The Kalalau Trail is an unfamiliar concept to many people, but a lifelong dream for others. It is one of the most famous treks in the Hawaiian Islands and a natural gem on Kauai.

You can hike the Kalalau Trail for a few hours, a full day, or even a multi-day hike with an unforgettable overnight stay in a landscape that is without a doubt one of the most magical in the world.

Choose your accommodation near Kalalau Trail

Scenery you won't see anywhere else

The Kalalau Trail runs along Kauai's wild and uninhabited north shore, called the Nā Pali Coast, and winds along steep cliffs over 1,000 feet high for more than 18 miles.

In total, the trail is 36 km long because you have to return the same way.

Along the way, you'll be treated to scenery you won't see anywhere else in the world. Ragged gorges, some of the highest cliffs in the world, the roaring Pacific Ocean, jungle crashes and beautiful secluded beaches.

Permit: Kalalau Trail entrance fee

The first 3km section from the trailhead through the Hanakāpī'Ai Valley can be done for an entrance fee only at Haena State Park at the trailhead.

To hike further, you must make an entrance reservation. Time slots always open 30 days in advance at midnight Hawaii time, and sites are often snapped up within minutes.

There are several options for admission:

Parking + admission - this option is usually unavailable within a minute or two of the reservation opening.
- 10 usd + 5 usd
Shuttle Bus + Admission - the most affordable option.
- 40 usd
- You must use the shuttle bus that runs from two locations
  - Hanalei / Waipa P+R - runs every 20 minutes from 6:20am to 5:40pm, car can be parked for free in the large Waipa P+R car park
  - Princeville - runs twice a day from the hotel resorts in Princeville, where you can park your car only if you have an accommodation reservation
  - Maps and official information
Admission only - this option is suitable for locals who don't have to pay parking fees
- 5 usd

Reservations are made exclusively on the official website at gohaena.com

If you venture further into the interior of the Na Pali coast, you must pay additional 20 usd for a camping reservation, even though you can make the trip in one day.

Reservations at camping.ehawaii.gov

Stages and difficulty of the Kalalau Trail

This trek is generally ranked as one of the most challenging in the U.S., but it's also the most beautiful in the Pacific Northwest. It can be divided into several stages of varying difficulty:

1. Ke'e - Hanakāpīʻai

The initial 3 km (one way) section from Haena Sate Park to the valley and Hanakāpīʻai beach, from where you can still follow the wooded trail under the river to Hanakāpīʻai Falls.

This section has no downright dangerous sections and follows a relatively comfortable and wide trail. It offers spectacular views of the ocean and runs partly through a forested area, so there is plenty of shade.

Hanakāpīʻai Beach is a popular relaxation destination, and you can even take a refreshing dip here, but don't venture out of the shallows as the currents are very strong.

Intermediate (can be done by untrained hikers)
6 km total round trip

2. Hanakāpīʻai - Hanakoa

Further on, the trail rises steeply and twists and turns along forested hillsides with many passes and breathtaking views. The trail narrows noticeably and in places large boulders must be crossed. Great care must be taken and it is not worth coming here at all without good trekking boots.

The finish of this section is in the Hanakoa Valley, where there is a beautiful area ideal for camping and many visitors spend the night here.

Challenging
13 km total round trip

3. Hanakoa - Kalalalu

The last and longest part of the journey takes you to bare rocky slopes of steep cliffs, but also green meadows, and the last part of the journey is through the forest again. This stage is definitely the most challenging and has the most dangerous sections, high elevation and you may even feel tired after the previous journey.

On the other hand, the third stage of the Kalalau Trail is generally considered to be the most beautiful ever. At the end of the trail you will be rewarded with the beautiful sandy beach of Kalalau, but again it is not recommended to swim further than where you can get up to your knees.

Very challenging
16 km total round trip

Safety guidelines on the trek

The first rule that everyone should follow is that if you find the first leg already challenging, you should definitely turn back and not attempt any further parts of the route.

Sturdy hiking boots are an absolute must, as are sufficient supplies, especially water and nutritious food.

It is not recommended to swim in the ocean unless you are a really experienced swimmer with thorough knowledge. The currents and undercurrents here can be very strong and fatal.

Along the way you will cross several streams and rivers. If any of them are so swollen that the water is above your knees, definitely don't try to ford the river and turn back. Drowning in a seemingly harmless stream has been fatal to several hikers here.

Accommodation at Kalalau Trail

Aside from camping on your own near the trek, there's not much opportunity for cheap accommodation, but plenty of opportunity for great hotels and guesthouses if money isn't as much of an issue. The average nightly rate for a 2-bed room around Kalalau Trail is between 183 eur and 366 eur, and you'll find the most deals in Princeville and Hanalei.

How to get there

The Kalalau Trail starts about 11 km past the village of Hanalei and the quickest way to get to the trailhead is by car. You can only park in the official parking lots.

Although you are more or less out of civilization, you can be 100% sure that you will get a fine for parking in a no parking zone, which the car rental company will charge you.

The 560 road, called the Kuhio Highway, ends here and takes you from all over the island.

If you'll be staying in the villages nearby, you may find the official shuttle bus, which runs from 6:20 to 11:40 every 20 minutes from Hanalei village and stops at several points along the way, see official info and schedule. The shuttle bus can be booked together with the trek entrance for a total of 40 usd (return ticket).

Then there is the 400 bus service to Hanalei from Lihue on Kauai's east coast once an hour throughout the day (see the Transportation chapter for more information).

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