Is the Kalalau Trail difficult?

Though it’s unbelievably beautiful, there’s no doubt that the Kalalau Trail can be extremely perilous at points. The trail is narrow, steep, rocky, and dotted with natural hazards ranging from strong water currents to falling rocks. Steep dropoffs into the water are especially dangerous.

How long does it take to hike the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail?

Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the round-trip hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapi’ai Valley leads to a waterfall. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees.

How long does it take to walk the Kalalau Trail?

3-5 days
To hike the entire trail and also spend time exploring Kalalau Beach and Valley takes 3-5 days. Most people are day hikers that don’t ever make it all the way out to Kalalau.

Can you hike the Kalalau Trail in one day?

If no permits are available, you can still enjoy the Kalalau Trail for a day hike (day-use reservations required). You can hike to Hanakāpīʻai beach (4-Mile round trip) or to Hanakāpīʻai Falls and back (8-Mile round trip). Permits are available up to 90 days out. Get your permits early to ensure a permit is available.

Do you need a reservation for Kalalau Trail?

The first two-miles of the Kalalau Trail from Ke’e Beach to Hanakāpīʻai Beach is open for day-use without a permit. Visitors must have advanced reservations to enter Hā’ena State Park.

Is Kalalau Trail Safe?

The Kalalau Trail has been called one of the most dangerous trails in America (See list at the bottom of the post) as well as one of the most dangerous trails on Earth.

Can you hike the Kalalau Trail without a permit?

The trail to Hanakapi’ai falls and beyond Hanakapi’ai is recommended for experienced hikers only. For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day.

Is there cell service on the Kalalau Trail?

Bowhunting permits are available at the Līhu’e office of the Division of Forestry and Wildlife (808-274-3433). injury or illness, someone must hike out for help or signal a passing helicopter or boat. There is no cell phone reception along the coast.

What is Kalalau famous for?

Kalalau has been home to an estranged band of hippies since at least the 1960s. Its tropical climate is suited perfectly for living outdoors year-round. Wild plants provide plentiful food for picking, specifically avocados, mangoes, and taro. Residents are known to hunt the feral goats and wild boar found along the coast, too.

How did Kalalau become a state park?

Natives were driven out under the guise of accused leprosy, and eventually outlaw settlers took up a bare-bones residence. 1960s hippies discovered Kalalau, and its attraction to transients endures. The state of Hawaii took possession of the Napali Coast in 1974, and created the state park in 1979.

What is the Kalalau Trail?

The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trail that leads from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the Nāpali Coast on the island of Kauai in Hawaii. This website has information and media that will help you plan your outing to the secluded Kalalau Beach and/or Kalalau Valley.

How much does it cost to camp at Kalalau?

Anyone proceeding along the Kalalau Trail past Hanakāpīʻai Valley (2 miles in) must possess a valid Napali Coast State Wilderness Park camping permit whether or not you plan to camp. This same permit allows you to camp at one of two different places: Hanakoa or Kalalau. Permits are $20 per-person per-day. Residents get a $5 discount.