Usually I have an itinerary when I go on vacation. But I didn't for a week long stay in Kauai thinking we'll just hang loose. We'd been to Kauai before but it was many years ago. I was reading up on the Napali Coast. Want to see it without going by air or by sea. Take a hike. We didn't know what we were getting ourselves into. But got a clue on the park and ride shuttle when our driver gave a hint. He said if you only want to get a shot of Napali Coast it'll only take you 20 minutes. We started following the signs in Haena State Park where the Trail begins. Folks left sticks that you can use as walking poles. We each took one. Immediately I'm not liking it. The Trail begins as a steep climb on jagged rocks. And it's wet & muddy as it rains intermittently. We were the first group out at 6:30am. More hikers as the day went on. It's 0.5 miles to the lookout. It took us an hour there and an hour back. 2 hours. We got our photo. read more

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We did this Kalalau trail in 2022 when visiting Hawaii and it was absolutely amazing! Please know this trail is HARD, and tough if you are not a major hiker, just know your limits! I think we ended up hiking around 8+ miles or so as we hiked down to the beach and checked and climbed a lot of boulders and did some rock climbing as well that was pretty tough but worth the adventure. Bring a lot of water and you have to make reservations in advance to take a shuttle to the base as you can't take your car there. We brought sandwiches and had a picnic at the beach, seriously bring a lot of water and snacks and food and be careful of the beach waves as they have signs all over that there are riptides and not to get in the water, basically follow all safety rules!! It was a difficult but an incredible hike; we got so much bursts of rain which felt magical and I am excited we crossed it off the bucket list read more

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This trail was HARD- we took the hanakapiai falls trail and didn't even make it to the falls. We got a parking spot pass so we had to be back within 6 hours and it took us the whole 6 hours to do. Of course the beauty of the trail kept us going along with the fresh guava we snacked on and the river water we splashed on our faces... I work out 5x a week and this kicked my toosh. This trail is not for the unseasoned hikers. The elevation gain is MASSIVE (2,500+ ft)! We were absolutely pooped by the end. Beware this trail is quite rocky and ankle injuries are common. As long as you have lots of water, more than 6 hours, good ankle support and lot of snacks (more than you think) you'll have an excellent time. read more

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Rocks, leaves, roots and even more awesome when its raining! Ok, maybe not for everyone, but we absolutely loved this trail! Wasn't the best of weather...rainy, wet, muddy and slippery. Which made it all the more challenging than it already was but we still had a blast! Per Wikipedia: The Kalalau Trail is a trail along Nā Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. The trail runs approximately 11 miles (18 km) along the island's north shore from Keʻe Beach to the Kalalau Valley. The trail has been named one of the most beautiful, and dangerous, hikes of the United States. Due to the conditions, we didn't do the entire trail but got high enough in elevation to take in some beautiful and breathtaking views! Some good preparedness advice: 1. Check the weather conditions beforehand. 2. Be sure to wear the right clothing, shoes and always bring a few protein snacks/bars and water for proper hydration. 3. I always carry a small first aid kit in my lightweight backpack to include Aspirin. 4. Time of day is important...as is mental and physical health, so know your limitations. The earlier you head out the better. 5. If you suffer from a fear of heights...you may want to skip this one out or hike with a group that respects that you may be slower and may require a little encouragement along the way! 6. Walking sticks can be very helpful. Many leave them at the trailhead. If you use one be sure to leave it for the next hiker. 7. Be safe, have fun and take a few pix because you'll want to take in all the beauty with your own eyes! All-in all...the Kalalua Trail is absolutely wondrous and beautiful! Be happy outside! Especially on the lovely island of Kauai!! read more

Kalalau Trail - Gorgeous view from the Kalalau Trail! - Hiking Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

This is definitely for the adventurous and there's no part of this hike that's easy. There's a beach at the start, that's the only part that doesn't require some effort. It's worth it for the experience. If you want picturesque Nā Pali Coast views take a boat or air tour. During the hike at about 2/3 into the first 2 mile stretch there's a breathtaking stop of the coastline in one direction and beach in the opposite direction. We just did the 4 mile round trip (beach and back). It's a beautifully rustic secluded beach. Like the hike itself that final stretch to the beach is an effort (a path of many rocks and fast moving stream to cross). You'll get muddy. You'll sweat. At the end you'll be happy you did it. Pack a large (definitely large) bottle of water. A PB&J sandwich and banana holds up well. Start early too. For the 4-mile round trip we took the 9 AM shuttle and were back by 2 PM. For longer hikes, start earlier. You have to book the shuttle in advance. It's surprisingly well organized and so easy. Once we checked in (at Princeville) it was an express 30-minute trip to the park. The return takes you to Hanalei where you'll change shuttles to Princeville--but they knew where we were staying and took us directly there. Everyone is helpful, friendly, and they keep track of you (they don't want to lose anyone). All the effort goes into the hike not the logistics of getting to and from the park, they make it that easy. read more

Breathtaking views and fresh mountain air make this an unforgettable experience. The challenging trails reward you with stunning vistas at every turn, culminating in a beautiful waterfall where you can take a refreshing swim to cool off after your hike. read more

Kalalau Trail - Hiking Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

My 5 th time on this trail! I told myself last time, this was the last time. But,like all things Kauai,she continues to draw you back in. Although,things are changing rapidly. I'm talking fast! The first time I came here was 1991. There were about 5 cars in the parking lot and everything was leisurely and uncrowded. No longer. You have to make a reservation one month in advance and still park remotely. For a few,you ride the shuttle to the state park and across the trail from there The trail can be brutal but it's beautiful. The island is having a dry spell this year and the usual muddy slippery trail wasn't bad One of my favorite places on earth. If you wanna go..do it soon...worth it Go! read more

