Kalalau Trail General Information

The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted pali. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau.

Originally built in the late 1800s, portions of the trail were rebuilt in the 1930s. A similar foot trail linked earlier Hawaiian settlements along the coastline.

For most backpackers in good condition hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. Get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat.

For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and bodysurfing. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. Many rare native plants grow on inaccessible cliffs. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route.

KE'E BEACH TO HANAKAPI'AI (2 miles)

This section offers a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. The summer sand beach at Hanakapi'ai is a popular destination for day hikers. Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY!

An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapi'ai Valley leads to a waterfall. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks.

Camping is no longer permitted at Hanakapiai.  Hikers headed for, or returning from Kalalau valley with a camping permit may stop over at Hanakoa for the night.

HANAKAPI'AI TO HANAKOA (4 miles)

More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapi'ai valley. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Ho'olulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants.

Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, weary backpackers may stop over for the night going to, or returning from Kalalau with a camping permit. Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. The poorly marked 1/2-mile trail up the east fork of the stream to Hanakoa falls has hazardous, eroded sections but affords a spectacular view of the falls.

The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach - the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the ocean's edge.

HANAKOA TO KALALAU BEACH (5 miles)

After leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters drier, more open land which offers little shade from the midday sun. Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valley's fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather.

The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. Camping in Kalalau is allowed only behind this sand beach. During Summer, Kalalau boasts a wide sand beach, but winter surf removes much of the beach. Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall, in the surrounding area, or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. An easy 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the sream. This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, until about 1920. These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees.