The Nā Pali Coast was the moment on our Kauaʻi trip that genuinely felt unreal. Jurassic-green cliffs, knife-edge ridgelines, and valleys plunging straight into that vast Pacific blue — it’s the kind of landscape that makes you stop mid-step just to stare. The Kalalau Trail is the only way to access this rugged coastline by land, and while we didn’t hike the entire trail, even tackling the first section was a highlight of our Hawaii trip and remains one of my favourite hikes to date.
The Kalalau Trail Overview
The full Kalalau Trail stretches 35.4 km (22 miles) round-trip, weaving along the Nā Pali Coast and traversing five steep valleys. It’s a demanding trek that typically requires at least one overnight stay, and often more, depending on pace and conditions.
The trailhead is located in Hā’ena State Park, at the very end of Kauaʻi’s north shore road. If you are day hiking, you need a reservation. If you’re hiking beyond Hanakapiʻai Beach, a camping permit is required for one of the two designated campsites:
- Hanakoa Camp (roughly halfway)
- Kalalau Camp, near the iconic Kalalau Beach
You only need one or the other, a reservation or a camping permit. Permits, parking passes, and shuttle reservations are all managed through the official Hā’ena State Park system, and they often sell out well in advance — especially in peak season. Planning here is essential.
Starting the hike
The hike begins at Keʻe Beach, and starting early is highly recommended to beat both the heat and the crowds. The first 3 km (2 miles) climb roughly 175 m, immediately setting the tone: narrow paths, exposed sections, and dramatic drop-offs paired with constant ocean views.
As the trail winds along the cliffs, the landscape opens up again and again — jagged ridgelines, crashing surf far below, and small golden beaches tucked deep into the valleys. It’s one of those hikes where every turn feels like a postcard.
We reached Hanakapiʻai Beach and took a well-earned break, watching powerful waves slam into the shore. Swimming here is strongly discouraged, and for good reason — this side of the island faces the open Pacific, with dangerous currents and frequent rescues. This beach also marks the point where a permit is required to continue further along the Kalalau Trail.
Hanakapiʻai Falls Detour
From the beach, we left the coastal trail and headed inland on the Hanakapiʻai Falls Trail. Technically unmarked and unmaintained, the route follows the stream upstream, making it hard to truly lose your way — but don’t let that fool you. At 3.2 km (2 miles) one way, this side hike earns its strenuous rating.
The trail involves multiple stream crossings, slick rocks, bamboo forests, and steady scrambling. It feels far more like an adventure than a traditional hike, and conditions can change quickly after rain.
The payoff is enormous: a 300-foot waterfall cascading into a cool, clear pool where swimming is allowed. There’s even a rocky ledge behind the falls — we sat there, soaked, tired, and grinning, taking in the entire emerald valley stretching below us. A true bucket-list moment.
Distance & Difficulty
All in, our day covered 12.8 km (8 miles) and 725 m (2882 ft) of elevation gain. It was hot, humid, and physically demanding, and we were more than ready for food and rest by the end. Make sure to devote a full day to this hike, partially due to its strenuous nature, but also to fully enjoy the views and the waterfall. Proper footwear, plenty of water, and awareness of weather conditions are non-negotiable here.
Here is an All Trails link for the Hanakapi’ai Falls Trail.
Final Thoughts
Even without completing the full Kalalau Trail, this day hike is absolutely worth it. The Nā Pali Coast has a way of reminding you how small you are — and how wild and beautiful the world still is.
If you have the chance, I’d also highly recommend seeing the Nā Pali Coast by boat. The perspective from the water is completely different from the trail, revealing sea caves, towering cliffs, and hidden beaches you can’t see from land. A perfect complement to the hike — and a stunning contrast to the effort it takes to earn those views on foot. Here are a few teaser photos from the water to show just how different (and equally spectacular) that perspective can be.
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