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The best hiking experience we had. It has such good views that you dont feel tired by the hike. Coastline views are magnificent. Make sure you have right shoes for the hike and plenty of water. Hike is little difficult and has much up and downs so be prepared. Beach at the 2 mile nark is amazing and thats where we went and then returned back. read more

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I only did the first 2 miles of Kalalau Trail and then another 2 miles to the Hanakapiai Falls, as you do not need a camping permit for that first part. The stretch getting to Hanakapiai Falls can be challenging at times but once you see and reach the waterfall, it is totally worth it! Best to allow at least 6-7 hours (half-a-day) altogether. Now, I did not do the other 9 miles, as you do need a camping permit beyond the first 2 miles of Kalalau Trail (regardless if you are staying overnight or not) and from what I have read, it is very difficult and challenging. Generally, you have to start at Ha'ena State Park to get to the trailhead, and if you are an out-of-town visitor, you would need to make a reservation and pay the park fees. If you are a Hawaii resident, you can go anytime the park is open and show the staff a valid Hawaii State Driver's License or Hawaii State ID. There are nice views of the Napali Coastline along the way, but most of the time you have to go through trees, brush, and at times, muddy trails. If you are going up to the Hanakapiai Falls, there are numerous stream crossings so be prepared to get wet at times and do not cross if there are flash flood warnings. Make sure you have good hiking shoes that can grip well, pack water, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and some snacks. Other helpful things include hiking sticks, and waterproof bags. read more

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I totally messed up my journey for this Kalalau Trail. Actually, I misinterpreted what the rules and instructions were. Let me explain... First off, because Kalalau Trail is so popular with tourists nowadays, they limit daily access and you must make reservations for hiking it. Let me go into what the reservations are about... You have to visit the website...gohaena.com...to book your spot. You can sign up for the day you're interested in hiking 30 days in advance. Within the 30 days...at specifically midnight Hawaii time is when available reservation signups start. And...for the most popular choice (driving to the trailhead at your own accord with your private vehicle), reservations sell out within minutes, like the first 2 minutes and then they're gone. You really have to be quick refreshing the site - gohaena.com starting at 11:59pm Hawaii time. Worst case scenario if they sell out for driving your vehicle, what's always available as the next best alternative is being picked up by a shuttle bus at predetermined locations and the shuttle bus driving you to the Kalalau Trailhead Parking Lot. I had read that depending on where you're picked up by the bus, the drive/commute can be anywhere from 30 - 45 minutes each way. Shuttles run every 20 minutes daily from 6:20am - 5:40pm. For those folks who may be unsure what time midnight Hawaii is equal to for where they live, here are the numbers... 12am Hawaii = 3am California = 4am Colorado = 5am Texas = 6am New York. So...you must set your alarm wherever you may be. Also, for more details about what this Kalalau Trail is about and for what you can expect on your visit, I suggest checking out the website - kalalautrail.com. Just say you do get the private vehicle entry pass...you then have 3 options of times to pick from for entry...6:30am - 12:30pm, 12:30pm - 5:30pm and 4:30pm - sunset. I visited back in the middle of August and the sun set around 6pm so I don't know who would ever choose the 4:30pm reservation? I picked the 6:30am reservation slot to get started ASAP. Now...here's where I confused EVERYTHING... - I assumed my reservation starting at 6:30am meant I had to exit Kalalau Trail by 12:30pm so the 12:30pm reservation people could have the available parking spots considering how small the lot is at the trailhead. So ultimately...I assumed I only had 6 hours of hiking and exploring time. But I was wrong about this! I spoke with a local of the area and he said once you've parked with your reservation time...you have the entire day to enjoy Kalalau Trail! You don't have to exit by 12:30pm. Grrr! I wish the reservation instructions were more clear about this! All 6:30am - 12:30pm is good for is scanning your barcode at the entrance gate. This brings me to my next point... When here at Kalalau Trail...almost all tourists hike 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach and then venture another 2 miles from the beach to Hanakapi'ai Falls. That's the primary itinerary for all visitors. It's a total of 8 miles roundtrip and takes up a good portion of the day. Where my story comes into play is...I lazily didn't show up at Kalalau Trail until 8am which (in my head) meant I only had 4.5 hours worth to make it to and from Hanakapi'ai Falls. By the time I arrived at Hanakapi'ai Beach it was already 10:30am and I knew I'd never be able to reach the falls and back to the parking lot by 12:30pm. Unfortunately, at 10:30am I returned back when essentially I had the remainder of the day to go to Hanakapi'ai Falls. Don't be fooled by the 6:30am - 12:30pm timeslot. Once entered, you have all day! Now, also, it's pretty confusing (in my opinion) how this Kalalau Trail navigates along. Let me explain... - Kalalau Trail is located within Ha'ena State Park. - Ha'ena State Park is located within Na'Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. I don't understand the logic behind that? What park is situated within what park? I'm confused, lol. Here's my experience hiking the 2 miles (each way) from the trailhead to Hanakapi'ai Beach... - The hike is moderate. Along the way there are fantastic views of the Na'Pali coastline and turquoise blue waters. - Just before arriving at Hanakapi'ai Beach, you must cross a river. Be prepared to probably get your shoes wet and having to step on slippery rocks. - Hanakapi'ai Beach was just okay. It wasn't scenic or special. The waters at the beach were pretty rugged. I later read that Hanakapi'ai is a dangerous beach to go swimming in. There's no lifeguard and riptide currents appeared rough. - Then from Hanakapi'ai Beach the hiking sign stated it's a strenuous 2 more miles to Hanakapia'ia Falls. Unfortunately I never experienced that, but I heard from others the waterfall is terrific and well worth the trek. You can venture further past Hanakapi'ai Falls as this Kalalau Trail goes for 11miles each way to Kalalau Beach. Since space is limited, I'll end things here. Overall, this Kalalau Trail wasn't the easiest experience for me. read more

Kalalau Trail - The Kalalau Trailhead sign - Hiking Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

