22 miles round trip
The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trail that leads from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the Nāpali Coast on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. This website has information and media that will help you plan your outing to the secluded Kalalau Beach and/or Kalalau Valley. The Kalalau Trail is in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park which is part of the Hawaii State Parks system.
The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted pali. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakāpīʻai and Kalalau.
Camping is only allowed at Hanakoa or Kalalau and is not allowed anywhere else along the trail or at the trail head. Permits are required to camp. You can hike all the way to Hanakapi’ai and up to Hanakapi’ai Falls as a day hike without a permit (although a reservation is required). Permits are required to hike past Hanakapi’ai even if you don’t plan to camp. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapi’ai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. Visit our Trail Information page to view a map of the trail to help plan your trip.
This KalalauTrail.com website is primarily designed to provide general Information about the trail and surrounding areas. You can find information on how to obtain Permits, Health & Safety concerns on the trail and Frequently Asked Questions.
The Trail
Here’s a short animated video of the trail itself.
Articles
Our goal with this website is to show you what you need to know to succesfully plan your trip.
Browse the menu to find directions, tips and articles to help you have a successful trip.
Top things to do
1. Figure out the permit process
You cannot just visit the trail. You must have either a permit or a reservation. Click here to get up to speed.
2. Figure out transportation
Transporation to the trail head is an issue that you need to figure out in advance. 70 parking spots for 960 visitors per day is a problem. Click here to see options.
3. Gear up
What gear do you need? Is there gear rental on the island? What will you do with your other luggage? Click here for the answers.
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