Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau trail is the only land access to the rugged
Nāpali coastline from Hā‘ena to Kalalau. The trail traverses
5 major valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it isblocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. The graded trail is narrow
and rarely level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs andthrough lush valleys. The trail only drops to sea level at thebeaches of Hanakāpī‘ai and Kalalau.
The current trail was built around 1860 by the Hawaiian
Government to foster transportation and commerce forthe residents living in theremote valleys. Local laborand dynamite were used
to construct a trail wide
enough to accommodate
pack animals loaded withoranges, taro, and coffee
being grown in the valleys.
Stone paving and retaining
walls from that era still
exist along the trail.
Photo: Bishop Museum

Permits Required

Permits are required for camping beyond Hanakāpī‘ai andboat landings (allowed in summer only). Camping permits
can be obtained online (http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp) or at a
State Parks office. Camping is allowed at Hanakoa (onenight stopover only) and Kalalau. There is a maximum stayof 5 nights within the park. Camping fees apply.
Permits for Kalalau shall be valid for Hanakoa on thefirst and/or last night of camping along the Kalalau Trail.
Hikers are encouraged to stopover and camp at Hanakoa
if they possess a valid permit for Kalalau and feel the needto break up their hike due to fatigue, weather, or darkness.
Overnight parking is available for campers at Hāʻena StatePark. Make reservations at GoHaena.com

Facilities

As a wilderness area, the park facilities are primitive.
Composting toilets are located at Hanakāpī‘ai, Hanakoaand Kalalau. There is no drinking water or showers. No
picnic tables or trash cans are provided. Open fires are notallowed - bring camp stove and fuel.

Weather Conditions

Temperatures seldom drop below 60ºF. Summer months(May to September) are generally hot and humid withtradewinds and occasional rain. Winter months (Octoberto April) are marked by frequent tradewind showers, andpossible storms with flash flooding and high surf.

HuntingNāpali Coast State Wilderness Park is open to year-roundarchery hunting for feral goats and pigs. Bowhunting
permits are available at the Līhu‘e office of the Division ofForestry and Wildlife (808-274-3433).

Hiking & Camping Safety

No Emergency Services. In the event ofinjury or illness, someone must hike out forhelp or signal a passing helicopter or boat.
There is no cell phone reception along thecoast. Be prepared with a first aid kit.

Stream Water. Boil or treat all drinking water (water
purification pump, tablets, or iodine). It is possible tocontract leptospirosis by drinking untreated water orswimming in streams. This potentially fatal disease
invades the body through cuts and openings.
Sunburn & Heat Exhaustion. Drink plenty ofwater to stay hydrated in the hot, humid hiking
conditions. Use sunscreen to protect against
ultraviolet radiation, even when overcast.

! WARNINGp
Strong Current!

You could be swept away from shore andcould drown.

If in doubt, don’t go out.

Dangerous Shorebreak!

Waves break in shallow water. Serious injuries
could occur, even in small surf.

If in doubt, don’t go out.

Falling Rocks!

If you proceed, be alert! Rocks may fall without
warning causing serious injury or death.

If in doubt, stay away.

Hazardous Cliff!

The ground may break off without warningand you could be seriously injured or killed.

Stay back from the edge.

Flash Flood!

Be alert, water may rise without warning.
Fast moving water may result in serious injuryor death.

No Rock Climbing!

Mountains are crumbly with weathering
basalt that is not suitable for rock climbing
and roping.

Heed all posted warning signs.

Hiking Tips

Know Your Limits. The Kalalau Trail is suitable forexpert hikers in good physical shape only. The trail is steep,slippery and narrow with sheer drop-offs in places. Novice
hikers and anyone with a fear of heights should not
hike beyond the first 2 miles to Hanakāpī‘ai Beach.
Boots. The trails are muddy, slippery,rocky, and uneven. Lightweight hiking
boots with good traction are recommended.

Water. Carry plenty of water and bring water purification

or iodine tablets as back-up. Never drink untreated waterfrom the streams or waterfalls.

