Hiking the Napali Coast in Hawaii is worth it if you enjoy rare beauty. I’ve hiked in many different places, but none compare to the splendor and uniqueness of the Napali Coast.
The Napali Coast is found on the northwest shore of Kauai. It is renowned for its dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, secluded beaches, and cascading waterfalls. It’s a stunning 16-mile stretch of coastline formed by volcanoes, water, erosion and endless time.
As I did, you’ll undoubtedly feel like you’ve gone into it another time as you walk its majestic emerald trails. There’s a reason movies like Jurassic Park and Pirates of the Caribbean were filmed here. A place like this exists nowhere else.
How to Hike the Napali Coast
The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to the Napali Coast on Kauai. It is 11 miles long and starts at Ha’ena State Park. The area is highly monitored and regulated, and no other legal trails exist in or around it.
There are two main ways to hike the Napali Coast in Kauai: A day hike or overnight backpacking. I did the day hike.
What It’s Like to Day Hike Kalalau Trail
Many people prefer the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Beach as a day hike. It’s a moderate hike with stunning coastal views, depending on the conditions. (There is an option to extend this hike to a waterfall; read on.)
The trail follows the sloping grooves of the coast, in and out from the coastline, along a green jungle coastline path. The ocean view stays on your right, and then you’ll turn into the jungle before turning back toward the ocean again in a serpentine pattern.
The total out-and-back hike is four miles long.
Difficulty of the Kalalau Trail
The trail gains and loses elevation throughout. However, the steepest section is near the beginning, where you ascend into the canopy. Plan for about 1,000 feet of elevation. It’s not a flat hike.
The drop-offs can be treacherous but overtly dangerous if you use caution and common sense. Still, though it’s not a long hike, I wouldn’t consider it child-friendly, nor did I see many children on it.
On the day I went, it was wet, with some puddles. The areas where it was really wet tended to be near the exposed cliff edges. Those are also the most complex and dangerous areas, so I needed to go slower and use the most caution.
It took me nearly three hours to do two miles in and out on this trail, with a short stop at the end. I had to go so slowly at several sections. I’m generally a slow hiker, regardless.
Sights on the Napali Coast Trail
The trailhead starts beyond some taro beds at the state park’s Ke’e Beach. This lovely white sand beach has beautiful calm waters and colorful fish, suitable for picnicking or sunbathing.
The trail winds through lush tropical vegetation, including ferns, bamboo, and native Hawaiian plants, like Ōhiʻa lehua flowering evergreen trees.
Depending on the rainfall and weather, you’ll traverse several small waterfalls and tributaries. There is plenty of shade, some bugs and some mud, depending on how much it has rained recently. The trail descends into the Hanakapiai Valley, offering breathtaking cliffs and ocean views.
Hiking to Hanakapiai Beach
One of the trickiest parts of this hike for me – and many I saw – was the last section, getting to Hanakapiai Beach. You must cross a fast-moving, shallow river leading out to the ocean. Boulders are placed just a bit too far apart for someone of my height (5′ 2″) to hop across.
Many took off their shoes and waded across the frigid water. I wore waterproof hiking shoes, so I could trudge across. The danger was staying erect, so the water didn’t pull me onto one of the boulders.
The final destination is Hanakapiai Beach. It’s a rocky, secluded beach with crystal-clear water and a dramatic backdrop of cliffs and moss-covered boulders. Many hikers hang out and enjoy trail snacks. The beach surf and rip currents make swimming unsafe.
Hanakapiai Falls Extension Hike
You can also take an extension hike to Hanakapiai Falls, adding another four miles round trip. I had hoped to do this hike, too. However, I opted not to after seeing how wet the main trail was.
The route up to the falls has over 2,000 feet of elevation gain and is unmaintained. Park officials said they expected it to be very slippery. In good conditions, it’s highly challenging, with rocks and fallen trees. It seemed unsafe and unwise to do so on that day.
However, if conditions are favorable, Hanakapiai Falls is a 300-foot waterfall that cascades into a pool. Other says you can expect it to add up to six hours to your hike. The total hike would be eight miles out and back.
