How Not To Die While Hiking the Kalalau Trail in Kauai

Kauai’s Na Pali coast is one of the most iconic places to visit on the island. It’s remote, untamed wilderness looks like it’s been taken straight from Jurassic Park. There are just three ways to see the Na Pali coast – by helicopter, boat and on foot. Arguably the best way to experience it is on foot by hiking the Kalalau Trail.

But, this hike is not for the lighthearted. From the infamous Crawler’s Ledge, to unpredictable flash floods, it’s a challenge for any outdoor adventurer. Here’s everything you need to know about this Na Pali coast hike in Kauai.

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Na Pali Coast Hike: Getting To The Trailhead

There’s really only one road that wraps around the North Shore of the island of Kauai to the Na Pali Coast. At mile 10 of this road near the northwest corner of the island, you reach Ke’e Beach, which is both the end of the road and the trailhead for the Kalalau Trail hike.

Depending on the time and day that you arrive, there is plenty of parking at the trailhead and overflow parking about a mile up the road (see below on cautions about parking). If you intend to do the entire Na Pali Coast hike along the Kalalau Trail, start early before it gets too hot and to ensure you get to Kalalau Beach for sunset. I left at 630-7am.

Pro Tip: Use the toilets here before heading to the trailhead. 

Na Pali Coast Hike: The First 2 Miles to Hanakapi’ai Beach

Iconic stacked rocks at Hanakapi'ai Beach along the Kalalau Trail in Kauai.

The trail itself is eleven miles if you go the entire way to Kalalau Beach. It winds around the outer rim of the Na Pali Coast with a series of inclines, declines and switchbacks as you cross each ridge.There are several stream crossings to navigate which are normally manageable but can become quite dangerous if the water level is high from recent rains (read this article for more).

At mile two, you reach Hanakapi’ai Beach. The water here has a very strong current so despite how tempting it is, stay out of the water. This is as far as you can go on the Kalalau Trail without a hiking permit (State of Hawaii Dept of Land & Natural Resources). But, you can turn inland and hike through the Hanakapi’ai Valley for about two miles to Hanakapi’ai Falls. I did not do this section of the hike, but am told it’s beautiful!

RELATED POST: Six Lessons Learned While Hiking the Inca Trail

Na Pali Coast Hike: Hanakapi’ai to Kalalau Beach

For permit holders, the Na Pali Coast hike along the Kalalau Trail continues for another nine miles. There’s a great place to stop for lunch around mile six near Hanakoa Campsite. Cool off along the stream, refill your water, and relax on the boulders while you eat. Take some time here to recharge! It felt so amazing to dip my feet in the cool water.

Shortly after Hanakoa, around mile seven, you reach the first ledge which is famously referred to as Crawler’s Ledge. I did a ton of research on this section since I’d heard nightmare stories about it. Many seasoned hikers told me it wasn’t as bad as it looks on the videos online. In my honest opinion, it’s exactly like it looks in videos online.

I don’t say this to scare anyone but you really need to know what you’re getting into. You’ll have a pack on (mine was 20-25 lbs) and trekking poles while navigating a twelve to eighteen inch wide path with rock on one side and a steep drop-off into the water below on the other. The ledge is maybe fifty feet long and at the end there’s a section of rock you have to climb up and over.

Crawler's Ledge is one of several hikes on the Kalalau Trail along Kauai's Na Pali Coast.

What I didn’t appreciate is that after Crawler’s Ledge there are more ledges to cross. Some are similar in that they are narrow with a steep rocky drop-off. Others involve the trail crossing a steep gravelly slope down into the water. Watch your step on these to make sure you’ve got solid footing.

Following the ledges, the last two miles of the Na Pali Coast hike are a steep and steady decline in red clay-like dirt. As you descend, enjoy the amazing view of Kalalau Beach from above.

Na Pali Coast Hike: The Campsite at Kalalau Beach

The campsite at Kalalau Beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast is a magical place. This is what makes the Kalalau Trail one of the best Kauai hikes!