Wowza! This is a no-joke trail. The first two miles are well traveled and super easy to navigate. This is for the miles past the bathrooms once you start on the Kalalau trail section. In full disclaimer, I should note I was told many times over that I should pack light and even bring micro spikes. However, I'm a day hiker not a backpacker so I wanted things, lol. I packed WAY too heavy, at least 15 pounds too heavy. I've heard mixed reviews on the spikes so I opted not to use them, probably my only regret, I wish I would have tried in retrospect. I've heard they can tear up the trail so I didn't use them. The condition of the trail is wildly challenging almost the entire way. It's about 5,000 feet in elevation overall for the full 11 miles out. It is a constant up and down; which I expected and was fine. My personal issue with the trail is the lack of traction on the trail itself. It is silty, sandy, loose ground that it is wicked challenging when on the steep terrain to constantly feel like you are gripping to the side of the mountain by your toes. I wear pretty aggressive tread and use poles and I still felt this way. This is all about comfort and capability. I found out in a humbling way that this is out of my comfort zone in a way that felt down right dangerous. Everyone always talks about crawlers ledge around mile 7 but from what I've seen this is rock - it would be an improvement to have solid ground under you rather than loose terrain where you generally feel like you are going to slide right off the path. Just my opinion though. It is incredibly beautiful. It is worth going as far as you feel comfortable; I don't regret one moment on the trail. I turned around about 5.5 miles which is a bummer to have gotten so close to Hanakoa (mile 6 camp) but I knew I was DONE. You need to watch your footing almost the entire time, this is an actively engaged trail. I was shocked how tired I was by the end of the day as this was not the first time I've done this kind of mileage. The trail is fairly overgrown in brush all along the single track path that meanders through the mountain. This is mildly challenging since it is single track and overgrown it cuts into the available foot space for your person on the trail. My recommendation for anyone taking on this challenge; pack as light as possible seriously, use trekking poles, wear micro spikes, and bring plenty of water the trail is very dry this summer with not as many tributaries as usual for water filtration. read more

The Kalalau Trail is an excellent hiking trail and provides access to the Napali Coast, which is otherwise only seen from the mountains inland and above (via a road from the south shore), the air, or the sea. This is accessed from the trail head at Ha'ena State Park on the north shore, at the northern end of the Kuhio Highway, which goes no further. Non-Hawaii residents (no Hawaii driver's license) must book a specific day and ticket in advance, either walk-in (few and rare), drive-in and park (few and limited to part of the day), or shuttle (far more numerous if you book in time, but requiring a specific time for entry, and other restrictions as found in detail on the Go Ha'ena website). The trail is about 11 miles long in total, but after the first 2 miles, up to Hanakapi'Ai Beach, one needs a separate camping permit, even if not camping. At Hanakapi'Ai, though, one may also hike about another 2 miles up river to Hanakapi'Ai Falls. We only did the stretch to Hanakapi'Ai Beach and then to the falls. There are some significant ups and downs but these are generally not too bad and the Kalalau Trail up to Hanakapi'Ai Beach is in good condition. To the falls, the trail at times becomes vague and there are a few different branches one may take, not always evident. This trail requires crossing the stream at times. On any part of the trail, the most difficult factor is the fact that parts of it can often be muddy and slippery. The places where one must ford the stream when going to the falls can also be more difficult and it is best to avoid getting in the water to the extent possible in order to avoid leptospirosis. It can therefore be challenging for some. We found that if going at a good pace and not dilly-dallying, it took us about 1 hr 15 min each way on each leg - to Hanakapi'Ai Beach and then again to the falls, or 5 hours in total. We took longer on the first stretch because we were sightseeing and taking in the nice views which one may periodically get on the coast. We also stopped to have lunch at the beach. The falls are pretty good, but they are nothing special to us. The best thing to see is the lovely view of the NaPali Coast, and that is the main reason why we came. There are toilets just a bit inland from the beach. read more

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The reservation system was really nice , you get to park free and ride a shuttle , the shuttle gets you out there on time and when you're finished enjoying this beautiful place shuttles come every 20 mins. The hike itself is self paced and as long as you're paying attention to footing you'll be fine ( poles are great lite weight ones are fantastic, we never have used hiking poles before unless uphill ski or snowshoeing they are fantastic and recommend for this trail ) read more

