Did this hike today and am still feeling like i have a lingering adrenaline rush at bedtime. Absolutely amazing, and will be potentially the high point of my entire trip. We'll see how sore I am tomorrow, lol. The only hike I have ever done that was harder was Half Dome, from the base to the top in one day. This might actually be more technically challenging because of the slipperiness in so many places. I didn't take any bad spills but the possibility was always there. I highly recommend starting early, before it gets hot. Makes a big difference in terms of how much water you need and how much sweating you do. A couple of minor things: one review mentions filling up water bottles at the waterfall. It's probably safe but as one of those nerds who reads the informational signs posted, they don't recommend you do that as the water can apparently have leptospirosis. Also, another review mentions water above the waist. They are pretty clear that you should not be crossing if the water is that high: In fact, you are supposed to turn back if it's above knee height. Happy hiking!! read more

This was an absolutely beautiful and incredible hike, one of the most amazing trails! Let's be honest though, this was a hard hike. The sun will beat down on you and you're gonna climb some inclines. To get to the trail and hike you need a permit, we went through a tourist service that provided a Shuttle at Hāʻena State Park. The shuttle is frequent so you're able to plan your day and get a ride back to the lot. When they say bring 2 liters of water per person, they mean it. We also brought 2 snack bars per person too. Listen to the guides at the beginning!! This hike took us about ~6.5-7 hours with some breaks and we swam in the waterfall. I highly recommend picking up dinner and storing it in your fridge because restaurants might be closed by the time you finish the hike. Ke'e beach is right on the trailhead, this is a safe beach to enjoy! The beach at 4 miles (halfway towards the waterfall) is not safe and it is mentioned over and over- the rip tides will sweep you away. On the trail, there were lots of guava which smelled amazing! You cross the flowing stream from the waterfall multiple times. The trail can get muddy too. It rained briefly on the way back and it was really nice break from the sun. The falls were worth the hike for sure. So beautiful and cool to swim. I would hike this again, so incredible! I will say, I was extremely exhausted and sore after, but loved the experience! read more

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This hike absolutely kicked my butt, but the views made it all worth it. It is 8 miles round trip to the falls, and they are a LONG 8 miles. Terrain is extreme, and you have to cross through water on multiple occasions. Swimming under the waterfall was one of the most surreal experiences of my life. The views of the Na Pali coast were amazing. I would recommend this hike but be sure to be conditioned for it and prepared with the right gear and enough water. read more

Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike - Hiking Near Me

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Best hike we have ever done! For intermediate hikers it was definitely intermediate to hard. It took us about an hour to the ocean with stops for pictures and to take in the view. It took us another 2 hours to get to the falls. Going back was about the same time only because we spent time at the falls. Because it was downpouring, the trail was muddy and people were easily slipping. This caused us to take time crossing the river crossings. NOTES: -I do not recommend wearing sandals. I cannot tell you how many people had to turn around attempting to try to go to the falls with sandals because you need hiking boots to navigate and keep yourself from slipping. Dont forget your swimsuit though because you get the chance to swim at the base of the falls. If you dont want your shoes wet (we just crossed with our shoes on which we paid for in the end but we just wanted to keep going lol), bring water shoes. Bring tons of water and snacks! We brought 40 oz bottles and were enough for us both. Plus you can refill at the falls... it is fresh water. -To get parking passes, you have to stay up or wake up early (til 3 am west coast, 5 am midwest, 6 am east coast) because the parking passes for the day you wanna visit are not available til midnight 30 days in advance. People stay up/wake up early minutes in advance just to refresh the page and pay $20 for parking vs $80 for the shuttle bus. People also love the choice to pick either 6 am, 12:30 pm, or 4:30 parking time. We had the 12:30 pm time and it seemed the 6 am parkers enjoyed more of the hike than our time crew. They opted more for the beach. read more

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This hike is no joke. There is a lot of climbing up and along side edge; Moving over rocks and crossing over running water and slippery rocks. It can Be a pretty dangerous hike if you are not careful so do it with caution. We decided to go over to the beach then the waterfalls. Getting there took forever. Although the sign say the mileage, it's not completely accurate. Give yourself plenty of time as the trail is wet, slippery and muddy with lots of obstacles to cross. The beach is beautiful and the waterfall is gorgeous but this hike felt like it would never end. Getting there and especially getting back was challenging. This is my second time doing it, and it seem to be more challenging than the first. And the views are amazing.The space is beautiful. The trail is shaded in most places. There are plenty people of all ages, With the exception of kids, don't take them. It's too difficult and dangerous for their little feet. Although it's beautiful, know that it is a challenging hike so be prepared. Take plenty of water and food. You will need all the energy and hydration you can get. read more

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Supposedly this is THE hike of Kauai!!! For my dear friend's bday, in addition to our birthdays that were very recently celebrated, we took a wonderful trip to Hawaii. My dear friend, who is an avid hiker, specifically booked this hike on her birthday, and made all the transportation arrangements in advance. We had to pay for a parking pass and the shuttle ride to the trail head. So here's the break down: the first 2 miles included 1 to 3 river crossings (depending on the rain) to a beach (thats sometimes does not exist due to high tides); from the beach, there's another 2 mile "treacherous" hike to a beautiful and captivating waterfall (that can potentially drown you due to the strong current); then an additional 6-7 mile hike (that requires a special permit) of a sacred trail...or something like that. yeah..... Even though all of this sounds fascinating, none of this particularly appealed to me as an avid Non-hiker lol. But I will say that it was a very scenic hike with tons of mini waterfalls, and dynamic foliage. Due to the on and off rain, the trail was muddy with tons of murky puddles and very slippery rocks that were a few feet from the cliff...this could've been an episode for Fear Factor (remember that show?? lol) I and our other friend stopped short of the beach and river crossings, and opted to turn back around...but my friend did the river crossing and made it to the beach-all with a kid strapped to her back..she received a ton of accolades from other hikers...that's my girl!!! This hike is definitely not for beginners, and you'll need hiking shoes. I managed with some outdoor-ish running shoes that are now practically ruined by the mud, but I was already warned about that. I didn't feel accomplished doing this hike, but I was proud that I at least attempted it, and didn't get injured (whew!!) Highly recommend, but definitely use discretion....try to go when it hasn't recent rained-if possible. Carry plenty of water and go with experienced hikers..and use hiking poles if really slippery. Mahalo!! read more

