Kalepa Ridge Trail

Overlooking Kalalau Valley & Beach

Koke'e and Waimea State Park

If the view of Kalalau Valley from the official lookout or from the Pu'u o Kila lookout just isn't enough for you, then this may be the hike for you. First and foremost, we need to point out this is NOT an official "trail" and that by hiking here, you do so at your own risk. This is a hunter-access route where locals often hunt for pigs and goats.  Also, this is a very delicate ecosystem. Hence, it is essential to use leave no trace protocol and be aware of the potential impact your visit may have on the environment.  

We highly recommend you consult a knowledgeable guide to take you along this route. The Kalepa Ridge Trail is approximately 1.9 miles round trip, with an elevation change of about 500 feet. Hikers should be prepared for steep sections and narrow pathways with significant drop-offs. The trail’s condition can vary, becoming particularly treacherous after rainfall due to mud and erosion. Proper footwear with good traction is essential, and hiking poles are recommended for added stability.

The Kalepa Ridge hike will take you along the ridge line between Honopu and Kalalau Valley, offering some of the most incredible views into Kalalau Valley that can be seen from anywhere on the island, surpassing even the view from a helicopter (because you actually get to soak the view in over the course of several minutes).

The panoramic views into Kalalau Valley as you hike out onto the ridge stretching towards Na Pali are simply incredible.  Although it is a relatively short hike, there are numerous steep sections that can be especially difficult to navigate in wet weather, as noted above.  The trail can become very slippery, and there are several places where the trail runs right at the edge of a 1000' drop, so hikers must maintain awareness of their surroundings at all times. 

If you are looking for a bit more of a workout, another hike on a longer and more maintained (but rarely used) trail is the Honopu Ridge Trail, which offers similarly incredible views of Na Pali Coast and Honopu Valley.