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Kalalau Trail

Hanalei, Hawaii

11.0 mi

Distance

801 ft

Elev. Gain

8h

Est. Time

Point to Point

Route Type

Difficult

Difficulty

About This Trail

Generated from trail data
An 11-mile graded but almost never level corridor along the Nāpali Coast from Kēʻē Beach to Kalalau Beach, crossing above towering sea cliffs and through five lush valleys that once held Hawaiian agricultural settlements. The trail drops to sea level only at Hanakāpīʻai and Kalalau, and ends where sheer fluted cliffs block further travel. DLNR advises against attempting the 22-mile round trip in a single day; stopover camping is permitted at Hanakoa. The final stretch descends Puʻukulua (Red Hill) to Kalalau Stream and the beach.

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

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Hazards & Warnings

Drownings occur regularly at Hanakāpīʻai Beach — treacherous rip currents, no lifeguardsVery narrow exposed cliff sections with severe ocean-side drop-offs near miles 7-8 (Crawler's Ledge)Flash floods — never cross a flooded streamFalling rocks, including near the waterfall at Kalalau BeachSlippery mud, loose rock, and masked drop-offsNo drinking water (treat all water), no cell coverage or emergency services

Trail Details

  • No dogs
Route Type
Point to Point
Surface
Mixed Surface

Permit required

Apply through the issuing agency. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates on the agency page.

Day access to Hanakāpīʻai (mile 2) requires a Hāʻena State Park entry ($5/person) or parking ($10/vehicle) reservation via gohaena.com for non-residents (30 days ahead; HI residents exempt). Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakāpīʻai MUST hold a Nāpali Coast camping permit — even day hikers: $25/person/night residents, $35 non-residents, max 5 nights, sold 90 days ahead and often sold out.

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Official sources & verification

Verify before you go

Reserve or permit

  • Apply for permit

    Required permit application for this trail. Many systems run seasonal lotteries or fixed application windows — confirm current dates here.

Source of truth

We display cached information from agency feeds. Hours, fees, permits, closures, fire restrictions, and conditions change without notice. Outdoors is not the permitting authority. Confirm current conditions for this trail using the links above before you go — you are responsible for compliance. Last verified by us: Jun 12, 2026. Spot an error in our data?

Best Seasons

Highlights

Hanakāpīʻai Beach at mile 2Hanakoa Valley with side trail to 500-ft Hanakoa FallsSea-cliff traverse with views into five valleysRed Hill (Puʻukulua) descent to Kalalau BeachKalalau Valley's fluted cliffs

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