I did the whole trail which was 22 miles in one day on 6/26. Took 14 hours start to finish (my actual mileage came out to be ~25 miles w/ 12.5 hours hiking time, details below). I'll cover all aspects of the hike here so it'll help you whether you're considering doing the Kalalau trail in one day or spread it over multiple days. My verdict: view wasn't worth the effort. The mountains are very dry looking, nothing like the lush vegetation you see in pictures (maybe because it's summer time?). Ocean and cliff are nice but that's something you can find on other Hawaiian islands. My baseline, expectation vs. reality: I did Kilimanjaro in 5 days and the O Circuit in Torre del Paine in 3.5 days. I have a track record of managing long and strenuous day hikes. This trail was more exhausting than I expected (partially due to getting lose and running out water - see "Thing to know" section below). Difficulty level: - Weather: I lucked out with dry weather and some clouds in the afternoon so I didn't burn up the way I otherwise would on an entirely sunny day. The trail is 50/50 shaded/exposed, and the exposed areas can get really hot, so remember to reapply sunscreen. - Ground condition/shoe recommendation: not maintained, lots of gravel in the last ~6 miles. Given that you spend 80% of your time walking on a narrow path alongside a cliff, you need grippy shoes. I wore gym shoes w/ good grip and made it through, but hindsight I should have gone w/ hiking boots. Trail runners can be okay but you gotta go with the performance type w/ thicker bottom and above average grip for a trail runner. Almost everyone had hiking poles, I didn't use any and did just fine. If you have a heavy pack though, consider them. - Elevation changes: the trail goes up and down a few times (you're traversing the mountain). There are no one dramatic ascend/descend but after doing a couple, it starts to add up. IMPORTANT NOTE if you're doing this trail in ONE DAY: it is NOT easier or faster coming back like most hikes you're done due to the way the trail is. You will feel exhausted and the last ~4 miles will feel like an eternity. A word on Crawler's Ledge: As long as you're not afraid of heights, it's more perceived danger than anything. Watch your step, be steady, and you'll be fine. Things to know: - The trail isn't well marked - don't expect more than a few markers throughout. I got lost TWICE, which added ~1 - 1.5 hours to the hikes and caused higher energy and water consumption. Pay very close attention and make sure you stay on trail. - Pack at least 5 liters of water + electrolyte. I had 5.5 liters/pp but ran out with 4 miles to go on the way back. This is largely due to getting lose early on and having a hot morning. Dehydration is the WORST thing that can happen and will slow you down considerably. Plan well. You can also cleanse stream water and that's the way to go if you're doing this trail over multiple days since it's impossible to carry more than 1 day of water. - Choose what food you pack wisely. Beef jerky was great for energy boost but very salty, so you consume more water. - If you're doing the hike in one day, start EARLY. We started around 6:30am and got back a little after 8:30pm. Avoid hiking in the dark - it's pitch dark and we spend a minute finding the parking lot on the way out. On that note, take a headlamp just in case. - There is NO RECEPTION the entire way even at the trail head. Inform people of your plan to hike this trail ahead of time. - Wear long pants. You're going through tight tree branches. About permit and parking: You need an overnight permit to do the entire trail, whether you're staying overnight or not. Permits sell out way in advance so plan ahead. You need a separate parking permit (unless you're a Hawaii resident) to park at the trail head. If you don't, you'll need to park at Ke'e beach which adds distance to your hike. If you're debating a 1-day hike vs. camping overnight at Kalalau beach: Kalalau beach is, IMO, an average beach by Hawaii standard. It's a nice white sand beach and quite, but nothing out of this world. There is a waterfall at the end, which is again nice but not spectacular (see pics). IMPORTANT: there's no cell phone reception at the camp sites. If you need to be connected to the outside world, think twice about camping here. I likely won't return since there are more beautiful/interesting hikes out there. read more

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This hike was amazing! We took our time and really took it all in and had a great time. This is not a quick hike, plan to take your time. We only did the part that takes you to the beach, and it was beautiful. Overall it took us about 4.5 hours in total to hike out and back. The hike is pretty difficult just because of the muddy conditions but the views were totally worth it for us! We wore hiking boots which was very helpful with the mud and rocks. I saw a lot of people in sandals and I'm not sure that's a good idea. You need protective water shoes at least. I suggest really researching the hike before you go so you can prepare how you need to. We purchased bus and park admission tickets through the Ha'ena State Park website and it was a great experience. Parking was really limited at the park and honestly the drive in is not the easiest if you're not used to Kauai roads. read more

Go Ha'ene has done an excellent job of restricting & charging tourists, while providing those with a HI driver's license free access. If they were truly doing what their mission statement says, then all access would first come, first serve. This was a favorite hike every year since we have owned on Kauai (15+ years), but the Aloha is gone. Replaced with the typical reaction from new residents: keep future residents out. read more

Unbelievable hike challenging and the views are breathtaking. I would return and try to get a permit for the longer hike read more

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I just don't get the rave reviews. I did not find this even mildly enjoyable. This is a rocky and muddy trail with pretty basic views of the ocean you can see just about anywhere in Hawaii, that leads to a crowded beach overtaken by feral cats. I did not go to the waterfall, only the beach. Maybe that's my problem, but I wasn't prepared for an 8 hour hike . I'm an admittedly slow hiker, it took me 2 hours to get to the beach and 1 hour, 40 minutes to get back. Mileage wise, this is nothing, but the trail is just mud and rock and rock and mud. My husband is a much more experienced hiker than I am , and also doesn't think he would bother again, knowing how much beauty can be found around the rest of the island - and the state. read more

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My biggest accomplishment ever - surviving. This was the HARDEST hike I have ever done in my life and we were probably stupid to push forward (it was on and off raining throughout the day). When we got to Crawler's Ledge, I blacked out because I don't recall going across it or the part after. By then, the terrain had turned into red clay and the last thing I remember is being stuck on Crawler's Ledge and yelling that I'm slipping, I'm slipping! We luckily made it to the beach to set up camp shortly after the sun went down. For those attempting to go, please please please get a 2 night permit so you can actually enjoy the beach in the end! We barely spent any time there because we were afraid we wouldn't get back to the car before sunset. When we were heading back the next day, the stream levels were up to my waist (I'm 5'2) and gosh we got lucky...Saw on the news the next day that people were stranded because they couldn't cross the streams safely! Overall, you need to be both physically and mentally prepared for this trail. The trail is not maintained well so expect a lot of bush whacking and bug bites. If it's been raining hard or going to be, DO NOT attempt because there are parts where you can die if the ground has been rained on! Do plan out your times accordingly too and give yourself 12 hours to finish the whole thing without rushing. The last thing you want to do is have to cross Crawler's Ledge and after in the dark. read more

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Not an easy trail. From a physical fitness perspective, I did not find this trail strenuous. (However, I am in top physical shape as I'm an avid cyclist and skier). From a technical perspective, this is the wettest, slipperiest, and most difficult hiking trail I've ever done. My husband happened to find tickets to this trail last minute, so of course he wanted us to do the trail. We planned to do the 2.4 mile to the beach and back. I was 25 weeks pregnant and was shocked at how bad the conditions on it were! You start by traversing slippery rocks uphill which then transitions to slippery mud then rocks again. We took our time given I was pregnant and trying very hard not to break an ankle! One guy ahead of us was going to fast and we witnessed him slip off and fall off the edge! Luckily he was okay. Note: there is No cell service and if something happens you are hours away from help if any given no cell service. Best part of the trail was seeing the vistas on the way up. Beach part wasn't anything special and you do have to climb over rocks to get to the beach. Recommendations: -Do not recommend if you gave a serious medical condition or pregnant (help is potentially impossible) -If you just want to see the beautiful vistas, don't recommend going all the way to the beach as you've already seen the best part -Bring hiking shoes, waterproof jacket for when it rains on the trail , hiking poles, and water -the bus can leave 10 minutes early so show up on time read more

