Na Pali Coast - A must see

Whether you’re an experienced hiker or just a nature enthusiast Na Pali coast is a must see for everyone! So, if you’re already in Hawai’i hop on a plane and go explore Kaua’i.

If you’re not too keen about hiking and only on rare occasions hike out to enjoy the beautiful nature of Hawai’i, this is the hike to do! If you on the other hand is an experienced hiker with the longing for more than just a one-day-hike, this is also the one to choose. The Kalakau Trail along Na Pali coast offers something for every level of experience. This article will focus on the trail from the beginning at Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai Beach, but enlighten all the additional opportunities this trail provides.

It’s always a good idea to begin a hike early, not just because of the heat but to finish before sunset. The Kalakau Trail begins at Ke’e Beach and from the beginning of the trail the hiker is led through the forest, up and towards the coast. Despite all of the warning sign the ground is what to expect from a forest, as long as you watch your step it should be alright.

You don’t have to walk far before the first taste of the view of Na Pali Coast appears. After around 10 minutes you’ll have reached a certain height where the trail will be flatter and following around the ridges of the mountain.

When you have reached the first view of the coast, the view will only get better from here. If you go on a dry day, the trail will cause you no problems. But if you go on a wet day or the day after a major rainfall, the chances are that the trail is super muddy and slippery, which can be dangerous, so in these situations you should really watch your steps!

Around one third into the trail you will reach the best view of the coast – this is the perfect place to rest for a bit with the best seat “in town”!

Along the trail there are several water streams crossing the trail, but these are fairly small and will cause no problems. But at some point, you will reach a river from the Hanakapi’ai waterfall running to the ocean. This part is more tricky and most hikers chose to take off their shoes and walk barefooted through the water. If you trust your balance it is possible to walk or jump on the rocks to cross without getting your feet wet. On the other side of the river the Hanakapi’ai Beach awaits. This is the destination for the first part of Kalakau trail.

If you want to go further it’s possible to go from here to Hanakapi’ai Valley and a beautiful waterfall. This extension to the hike is around 2 miles, which makes the entire hike including the way back around 8 miles. This part of the hike is different from the rest, because you leave the coast and hike through the forest. If you choose to go to Hanakapi’ai Valley and still want to be back before sunset, it’s important to start the hike in the morning.

If this isn’t enough for you; continue the Kalalau Trail towards Kalalau Beach. This hike is around 11 miles one way and fits a good two or three-day trip depending on how fast you are, as well as how excited you’re about camping. There are two camping spots along the trail; one at the end of the trail at Kalalau Beach and one around 6 miles from the trailhead at Hanakoa.

The downside to this trail is that you need a permit to go further than the Hanakapi’ai Beach and the Hanakapi’ai Vally, whether you plan on camping or not. Only a small amount of people is allowed on the trail at the same time, this makes the permits sell out in up to a year in advance for the most popular times. The permit is $20 per person per day (you can get $5 off if you are a resident) and can be purchased online.

More information about Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park: http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/napali-coast-state-wilderness-park/

To get a permit for the entire Kalakau trail: https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/all,details,1692.html

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