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What a rewarding hike! My husband planned this one out and we aren't really avid hikers but we're fairly in shape. He asked me - would you be down to do a hard-ish hike and then check out the gardens after? I was like sure, sounds good. We booked shuttle tickets since we couldn't get parking. We actually woke up a little late and missed our scheduled shuttle time, but luckily we were able to get on the following one with no issues. I won't go into too much of the terrain detail because some of the other review do it better, but let me just say that it was way harder than I was imagining lol...if you're going to the falls, hiking boots are a must for good support. It's rocky, it's muddy, it's wet and slippery. But I did see some folks hike to the falls in sandals and I literally applauded them because I can't even. Also there were some areas where you had to cross the river which we weren't aware of so we took off our shoes for this...not the greatest because the rocks hurt but better than hiking in soppy wet shoes for hours. Please bring lots of water and snacks to keep you powered! Also bug repellent because we got bit by some mosquitoes. During our hike it rained off and on so the entire way it was squelchy in the mud. I'm short like 5'1 and had a hard time with some of the rocks and terrain, part of me wished I had hiking poles to have better support, but my husband helped me get through some parts. The waterfall is stunning! Cute little cats were nearby. The hike back was HARD. Since the trail goes up and down, going back was a good amount of up...by the end I was just emitting salt instead of sweat and was covered in mud. The next day, I was limping from soreness. Grateful that my husband planned this beautiful hike, but we also didn't make the gardens so don't plan to do hike and gardens on the same day unless you're a confident hiker. read more

Wowza this is an amazing hike! The first two miles are no big deal besides the incredible views to the beach, but not howdy the next two make you work for it! In my humble opinion, poles are best used here. There are several river crossings that vary depending on recent rainfall. We did the hike in August 2021 and the water was plentiful but not impossible or unsafe to cross. If continuing on to the Kalalau trail beyond the first two miles there are times the water is too dangerous to cross and the hike must be abandoned for another day. Day park passes are required in advance to even get on property, this is new in the last 3 years. Plan accordingly. The beauty of Kauai is at its finest out here, but you work for it. At the very tip end of Hanalei is where you'll find this gem of a park. I am a pretty avid hiker and I was sore for a few days following this hike, possibly due to falling 2 or 3 times during those crossings (even with poles, don't judge) but I was wicked glad we went. An amazing adventure and easier to achieve than the illusive Kalalau trail permits. read more

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The Hanakapi'ai Fall is located in the Hāena State Park which consists of trail systems leading to jaw-dropping coastal scenes of the Na Pali Coast. It is deemed as 7.5 to 8 miles on most tracks, but could take upwards of 5 hours to complete. I went on a dry, 90F and sunny forecasted day, therefore the trail was relatively dry. The first 2 miles are very straight forward. You'll experience your first immaculate coastal views with that first incline. (Note: As you descend to Hanakāpī'Ai Beach, the trail is exposed; you'll need to go back up that on your way out and in high afternoon sun!) From here, you have the option to end the hike and relax at the beach or march on like a mad man towards the falls trail. This second half of the hike could be described as the more "treacherous" part. Under the thick cover of trees, the trail experiences very little sun exposure and, therefore, does not dry out as readily. The trail will get very muddy and therefore slippery, but at least it is shaded! Water crossings are your constant companion here; I lost count of the number, to be honest. I did a simple hop and skip on rocks and logs, but I imagine the ease of this could vary depending on water levels. On that note, the reason this trail is deemed as dangerous is due to the number of rescues and deaths experienced when hikers attempt to cross swelling rivers with powerful currents. If you have to wade across, do NOT attempt a crossing. Poles could be helpful, but honestly your foot wear matters the most here. A pair of rugged and ventilated hiking boots or trail runners are your best options. You should try to keep them dry and if not, the ventilation will at least allow the water to drain. Hiking sandals or sandals in general should be avoided. They just don't have the appropriate tread this kind of hike asks for. Inevitably, you will reach the 300 foot waterfall spilling into a giant pool. Sandals or water shoes here are a must since there is no beach; just jagged rocks which could really hurt your bare feet. DO take a dip before leaving. It is much colder here in the shade and the water is cold, but you will be glad for the cool down especially since, as mentioned, you will need to knock out that 1mi incline in FULL afternoon sun after making your way back to the beach. It will get hot! It is absolutely recommended to bring at least 3 liters of water and save at least 0.5 liters to mix electrolytes. Bugs were not too much of a problem for me, but they were there! And threatening since I was sweating balls. The trailhead is seemingly inaccessible due to the remoteness and limited parking. However, the advanced reservation system with the ability to reserve either direct parking or a seat in the shuttle makes it that much more accessible to the inexperienced adventure seeker with delusional dreams to get that next Instagram photo. Prepare yourself for this hike and you will have a grand ole' time and with epic views and sceneries to lock away forever in your mind. read more

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Managed to snag a parking reservation just a few days before (there was a cancellation), and got there just before noon for the 12:30PM ticket - was let in early (there were plenty of parking spots left). Started around noon for the hike, got to the beach in about an hour. Not too bad of a hike although there is a lot of downhill, implying lots of uphill on the way back. Went to the waterfall from the beach in about an hour as well, path wasn't muddy at all, water crossings had big rocks which were convenient, not too difficult, went by some bamboo clusters as well which was cool. Waterfall was very tall, not many people there (a group of 5 and a group of 2, the latter left soon after I was there). Water was refreshing, glad I went. Hike back to the beach was 45 minutes, and then hike back up to the parking lot took about an hour (I was going quite fast though, passed a lot of people). Shaded on and off which helped, bring enough water especially on hot days. The hike between the beach and the waterfall has a lot of coverage, but the hike from the beach to the parking lot not so much. Moving time for parking lot to waterfall and back was about 3 hours 45 minutes, although the person checking tickets said it usually takes 5-6 hours (not sure if he meant including spending time at the beach and waterfall though). Definitely well worth it, would recommend! Reserve early otherwise you might not get a spot! read more

Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike - Hiking Near Me

8 miles round trip. Beautiful waterfall at the end. I am quite fit and was able to do this at a brisk pace, completed this round trip 5.5 hrs. I hiked with legit hiking shoes and still slipped! This trail is super slippery. I wouldn't even want to attempt this without hiking shoes although I did see people with regular tennis shoes. Absolutely dangerous with any flip flops. There is a ton of fruit on the waterfall part of the hike halfway though. Strawberry guava and mango so if your hungry you can just pick off the ground. The waterfall at the end is magnificent and you must swim. The very last half mile or so did require a lot of slippery rock hiking. Nothing too difficult if you're athletic and like to hike. I did see some kids even. But if you're not good on you're feet or with balancing or scared about climbing slippery rocks this hike isn't for you. We did have to cross maybe 4 times over the River. I was able to do it without having to take my shoes off and without getting wet but some people weren't that lucky. Some people looked very scared and took a very long time to cross. If you can switch to water shoes and get wet that might work but takes too much time if it can be avoided. read more

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Hiked to the falls on 7/7/17. Got to the parking lot a little before 6am and it was about half full. I'd say it's moderate hike. The most challenging part was the last mile or so leading to the falls, mostly due to the rocks, river crossing, and rain. We used water shoes once we had to start crossing the river (I think something like 5 times). We saw others jumping from rock to rock but didn't want to chance soggy hiking boots (which others didn't seem to mind). Took my husband and I about 7 hours to complete -- including time to swim, switch shoes, allowing others to pass, and bathroom stops. Great hike overall. To sum up other reviews that were helpful for us prior to tackling the hike: - bring plenty of water (We brought about 1.5L of water and a Gatorade each. We saw a handful of people start the hike later in the day with little to no water in hand! Not smart given the heat and exertion involved.) - use sun screen (especially for the return portion from the beach to trailhead) - +/- bug spray (we brought it but didn't seem to be bothered) - allow plenty of time (earlier start the better -- for parking and traffic) - do swim in the pool/fall! It's refreshing and absolutely beautiful! - know your limits (may not be a good hike for anyone with prior knee or ankle injuries/instabilities). It's not a race so go at your own pace One thing that did upset us while on the hike was how few people knew hiking etiquette (mostly with passing and crowding tight/challenging areas like the river crossings). Please note hikers going uphill have the right of way. Always give a warning if you're going to pass (ie "coming on your left"). We definitely recommend this hike in you're in Kauai! It was a highlight of our trip. read more

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Muddy and advanced terrain but oh so fun and worth it! The most stunning waterfall we have ever seen. Would not recommend taking young kids past the beach at 2 mile mark. Terrain becomes advanced with higher rock climbs etc closer to the falls. Would not do on a day of active rain- I think would be too slippery. We wore hiking shoes and brought water shoes to play in the falls. It was a good idea. Microfiber towel was a solid bring to dry off after swimming. Bring 1.5L of water per person if you plan to do the full 9 miler. Start in early morning for amazing coolness in the air for first half. We were sweaty and had a blast. read more

Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike - Beginning of trail - Hiking Near Me

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If you're not a local and you want to visit this park, you have to plan a month in advance by reserving your entry pass ($5/person) and/or shuttle and/or parking space ($10 for a half day) online (gohaena.com) 30 days ahead of when you want to go at 6pm HAWAII TIME. Because there is so much detail involved in making a reservation, I recommend planning more than 30 days in advance and practicing making an online reservation so the transaction will go smoothly on the day you really want to go. After reserving entry for my party of 5 and purchasing a parking pass for the first half of the day, I discovered that I did not buy enough parking pass to cover my 8 hour round-trip trek to Hanakapi'ai Falls and back. Being that passes sell out within the first minute of reservations opening, I couldn't buy an extra parking pass for the last half of the day. Fortunately, there was a member in our party who wasn't going to hike so he was "volunteered" to be our shuttle driver. Otherwise, shuttle passes are $35/person. For shuttle drivers, there is no cell service, but there is a waiting area for shuttle drivers. Although the trek to the falls was just over 4 miles, it was one of the most strenuous hikes I've ever been on with all the slippery rocks to cross on, tree roots to mind, and uneven terrain that made my legs feel like I just did 1000 squats. At the 2 mile marker, there is a beach, a bathroom (yeah!), and a fork where the trails diverge: the right goes to Kalalau (you MUST have a permit) and the left goes to Hanakapi'ai Falls which is another 2 miles. Determined to go to the falls, my party pressed on. During the last 20 minutes to the falls, the trail narrows and one of our members slipped off the edge because a root gave way. Luckily, he found something to hang onto while the rest of us pulled him up. While his life was not in danger, he lost his nerve to continue the trail and chose to stay back at the last river crossing. To keep himself busy while waiting for us to return, he took it upon himself to be the angel guide for other hikers who were wondering where to cross the last river crossing (a treacherous crossing I might add)--a helpful resource as the red tags were not easily visible. Upon arriving at the falls, we immediately plunged in the chilly waters (70°F) for that photo with the waterfall--silly people. Was it worth it? Yes, but there was the 4 miles back which made my legs sore for days. In early October, the ripe guavas are literally dropping from the trees; hence, the smashed guavas bring lots of flies. Remember to hike with your mouth closed. read more

Awesome hike. It rained the night before and there were storms in the vicinity so the falls were intense and the stream crossings got to be waist high at some points. So worth the hike and the sore muscles for days. Would highly recommend to anyone visiting Kauai. read more

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Bring lot's of water and be prepared to throw away your shoes after. There are approximately 5 river crossings. Don't give up and keep on going. It's absolutely gorgeous. read more

Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike - The falls - Hiking Near Me

Beautiful! rainbows and waterfalls are a few of my favorite things about the garden island!! Aloha!! Wear good shoes and a bathing suit everywhere! Watering yourselves is a must no matter which hike you choose. Salt water and the balmy air dehydrate you quickly, so be prepared! read more

If you can do only one day hike on your trip to Kauai, let it be the Hanakapiai trail. The trailhead is at Ke'e Beach, the total distance hiked is 8 miles round trip, and the level of difficulty is moderate to low. Once you get to Hanakapiai Beach (about 2 miles in), the trail forks into the 11-mile (one-way) Kalalau trail and the 4-mile Hanakapiai trail, which ends at Hanakapiai falls (a rewarding view at the end of the hike). Along the way, you get magnificent views of the NaPali Coast. I've learned from experience that September is a great time of year for this hike, and December is perhaps the worst time. The high surf, the heavy rainfall, the swelling streams, and the flash floods make this hike well-nigh impossible in December / January. Also, in September, you find strawberry guavas growing along the trail on lower elevations, and common guavas on higher elevations. Parking at Ke'e Beach (where the trailhead is) is scarce, so get here early in the morning. read more

Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike - Hiking Near Me

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One of the most awarding hikes I've ever done! After the previous time my boyfriend and I went to Kauai, we decided when we return we would conquer Hanakapiai. For those who don't really hike, you might want to build up your endurance. Make sure you go early so you can get parking, if you not you will need to park more down the street. We went around 7:40 on a Thursday morning and the parking was packed! We brought bentos, a lot of water, tabis from Walmart and bug spray. After the first mile (literally going incline), I was over it.... Yes believe the Yelp reviews because it's brutal. But after the first, it's much easier!! Seeing the beautiful coast of Na Pali was absolutely worth the pain. Stream crossing? Through out this whole hike, there are multiple streams. At first I tried walking on the rocks but mid way I decided to just keep the tabis on and just not care about the water. The beach was beautiful especially with all the rocks piled. We ended up having lunch there and my boyfriend ended up fishing from the shore. Yes.... He brought a pole with him. No luck though! For some weird reason, there are a lot of cats. Why? And how did they get there? I have no idea! The second part of the hike was very very muddy. One point of the hike, the consistency of mud was slippery. We kept slipping here and there. From afar you start seeing the beautiful waterfall which makes you want to keep going. Just keep walking, just keep walking. At the waterfall, there are some who like to swim so bring your swim clothes if interested. It's a bit chilly at the fall so maybe a light jacket if necessary would be good to have. Overall it was a beautiful hike. Yes it is long and tiring. Your legs may hurt the next day but it's worth every bit of it. Be careful through out this hike because anything can happen. When it rains.... That's a whole different ball game. Flash floods can happen so be prepared! Maybe next time, Kalalau? read more

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= STRENUOUS HIKE REWARDED BY BEAUTIFUL VIEWS = HANAKAPI'AI FALLS reminded me of how people would appreciate things more when they worked harder to get it. LENGTH: 4 miles each way (8 miles today) DIFFICULTY: Strenuous CONDITIONS: Often slippery and muddy, watch for flash floods All my friends wanted to do during our 4 days in Kauai was to stretch out under the sun and get a beautiful Hawaiian tan, but I heard about the Kalalau Trail and Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike and was determine to drag them along to see the beautiful Na'Pali Coast. I am a novice hiker, and and took notes from reading other people's reviews and suggestions. Nevertheless, the Hanakapiai Falls Hike was a difficult hike for me. Even though a storm came in when we reached the 2 mile mark (Hanakapi'ai Beach) and we had to turn back, I enjoyed every moment of it because I was rewarded by beautiful sights. Like most beginners, I was busy looking down and concentrating on which path I should take, but I stopped and moved to the side once in a while to enjoy the beautiful sight of the Na'Pali Coast and the Valley. I was retarded and only brought one bottle of water, and wished I listened to the advices and brought more. Haha WHAT TO BRING: - LOTS OF WATER: Most people suggested 2L per person. - INSECT REPELLENT: Spray before you get off your car, and reapply as necessary (as you will be getting wet and sweaty) - SNACKS: It's a long hike, you might want to take a break and enjoy some time at the beach or at the waterfalls - SUNSCREEN: Yeah, bring this... Unless you want to look like a roasted pig like all the other tourist on the island. - ZIPLOCK BAG: For your phone & camera. It might rain, and you will be crossing streams. Better to be safe than sorry. WARNING: - NO CELL PHONE RECEPTION ON TRAIL - BEACH: While this is a beautiful secluded beach, there is NO LIFEGUARD and NO SWIMMING allowed at this beach. Dangerous underwater current, and there's a sign marking the number of people that died. - WATERFALLS: While I didn't make it here, the trail leading to the waterfalls is dangerous. Pay attention to PINK RIBBONS that will guide you to the waterfalls. BE CAREFUL as you could easier hurt yourself on this portion of the hike. - STREAMS: Water conditions change rapidly. Again, be careful. TIPS: - Many people leave their WALKING STICKS at the beginning of the trail. Grab one just in case, and leave it for the next hiker. - Everyone moves at a different pace. Move to the side and let the people/group behind you pass if you are a slow hiker like me. - Wear hiking shoes or shoes with grip. The trail was muddy & slippery. read more

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This was our favorite hike! There are definitely parts that are a little tricky and scary, but it's all well worth it for those falls. The falls are so impressive and beautiful, I'd make that hike again in a heartbeat. There's good cover from the sun on the second half of the trail as well. There's a beach halfway through which breaks up the hike nicely as well. We did this hike in Keen's hiking sandals which were perfect, as there are some wet parts! Definitely recommend this hike, it's amazing! read more

