Na Pali Kauai Region

Location: Na Pali Kauai

Labeled "the" hike on Kauai, the Kalalau Trail is a 11 mile trek into paradise. A vast array of verdant valleys, waterfalls, sea caves, and gorgeous vistas lay ahead of you. If spending 3-5 days to hike the entire trail isn't exactly on the agenda, then consider the popular day hike to Hanakapiai Beach, approximately 2 miles along the trail (four miles round trip).

Ke`e Beach to Hanakapia`ai Beach
2 miles (4 round trip)

As you begin the trail you'll traverse through a lush jungle-like scene of pothos and other philodendron. The trail can be steep and rocky in places, but trust us - it's the climb you'll notice most. Use extreme caution in any wet portions (granted, it's almost all wet along this stretch), and expect mud if it has rained recently. After the first leg of the climb, at about half a mile, you emerge on a red dirt path that borders the cliffside overlooking the gorgeous Na Pali coastline. Azure blue waters lie beneath you to the right overlooking Ke`e Beach below. You've climbed to the highest point between Ke`e and Hanakapi`ai; about 500 feet above sea level. The short portion of the trail to this point can be a lot of work, but this is one of the most gorgeous views of the hike. If you can't or don't want to day-hike to Hanakapi`ai Beach, at least try to make it to this overlook (one mile round trip). During the winter months you will be rewarded with views of outstanding waves, while in the summer you may see a group of kayakers floating along the current on the calm seas.

After you finish your first mile you'll really start to be rewarded with stunning view of the Na Pali coast. You're well on your way down to Hanakapia`ai beach now, and be sure to enjoy the trek down - it's mostly uphill on the way back.

Just shy of two miles, the trail dips steeply downward through several switchbacks and you'll soon find yourself at Hanakapia`ai Stream. Use extreme caution crossing the stream and if it's rained recently and the flow is high, do NOT cross at all. If you want to cross without getting your feet wet, you can sometimes skip across the rocks if you head inland a few meters; otherwise use the rope to help guide yourself through the stream.

After crossing the stream, to your right is Hanakapiai Beach. Some pit toilets, that leave much to be desired, are also to your left (near where the trail continues and/or heads back to Hanakapi`ai Falls). In the summer months, there is plenty of sand on the beach, but in the winter you'll be surprised to see only lava boulders at times. Every year the current carries the sand into the ocean only to return it in the spring! Do NOT swim at the beach here, the rip currents are deadly (you probably saw the sign on the way down totaling all the drownings here). Total elevation gain (going and returning along all inclines) between Ke`e and Hanakapi`ai is 1060 feet and the hike takes approximately an hour and a half at a moderate pace.

Hanakapia`ai Beach to Hanakapi`ai Falls
2 mile side hike (4 round trip)

As a side trip (extended day hike) you can follow the un-maintained Hanakapiai Falls trail upstream for two more miles to reach this spectacular 100-foot high Hanakapiai Falls. Please note this is an additional 2 miles (4 miles round trip) not included on the Kalalau Trail. It can take up to two hours just to reach the falls, and requires numerous stream crossings. If it's rained recently, don't go. Total elevation gain to the falls from Hanakapi'ai beach is 760 feet. This is a fairly strenuous hike

Location: Na Pali Kauai

Hanakapi'ai Falls isn't a waterfall most visitors will ever see. Nestled deep inside Hanakapi'ai Valley on the Na Pali coast (aerial Hanakapi'ai view), it'll take some effort to reach. After hiking two miles of rugged terrain of the Kalalau Trail you'll have to another two miles inland, along one of the most rugged trails we've ever taken, to reach this 410 foot beautiful falls located on the back valley wall.
Take notice of the native plant life as well as the small bamboo forests you will pass through.

Location: Na Pali Kauai

After hiking two miles of rugged terrain to Hanakapiai Beach along the Kalalau Trail you may be tempted to turn back and head back towards Ke'e Beach. But if you aren’t too tired and have some time, consider taking a two-mile (four miles round trip) hike inland to see Hanakapi‘ai Falls. It can take up to two hours just to reach the falls, and requires numerous stream crossings. If it's rained recently, don't go. Total elevation gain to the falls from Hanakapi'ai beach is 760 feet. This is a fairly strenuous hike.

The trail can be rough in spots, but the 300-ft waterfall at the end is worth the trek. Take notice of the native plant life as well as the small bamboo forests you will pass through. The trail crisscrosses the stream several times, so be mindful of water flow. Make sure to pack rain gear because showers pop up frequently and carry drinking water since it is not safe to drink stream water.

Location: Na Pali Kauai

Polihale State Park encompasses nearly 140 acres of coastal lands at the western end of the Na Pali coast. The park consists of a large sand beach (Polihale Beach), Polihale cliff and a traditional heiau. This is a typically hot and arid, almost desert-like setting. The road to Polihale may seem a little less like a tropical island and a little more like a desert highway. On a bright sunny day the flat stretch of Highway 50 between Highway 552 and Polihale Beach can create a mirage that looks more suited to Arizona than Hawai‘i.

Near mile marker 30 take a look to your left and observe the high security of the Pacific Missile Range Facility (yet another thing that isn’t quite so “tropical”). Once you pass mile marker 32, the highway ends and you will have to take a right inland. The first road on your left will take you to Polihale. Be warned, this is no pleasure ride in a small vehicle.