Kalalau Trail Trail

A dramatic coastal trek along the Na Pali Coast that requires planning and a backcountry permit.

Time to Hike: 2 days - approximately 35 km round trip (about 22 miles); most hikers plan one overnight at the destination beach.

Best Time to Go: April to October generally offers the driest conditions and smaller surf; winter storms bring heavy rain and hazardous seas.

Getting there: Fly to Lihue on Kauai then drive, taxi or rental to the trailhead at Ke’e Beach at the end of Kuhio Highway; arrive early because parking is limited.

Costs: Backcountry camping requires a paid permit from the State of Hawaii for overnight stays; there are no huts or staffed shelters, so expect to pay for the permit plus transport and your own food and fuel.

Difficulty: Steep, often muddy terrain with narrow cliffside sections, river crossings that can flash-flood and exposed ridgelines; physically demanding but not high altitude. Strong surf and powerful currents make the beaches unsafe for casual swimming.

Kalalau Trail runs along the Na Pali Coast from the trailhead at Ke’e Beach out to Kalalau Beach. The route climbs and drops along coastal ridges, cuts through several valleys and crosses streams, with a famous side trip to Hanakapiai Beach and, further inland, Hanakapiai Falls. The landscape alternates between sheer sea cliffs, tropical valleys and secluded sandy shoreline.

There are no huts along the way; overnighting requires a designated backcountry campsite at Kalalau Beach and a permit. The trail is notable for its wild, dramatic scenery and the rarity of camping on an open ocean beach backed by steep jungle cliffs, but the same remoteness means you must be self-sufficient and prepared for sudden weather changes.

The nearest airport is Lihue on Kauai, roughly a 1 to 1.5 hour drive to the northwestern end of the island depending on traffic. The trailhead is at Ke’e Beach at the terminus of Kuhio Highway; most people start there and walk west toward Kalalau Beach.

Public transport options are limited; many hikers use rental cars, taxis or organised transfers to reach the trailhead. If you plan to park at Ke’e Beach, arrive early to secure a spot and to avoid afternoon crowds and heat.

Kauai’s wettest months are typically November through March, so the safest window for the Na Pali Coast is April to October when trails are less likely to be saturated and river crossings lower. Even in summer, short heavy showers can turn muddy sections slick.

Backcountry camping permits for Kalalau Beach must be obtained in advance from the State of Hawaii; they can sell out for popular dates, so book early. Check local trail alerts and weather forecasts before hiking - flash floods, closed sections after storms and high surf are common hazards outside the dry season.