It's definitely a moderate plus hike. The 2 mile hike along the beach is not a 2 mile level hike on sand. It is a muddy, rocky, slippery up and down hike about 200+ feet above the ocean. And then the rest of the hike crosses a river about 6 times up to the falls. There are cats up there too. Beautiful hike, the feeling of accomplishment is the reward. Bring at least 4 bottles of water, bug spray , some water shoes for crossing the river, a small hand towel and a positive attitude. Have fun!!! read more

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Hanakapi'ai Falls is STUNNING and was one of the highlights of our trip! I can't say I thought the water was "refreshing" (too cold for me!) but it was definitely worth it just to say we got in. The hike was challenging and we were VERY glad we brought hiking poles. Wear water/hiking sandals or hiking shoes you don't mind getting ruined as the trail can be very muddy. We rode the shuttle which was convenient, but give yourself plenty of time to enjoy both beaches and the falls, while still making it back in time to catch the evening shuttle. Not for beginners, but an absolute must for those who enjoy hiking. You will not be disappointed! read more

This hike kicked my ass. It was beautiful and I'm glad I did it, but hike ratings are so subjective, and I give this 4/5 stars because I was limping for the last mile! If you know what you're getting into and you're prepared, and you STILL want to go, I think you'll have a great time. -- RIVER CROSSINGS: I didn't count, but there were 3-4 stream crossings each way. I went in early March and it actually hadn't been that rainy, so in most spots the water was 4-12 inches deep. I did read that there can be flash floods, but I really couldn't imagine that happening with the climate when I was there. Sometimes I just waded through the water (I wore Keens and they worked well), and other times I tried to hop across the rocks and boulders. The latter option can be tricky since the rocks are slippery and you might bonk your head or body if you fall. -- SUN/SHADE: The beginning of the hike (first 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai beach) is gorgeous but a good portion of it is exposed, so definitely wear sunscreen and be prepared to sweat. The majority of the trail between the beach and the falls is covered and you'll get to see some bamboo and other jungle foliage. -- BUGS: There are mosquitoes... I used bug spray and reapplied when I got to the falls since a lot of it had washed off in the stream crossings. I did see a pretty long centipede. Otherwise the hike was pretty critter-free, nothing dangerous. -- NOURISHMENT: My husband and I brought a 3L Camelbak... I don't know how it's possible, but we finished all the water with about 2 miles left to go, so we were pretty thirsty at the end. We brought some spam musubi (yum) to eat when we took a little break at the falls, which was nice. -- TERRAIN: Very rocky. I felt like the majority of the terrain was uneven due to the rocks/stepping stones, which put a lot of pressure on my knees and they were really hurting by the end. There was mud in places, perhaps not as much as other people encountered because it hadn't rained too much in the preceding week. -- THE FALLS: Quite tall and pretty, 300-400 feet high. A few people were swimming in the pool at the bottom. Definitely a rewarding view. -- TIME COMMITMENT: We're in pretty decent shape, but I was really cautious on the rocky trail and the stream crossings, plus I slowed down a lot at the last mile when my knees were killing me. We finished the 8-mile hike (2 miles to the beach, nearly 2 miles to the falls, and back) in just under 5 hours. A final word of caution, people have died hiking this trail, but many many more have been successful and had a wonderful time. Be careful and use good judgment. I think we got lucky with the weather, but I can say that I never felt that it was unsafe to proceed, and I never felt like "oh god I'm going to die" -- just "if I slip on these rocks, I might end up with a concussion" =p read more

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The Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike is full of adventure, beauty, and challenge! It's the most amazing trail I've been on, though I hear Kalalau is even prettier. However we didn't bring camping gear with us, so maybe on another trip. Took us from 9AM to 6PM to hike the total 8 miles. We spent a long time because we stopped to take pictures and spent about an hour at the waterfall.The first part of the trail isn't so bad. The hard part is after you cross the river because of sticky wet mud, climbing up and down rocks, crossing streams, but I loved every minute of it. At the end of the trail you reach a majestic waterfall. You hiked 3-4 hours for this, so you have to swim there! Water is shockingly cold but don't let it discourage you! If you're a weak swimmer, make sure you swim with someone. I was getting numb from the chill and couldn't feel my limbs at some point. Behind the waterfall are some rocks so you can stand, sit and view the fall from there. It's quite a spectacular scene, and make sure you look up at the falls from where you're swimming. It's incredible. On the way back, it rained, but it didn't last long. The last 20 minutes back was hardest for me because sun was down, rocks were slippery, and I was limping thanks to a sore knee. So bring a flashlight in case! Here are some other tips: 1. Good hiking shoes, you'll need good grip! 2. Plenty of water 3. Plenty of snacks 4. Swimwear for the waterfall! 5. Small towel 6. Repellent- didn't get many bites luckily 7. Maybe a band-aid if you scrape yourself on a rock. 8. Waterproof Camera- I don't know how some of those tourists carry those bulky fancy ones for hours! One of them slipped while crossing the river and got theirs wet. -_- 9. Sunblock 10. Windbreaker jacket with hoodie in case it rains read more

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Hiking doesn't get any better than this. It was incredible. Both the kaulau trail and this trail made the perfect 8 mile hike. It took us 5.5 hours. We stopped to swim at the waterfall and then hiked back. Tips: 1. Bring a camel back. The park recommends 2 liters per person. I saw a lot of people with a plastic disposable bottle. I just wouldn't want to carry that in my hand the whole time 2. We went at 11am and brought headlamps just in case. We passed people on the way back and the hike took them 8 hours. We took 5.5 with a 45 min stop at the falls and I am in decent shape. It's up to your ability level and the weather. Be cognizant of the time and plan accordingly. 3. Check the weather. Lots of rain would make this dangerous with the river crossings and so slippery. It was slippery and muddy enough on a clear day. 4. If you have them, wear trail running shoes. Hiking shoes are good too but the trail running shoes helped me so much on the slippery and muddy parts and dried quickly. 5. Parking is a pain- plan accordingly, carpool , Etc. 6. Take your time and go at the place you need. 7. Bring a lunch or a snack. We brought 3 builders bars (protein bars) and I was still hungry after. 8. Let someone know that you're on the trail and when you expect to be back. I always do this as a precaution. 9. There's a bathroom after the first 2 miles. read more