KALALAU
TRAIL
Nāpelepele na pali o Kalalau
i ka wili a ka makani
Weakened are the cliffs ofKalalau by the buffeting wind.

Stay on the Trail. Vegetation can mask steep drop-offs.

Avoid short-cuts and making new trails around wet andmuddy areas or over stacked rock walls.

Harmful Plants & Animals. Never taste or eat

unfamiliar plants or use them for food skewers. Spiders,
scorpions, centipedes, and other harmful insects like leaf
litter and rocks. Keep backpacks and tents fully zipped.

Watch the Time. The high cliffs and dense vegetation

mean that it can grow dark quickly, especially in the wintermonths. Allow adequate time to get to your destination.

Camping Tips

Camping Gear. A lightweight sleeping
bag or blanket, sleeping pad, tent with
rainfly, cooking stove and fuel arerecommended. You may also want tohave mosquito repellent.
Campsites. Camp in the designated camping areas at

Hanakoa and Kalalau only. Do not move rocks or dig as
you may disturb an archaeological site. Always use thenearby composting toilets. Streams are the only freshwater
sources and biodegradable soap should be used for bathingand dishes. Use soap away from the stream to protect thewater source. Leave your campsite clean.

Pack out what you pack in.

Please do not leave excess food or equipment behind andassume that others can use it. These items will eventually
become trash and contribute to illegal campers overstaying
their welcome and degrading fragile resources.
State of Hawai‘i
Department of Land & Natural Resources
Division of State Parks

https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/
Kaua‘i District Office3060 Eiwa Street, Suite 306
Līhu‘e, HI 96766
Phone: 808-274-3444

O‘ahu District Office1151 Punchbowl Street, #310
Honolulu, HI 96813
Phone: 808-587-0300

NapaliCoast̄State Wilderness ParkKaua‘i

TrailheadThe Kalalau trailhead is located in Hā‘ena State Parkat the end of Kūhiō Highway (Hwy. 56). A 2-mile hike(one-way) takes you to Hanakāpī‘ai Beach. Hiking
the first 1/2 mile will offer spectacular views of theNāpali coastline. Allow about 3 to 4 hours (roundtrip) for a leisurely day hike.
A camping permit is required past Hanakāpī‘ai andit is 6 miles to Hanakoa where stopover camping ispermitted. The 11-mile trail ends in Kalalau Valley.
Past Hanakāpī‘ai is a strenuous backpacking trip thatis recommended for experienced hikers only.

Ke‘ē ̄ to Hanakapı‘aī ̄ (2 miles)

Use caution when crossing Hanakāpī‘ai Stream rocks may be slippery. The sand beach and breaking
waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due toriptides and currents.
A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular
300-foot waterfall. About a mile up the valley, thetrail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks
and crosses the stream twice. The upper half of thetrail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid
dangerous flash floods. If you take the hike to the falls,add another 4 hours to your hike time.

Hanakapı‘aī ̄ to Hanakoa (4 miles)

Hiking becomes more strenuous as the switchback
trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakāpī‘ai to the highest
point on the entire route. The trail goes through theHono O Nā Pali Natural Area Reserve which is home
to a variety of native lowland forest plants.
Just past Hanakoa Stream, there is a 0.3-mile trail
upvalley to 500-foot high Hanakoa Falls. Enjoy theview of the falls from a safe distance. The Hanakoa
Falls Trail is often muddy and slippery. The camping
area is located on old agricultural terraces along bothsides of Hanakoa Stream.

Hanakoa to Kalalau (5 miles)

After Hanakoa, the trail becomes drier and more
open. The hike across 7 small gulches and the verticalslope of Pōhakuao ends with a steep hike downPu‘ukulua (Red Hill) to Kalalau Stream. The trail atPōhakuao is especially narrow with steep drop-offs
on the seaward side.
Cross Kalalau Stream to the beach and the camping
area. The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley
over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream
crossings. Stay on the trail and avoid disturbing therock faces of these terraces.