Outdoors
Kalalau Trail First Miles Hike
You climb and descend along the Na Pali coast on a narrow trail with ocean views, then drop to Hanakapi'ai Stream and beach in Hanakapi'ai Valley. This is as far as you can go without a camping permit.
- Where
- Hawaii, USA
- Distance
- 6.4 km (4 miles) return
- Time
- 3-4 hours
Check before you go: Hawaii State Parks closed the Kalalau Trail after the September 2026 storms, along with the other Kauai state parks. (as of September 30, 2026)
The route
Kalalau Trail from Ke'e Beach to Hanakapi'ai Beach and back (the first 3.2 km / 2 miles).
The trail starts at Ke'e Beach at the end of the road in Ha'ena State Park on Kauai's north shore. Non-residents must arrive with a park parking reservation or on the reserved park shuttle.
When to go
Closed as of 28 September 2026 after Hurricane Lowell and Nolo; when open, park hours are 7 am to 7:45 pm in summer and 7 am to 6:45 pm in winter.
Permits and fees
Non-residents need a Ha'ena State Park reservation, booked at gohaena.com up to 30 days ahead: entry is $5 per person and parking $10 per vehicle, while Hawaii residents enter free with a Hawaii driving licence or ID. Going beyond Hanakapi'ai needs a Na Pali Coast camping permit.
Before you go
- Check the Hawaii State Parks notices page before you book or travel, as the trail was closed after the 2026 storms.
- Book as soon as your date opens 30 days ahead, as parking has very limited availability.
- Do not go past Hanakapi'ai Valley without a camping permit; day hikes to Kalalau and back are not allowed.
- The side trail up the valley to Hanakapi'ai Falls makes the day 12.9 km (8 miles) return from the trailhead.
What to bring
- Shoes with grip that you have already worn in
- At least 1.5 litres of water
- Food you will actually want to eat
- A warm or waterproof layer
- The route, saved offline
- Sun cream and a hat
Getting ready for it
If your longest walk lately is under two hours, do a few longer walks first, ideally with some climbing and the pack you will carry.
Step-ups and lunges twice a week make the descents much easier on your knees.
Staying safe
- Do not swim at Hanakapi'ai Beach: the park warns that drownings occur there regularly because of rip currents and surf.
- Hanakapi'ai Stream can rise very quickly in rain; do not cross in a flash flood, and do not linger near cliffs or under the waterfall because of falling rocks.
- Tell someone your route and when you expect to be back.
- Turn around if the weather turns or the footing gets sketchy. The trail will still be there.
Route details checked September 30, 2026 against dlnr.hawaii.gov, dlnr.hawaii.gov, dlnr.hawaii.gov, dlnr.hawaii.gov and en.wikipedia.org. Rules and closures change, so check before you go.
