When is the best time to hike Kalalau Trail?

Drier May-Sep; the trail is treacherous when wet Conditions vary year to year, so confirm locally before you go.

How hard is Kalalau Trail?

Manta rates it 5/5 (Very hard). 5 (Very Hard) - narrow, muddy, exposed cliff trail above the sea

Start a trip

Hikes United StatesKalalau Trail

Kalalau Trail

Also known as: Na Pali Coast Trail

The Na Pali Coast - fluted green cliffs plunging to the Pacific, Hanakapiai and Kalalau valleys/beaches

Difficulty 5/5 · Very hardMultidayOut-and-backMulti-day coastal

Distance

~35 km

Max elevation

~240 m

Elevation gain

~1,900 m

Duration

2-4 days

iconiccoastalexposedpermitovernight

Plan this hike

Explore the rugged beauty of the Tetons in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park during autumn.

The route

The line through Kauai, Hawaii, United States - waypoints, elevation and the day-by-day shape of the walk.

Elevation profile~240 m

0 km17.5 km

Waypoints

1
Kee Beach / Haena SPTrailhead
~10 m0 km
Reservation required
1
Kee Beach / Haena SPTrailhead
~10 m0 km
Reservation required
2
Hanakapiai BeachJunction
~5 m3.2 km~2 h
Day-hike turnaround (no camping permit)
2
Hanakapiai BeachJunction
~5 m3.2 km~2 h
Day-hike turnaround (no camping permit)
3
Hanakoa ValleyCamp
~150 m9.5 km~5 h
Midway camp
3
Hanakoa ValleyCamp
~150 m9.5 km~5 h
Midway camp
4
Crawlers LedgeViewpoint
~90 m11 km~6 h
Narrow exposed cliff traverse
4
Crawlers LedgeViewpoint
~90 m11 km~6 h
Narrow exposed cliff traverse
5
Kalalau BeachCamp
~5 m17.5 km~9 h
End; permit camping
5
Kalalau BeachCamp
~5 m17.5 km~9 h
End; permit camping

Season & conditions

Best season

Drier May-Sep; the trail is treacherous when wet

Weather risks

Tropical rain makes the mud lethal; flash-flooding streams; sun exposure

Passable year-round but dangerous in rain/high surf; stream crossings can become impassable. Confirm.

On the trail

Terrain & surface

Muddy jungle cliff trail, stream crossings, red-dirt switchbacks, a beach finish

Technical & exposure

Non-technical but very exposed - Crawler’s Ledge is a narrow cliff traverse above a drop to the ocean

Navigation & waymarking

Single coastal trail; obvious but rough

Accessibility & group fit

Suitable for reasonably fit hikers; not wheelchair accessible - confirm specifics

Crowds & solitude

A popular, well-known route - busier in peak season

Variants & turnaround

Day hike to Hanakapiai Beach (2 mi) or Falls (4 mi) with a park reservation, no camping permit needed

Getting there & staying

Trailhead access

Kee Beach / Haena State Park at the end of the road past Hanalei

Shuttle & transport

Haena SP shuttle/parking reservation from Hanalei

Huts, camping & refuges

Camping only at Hanakoa and Kalalau (permit); no huts

Gear, water & connectivity

Layered outdoor kit, sturdy footwear, sun/rain protection, ample water; patchy mobile coverage - carry a map/PLB where remote

Facilities

Services in Hanalei; limited or none on the trail

Guide & crew

Not required; self-guided

Permits & safety

Haena State Park entry reservation (parking/shuttle) plus a Kalalau overnight camping permit - both limited and sell out; no day hiking past Hanakapiai Falls. Confirm.

Permits and operators change - confirm before booking.

Hazards

Falls from Crawler’s Ledge, flash-flooded streams, dangerous shorebreak/rip currents, mud

Emergency exits & rescue

Retrace the route to exit; dial local emergency services; carry a means of calling for help where remote

This profile is desk research, compiled from public sources - not a first-hand trail report. Coordinates are approximate.

Also in United States

Dive sitesin United States

Walk Kalalau Trail with your group

Manta plans the route, the huts and the easy alternatives so a mixed crew all get a great day.

Plan this hike