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Definitely one of the hardest hikes I've ever done in my life. With that said, we completed this hike post hurricane so the weather was nice but the ground was wet and muddy so your feet was literally sticking to the ground all the time and we had to be extra careful in certain areas so as to not sprain an ankle. The hike was 8 miles total round trip and with all the muddy terrain, streams we had to cross and all the necessary breaks (photo ops in many places around the trail) and stops at the beach and the waterfall, we completed this in 8 hours. 8 hours is a long time but keep in mind that the conditions of the trail were not ideal after the hurricane passed and we literally had to inch our way through at some points along our hike. We started early around 6:30 and completed it early in the afternoon just in time to treat ourselves to some dessert afterwards. The first two miles of the hike would get you to the beach but then the next two miles are for those who are willing to get down and dirty depending on the conditions towards the water fall. Hiking sticks are definitely a must and if you don't have one then you can possibly use some wooden sticks that are left at the beginning of the trail if you are lucky. There are two bathrooms along the trail, one at the beginning and one near the beach at the two mile marker. Mosquito bites are expected so using a bug spray repellant may do you and your body some good. I probably got 15 or so and it took a while to go away. Expect to get your feet wet whether you like it or not so use shoes that you don't mind getting dirty. Those $20 dollar pair of water shoes from Amazon may not be the best to use because of the lack of grip it provides and for comfort reasons. Your feet will thank you later. Once you get passed the beach, there are certain areas that can get confusing as to which way to go, but thankfully people tied colored ribbons on trees to guide you in the right direction. The water fall itself was amazing and certainly was worth it but making that hike back with your entire body being sore made you think twice and questioned your decision of even doing this in the first place. Make sure to bring some snacks and drinks because you will be there a while. The hike was worth it but like I said, if you don't mind spending half of your day here and walking in mud and through water to get to the falls, then go for it. If not then spend your time at the beach and enjoy other parts of Kauai. But I'm glad I got to see this part of Kauai even though my legs hated me afterwards. read more

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This was probably one of the best hikes I've done so far. Trek it through all 4 miles to get to the end and you will be rewarded with a gorgeous 300 ft waterfall and a pool of water that you can swim in. Let me warn you though: the water is very brisk. VERY BRISK. This hike is located on the northern end of the island, at the very end of the road. I suggest you get an early start, since this will average about 4-5 hours. Well, it took me 7 hours total, just an FYI. Parking will be limited, so come early to find parking as well. I started the hike at 6am and didn't get back until about 1pm. Bring your swimsuit, good shoes, bug spray, sunblock, snacks, and a lot of water. Trust me, you'll think you won't need a lot of water, but YOU WILL. Especially on the way back to your car, if you decide to do the full 8 miles round trip. There are signs and mile markers for you to follow along the trail, which I really liked. The first half of the hike was very straight forward, up and down alongside the mountain. Relatively safe, no sketchy areas. You're under quite a bit of shaded areas for the first mile. The second mile is out in the open, no shade. After the second mile, you end up at Hanakapi'ai Beach - relatively secluded, except for the hikers you come across. You'll have to cross a stream to get to the beach: be careful. From the beach, it is another 2 miles inland to get to the waterfall. This part gets real muddy real quick. You'll have to cross the stream at least twice: be careful. It can be very slippery. If the water isn't rushing down, I would just go in the water and slowly make it across. Skipping on the rocks might be a little bit dangerous for those who can't get good footing. If you're ever on Kauai, this has got to be on your list of things-to-do! It's a gorgeous glimpse of the Na Pali Coast and also the waterfall at the end of the trail. ENJOY! read more

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Alright, here's a little backstory of myself as a hiker: I'm in my late 20's, strength train 3-4x a week and have had previous issues with my knee before and have hiked at MOST 4 miles total. That being said here's my experience and tips: We went the day after heavy rains; our main concerns were the streams (obviously b/c of the chance of flash flooding) started the hike around 10am and people coming back down said it wasn't bad...not knee deep, not raging...so we went forth. The first four miles is basically an incline and decline switch back through the Na Pali coastline. When you hit the beach, definitely take some time to rest eat and drink a bit. You deserve it!...and you'll need it to come. There you will also see many series of stacked rocks (be respectful, don't touch it) and for GODS SAKE don't go in the water. It may look inviting, but only an idiot would go in....and yes, that day there were two...The under-toe is treacherous MANY people died. Moving on, the remaining four miles was a lot more difficult. The constant climbing down and up through the mud (A LOT OF IT) and rocks definitely took it's toll on my knees. I wished I brought a knee brace. If you haven't got one by now, find a walking stick...it will help. Be prepared to cross another 3-4 streams. There will be a rope at one of them but the others you just have to rely on good core balance if you don't want to slip. Eventually, (about 3 hour in) we get to the falls. It..is...breathtaking and majestic. We went in for a quick swim took a bunch of photos and hele'd (get out of) there. The hike back was pretty gnarly too but much faster. Total time: 5-1/2 hours...mainly in part of my crap knee, but well worth it. This is a hike I would definitely do again. read more

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One Of The Best Of Kauai Definitely! Must See! This is my favorite part of the island. The trails and falls wind though some wondrously beautiful landscapes. Winding through the mountains and across streams you work your way to the beach after 2 miles. The currents are dangerous here and have claimed around 83 lives so far. Then you work 2 miles south and up the mountain to the falls... Pretty awesome stuff... This is one of the places that if you miss out on it you have greatly inhibited the value of your trip here... Don't let the beauty fool you though... You NEED a decent supply of water and great footwear out here. People running around with a little water bottle and in flip flops is an unfortunate sight as we kept filling their water bottles. If you are I super good shape and know your hiking needs its not that difficult but so many people were so spaced out on basic safety we were surprised. read more