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How does one hike the kalalau? Carefully. It's the type of experience that makes you question your existence, your relationships, your choices, and essentially whether you're ready to die. That said, you could not pay me enough to do this hike again. It was by the good grace of God, good weather, good hiking shoes, and judicious use of my hiking poles that I survived 22 miles of looking at my feet. I'm of middling fitness, and rank slightly above average among my friends (see races: propensity for jogging on concrete), but my feet were burning by mile 7 and my thighs were mush by mile 9. Folks warn about crawler's ledge between miles 7 and 8, which is terrifying, especially with wind gales in the afternoon. But they fail to mention nearly the rest of the ENTIRE hike which features 1-2 feet wide pathways and steep descents into the valley below. After the first river crossing, which is sketchy in itself, you start wondering why more people don't literally die on this hike. Miles 3-7 is hairpin turns up the face of a mountain and then hairpin turns down the face of another, ad nauseam, complete with slick rocks, overgrown foliage, and eroded paths. My arms and legs were marred with scratches, but that is infinitely better than stepping too close to the ledge. Mile 7 is terrifying because loose sand and rocks makes sliding into oblivion that much more of a reality. Mile 7-8 (crawler's ledge) is famous because you can actually see the drop directly into the ocean. We dubbed miles 8-10 "fake crawler's ledge": it is a mix of previously described terrains. You'd think falling into the thicket or valley below would be safe but you'd be hard pressed to get back up the trail, and not to stab an eye out on the way down. At the end of 11 miles, camp by the beach to give your soul a break before repeating the harrowing experience. The camp is beautiful, in the way most beaches with a mountain backdrop are beautiful. It is also infested with bugs. Although the bugs are immune to bug spray but we don't want to make it too easy for them, so bug spray and hydrocortisone are a must. Like the bathrooms on the trail, the camp bathrooms are compost. The night is pitch black if you are in the woods. There are plenty of water sources. Random rocks do fall from above. The ocean is treacherous. Day two was hard from the get go. No point in trying to watch the sunrise before you set out- it rises from the other side and the afternoon heat is no joke. Everyone smelled ripe. My feet, which were on fire yesterday, are still in pain but now I realized I've developed blisters too because changing socks is not a thing outside of the military. Every pound of your backpack now rests on your entire body. You'll be disappointed to find that rucking on slopes don't chisel you some nice abs but you will be happy to find a faux waistline from the hip belt of your backpack. The hike back was much faster. We completed it within 6-7 hours, and felt much better about the whole thing. Mainly it was because as we trekked back to civilization the terrain became safer. By the time we crossed the day hikers on the first stream, the paths were wide enough to pass. I suspect we used too much energy the day before leveling up our anxiety and became numb to it. Being on high alert for so many consecutive hours can't be good for health. Of note, there are more downhills on the way to the beach and more chances of sliding off a cliff when you're already exhausted, so relatively speaking, the way back was less daunting. Also the day hikers are your biggest fans. Their awe is cute, but I just want to get to the trailhead and sit down. The first and last real toilet is located enticingly at the trailhead. Up until the day before our hike, it was projected to rain the entire time but it cleared up the day we hiked. I lost my hat on the trail but saw another hiker with it hanging off of his backpack. He was going around asking if anybody lost a hat. I lost one of my hiking shoes but found it nearly a mile away on the other shore of our last stream crossing. We lost our laundry bag, but found it on a 3 mile round trip back at the campsite. Things could have gone badly. But they didn't. And for this, I give Kalalau 4 stars. Need: - camping and parking permit - hiking buddies - navigation and external battery if on phone - camelback and filtration system - hiking poles (sometimes there are no sticks at the trailhead. Just bring your own.) - hiking shoes - bug spray and net Everything else is optional. Aloha! read more

When planning a trip to Kauai, the Kalalau Trail should be first on the list of activities. This iconic trail takes you through the jagged mountains of the Na Pali Coast, an 11-mile journey that ends at the secluded Kalalau Beach. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to make it all the way to the beach (this usually requires an overnight camp out), but I was able to reach Hanakapiai Beach and the falls a couple miles inland by the same name. If you plan on hiking in and out in only one day, I recommend this route as you will get the best of both worlds--sandy beach & jungle/waterfall. The hike inward is easier than outward as it is mainly flat then downhill to the beach, and only a slight incline to the falls. Pace yourself and bring plenty of water, especially if you are not used to the humidity. Also, please note that Hanakapiai Beach is inhabited by the cutest feral cats. I never thought I'd see an orange tabby miles away from civilization on a beach in Hawaii. Be warned these cats are always hungry and not afraid to come right up to you to try and snag away your snacks! Finally, be warned that the water at the pool under the falls is super freezing cold, but hey, that's part of the fun right? Dive in and you get used to it after a few minutes. Finally, do yourself a favor and show up as early as possible in the morning to secure a parking spot. While there are extra lots, parking in all of them fills up pretty quickly as the lots are also to Ke'e Beach (at the foot of the trailhead). Have fun! read more

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This a beautiful view of the Na Pali Coast. I really like this trail and would like to do more of the hike on another trip. We only hiked to the beach and decided not to go much farther. Some random rainfall hit us, making for slippery and muddy pathways. We were Hawaiian Ninja Warriors in training! It was challenging, beautiful, and lots of fun. Definitely a favorite and MUST on Kauai. read more

