Hanalei, Hawaii
Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi'ai Falls
Kauai's legendary cliff-side coastal trail to a 300-foot jungle waterfall.
- Difficulty
- Hard
- Length
- 8 mi
- Elevation Gain
- 2,200 ft
- Duration
- 5–7
- Best Season
- Apr–Oct
- Permit
- Required
- Dogs
- Not allowed
- Features
- Na Pali Coast, Waterfall
About the trail
The Kalalau Trail is one of the world's great coastal hikes. The first 2 miles trace the Na Pali Coast 400 feet above pounding surf, then drop to Hanakapi'ai Beach. From the beach, a slippery 2-mile inland trail follows Hanakapi'ai Stream up a narrow valley to a 300-foot waterfall and swimming pool. Wet, muddy, and absolutely magical.
Trailhead map & directions
Trailhead: 22.2207, -159.5841Get directions →
Turn-by-turn route
- Reserve a Ha'ena State Park entry + parking permit in advance.
- Park at Ha'ena State Park at the end of Kuhio Highway.
- Begin the Kalalau Trail at the trailhead near Ke'e Beach.
- Climb to the first viewpoint, then descend to Hanakapi'ai Beach (2 miles).
- Cross the stream (do not cross in flood) and follow the inland trail to the falls.
Parking
Ha'ena State Park lot. Reservations required; sell out weeks in advance.
Tips from the trail
- Do NOT swim at Hanakapi'ai Beach — over 80 drownings have occurred there.
- Flash floods are deadly in Hanakapi'ai Valley; turn back if rain starts.
- Wear shoes you don't mind ruining — mud is guaranteed.