Backpacking overnight Kalalau Trail to Kalalau Beach
Some hikers continue onward to complete the entire 11-mile trail to Kalalau Beach. They often spend up to five days on the round-trip hike, which requires special permits and reservations.
You’ll need to be prepared for rugged terrain, river crossings, and camping in the wilderness, which I was not up for just then. Those who’ve completed it say it’s strenuous and includes about 3,000 feet of elevation gain. Being nearly alone in the rugged beauty of the Napali Coast is a rewarding and unique experience.
Fun fact: The Hawaiian word Na Pali means “the cliffs” or “many cliffs.”
Only 60 people are (currently) allowed on the Kalalau Beach trail at any time. Hikers must carry enough water for their time on a trail, as no fresh water or facilities are available.
Getting Permits and Reservations for Kalalau Trail
You don’t need a permit for the first two miles. Still, reservations are needed to enter Ha’ena State Park, where the trailhead is located. Reservations can be made up to 30 days before your visit and no later than the day before. The park has a 900-visitor per-day limit.
There are only 100 parking spaces and many drivers are required to park at a shuttle lot further away from the park. This also requires a reservation and an additional fee.
Kalalau Beach overnight permits often sell out incredibly quickly during busy times of the year. The state is only issuing permits 90 days out.
Permits and reservations are $35 per person per day. Shuttles cost $5.
Preparation for Napali Coast Hiking
Hiking along the Napali Coast requires more time and planning than other hikes to which you may be accustomed. Things to consider include:
- Pre-planning for permits or reservations, including shuttle booking. If possible, book 30 or 90 days in advance or your desired day may not be available.
- There is no cell service at the park. Download your ticket to your phone or print it in advance. Also, ensure someone knows where you are and when you’re expected to return.
- The weather on the Napali Coast can be unpredictable, with sudden rain showers and flash floods. Check the weather forecast before you go and be prepared to turn back if conditions deteriorate.
- Bring plenty of water, as no water sources are along the trail.
- The trail can be muddy and slippery. Wear sturdy hiking shoes with good traction.
Why Napali Coast is So Difficult to See
The Napali Coast isn’t accessible by car and it doesn’t have easily accessible beach access. Its secluded nature has a few reasons:
Limited road access: Most are narrow, rugged and winding. There is little human development for many miles.
Cliffs and dense vegetation: Geology makes it difficult to traverse. Access by vehicles and even by foot is nearly impossible. Even hiking by skilled adventures can be tricky.
Ocean barriers: As I learned on a rafting tour, the Pacific Ocean can be rough and unpredictable. This makes it difficult to access even by sea, especially in bad weather.
Weather: Conditions on the north shore can be unpredictable and vary depending on the time of year. Storms and downpours can be volatile. They cause dangerous conditions like flooding and rough water with limited visibility.
Strict regulations: The Napali Coast State Park is a protected area and the number of people admitted daily is limited. Permits, especially during the busy season, can be difficult to obtain, time, or schedule.
Two Other Ways to See the Napali Coast
Besides hiking, you can also see the Napali Coast in other, maybe less immersive ways.
From the air: If you have less time and more money, you can buy a tour from one of the many helicopter guides. They will take you over the Waimea Canyon and along the Napali Coast. These tours are ubiquitous in Hawaii and cost about $350 per person.
By water: I also went on a raft tour of the Napali Coast. Seeing the Napali coast by water is probably the most common and gives you a full view of the coast along the shoreline for many miles, including the waterfalls, the sea caves, and sea life. You can take various boats and tours, from rafts to large luxury sailboats.
Is Hiking the Napali Coast Hike Worth It?
If you enjoy hiking and have relatively good physical fitness, yes! The trail is lovely and the views are incredible. However, it’s also challenging and can be dangerous. If you don’t already love hiking, it’s not likely to sell you on the hobby.
Hiking the Napali Coast is a rare opportunity for most of us. It’s a uniquely beautiful place and I intend to hike this trail again when I return. For me, it’s worth it.
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