As you arrive at the beach, there will be campsites to the left towards the rock formations. Walk past those to the far end of the beach where there are beachfront campsites. These have an amazing view of the sunset and are away from falling rocks. Also, at this far end of the beach, there is a freshwater waterfall that you can rinse off in!

Na Pali Coast Hike: Tips For Enjoying the Trail (And Not Dying)

Enjoy the sunset from Kalalau Beach along Kauai's Na Pali Coast.

I did loads of research prior to the Na Pali Coast hike. It’s so important to me to be prepared!  On the way back from the hike, my friend and I talked through what came in most handy and what we wish we would’ve done differently. Here’s our list:

Permits:

Are required past mile two and sell out months in advance so plan ahead! There can be last minute cancellations though, Use this website to check availability.

Parking:

There are cases of car theft for even minor items being left visible (phone chargers, etc) in the parking lot at the trailhead. We left our bags at our previous hotel and put small items in the trunk without an issue.

Trekking poles:

I highly recommend bringing some. They were helpful to navigate boulders and stream crossings as well as to take the stress off of my knees! I used these poles from Hiker Hunger because they were collapsible (fit in a small suitcase), lightweight, with corked handles. NOTE: Trekking poles are NOT allowed in carry-on luggage according to TSA.

Stay hydrated:

The first six miles are shaded, but the remainder has a lot of sun exposure. Drink water more often than you think is needed and plan to fill up water at every stream. I used a Steripen and Prefilter for purifying the water and would suggest bringing a hydration pack (CamelBak) for easy access. Some people drink the water without treating it, but there is a risk of leptospirosis. Electrolyte powders like Gatorade or Propel came in handy as well. Remember, water is heavy, so don’t carry more than you need but balance that with staying hydrated on the long sections without access to water.

The Na Pali Coast hike in Kauai during an unexpected storm.

Plan for bad weather:

The Na Pali Coast hike is along the western side of the island where the weather changes rapidly and is difficult to predict. Kauai gets more rain than any other Hawaiian island so it’s likely you’ll get wet at least once. Remember all those ledges, streams and declines in clay? Well, you have to traverse those on the way back. So, if it rains overnight, the trail conditions can change dramatically. Bring extra food in case you need to stay an extra day and use good judgement.

First aid supplies:

Ideally, you have hiking shoes that give you no blisters, but for most of us who hike more than ten miles, you’re going to get at least a hot spot. Bring blister pads, moleskin, first aid tape, and extra pairs of dry socks (you know, in case you dunk your feet at the stream like me). Other nice to haves were Advil and Icy Hot Patches (they felt amazing on our backs/ shoulders over night).

Minimize pack weight:

Seriously, ounces and grams matter. Every little thing adds up along the eleven miles. Be sure to carry the ten day hiking essentials! Remove extra clothing, except socks and rain jacket, and water as you can refill along the trail. When packing, I made two piles: “essential” (e.g. tent, trekking poles) and “maybe” (toiletries, change of clothes). Ninety five percent of my “maybe” pile got left behind. For two days, we targeted twenty pounds each, including water, and I would carry less if I did it again. As a comparison, here’s a camping gear packing list I’d use if I weren’t carrying everything on my back. Use it as a starting point, but pare this down to the absolutely essentials.

Camera access:

The views are spectacular, so take time to really enjoy them! Inevitably, you’re going to want to snap some pictures. Plan ahead on how you’re going to secure your camera for easy access. The trail is very narrow in some spots (brush on either side) so keep your camera safe and dry!

The Na Pali Coast hike along the Kalalau Trail is not for the lighthearted.

Food plan:

The key is to plan out your food ahead of time, with weight in mind. My friend has a nut allergy so we brought nut-free granola bars, dried fruit, tuna salad pouches, crackers, summer sausage, fresh fruit, goo, and some chocolate covered coffee beans (among other items). My friend won the day with her discovery of vodka pouches!

