Kalalau Trail

Kalalau Trail is a famous multi-day hike along the Nā Pali Coast on Kauai, running from Keʻe Beach to Kalalau Valley and finishing at Kalalau Beach. The curated route distance is about 16.5 km (22 miles) for the full backcountry trek.

This is a permit-only wilderness hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley. The first 2 miles from Keʻe Beach to Hanakāpīʻai Beach are commonly hiked as a day segment, but any continuation past Hanakāpīʻai requires the appropriate overnight camping authorization.

A key route feature is the Hanakāpīʻai Stream crossing near the day-use area. That stream can rise quickly in rain and has been associated with closures and dangerous conditions, so this is a major decision point for timing and water readiness.

The day-hike section continues to Hanakāpīʻai Beach, with an unmaintained option up to Hanakāpīʻai Falls described as a side route. After Hanakāpīʻai, the route climbs and then traverses into the hanging-valley terrain en route to the authorized camps.

Camping is limited to specific authorized terraces near streams—Hanakoa and Kalalau Beach are the key overnight zones. Camping at these areas is limited to Kalalau’s designated maximum stay length of 5 consecutive nights (and Hanakoa has one-night camping allowance when holding a valid Kalalau permit).

From Hanakāpīʻai to the Kalalau area, the trail is described as graded but almost never level, with a major sustained climb that reaches roughly 800 feet (about 240 m) and then drops back toward sea level at the beaches. The route is widely considered rugged and exposed, including a noted crux near “Crawler’s Ledge” around mile 7 when the trail is wet.

Practical trip logistics are tied to Hāʻena State Park access. Day-use reservations or a valid camping permit, plus parking reservations, are required to reach the trailhead area used for the Kalalau Trail entry.

More information: Booking, Wikipedia, Division of State Parks | Kalalau Trail