Kalalau Trail

Hiking the Na Pali Coast

The Kalalau trail runs for 11 miles along Kaua'i Na Pali coastline. This rough and beautiful trail provides a great access point to take in the breathtaking sea cliffs of Kaua'i's north coast.

Cave near the trailhead
Kalalau trail, Kaua'i (March 15^th, '08)

The Na Pali coastline from the trail
Kalalau trail, Kaua'i (March 15^th, '08)

We hiked about 2 miles along the trail to Hanakapi'ai beach, an idyllic resting point with crashing waves and lush tropical forests. Although it looks like a perfect spot for a swim, the strong currents and the force of the waves at Hanakapi'ai make swimming here very dangerous - not recommended! A sign on the trail shows the ever-increasing death toll from this beach.

Hanakapi'ai Beach
Kalalau trail, Kaua'i (March 15^th, '08)

Hanakapi'ai Beach
Kalalau trail, Kaua'i (March 15^th, '08)

Waves at Hanakapi'ai Beach
Kalalau trail, Kaua'i (March 15^th, '08)

Sign showing the current death toll from swimmers at Hanakapi'ai Beach
Kalalau trail, Kaua'i (March 15^th, '08)

If you really need to cool off in the water, turn inland from the beach and hike a further 2 miles up the river to Hanakapi'ai valley. The pool at the base of the waterfalls makes a nice spot for a lunch and provides a spot to cool off before heading back to the heat of the coastline trail.

Hanakapi'ai Valley
Kalalau trail, Kaua'i (March 15^th, '08)

Waterfall in Hanakapi'ai Valley
Kalalau trail, Kaua'i (March 15^th, '08)

The pool at the base of the waterfall in Hanakapi'ai Valley
Kalalau trail, Kaua'i (March 15^th, '08)

Derek and I in the Hanakapi'ai Valley
Kalalau trail, Kaua'i (March 15^th, '08)