Be friendly:

There is a small percentage of people in the world who will ever complete this hike, so you’re in good company to start with. Swap stories while you rest on the trail or on the beach at the campsite. You never know when you may need help or advice. During my hike, I saw groups of people who live in the wilderness along the Na Pali coast. They know the land better than anyone else and, in the event that you are injured, will know how to get you the quickest help.

Don’t let your pride influence your judgement:

As mentioned, weather changes quickly and so do the trail conditions. The ledges may be more challenging than you expected. Remember that if you are nervous on the way to Kalalau Beach, you have to go back the opposite way. Helicopters and boats will not help you unless you are critically injured. So don’t rely on this! If your gut is telling you to turn around, just do it. For all it’s beauty, the trail is no joke!

Mahalo, my friends.

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The Kalalau Trail winds along the beautiful Napali Coast in Kauai. But the trail is no joke. Read about Kalalau Trail hiking tips, Kalalau Trail packing tips, Kalalau Trail permit tips, Kalalau Trail camping tips and more! #kauai | #kalalautrail | #kauaitravel | #hawaiianislands | #napalicoast

Hike the beautiful Na Pali Coast in Kauai. The Kalalau Trail is some of the best hiking in Kauai, but not without risk. If you make it past the treacherous Crawler's Ledge, enjoy beautiful Kalalau Beach which is only accessible on foot. kalalau trail hiking | kalalau trail kauai | kauai hiking | na pali coast kauai | #hiking #hawaii

32 thoughts on “How Not To Die While Hiking the Kalalau Trail in Kauai

  1. This Big Wild World says:

    Hi Kim! Congrats on getting a permit! I hate to say it, but the ledges on this trail could be pretty difficult for you. I am generally not very nervous on ledges and don’t have vertigo and I found at least two of the ledges pretty challenging (Crawler’s Ledge and the slanted gravelly ledge shortly after that). I had sunny weather when I hiked it, so the rocks were dry and my feet weren’t muddy. If it were rainy or wet, I probably would’ve turned around. I would give yourself the grace to turn around if you don’t feel confident when you reach this part of the trail. The views are incredible throughout the entire trail so you’ll still get a sweet taste of the Na Pali Coast! Have a fun and safe adventure!

  2. Kim Garner says:

    I am adventurous but nervous on ledges with some vertigo. Would I have a really difficult time? We got a permit snd plan to be going in 3 weeks!

  3. This Big Wild World says:

    Thank you! I stayed at the Hilton Garden Inn Kauai Wailua Bay. I chose it because it’s located close to Lihue airport and I landed late in the evening. Since I left for the hike first thing in the morning, I wanted to get to bed quickly and get organized. I also used Hilton points to stay for almost nothing! I honestly wish I could’ve stayed longer there as the hotel was gorgeous and the staff were super helpful. I just asked about storing our bags there and they were happy to lock them in their luggage closet! The down side to staying here if you plan to hike in the morning is that it’s a bit of drive (~45 minutes) to the trailhead. Many hikers opted to stay up on the north shore of the island instead (Hanalei and Princeville for example). Hope this helps!

  4. Amelia says:

    Hi – love this post! What hotel did you stay at thekauainsshuttlecom night before? Would you recommend any particular hotel or town? thank you!

  5. This Big Wild World says:

    Oh no! That’s too bad… and incredibly sad to see the damage from the floods. I hope you’re able to go back and experience this hike in the future under better conditions!

  6. Kelly says:

    We were in Kauai a few months ago and had hoped to do the full trail, so we were pretty bummed when everything flooded out in April. Saving this post in hopes that I’ll get to go back another time and do it!

  7. This Big Wild World says:

    What an awesome birthday present!! The views really are beautiful and if the weather is nice, it’s a reasonable challenge. The hardest part for us was that we got stuck with an unexpected rainstorm. The trail is a completely different experience in the rain! So glad you had a great experience 🙂

  8. Kate Rebel says:

    So cool – I just wrote a post about the Kalalu Trail as well!! My boyfriend took me to Hawaii for my birthday and we got to hike along the amzing Na Pali Coast. It’s one of my favorite hikes ever! I wish I would have known your tips before I honestly didn’t think much about it before we went so I wasn’t even really aware that it was so dangerous.
    But the views are just amazing and the nature looks stunning! Don’t regret a single step on the trail and I loved reading about your experience! <3 Thanks for sharing!