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The Hanakapi'ai Falls hike was the highlight of my trip to Kauai! It is strenuous, long, and even treacherous at points but it was well worth it. The hike is an out and back that ends at Hanakapi'ai Falls, 4 miles in and 4 miles back. Halfway to the falls is Hanakapi'ai Beach. It took my wife and I, who are frequent hikers, 4:40 total hiking time with wet conditions, not counting stops at the beach or the falls. The trailhead is at Haena State Park at the end of State Hwy 560, you can't miss it because it is literally at the end of the road. The hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach takes you along the coast on a rocky, slippery (sometimes) trail, that goes up and down into valleys for two miles until you reach Hanakapi'ai Beach. To get to the beach or continue on the trail you have to cross the river. If you are feeling lucky you can try it without removing your shoes and hop rock to rock. The alternative is to take off your shoes and socks and wade across. I thought I was lucky, my wet feet after falling in thought otherwise. *The several river crossings during the hike can be dangerous if it has been raining a lot and the water is moving fast. DO NOT attempt to cross during heavy rains, you can be swept down the river to the ocean. Once you cross the river you can hang out at the beach for a bit and go swimming in the lagoon (it did look a bit stagnant, however), or ocean if the conditions and bravery (foolishness?) merit such an activity. The trail from the beach to the falls is not maintained but it is fairly heavily travelled (we encountered a few dozen hikers along the way and at the falls). There is a pretty neat bamboo forest 30-45 minutes in with a bunch of initials and other things carved into the bamboo. It seems like the closer you get to the falls the more river crossings and scrambling/climbing you have to do. I think there were 5/6 river crossings on the way there and there are plenty of times where you're grabbing onto things to hoist yourself over an obstacle. The falls are absolutely breathtaking and are WAY bigger than I thought they were going to be. I heard they are 350 ft high which sounds about right. There is a large pool to swim in and behind the falls there are rocks to stand on. The water is cold but is a welcome shock to the system after the strenuous hike. I recommend eating lunch here, hydrating, and checking feet and changing socks before heading back. The way back is the same since this hike is an out and back but the leg from the beach to the end certainly feels a lot longer the way back. Recommendations - Bring plenty of water! What "plenty" is depends on you. I took 3 liters just for myself, but I tend to drink a lot of water. Eat a good breakfast and bring a lunch! We brought PB&Js, chips, and granola bars. Do not do this hike if you are not used to some pretty technical hiking or are in reasonable shape! This hike is a broken hip waiting to happen, leave grandma back at the resort. Do not underestimate mother nature! Both in the stream crossings and in the ocean. People have died here, seriously. read more

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Spectacular views. The two miles to the beach is a safe trail but with some long and steep hills. The two miles from the beach to the falls is one of the most challenging hikes around. Slippery hills, rocks and four streams to cross jumping across on large boulders. A sturdy hiking stick is a must. Serious accidents from slipping is a possibility along much of the trail which is mostly always muddy. There is no cell service. Do not take younger children who may need to be carried on this trail. Plan on 1 1/2 hours each way to the falls from the beach. The falls are amazing. I wore a suit and swam the 50 yards to be under the falls. read more

This hike was amazing and a must do according to locals. It was long and challenging but the waterfall at the end was the best part. A couple key things: - make sure you have dry conditions when hiking. It hadn't rained in a couple days when we went and it was still muddy. - the first two miles are the easiest and the last is by far the hardest. You do have to jump across streams and climb large rock walls. - bring plenty of water and snacks! We brought 6 liters of water and drank 5. - have proper shoes, we were in sneakers and our feet were hurting by the end of it - we started the hike at 9am and finished at 3pm. It is important to start early. Remember it is a hike, if it was meant to be easy it'd be called walking. read more

Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike - First two miles to the beach - Hiking Near Me

This was a really great way to spend a birthday. no phone service, so I happily missed all my birthday calls. Even the drive to Ke'e Beach looks like Jurrasic Park. Everything is beautiful and luscious, however be prepared to drive over narrow roads and one lane bridges. Also, if you're navigating, I suggest downloading the Kauai map to your phone, which you can use without phone service and navigating to Ke'e Beach and not Hanakapiai Falls.....which takes you ro a neighborhood. [ this put is off track, but only 20 minutes worth.] We got there at 920ish, which is pretty late and parking was awful. There is nice parking by the beach, which fills up fast and a lot which is rocks and better for Jeeps and Trucks (alot of sedans pretty much almost bottomed out here.. ) Some people parked on the street. The hike is actually 2 hikes. One to hanakapiai beach, which is pretty easy, just steep for the first mile in. There's also a first river crossing before the beach. Heed the warnings signs, people die here. The second hike is from the beach to the falls. Most of that hike is easy except the river crossings which were hard for me as a short (5'3") person and an okay hiker. Also there were a few narrow parts where you had to grip slippery wall. Definitely nerve racking, but the wall is porous and easy to grip. Also, people impatiently barrel in or past you when youre slow like me, which is dangerous and rude. ( a simple excuse me is proper etiquette to the birthday girl) stable grippy shoes are a good idea, locals wear reef walkers. sticks are good for stability. We saw people swimming, which looked awesome, but i wouldnt recommended it because there is leptospirosis here. Also it was really hot on the way back ( in the afternoon) , so bring hella water. Someone basically asked me for some of my leftover rationed water. This was great, not as hard as I thought it would be, but not easy either. read more

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Mother Nature definitely favored Kauai! One of the most rewarding breathtaking view after a 4 muddy/slippery miles hike there and a long 4 miles back. Took us about 6 hours with an hour in the beautiful but freezing pool! Worth every second! Highly recommend wearing your bathing suit and diving in! Do come prepared and get there early cause parking is limited! I can't emphasize enough to bring at least 2 liters of water, sunblock, shoes with good traction and bug repellent. For those that are prone to mosquitoes loving only you, lather up multiple times. I did but still got 6 love bites from them! Oh and lunch/snacks to enjoy while you're staring at the magnificent waterfalls and being entertained by the ladies screaming while entering the pool :) Hike starts at Ke'e beach. We got there about 9AM and the parking lot filled up fast! First two miles is a moderate hike that I witnessed several kids doing it...(a slightly different story tho on the way back after hiking 6 miles). However, the last two miles starting at Kalalau trail after you get to the secluded beach gets dangerous and I don't recommend those with a bad knee, kids or OCD folks fearing mud on their shoes. You'll be crossing a total of 4 rivers if I remember correctly. Either take shoes off and cross or try jumping the rocks without falling in. Expect to get dirty, squishy and slippery. But go slow and enjoy the ocean view, mountains, rivers and most of all Hanakapiai Falls! read more