It is tough, 11+ miles out with 4,000 feet of climbing on a trail that is often rocky and sometimes muddy. There is a lot of exposure, nothing that is technically challenging, but could be mentally challenging if you don't feel comfortable (it was fine for us). You would definitely want to be feeling fit before you go in order to enjoy it. We were out for three nights, which I think is pefect. We hiked all the way out in a day and stayed at the beach two nights (we day hiked the next day up to the pools, which are very nice). The camping is nice, with a waterfall for fresh water collection and washing. The ocean is pretty rough, so not great for swimming. Then we hiked out in two days, camping at the midway point (Hanakoa), which is pretty nice. The 1/2 mile hike to the Hanakoa Falls and large pool is an ABSOLUTELY MUST, but stay back from the cliff edges as there is falling rock. Be aware that there are mosquitoes at those sites and pigs (put all your stuff up high). There are bathrooms (composting toilets) at both camping areas, and they are pretty disgusting, but definitely better than all those people pooping in the woods. The trail could definitely benefit from more attention and maybe a camp host. Finally, be prepared for the tour helicopters. This was probably the aspect of the hike for us that was the most disappointing and unexpected. They are buzzing by all day long and many fly inland so it is really noisy. Not what we expected from a wilderness area. I'm glad we did it, the views are absolutely astonishingly beautiful and the trail is cool and a great challenge. Everyone we met was very nice. Hanakoa Falls is incredible and the beach camping was cool. Probably wouldn't do it again, though. p.s. Permits are REQUIRED past the 2-mile marker and to camp. In summer, the beach can also be accessed via sea kayak, but you still need a permit. read more

Probably the best experience that I have had in my life. I don't normally do a whole lot of hikes but when you're vacationing in Kauai, you have to. It doesn't matter if you do the whole hike or not -- the views are just spectacular. Our group did an 8 mile round trip hike on this trail. We did the two miles to the beach and then two miles to the waterfall. The road to the waterfall is not maintained so be careful. However, there are ribbons on the trees that were tied by previous hikers. They will lead you to the treasure! You will also cross the same river several thousand times so ... there's that. Also, if you decide to stop at the beach, beware of when it gets windy. The sand hits you like needles if it's windy. Don't play too much in the rough waters. The waves are really strong. People actually die here. Also be prepared. Wear comfortable outfits. Bring water and snacks. Start the hike early in the morning so you have ample time to explore. Our group actually started the hike pretty late. By the time we were heading back, it was sunset and it started to rain. On that note, wear hiking boots. It is VERY important! Nevertheless, you will have great views, amazing memories, and the best time of your life. For the trail that we chose, none of us needed to be experience hikers. If you are not in shape, you can also absolutely do this hike but it is definitely NOT a "breeze" .. according to some of my out-of-shape friends. Some of us came out with scrapes too. It was a tough trail but I got amazing memories from it. read more

I decided that Kalalau Trail deserves the special spot as review #1200! This was top of our list for a hiking adventure and I'm glad that we braved the slipping and sliding. The views are unreal. UNREAL. We were encouraged to get there early by the concierge at our hotel. This was a good idea as the parking is limited, even with an overflow lot. We parked in the overflow lot which was just a 1/4 mile or so up the road. We *only* did two miles in and, even as an avid hiker, I found it to be a challenge. We took a good two hours getting to our turnaround point, although a lot of that was because we stopped quite often to take photos and just stand in awe of what we were seeing. I cannot begin to put into words how incredibly beautiful the Na Pali coast is. The photos just don't do it justice either. You'll just have to go there to see it yourself. We stopped to eat sandwiches, sitting on rocks along the water, and then did the return trip much faster, in about an hour or so. I had hiking boots and no hiking poles. One pole, if not two, would have been nice. Our friend had one and there was one little water crossing spot where we each used it and passed it back to the next person. Thankfully, we didn't have any major falls among us. In addition to the workout and incredible scenery, we also encountered the nicest people. There are spots too narrow for more than one person to climb up (or down) which led to folks having to wait for us, or us them. I apologized to someone at one point, for going so painfully slow, and he said, "Don't apologize! Take you're time. You're doing great!" A few people also laughed and said, "Oh yes, we're just being nice waiting for you... not like we are enjoying a break or anything." [sarcasm] Seriously, everyone was in such a positive and supportive mood. It must have been the environment. Another visit, I would love to hike the four miles (eight miles roundtrip) to the falls. Not sure I could handle the full 11 miles (one way) that require a permit. I'll leave that up to the even more adventurous. Mahalo, Kalalau Trail, for the unforgettable experience! read more

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One word EPIC I love hiking and try to hike as much as I can. I can honestly say that this is the best hike/trail I have even done. There is a lot of great information in previously written Yelp reviews, so I will not repeat the same information but just share what I think is important besides how beautiful the views on this trail are. Keep in mind that we did the 4 mile roundtrip hike to the Hanakapi'ai beach. We started going on to phase 2, the Hanakapi'ai falls, but turned around about 10 minutes in, the trail was just too muddy for us. Things to bring: -water, water, water (at least 16oz per mile per person) -bring snacks you can enjoy and get your energy back from -bring good hiking shoes and be ready to say goodbye to them after (if you hit the mud), very hard to wash the mud off -sunblock -bug repellant -disposable rain coat (it can be sunny one minute and rain hard the next) -camera Side Notes: -I would recommend doing training for this hike (doing the stairs or uphill treadmill at the gym). The hike is not hard but its also not easy. So minor preparation will go a long way. -Come early, like 7am early, to avoid the crowds and grab a spot in the parking lot at the base. -grab the walking stick (tree branches) at the head of the trail (these help out a lot) You will love this hike. read more

Kalalau Trail - Your rewarding view at about the 1.25 mile mark - Hiking Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