  9. This Big Wild World says:

    You’re welcome. Exactly! There is certainly an amazing reward at the end of the trail 🙂

  10. Eloise says:

    I’d love to take on this challenging hike! Thank you for providing useful feedback and tips. A campground with sea views and a natural shower… that’s luxury 😀

  11. This Big Wild World says:

    Thanks, girl! You’re welcome:) Yeah, longer hikes can feel a bit overwhelming! Planning in advance always makes it feel more manageable for me.

  12. This Big Wild World says:

    Glad that you found the tips helpful! Yes, no one wants to be around me when I’m hangry so food planning was a top priority 🙂

  13. This Big Wild World says:

    Ha ha – I can relate! If you want to avoid the ledges, definitely take the shorter day hike to Hanakapai’ai Falls. You’ll still get the views of the Na Pali Coast, without the extra stress! 🙂

  14. This Big Wild World says:

    Hi there! Yes, Hawaii is a really special place – the people, landscape, culture, and food are all amazing. I hope that you make it to one of the islands soon and definitely plan to explore by foot!

  15. This Big Wild World says:

    It really is such a beautiful place to explore by foot! I highly recommend it, but definitely recommend a decent amount of planning beforehand 🙂

  16. Ha says:

    Wow this place looks so beautiful but also dangerous as well! Thanks for the tips for hiking there 🙂 Food plan is always important!

  17. Emily says:

    I literally always feel like I’m about to die while I’m hiking, so I’m glad to read this post haha. Pinning for when I make it to HI so I can follow your tips.

  18. Karolina says:

    You are such an inspiration! I’m afraid I might be lousy with hiking – but such a detailed plan makes it all so much better:) thanks for that!

  19. Amy Poulton - Page Traveller says:

    Hey there,

    *sigh* If someone said I they could grant me a plane ticket to anywhere in the world, I would pick Hawaii hands down. So desperate to visit here! I’ve heard such amazing things about the hiking as well. Thanks for sharing this – another one for the bucket list!

  20. Chloe says:

    This is such an amazing guide to hiking. I agree with the staying hydrated part, it’s definitely the most important! My parents got married in Hawaii 24 years ago! The views look spectacular around the coast!

  21. This Big Wild World says:

    Thanks so much! I hope so ha ha 🙂 I hope you do the hike – would love to hear all about it. Definitely requires some planning, but those views are amazing!

  22. Chantae says:

    Ah, I love this! I love how informative this guide is — and I’m sure you’ve saved quite a few lives with this post 😉 I was just mentioning earlier today that I want to hike the Kalalau Trail!

  23. This Big Wild World says:

    Yes, trekking poles are for sure a game changer! A lot of people say Crawler’s Ledge isn’t ‘that bad’, and I’m pretty adventurous but I found it exactly as bad as I expected. It’s manageable if it’s sunny, but if it’s raining and your boots are muddy it’s pretty horrifying. The problem is the weather changes so quickly on the Napali Coast! Definitely bring extra food in case you need to wait out a storm at Kalalau Beach!

  24. Savannah says:

    I love Kauai! My husband and I have done the first 2 miles out and back but our goal is to do the whole trail one day! We invested in trekking poles last summer for some hiking out west and it has made all the difference!
    How was Crawlers Ledge?!? Thanks for sharing!

  25. This Big Wild World says:

    It really was, though somewhat dangerous! I’d at least recommend the shorter version to get a glimpse of the beautiful Napali Coast 🙂

  26. This Big Wild World says:

    So happy I could be there for your big day! And yes, it was certainly unforgettable 🙂

  27. Al says:

    You and Sarah are rockstars for tackling this challenge! Honored that you made it out to Kauai for our nuptials and excited that you had an experience you’ll never forget! 😉

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