Choosing the wrong footwear can instantly end your trek along the Nāpali Coast. While heavy, waterproof Gore-Tex boots...
Kalalau Trail Tips
The Ultimate Kalalau Trail Parking and Shuttle Guide
Securing a reservation through GoHāʻena is mandatory for anyone visiting Kēʻē Beach or day-hiking the first section of...
What to Do If You Can’t Get a Kalalau Permit
Missing out on the midnight permit rush is a devastating blow for backpackers planning a trip to Kauai. Fortunately, a...
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.
Essential Guide to Visiting Kalalau Trail: Plan Ahead
Don’t be stuck unable to visit the trail because you didn’t plan ahead.
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...
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...
Do I Need a Permit for the Kalalau Trail?
Confused about Kalalau Trail permits? Use our quick 2026 decision guide to see exactly when you need a Day-Use Voucher vs. an Overnight Camping Permit.
Choosing the Best Backpack for Your Upcoming Adventure
OpticsPlanet.com recently published an article about How to Choose a Backpack. The very in depth article goes into detail on every aspect of properly selecting a backpack to hike with. If you are looking into purchasing a backpack, it’s definitely worth looking...