One of the most common questions about the trail is “Do I need a permit?”. It all depends on what you want to do. It can be a little more confusing since the new reservation system started. Here’s a quick guide to make it easier to understand:
Do I need a permit if I want to…….
- Visit Ke’e Beach?
- Hike 2-miles along the Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and back? (4-miles round trip)
- Hike to Hanakāpīʻai Beach and then 2-miles up to Hanakāpīʻai Falls and back? (8-miles round trip)
For any of the questions above, the answer is NO, you don’t need a permit, but you do need to make a reservation. Reservations are made at http://gohaena.com. You can make them up to 30 days in advance but must make it at least 1 day before you visit. I would recommend buying them as soon as they are available because they tend to sell out quick. For more information, visit our day-use page.
If the site won’t let you select a voucher for the day and time specified, they are sold out for that time. Choose another day.
How do I get to the Kalalau Trail?
Do I need a permit if I want to…….
- Camp overnight at Hanakoa or Kalalau?
- Hike to Hanakoa or Kalalau and back in one day?
- Trail run the whole Kalalau Trail?
- Hike the Kalalau Trail past Hanakāpīʻai Beach even if I don’t plan to camp?
- Kayak into Kalalau (During the summer months)?
For any of the questions in this section, the answer is YES, you do need a Napali Coast State Wilderness Park – Kalalau Permit. Permits are obtained at https://camping.ehawaii.gov/. Permits used to be available 1-year in advance but currently they are issuing permits 90-days out.
How do I get to the Kalalau Trail?
Do I need a permit if I……
- want to be dropped off by boat along the trail or at Kalalau? Answer: Commercial Boat drop-offs are illegal. This option is not allowed.
- am a local? Answer: Locals can visit Hā’ena State Park for free without a reservation. Locals need a permit (discounted) to hike the Kalalau Trail past Hanakāpīʻai Beach.
Visit https://kalalautrail.com/permits/ for more information about the permit process. How do I get to the Kalalau Trail?