The hiking conditions of the so called "trail" is a joke. It's just rocks and rocks and rocks. They dont tell you 65% uphill and 35% downhill. The beach that you hike to is wild and not worth it. The rocks on the trail make for a run down stairmaster and there is no water refill, or any sign of help on the trail. The hard rockiness of the trail make for great ankle rollers and if you actually want to get to the beach, you have to cross this huge creek all on your own. Would definitely not recommend. read more

This trail is great. It is not for the weak or unprepared. The trails can be slippery and treacherous at times. Be sure that you wear the proper footwear. I saw people trying this in flip flops. Very hilly and steep. This beach is at the end of the road on the north side of the island. Get here early because tourists flock here to walk the trail that starts here and heads toward the Hidden beach. That trail is rugged be prepared. The beach hear is beautiful but the parking is difficult. The parking lots are rough too but it is worth it. Prepare for a long walk from your car. The hidden Beach is about 2 miles in. I took a video of it too. Also see my photos. read more

I hiked twice the 4 mile round trip to the beach. Once to pre-hike and take pictures for the family & once with Bro-inlaw & nephew to talk more people into the 8 mile round trip to the falls. I wore Keen hiking sandals with a mesh upper & wicking no-show socks http://www.dickssportinggoods.com/product/index.jsp?productId=12462814 I had a backpack and let my nephew use my "camel-pack". I also brought granola and fruit bars. My first trip, I was all proud of myself getting close to the beach without being passed when I heard a "excuse me". I then was passed by a young woman in a bikini that I only glanced at because I realized she was running down the trail barefoot. My second trip, I was able to catch a few, with my nephew as bait, to get pictures of the bare feet. Now the bad- I ran into a couple with a baby in a backpack carrier... the guy was cramping. I saw people with no water looking like they were going to pass out. There is no good resting spots because of red "fire" ants. This is a place that will reward you if you decide to be in-shape for the vacation. This is the place that will punish you if you are not in-shape or prepared. Note- There is a second parking area next to flooded fields I parked at. Across from the fields was a unmarked trail that I ran up to test my shoes. FYI, there is a cave up there that I had all to myself for about 15 minutes and then saw no one hiking up on the way back down. read more

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Drive to the very top of Kauai where the only road ends. There is a small parking lot at a beach with bathrooms. That is where the adventure begins. This is no casual walk in the woods. Bring all your gear! Hat, sunscreen, hiking shoes, Keens, water, food, and pick up a walking stick from the pile at the trail head. We did the 8 mile round trip hike to Hanakapi'ai Falls in the mud and intermittent rain. I love hiking and am fit, but this one was a mental challenge and a huge workout. It took us seven hours of slipping and sliding up and down rocky, muddy hills to get back to the car. I fell in the mud once and in the water once... We had done some research so I knew we'd have to traverse several streams, but the rain and all the danger signs warning of flash floods were really disconcerting. In other words my husbo had to really coax me along every step... I had visions of us being on some Dateline show where one spouse is swept away and killed/lost. The first and biggest stream crossing is at mile two. Water was raging. I was watching people try and cross and falling. A couple came by us and told us we could walk around by heading down the rocks on our side to the beach and crossing there. Whew! If not for them I would have turned back. The other crossings weren't as bad, but there was a sign by one of them stating that 83 people had died there. It was crossed out and said 173. YIKES! Wading in, husbo held my hand and we carefully got footing with each Keen before advancing. I did it! Just like a little kid I was so proud. Enough with all the drama. Go on a dry day. This trail is what Kauai is all about. Even with all my worries, the views and the trail were spectacular and so worth it! The falls were an amazing reward. read more

Kalalau Trail - rain and mud made things challenging! - Hiking Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

You know the scene in Contact where Jodie the hard-nosed, faithless scientist breaks down at the sight of galaxies far far away and blubbers "they should have sent a poet"? That's me on this trail. And much like her journey, the two miles to Hanakapiai Beach is fraught with intrigue, danger, and several men who look like Tom Skerritt. This was easily my favorite activity of our vacation, an absolute can't miss. I am a pretty aggressive runner/hiker, but the trail was extremely muddy and slippery after a rough couple weeks of storms - an average person can walk two miles in 35 minutes, and this took us 90 minutes, though we did stop regularly for photos. And you should! As you work your way along the coast, you're transported into this unearthly paradise, where you really do feel civilization melting away. There are few places beyond language, and the Na Pali Coast is one of them. If you're comparing reviews that call this section "easy," pay attention to the conditions mentioned (or not) - if it's dry, it's probably not too bad, but whenever it's wet, the ascents and descents are sharp enough that you have to take it slow. My trail runners held up and would definitely be no problem for drier conditions; you could go hiking boots but I do not advise sneakers. I only did a light spritz of bug spray, and whoa, was that a mistake - the mosquitos had a party all over my pale white skin, with a bugger taking the first bite as I sprayed myself. The stream at the end of this trail section is deep enough that you can't cross it and keep dry, but everyone spends a lot of time trying something, whether it's rock hopping, going straight through and getting your shoes all wet, or taking them off (as we did) and wading barefoot. It's all a big, silly mess. The other side is the beach, washed out at high tide for us, and while beautiful, it's amusing that people work so hard to get the last fifty feet to it. One mom was pissed about having to turn back because her daughter was terrified to go over the stream; I assured her on our way out that there wasn't a lot to see, which seemed to diffuse the tension between them. Awkward! Anywho, we did not go all the way up to the waterfall, but I would try it next time with an earlier head start. We ended the hike by spending the rest of the afternoon at Ke'e Beach, and it couldn't have been a better reward. (Re: Tom Skerritt, props to all the fit, elderly folks doing just fine - I hope to be there in my later decades as well, thwarting the misguided trust of the Jodie Fosters along the trail.) read more

