The State of Hawaiʻi offers some of the best hiking in the world, and topping the list is Kauaʻi’s iconic Kalalau Trail that is known for its beauty and challenging terrain along the Nāpali Coast.
The 11-mile trail is a key draw to the rugged coast of the oldest of the eight major Hawaiian Islands. The trek through wet gulches and open ridgelines attracts hikers and trail runners with a sense of adventure from throughout the globe.
The Kalalau Trail begins within Hā’ena State Park on the North Shore of Kaua‘i and ends at Kalalau Beach, an isolated stretch of white sand with campsites and a waterfall nearby.
The trail’s relatively short length may belie, to the uninitiated, its difficulty. While some trail runners have completed the 22-mile roundtrip in a single day, most hikers must camp overnight. The path features an 800-foot elevation gain, according to the state parks department, while traversing a total of five valleys lush with tropical plant life.
But the expedition is more than worth it for those who brave stream crossings, at times muddy conditions and narrow paths with severe drop-offs to the Pacific Ocean below. The Kalalau Trail passes through a variety of environments, including verdant forest and dry uplands.
The endangered native forest birds of Kaua‘i no longer live along the coast, having retreated to the island’s interior. But hikers along the Kalalau Trail will nevertheless encounter introduced species like the myna bird and the Brazilian cardinal, both full of personality.
Ancient agricultural terraces where Native Hawaiians once planted taro, now overgrown, can be seen near the Hanakoa Stream crossing and in the Kalalau Valley. Goats are a frequent sight. And, rare native plant species also can be found.
One of the most iconic trees found along portions of the Kalalau Trail is hala, known elsewhere as pandanus.
Hala, which many visitors have compared to trees illustrated by Dr. Seuss, holds a place of great importance in Hawaiian culture. Its leaves (lauhala) may be woven into mats, baskets, hats and sails. Other portions of the tree and its fruit are used to make lei, fragrance and medicine.
Many visitors tackle the 2-mile portion of the trail to Hanakāpīʻai Valley, which starts inside Hā’ena State Park. Beyond this popular day hike destination, a camping permit is required. However, experienced hikers at this point may instead turn and follow the unmaintained Hanakāpīʻai Valley Trail two miles inland, where a waterfall waits at its end.
Visitors planning to hike the Kalalau Trail should consider their capabilities and must obtain the necessary reservations and permits before setting out. Hā’ena State Park requires all visitors, except state of Hawai‘i residents and those with a valid Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park camping permit, to make advanced reservations prior to entry.
While the Kalalau Trail is open year-round, wet conditions during the rainy season (November to March) can make stream crossings impassable and create other risky conditions, including flash flooding. Drier conditions found in the summertime are more preferable.
Hikers should also stay on the Kalalau Trail, ignoring any small side trails or shortcuts. This trailblazing can spread invasive vegetation, cause erosion and damage ancient cultural sites. Plus, remaining on the trail reduces chances of injury or getting lost.
Visitors should monitor local surf and weather reports prior to reaching the Kalalau trailhead. Swimming is not advised at certain places along the trail, including Hanakapi’ai Beach, which has no lifeguard and is notoriously fatal.
But if hikers are prepared and use common sense, the difficult hike is worth the amazing views.
