The Na Pali Coast is one of the most stunning places in all of Hawaii, if not the world. And this hike to Hanakapi'ai Falls allows you to fully experience that beauty. Located on the island of Kauai, this trek is challenging-- a rollercoaster of elevation gain, likely mud, and a few river crossings-- but with that colorful coastline and the waterfall at the end, it's worth every step.
Trail Info
Know before you go
There is a strict reservation system to access this trail. The table below illustrates the different options you have or they can be found at this website. The most important tip here is to PLAN AHEAD.
The trail will likely be muddy, requires a few river crossings, and some minor scrambling. Kauai is one of the wettest place of the world and this coastline sees a lot of that rain. This also makes a few of the minor scrambles slick. Just accept that you will have to get your feet wet and rely on a bit of balance to finish this trail.
This area is prone to flash flooding. See above wettest place in the world. During heavy rains, those river crossings can become extremely dangerous. Check conditions before heading out.
Alternate routes
Kalalau Trail to Hanakap'ai. Beach. This route is only ~4 miles /6.5km round trip and still shows you the beauty of the coastline.
Straight up chill at Ke'e Beach. This is basically where the car will drop you off, but it's a pretty wonderful way to spend the day if you're not in the mood for hiking.
Hike the full Kalalau trail to Kalalau Beach. Note this requires a backpacking permit (you won't be allowed past Hanakapi'ai beach without it) but is typically the hike people refer to when they talk about the Kalalau Trail.
Reservation Options
Option | Cost | Notes |
Shuttle + day pass | $40 per person | Pickup at Waipa park and ride or Princeville |
Parking | $15 per person | Extremely limited spots |
Entry pass only | $5 per person | Must be with Hawaii resident, bike or walk |
The Trail
After parking your car or (more likely) getting dropped off by the shuttle, you will have to sit down for a briefing. This is where someone will give you estimates of how long specific activities take and when the last shuttle goes back. From there, you will walk along this flat path towards the trailhead. There are bathrooms just before the trailhead, which is always a bonus for any hike.
And we're off! Just seeing the sign gets me excited every time.
The beauty of the hike starts off almost immediately. This shot looks back towards Ke'e Beach and its beautiful lagoon. I highly recommend making time for a quick dip after the hike is done.
Now the color of the coastline comes into view. Seriously spectacular.
The hike has a consistent pattern. Parallel the coast for a nice view, then descend down into a river valley (where you may have to do a small stream crossing), before ascending back to the coastline for your next view.
Some of these ascents/descents are steeper than others. You will have earned a poke bowl after this hike is all said and done.
So just take in those breaks and soak in those coastline views
After ~2 miles of rollercoaster hiking you will arrive at Hanakapi'ai River which is the largest crossing of the entire hike. I always see people try to look for a way to rock hop across. But after making this journey 3 times now, my take is to just take off your shoes and ford it.
And we've arrived at Hanakapi'ai Beach! Sadly this beach is not suited for swimming because of the rough surf, but it is a good spot for a break and for you to decide if you want to head inland to the falls.
Which is what we are doing! This sign near the bathroom marks the path. Right would start the 9 mile journey to Kalalau Beach.
While we are leaving those coastal views behind, it's time to fully immerse yourself in the lush foliage of this valley. The path to the falls is relatively straightforward, you are simply heading upstream along the path that parallels the river.
Naturally this requires some river crossings.
Our first glimpse of the falls! I found there to be a potential navigation challenge around this area. There appears to be a split in the path, one to stay higher on the ridge away from the river, and the other to stay low near the river. Counterintuitively, you want to stay high and hug the left side of the valley for the easiest approach to the falls. I wouldn't fret too much as you there will be plenty of others on this trail.
Getting closer.
Welcome to Hanakapi'ai Falls! The rest of the adventure is up to you. I highly recommend taking a dip in the swimming hole. Yes it will be cold, but how often do you get to soak in waters so gorgeous and pure like this. Besides, a little cold plunge is a great way to wake up before your trek back out :)
SS Reflections
I've hiked many a waterfall in Hawaii and Hanakapi'ai Falls makes it into my top 3 favorites. Experiencing the raw beauty of the NaPali coastline is so special and to end at such an impressive waterfall is just icing on the cake. Most hikes in Hawaii are something special, but this is in a league of its own. It makes me truly appreciate that for five years, I could call these islands my home.
Other helpful resources
Official Go Haena websitse