food, as well. 

Hiking boots or trail shoes are highly recommended. You may also want to bring approach shoes (usually used by climbers) for the particularly gradient sections of the trail. Bring a first aid kit that includes necessities like bandages, gauze, and disinfectant. 

Although the Kalalau Trail should be taken seriously, as long as you are careful and know your limits, you should be safe. If you choose to undertake this journey, it's definitely a memorable adventure. 

Parting Thoughts...

The Na Pali Coast and the Kalalau Trail are truly natural wonders and should be treated as such. Please be respectful of the wildlife and any animals you come across during your journey. Please also show your appreciation for the land by throwing out your trash and leaving the trail better than you found it. 

RELATED: Hanalei Travel Guide and 10 Ways to Be a Safe and Responsible Traveler in Hawaii

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