This page contains affiliate links, and we may receive compensation if you click on a link. You can read our full advertising disclosure here.
Located within the breathtaking Nā Pali Coast is the Kalalau Trail. The Kalalau Trail is an expert rated trail that can be used for short day trips or multi-day backpacking. This article will mainly be about what we did, a single day hike to the Hanakapiai Falls and back. While this is a popular hike for visitors to Kauai, it is not something that you should take lightly. This hike offers much to see but it also offers just as many opportunities for injury for the unprepared hiker.
History of the Trail
While many trails are built for scenic recreation, the Kalalau Trail served a sincere purpose and history for native Hawaiian’s. A trail similar to the Kalalau Trail was once used as a foot trail linking traditional Hawaiian Settlements located deep within the coast. Along the coast you will smell delicious fresh Guava. I don’t think we’ve ever been on a better smelling hike than here.
Trail Reservation System
The trail reservation system is a little bit confusing. If you hike past the falls you will need a camping permit regardless of if you plan on camping. You can reserve a parking spot at the park’s trailhead but I’d really recommend booking the shuttle. It was super simple, cheap and well coordinated to get you in and out. By reserving the shuttle you will also insure you have the proper passes to complete your hike.
Details of the Hike
The trail to Hanakapiai Falls is extremely beautiful and rewarding for those who make it. While the trail is only four miles round trip, it is not a quick hike. We would consider ourselves experienced hikers and the hike took us just under 6 hours. From the trailhead to Hanakapaiai Beach is 2 miles. You should plan to give yourself 3-4 hours round trip if you only plan to get to the beach and back. We got on the second shuttle of the day so we were on the trail early. By the time we were getting to the falls it was really starting to warm up. When you get to the falls prepare to have your mind blown. It’s breathtaking and years of rushing water has carved out quite the amphitheater to enjoy a swim and lunch break. While everything about Hawaii is hot, the water in the pool below the falls is not. After a long tough hike though, it really feels good. Give it a few minutes, your body will acclimate and you will never forget the experience of swimming in this place.
Trail Safety
In 2008 Backpacker Magazine rated the Kalalau Trail one of the Top 10 Most Dangerous Hikes in the U.S. and Outside Magazine listed it as one of the 20 Most Dangerous in the World. While many of the most dangerous sections lie beyond Hanakapiai Falls, getting to the falls has no shortage of its’ own danger. The ground is rarely, if ever, flat with jagged rocks and roots twisting through the slick dirt. The unmaintained trail paired with steep drops just feet from the path have lead to accidents in the past. While hiking to the falls you will pass by multiple landing zones which see regular use by the Kauai Fire Department removing injured hikers from the trail. Getting closer to the falls, we did have a time when we strayed from the path. With the heavy rain on the mountain, washed out areas can look deceptively like where people have hiked before you. We were fortunate to realize it within a few minutes and run into some hikers following along the correct trail. There are multiple stream crossings that depending on what the rain has been like, can lead to extreme flooding. In 2014, the Kauai Fire Department had to rescue over 100 hikers in a two day period after extensive flooding made the trail impassible. It’s also important to note that the beaches along the trail are where many drownings have occurred so swimming should really not be considered.
This really needed to be said.
We passed some people with shoes and sandals that are just not fit for this type of trail. On this trail you really will want the ankle support and protection of a hiking boot. Sandals are a bad idea and I would strongly reconsider a tennis shoe of any kind. Please also do not go short on the water you will need. Sections of this hike are really hot and you won’t regret having just a little extra to drink.
