Articles
The True Cost of Hiking the Kalalau Trail
Planning a bucket-list trek to the Nāpali Coast? Discover the true cost of hiking the Kalalau Trail, from permits and flights to hidden transit and gear fees.
Why Gore-Tex Boots Will Ruin Your Kalalau Trail Hike
Thinking of wearing heavy waterproof footwear? Discover why standard Gore-Tex boots will ruin your Kalalau Trail hike and what shoes you should wear instead.
The Ultimate Kalalau Trail Parking and Shuttle Guide
Planning a trip to Kēʻē Beach or Hanakāpīʻai Falls? Read the definitive guide to GoHāʻena parking timeslots, shuttle rules, and vital rental car security tips.
What to Do If You Can’t Get a Kalalau Permit
Missed out on the midnight rush? Don’t cancel your Kauai trip just yet. Discover 4 legitimate backdoors to legally see the Nāpali Coast without a camping permit.
Beat the Midnight Rush for Kalalau Trail Permits
Securing a Kalalau Trail permit is a digital battlefield. Learn exactly how to navigate Hawaii’s new booking portal at midnight to lock in your dates.
3 Fatalities, 2 People Injured: Helicopter Crash near Kalalau Beach
A serious incident occurred on Thursday, March 26 near Kalalau Beach at the end of the Kalalau Trail. At approximately 3:45 p.m. on Thursday, March 26, 2026, an Airborne Aviation helicopter crashed at remote Kalalau Beach on Kaua‘i’s Nāpali Coast. What We Know So Far...
New Reservation System for Kalalau Trail Explained
Starting February 1, 2026, hikers must use the new Explore Outdoor Hawaiʻi reservation platform to book Kalalau Trail permits. Users need to create a new account as old credentials won’t work. Permits will still release 90 days in advance, and separate arrangements for parking are necessary.
Essential Guide to Visiting Kalalau Trail: Plan Ahead
Don’t be stuck unable to visit the trail because you didn’t plan ahead.
KPD Officer Carries Hiker to Safety on Kalalau Trail
An inspiring story of bravery and compassion that unfolded on the Kalalau Trail, highlighting the dedication of the Kaua’i Police Department.
Hikers Rescued After Fall From The Kalalau Trail
On Wednesday, February 28, 2024 shortly after noon the Kauai Fire Department received a call reporting that hikers had fallen from the Kalalau Trail, which is along Kauai's Nāpali Coastline. Rescuers abort the Air 1 helicopter spotted one of the hikers shortly after...
Facing Fear on Steep Cliff Edges – Sketchbook Diaries Backpacking the Napali Coast, Hawaii
Arizona-based artist Kristi Rauckis recently posted a very artistic video that she shot and edited of her experience along the Kalalau Trail. It was her and her new husband Eric's honeymoon trip. She wonderfully blends beautiful images of scenery along the trail with...
To Kalalau and Back in One Day – Trail Report
This report is intended to provide information and perspective for those who are considering an out-and-back day hike. As a calibration point, I am a very experienced mountain hiker with a couple hundred summits, including more than fifty 14,000-foot...
Capturing Great Photos of Kalalau, The Nāpali Coast & Kauai
Kalalau Lookout Kauai, the "Garden Isle," is a photographer's paradise. From the jagged emerald cliffs of the Nāpali Coast to the emerald valleys of Waimea Canyon, Kauai's stunning landscapes are begging to be captured on camera. In this post, we'll focus on capturing...
Mistakes People Make when Planning to Hike the Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail is a rugged trail that includes steep climbs and descents.
Preparing to hike the famous Kalalau Trail.
The Kalalau Trail is a 11-mile trail that runs along the Nāpali Coast on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. It is one of the most popular hiking trails in Hawaii, and for good reason. The trail offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean, lush rainforests, and towering sea...
How do I get to the Kalalau Trail?
First of all, the park is limited to 900 visitors per day. If you want to visit, you'll have to plan ahead. If you wait until the day you want to visit, you will not be able to. You MUST plan ahead. Here's a summary of how you can get to the trail. Shuttle...
Kalalau Trail Permits are Now Available
Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park permits are now available on the State’s website. Permits can be purchased up to 30 days prior to your visit.
Kalalau | Hiking the Kalalau Trail | HD with Drone Footage
Join us for two days on the Kalalau Trail and a full day in Kalalau Valley on the island of Kauai, Hawaii. Backpacking and adventuring at its finest. What we found in the valley was a complete surprise and the story of a lifetime.
