The iconic Na Pali Coast trail on Kaua'i. 11 miles one-way from Ke'e Beach to Kalalau Beach along towering sea cliffs, through five valleys, and across multiple stream crossings. The first 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach are the most popular day hike in Hawaii. Beyond Hanakapi'ai, an overnight permit is required. Flash floods are the primary danger — 45+ drownings along this corridor. The trail is narrow, exposed, and muddy year-round. Shuttle required since 2026 for overnight hikers.
Distance
9.5 km
Max elevation
244m / 800ft
Duration
2–3 days (overnight permit required)
Safety classification
DifficultyMulti-day trek
GuideNo guide needed
GearNo technical gear
OfficialYes
MaintainedYes
Season
Open year-round. Safest May-Oct (steady tradewinds, occasional showers). Oct-May is unpredictable: widespread storms cause flash floods at the stream crossings and winter high surf strips Kalalau Beach and floods the sea caves people camp in. Do not hike the upper Hanakapi'ai Falls spur or the exposed Hanakoa-Kalalau section in wet weather. Status 2026-08-23: DLNR reopened overnight camping Sat 8/22 after Hurricane Lala / Tropical Storm Moke closures - check DLNR park notices before going.
Hazards
▲Rip currents at Hanakapi'ai Beach - DLNR: 'DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY'; swimming not recommended, worst in winter high surf
▲Flash floods at the Hanakapi'ai, Hanakoa and Kalalau stream crossings - infrequent widespread storms flood them fast; the 2018 floods closed the trail for a year
▲Miles 7-11 (Hanakoa to Kalalau): very narrow eroded trail with severe ocean-side drop-offs (Crawler's Ledge area) - DLNR: 'use extreme caution, especially during wet weather'
▲Constant rockfall danger beneath the Kalalau Beach waterfall and cliff faces; falling rocks on the unmaintained Hanakapi'ai Falls spur
▲Heat and no shade on the open Hanakoa-Kalalau section; no drinking water at camps - all stream water must be treated
▲Remoteness: 11 miles from the trailhead with no road access; day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended by DLNR
22 mi round trip, DLNR rates it 'Difficult'. First 2 miles (to Hanakapi'ai) is the only day-hike section and needs Ha'ena SP entry + parking reservations (gohaena.com). Anyone beyond Hanakapi'ai MUST hold an overnight camping permit (camping.ehawaii.gov, 90 days out, sells out in minutes; $35/night non-resident, 5-night max). Full round trip in a day is prohibited without a camping permit. Commercial guided camping trips and boat drop-offs are illegal - any guided offer you see is unlawful, so guide level is 'none' by law, not because the trail is casual. Standard backpacking kit; DLNR recommends water treatment, rain gear, shoes with good traction - no technical equipment.
