FAQ

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

22 miles is possible for advanced hikers/trail runners but it’s not recommended. Some hikers hike into Kalalau on one day and back in another day. Some hikers take two days to hike in or out, camping at Hanakoa inbetween the hiking days. Very few people do all 22 miles in one day.

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.

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 trade winds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. Trade wind 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.

There is no other land access closer to Kalalau Beach than the trail head. When you get to Kalalau Beach, the only road to hike to is back at the trail head 11-miles away.

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.

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.

Limited overnight parking is available for campers with overnight permits for Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Camping permits must be acquired 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.

Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized in the Hawaii State Park.  If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Nāpali Coast, it is likely illegal.

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.

Composting Toilets can be found at Hanakapai’ai Beach (2 Miles), Hanakoa (6 Miles), and at Kalalau (11 miles).

Pack your trash out with you. Do not leave trash or other items along the trail. Keep the park beautiful for others.

Kayak Kauai in Wailua, Ace Hardware in Kapaa or Princeville, WalMart in Lihue all carry fuel and other gear.