We get many questions about hiking, camping and visiting the Kalalau Trail. Here are answers to some of the most common questions (faq) that we get. Click on the question to get the answer.
Permit FAQ
[toggle title=”Do I need a permit if I am not camping overnight?” state=”close”]You can hike to Hanakāpīʻai and back without a permit but there are daily visitor limits so you do need a day-use reservation. You MUST have a camping permit if you hike past Hanakāpīʻai EVEN IF you don’t plan on staying overnight.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Where can I camp overnight?” state=”close”]Overnight camping is only permitted at Hanakoa (6-miles in) or at Kalalau if you have a permit. Camping other places along the trail is not permitted.[/toggle] [toggle title=”I checked online and all the permits are sold out. What are my options?” state=”close”]If no permits are available, you can still enjoy the Kalalau Trail for a day hike (day-use reservations required). You can hike to Hanakāpīʻai beach (4-Mile round trip) or to Hanakāpīʻai Falls and back (8-Mile round trip). Permits are available up to 90 days out. Get your permits early to ensure a permit is available.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Are any permits held back for last minute pickup or anything similar?” state=”close”]An additional capacity of 20 people each night will be allowed from May 15-September 7. These permits (for Hawaii Residents) can be purchased up to 30 days in advance of your first night of camping on a space available basis, to walk-in applicants only, at the Kauaʻi State Parks Office in the State Office Building in Līhuʻe. Permits will be available on a first-come, first-served basis from 8 a.m.-11a.m., Tuesday through Thursday, each week through the summer. [/toggle] [toggle title=”How can I get a permit to hike the Kalalau Trail?” state=”close”]Directions to getting a permit are posted here.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Kalalau is sold out but Milolii permits are available. Can I use those permits to hike the trail?” state=”close”]No, there is no access from Milolii to the Kalalau Trail. It is a different location (accessible via Kayak) and thus requires a different permit.[/toggle]Trail FAQ
[toggle title=”Is the Kalalau Trail open today?” state=”close”]The Kalalau Trail closes on occasion. Find out how to know if the trail is open at the following link: Is the Kalalau Trail open today?[/toggle] [toggle title=”What is the elevation change on the Kalalau Trail?” state=”close”]The Kalalau Trail starts and ends near sea level and climbs up and down to 600 ft, 700 ft and 800 ft at times. Total elevation gain is near 5,000 feet. This can make the trail very challenging.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Can the Kalalau Trail be done (both ways) in one day?” state=”close”]22 miles is possible for advanced hikers/trail runners but it’s not recommended. If it’s your first visit to Kalalau, take the time to experience all that Kalalau has to offer. Admire the beauty of your surroundings and explore the side trails and valleys. Many people who rush the trail on their first visit wish they had allowed more time for the trail. A permit is required to hike the whole trail even if you don’t plan to camp.[/toggle] [toggle title=”How many days should I spend on the Kalalau Trail?” state=”close”]I would recommend no less than 3 days for the trail. For first time hikers who aren’t necessarily strong hikers, I recommend travelling to Hanakoa on day one, spending time to travel to Hanakāpīʻai Falls and back on the way if you feel you have time. Then, start early and hike to Kalalau in the morning. This way, when you arrive in Kalalau, you have the whole day ahead of you rather than arriving near the end of the day/dark. On day 2, you can relax and explore up into the valley. You can hike all the way out on day 3. Stronger hikers can hike all the way to Kalalau Beach on day one. If you have more than 3 days, then you can stretch out your relaxing/exploring times.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Is November (or some other month) a good time to hike the Kalalau Trail?” state=”close”]Kalalau is beautiful year round. You’ll be hard-pressed to find anytime that isn’t a beautiful hike, weather permitting. The difference between the months has more to do with chances of hitting bad weather. It is less likely for the trail to be closed due to weather in May or June than it is during January or February. That doesn’t mean that it will be closed or will be open at any specific time. Memorial Day weekend is usually great weather but once in a while, a storm comes through and they have to close the trail over Memorial Day weekend. There’s a slightly higher chance of the trail being closed in the winter months but it’s a beautiful hike in those months as well. It’s also easier to get permits during those months. Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60°F. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods. Nobody knows more than a week or so in advance what the weather is going to be like. Get your permit for the time that fits best in your schedule. No matter when that is, there’s always a chance the trail might be closed.[/toggle] [toggle title=”It is raining, should I hike the Kalalau Trail?” state=”close”]Kalalau is very close to one of the rainiest spots on Earth. It rains on the trail often. When the trail is wet, please us extra caution. Also, always know the weather report. There’s a difference between light rain and a big storm coming in. During storms, the several streams along the trail can turn into fast moving, dangerous rivers. Flash flooding is common. Don’t hike the trail when there’s a storm close by. You may get trapped on the trail and have to be rescued or even worse injured or killed.[/toggle]
Transportation FAQ
[toggle title=”What is the best way to get to the Kalalau Trail head?” state=”close”]The trailhead is located in Hā’ena State Park at the northwest end of Kūhiō Highway (Route 56). Hāʻena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihu’e Airport. There are many good ways to get the Kalalau Trail head. Which one is the best one for you depends on your other plans on the island as well as your budget. Kevin Schwoebel provides transportation services. You can contact him by phone/text at (973) 769-8854. Ground transportation options can be found here.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Can I have someone pick me up on the other side of the trail and drive me back to my car so I do not have to hike back?” state=”close”]There is no other land access closer to Kalalau Beach than the trail head. When you get to Kalalau Beach, the closest road to hike to is back at the trail head 11-miles away.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Can I get dropped off or picked up by boat?” state=”close”]Commercial boat drop-offs or pick-ups are illegal. Hiking the trail IS the experience. Don’t deny yourself of that once in a life-time experience.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Other than hiking, how else can I get to and from Kalalau Beach?” state=”close”]Between May 15 and September 7 of the year, Kayaking into and out of Kalalau Beach is legal but you must have a Kalalau permit to do so. Other times of the year, Kayaking is not permitted due to potentially unsafe conditions. FYI – Kayaking is not necessarily easier. It can be very challenging paddling against the ocean currents for miles.[/toggle] [toggle title=”How do I catch the North Shore Shuttle?” state=”close”]You can reserve a spot on the shuttle up to a month ahead of time. Visit the shuttle page to make your reservation. Have more questions about the shuttle? Check out the Shuttle FAQ. [/toggle] [toggle title=”Where can I park my car overnight?” state=”close”]Limited overnight parking is now available for campers with overnight permits for Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Camping permits must be acquired from State Parks prior to purchasing overnight parking. These spots are available for purchase in advance and users will be charged for the number of days your vehicle occupies the lot (e.g. a one night stay will require paying for 2 days, a 4 night stay will require paying for 5 days, etc.) Visit GoHaena.com to reserve a parking spot. Other overnight parking options include limited overnight parking at Aliʻi Kai Resort in Princeville. Call (808) 826-9988 for details and reservations. Finding legal overnight parking anywhere else on the North Shore is a problem. If you are staying at a hotel the night before you hike, I’d suggest arranging something with your hotel if they allow it. Or, ditch the rental car and taxi/uber/bus into the trail head.[/toggle]Services FAQ
[toggle title=”Is there cell phone coverage?” state=”close”]There is no cell phone coverage along the trail. There is a payphone at the trail head. It doesn’t work most of the time.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Where can I hire a trail guide?” state=”close”]Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Nāpali Coast, it is likely illegal.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Is there water along the trail or do I have to pack all my water?” state=”close”]There are many stream crossings along the trail. You’ll find water around the 2, 4.5, 6, 8 and 10 Mile marks among other places. Boil, filter or treat all drinking water to prevent sickness. Read up on Leptospirosis and it’s effects. A map of water crossings can be found here.[/toggle] [toggle title=”Are there Bathrooms along the trail?” state=”close”]Composting Toilets can be found at Hanakapai’ai Beach (2 Miles), Hanakoa (6 Miles), and at Kalalau (11 miles).[/toggle] [toggle title=”What do I do with my Trash?” state=”close”]Pack your trash out with you. Do not leave trash or other items along the trail. Keep the park beautiful for others.[/toggle]
