Kalalau Trail


Location
North Shore, Napali Coast
Length
22 miles round-trip
Topography
Steep terrain
Difficulty
Strenuous
What to bring
Camping Permit, Water, Food, Hiking Shoes, First-aid kit
Features
Portable Bathrooms at Campsite

Kalalau Trail is one of the most difficult and challenging hikes on Kauai. Follow the footsteps of ancient Hawaiians. This 11 mile stretch of coast is the original trail used by the Hawaiians who lived in Kalalau Valley and other valleys along the Napali. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to the Napali Coast on Kauai. The first two miles of the trail will end at Hanakapiai Beach. Though only two miles to the beach adequate footwear, water and sun protection is a must.

For a challenging hike you can hike two miles further in from Hanakapiai beach to the Hanakapiai Falls, a 120-foot waterfall. Keep in mind that by adding the Hanakapiai Falls prtion to the trip will make it an eight mile round trip. The stretch of trail beyond Hanakapiai is the gateway to Kalalau, one of the most difficult and challenging hikes on Kauai. The remaining 9 miles after Hanakapiai is an enchanted hike, famous for its breathtaking beauty, hanging valleys and iron red and emerald green cliffs that rise thousands of feet above the Pacific Ocean. Hike through lush valleys, forge up steep inclines of jagged sea cliffs, cool off in cool mountain streams and drop back to sea level to Kalalau Beach.

Reconstruction of the trail happened from 1935-1937 and continues to be maintained to fight erosion from weather, feral goats and wild boar. Remains of lava rock terraces built by the Hawaiians can still be seen today. These terraces in these valleys were used to cultivate the taro plant, a staple in the Hawaiians diet similar to that of the potato. Hiking Kalalau requires a bit of planning and general conditioning.

Day-use hiking permits are required when continuing beyond Hanakapai valley. Permits can be obtained from the State Parks office in Lihue or on-line at Hawaii State Parks.

A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Napali Coast State Park. Within the 5-night maximum. No two consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakapiai or Hanakoa.

Designated camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. Composting toilets are available at some of the sites.

Hiking Trails

 

North Shore

East Side

South Side

West Side

Hanakapiai Trail

Kuilau Ridge

Mahaulepu Trail

Awa Awa Puhi Trail

Kalalau Trail

Moalepe Trail

 

Kukui Trail

Okolehao Trail

Nounou East

 

Pihea Trail

Powerline Trail

Nounou West

 

Waimea Canyon Trail

 

Nounou Kuamoo

 

Waipoo Falls Trail

 

 

 

 

 

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