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Kalalau Trail

The Kalalau Trail is one of the most difficult trails along the Nā Pali Coast of the Kauai Island in Hawaii. This strenuous trail stretches nearly 11 miles (18 km) along the north shore of the island, from Keʻe Beach to the Kalalau Valley. It usually takes at least two days to complete the trail. However, fit and experienced hikers can complete the trail in just a single day. The trail is situated in the Nā Pali Coast State Park and traverses as many as 5 valleys on its way. Hiking certain parts of the trail requires a permit and only a limited number of permits are issued every year.

The first 2 miles (3.2 km) of the trail are open to the public and are only moderately strenuous. This part of the trail leads to the Hanakapiai stream and beach. However, the portion of the trail beyond Hanakapiʻai is accessible only to those who have camping permits for Kalalau Valley. Next, the trail runs for nearly 4 miles (6.4 km) to the Hanakoa Valley, popularly known as the ‘Hanging Valley’. This valley has no beach access and at present, camping is not allowed at Hanakoa. After Hanakoa, the trail continues towards the dry side of the island. The trail finally leads to the magnificent Kalalau valley. However, the official end of the trail is the Kalalau Beach.

The Kalalau trail is considered to be one of the most spectacular overnight hikes. It offers breathtaking views of thick forests with beautiful flowers and rocky cliffs on the edge of the ocean. Yellow, orange, and pink lantanas that bloom on the bushes along the trail enhance the beauty of the place. Morning glories and Ferns grow in abundance in the surrounding rain forests. Also, there are a number of waterfalls of the way. The trailhead is just a 90 minutes drive away from the Lihue Airport. Despite the fact that the trail is quite difficult, it attracts hikers from all over the world. This trail offers excellent opportunities to study the native stream life and the native mixed mesophytic forest. The Kalalau Trail also offers great opportunities for shore fishing and seasonal goat hunting.

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