Summary:
Take the classic Kalalau Trail to magnificent coastal views, a golden beach, and a luxuriant valley with a towering waterfall.

As you climb at the start of the trail, look down to the protected cove of Ke’e Beach lying far below, the curve of golden sand and ocean beyond framed by swaying coconut palms. The first 0.5 mile is pretty tough – it can be very muddy and slippery and is the steepest climb on the hike – but the reward is a wonderful view of the rugged cliffs of the Na Pali Coast stretching ahead into the distance.

After 1 mile of climbing, the second is downhill. There are more fabulous views of the coast before the final descent into the lush vegetation of Hanakapi’ai Valley, cut by a stream. You will need to cross the stream to reach the beach – there are boulders but it may be just as easy to take off your boots and wade.

It takes around 1.5 hours to reach Hanakapi’ai Beach from the trailhead, and it is a great place to sit, relax and enjoy the ocean. You should stay out of the water though, however inviting it may seem. Rip currents can be treacherous, particularly in winter when the surf is high, and even strong swimmers have drowned here.

Back at the stream, a narrow 1.8 mile trail branches off and heads inland through the once-cultivated valley, past guava and mango trees, the remains of ancient taro patches and a coffee plantation. After about a mile, the trail crosses the stream and becomes more rugged and difficult. There will be rocks, fallen trees and thick vegetation to contend with – a legacy of the 75 inches of rain the valley receives each year. If the stream is high and fast flowing you should go no further due to the threat of flash flooding in the final section.

The last 0.5 mile is particularly strenuous, but the tropical plants, pools and small cascades will spur you on. Finally you reach the head of the valley and the magnificent, three-tiered 300-ft Hanakapi’ai Falls. The beautiful pool beneath it is a tempting place to cool off before heading back, but you should keep away from the base of the waterfall because of the risk of falling rocks.

Kalalau Trail
The spectacular Kalalau Trail runs for 9 more miles beyond Hanakapi’ai Beach, through lush hanging valleys and along narrow exposed cliff paths, to Kalalau Beach. A day-use hiking permit (from the State Parks office, Eiwa Street, Lihu’e) is required if you want to continue beyond Hanakapi’ai. Bear in mind before you go any further that the 800-ft climb out of the valley is considered the toughest stretch of the entire trail.

A zodiac raft operator used to run an early morning service from Hanalei to Kalalau Beach, allowing experienced hikers in good condition to hike back on the 11-mile trail in a single day. However, commercial boats are no longer permitted to operate out of Hanalei Bay, bringing this transport service to an end. The Kalalau Trail can now only be hiked as a 22-mile out and back multi-day backpacking trip.

Directions: From the capital Lihu’e, take Hwy 56 (Kuhio Hwy) north for 41 miles to the road end at Ke’e Beach, a drive of about 1.5 hours.

Trailhead: Car park at Ke’e Beach. It is a popular place so arrive early to guarantee a space.

Length: 7.6 miles / 12.2 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: N/A

Duration: 5.5 hours

Trail Condition: Easy to follow, but rugged and very muddy in places, with stream crossings. Some bushwhacking may be needed on the side trail to Hanakapi’ai Falls to get through the thick vegetation in the valley.

Features: Cliffs, stunning coastal views, tropical vegetation, beach, valley, waterfall.

Climate: Warm to hot year-round. Showers in summer, with heavy rain more likely in winter (November to April). Humid conditions.

Accommodation: Nearest camping at Ha’ena Beach County Park (permit required from the Division of Parks, Rice Street, Lihu’e), just before the State Park and road end. B&Bs and private rentals in Hanalei, 6 miles from the road end, and other places along the north shore. Condos and expensive hotels in Princeville, 4 miles further east.

Trail Notes: Do not cross flooded streams – wait for the water level to recede. The upper half of the side trail to Hanakapi’ai Falls should only be hiked in good weather because of the danger of flash floods. Carry plenty of water (stream water not suitable for drinking without treatment).