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Hey this is my favorite hike in the world- 12 miles! It is closed right now due to heavy rains and floods and landslides.. if you get lucky enough to do this trail; make sure you get a permit! It can get ugly back there with the rangers - please pack out your own trash- Please be considerate with your bodily fluids and where and how you deal with that... This is sacred this island... Aloha read more

The trail starts off with a walk through taro fields and a beach. The kalalau trail to the beach is challenging and has great views the entire hike. read more

Kalalau Trail - Nāpali coast line - Hiking Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

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The Na Pali coast is amazing and what I really love is that this side of the island has never been developed (they tried and some of the construction equipment is still stuck up there). Although we took a boat tour to see this side of the island, I think this trail is the much better option. The trail is 11 miles, but we only hiked a portion (about 4 miles) of it since we were on a time schedule. Boo. We totally plan to go back and do the whole thing and maybe camp over night (you need a permit and that's my limit for camping, 1 night). We did this in November, so the weather was perfect. Its all about the scenery. There were people, but I didn't find it too crowded. (we were able to find parking in the lot, so that's probably an indication that I was there when it was less crowded). I'd recommend snacks, water, good shoes & sunscreen. read more

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Ultra challenging trail... it will feel like nature has strewn rocks and made a stairway along the cliffs of Na Pali Coast. We started later, around 10:30am but found ourselves alone for much of the climb. And it will be a climb. Bring plenty of water, snacks, real food. There is a clean bathroom with running water before the lifeguard station and the trailhead. We wore Saucony's and Nike's and were fine. Yes I also saw people wearing flip flops and they turned back. Watch your footing at all times, hold on to hanging vines, a steady rock so you don't get hurt. The climb down was slower as more hikers arrived. You can not access this trailhead as before the floods hit Hanalei. You must make a reservation on the Ha'ena State Park website. The parking lot is large and is no longer at the end of the road. There is a parking attendant and we saw so many people get turned around. You can either get a parking permit for $1 or ride the shuttle for $15 from Waipa Park and Ride. Tunnels Beach is nearby but $200 fine for parking on the street, small parking lot. Be prepared for this hike, it will feel like you're on another world and will take you back in time and away from your worries. read more

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This review is for the first 2 miles only. Like others have said, it's a rough trail so you will likely be looking at your feet much of the time. (That being said, when I did stop to look at the view it was breathtaking.) I will repeat others' good tips: wear good GRIPPY shoes and take plenty of water and a hat (depending on time of day; I went in/out before 10AM so didn't apply sunscreen nor did I wear my hat, but both sunscreen and hat are highly recommended if you're hiking later in the day). Surprisingly no mosquitos but I always carry repellent just in case. Lots of people had poles (and I love using poles) but the trail was so rough that they would have gotten in the way and been a trip hazard, so I left them at home. As for rain gear, most "rain jackets" will soak through in 10 minutes of hard rain, and I didn't want to wear Gortex in warm humid weather, so I opted to wear good synthetics (not cotton) and get soaked to the bone if it rained. It was pouring at the shuttle lot but I had 85% clear weather on the hike, so am happy with that decision..Aloha! read more

Kalalau Trail - There is a cool cave at the beach at mile 2, you need to go around the corner to the left to find it. - Hiking Near Me - Hanalei, Hawaii

This hike is definitely in the top 3 hikes that I've done. The views were amazing and it really feels like you're trekking through the forest of Kauai. I went in mid-March and it did rain intermittently throughout the hike. We made it to the private beach (2 miles in; 4 miles round trip) and when we got to the river right before the beach, it was a pretty high/strong current. Didn't notice the sign in the beginning of the hike that says not to cross if its a certain level- oops! No wonder when we finally got to the private beach there was literally no one there! I would 100% recommend hiking boots for this hike because it was so rocky, muddy and slippery and you are crossing multiple streams and puddles. There is incline and decline but it really wasn't too intense. It just takes time to watch your foot where you are going. The views of the Napali coast really were breathtaking, I think I enjoyed these views more than the actual beach that we made it to. Overall I'd really recommend this hike to anyone visiting Kauai! read more

I'm about as green and inexperienced a hiker as you can be and just the first two miles of this trail kicked my ass. Some tios: - absolutely start early while there are less people the trail and before the day heats up. We parked at the waipo park and ride and took an 8am shuttle, starting the trail around 830am. It took us a solid 4 hours round trip to get to the beach and back. - bring bug spray, sunscreen, and pack a snack. The trail is very physically taxing with lots of challenging uphill portions. You will be tired and thirsty - trekking poles are insanely helpful. We didnt bring any and just grabbed sturdy sticks at the trailhead and we wouldn't have survived without them. Much of the trail you are going down slippery, muddy rocky surfaces and they were invaluable - YOU WILL GET MUDDY. and probably rained on sporadically. Dress accordingly After the trail we grabbed lunch at hanalei gourmet and it was delicious. read more

This was the one of the best hikes in my life and definitely the best in Kauai! We did the first 4miles to the falls and it is absolutely worth it!! Take the extra 2miles after the beach and check out the waterfall! Swimming in the waterfall was the greatest feeling after a long hike and you have to check it out. Time:5.5 hours for the 8mile RT hike with lots of picture stops, lunch by the waterfall and swimming in the waterfall. Tips- Arrive by 7am parking is easier, weather is much better and less people on trail than later in the day. Pack your lunch and snacks for a scenic picnic by the falls, it was the best lunch in Kuaui for me nothing can beat that view Bring 1.5liter water per person and stay hydrated Bring your bathing suit to swim in the waterfall We had regular nikes on and it was totally doable so no need to buy hiking shoes for this one. My shoes didn't get wet at all but depending on the rainfall level shoes could get wet and dirty. Put lots of sunscreen on Enjoy the breathtaking views and Have Fun!!We will be back for the full 11 mile hike! If you need any help/tips on making a Hawaii itinerary feel free to check out my other reviews or reach out with any questions I will be happy to help! read more

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