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This is a very difficult hike. In the books this hike is rated, "Moderate," it should be Difficult. It's two hours of difficult hiking up, and two hours of difficult hiking down. I put this in so you know what your getting into. Now if your up for it, the falls are amazing. The water is cool, but not cold, and beautiful. Swimming in and around the falls was awesome. Have fun and be safe. read more

Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike - At the beginning of the trial. - Hiking Near Me

If you are lucky enough to visit Kauai then the one place you must put on your list of things to do and see is the Kalalau Trail and Hanakapi'ai Falls. Like everyone else has mentioned there are two parts to the trail. The first two miles anyone can do as it does not require a permit but the last 9 miles you will need a permit. Because my bf and I didn't plan far enough in advance, we were only able to do the first two miles. Coming from a much higher elevation, neither of us experienced any issues or felt that the hike was strenuous; however, I can definitely see how people that don't live at a mile high could find this hike to be exhausting. We were one of the first cars in the parking lot at 7:30 a.m. We started our hike to our ultimate destination of Hanakapi'ai Falls. MAN, is that entire hike breathtaking. You are perched on the side of a cliff at times overlooking the trees, flowers, and ocean. The hardest part of the hike is just continuing to move. All I wanted to do was stop and stare. Seriously amazing! When we finished the first two miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach, we were the only two people there. It is beautiful and romantic. After a brief stop we headed on up the trail to Hanakapi'ai Falls. This part of the hike is through dense / lush vegetation. You have to cross the water fall run off a handful of times, climb up some wet rock faces, and duck under low lying trees. But once you get there... it's totally worth it. Some recommendations: - You are going to get your feet wet. I wish in retrospect that I had worn my Keen hiking sandals instead of my trail running shoes. - Bring water. We only brought two 1 liter bottles. The humidity (for whatever reason) made me so very thirsty. - You may want to bring an extra shirt / socks. Like I said before, humidity and you are going to get wet. - Another retrospective wish - We would have brought a small lunch with us and had lunch at Hanakapi'ai Beach. read more

Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike - Hanakapi'ai Falls - Hiking Near Me

I did this hike a few days ago with my wife & my 13 yr old daughter. It has to be one of the best hikes ive ever done! If ur just going to the beach n back u can get away with doing it in flip flops but I wouldnt recommend it. If ur gonna go to the falls, I highly recommend a good pair of water shoes because after the beach you will be crossing that stream/river 10 at least + it gets very muddy and you'll find yourself crossing ledges with streams flowing through them! Highly recommend the shoes. This hike is awsome! It really challenged us! The shoes r also good for waljing in the pool near the fall. 8 miles round trip. We had nice weather but I heard some woman died recently and many hikers got stranded when it rained and the stream started raging. Be very careful. read more

Hanakapi'ai Falls Hike - 1 of the many times you must cross the stream. - Hiking Near Me

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More challenging than I expected but highly highly recommend. I usually hike in the Vermont/New Hampshire area. The hike was not as high in elevation as I'm used to but I found the navigating the terrain more challenging. Even more gorgeous than I could have imagined read more

For tips and tricks... keep reading! Not a beginners hike. 2 miles to hanakapi'ai beach, two more for the falls. Worth every bit if you are like us and enjoy the wonders of the world. If nature is not your thing, this is not for you. Water is a necessity. Mental toughness is required. If you are weak and turn around, you will miss out. Expect to get muddy, expect to slip. Slippers are for locals only, hiking boots are way too heavy. Invest in good train runners and wear them for every strenuous hike on the islands. Rock hopping is mandatory. You will be grabbing trees to help stand on rocks and get across the streams, depending on how much it rained the day before, that day, or that minute. Once you get to the beach, my suggestion is keep going and stop on the way back if you like. The real beauty will be the falls. Stop by a store driving up to the falls for some bentos. We stopped by Pono market for some ahi poke, boiled peanuts, karaage chicken, and maki sushi. That was more than enough for us. If you get lucky you can park at ke'e beach. If not you will have to park on the roads... BUT do not even try to park in the NO PARKING ZONES. You will get a ticket. We parked right past the no parking areas and were fine. As long as it doesn't have a NO PARKING Sign, you can park. Another option is to park far and hitch hike back. Now for the unbelievable.. If you have balls like my husband, when you get to the falls... you can swim across and sit right behind the falls. Watch out for rocks underneath... please do not go in if you get cuts, and DO NOT drink the water. You do not want to get bacterial infections. It is safe to swim in if you have no cuts... BUT NOT SAFE to drink unless you filter. Now for the crazy... if you are even more like my husband... you can swim underneath the falls. You can get pushed down... you can get hurt. Be careful... BE CAREFUL... or even better, Just don't do it. He is just crazy. I asked him would he recommend swimming under the falls. He said no. I opted for grabbing the closest rock... dipping my feet in... and looking straight up above at the falls. Still beautiful enough for me. And blew my mind away. Now the trek back is faster... but if you stayed at the falls for an hour and a half like we did... TIRED we were. We stayed at the beach for a couple minutes and then finished up. We started at 11am... which is a good time because you have a good amount of light. Including the rest and relaxations... we were out of there by 4pm. **ALWAYS Look for people coming back from the hike. If you do not see anyone, you might be going in the wrong direction. If you do not see an 140 feet waterfall... you are not there yet. Keep going. and DON'T GIVE UP. We have hiked waimea canyon. They do not compare. We have done the road to hana and all the secret trails in maui. THey do not compare. Do not miss this. read more