Kalalau Trail

Hawaii | Kauaʻi

Note: currently closed due to flood damage

This is an awesome hike. Just do the hike to the first beach and you encounter magic. You leave the end of the road near Ke’e beach and walk along the steep coastline and arrive at a totally wilderness tropical beach (Hanakapi’ai) in just two miles. The trail can be muddy and slippery. Plan 1.5 – 2 hours each way to the first beach and swim there with caution. From there ou can hike a rather difficult 1.8 miles up along the stream to Hanakapi’ai falls (and swim in the pools under the falls).  For most people this is enough. But you aren’t most people, right? IF you planned ahead and reserved AND got a permit you can continue all of the way (11 miles total) to spectacular Kalalau valley where you will camp for the night. It os NOT permitted to just day hike in a and back. The next valley is Honakoa. Detour 1/2 mile up canyon to see the falls. Then push on to your tropical paradise valley. Head out the next day.