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Hiking the Nā Pali Coastline

There are several ways to hike Nā Pali, and they all offer sensational views, a challenging trek, and a uniquely memorable experience. The rocky, precipitous Kalalau Trail, in Haena State Park, is the same route used by agricultural traders and by the ancient Hawaiians who made their homes in the magically lush, wild Kalalau Valley.  Completing the entire Kalalau Trail—a rigorous 22-mile round trip—may be the Holy Grail of hiking on Kaua‘i, but there are several other ways to experience this uniquely stunning stretch of coastline on foot.  Along the way, you can stop to marvel at jaw-dropping vistas, exquisite beaches, exotic birds, hidden caves, jungly forests, a crystalline river, titanic waterfalls, and an assortment of wildlife.  Whichever you choose, being safe and prepared is key to enjoying your experience.

HIKING OPTION #1: KE’E BEACH TO HANAKAPIAI BEACH (AND BACK)
The Names: “Kē’ē” means “avoidance,” and “Hanakāpīʻai” means “bay sprinkling food.”
The Route: 4 miles round trip, starting and ending at Ke‘e Beach, on the North Shore.
Degree of Difficulty: Intermediate
Logistics: Hiking to Hanakapiai Beach and back requires a reservation, but no permit.
Note: The entire Kalalau Trail is occasionally closed due to weather conditions.
The Appeal: A less ambitious but guaranteed-to-be-memorable Nā Pali day trip, complete with views, atmosphere, mystique, flora, fauna, and a sense of major exploration.
Gear: Wear a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking boots (preferably with ankle support) that are suitable for muddy, rocky trails.  Bring cover-up clothing and lightweight rainwear.
Caveats: Don’t swim at the beach unless you are (a) a strong, experienced swimmer; and (b) familiar with local conditions. There is no cellphone reception on the trail. Check the forecast, and don’t attempt any hike in bad weather.
Pro Tip: Booking a seat on the Kaua‘i North Shore Shuttle is the easiest way to avoid having to deal with the limited-parking problem at the Ke’e Beach trailhead.  If you choose to drive, make sure to reserve a parking spot in advance.

HIKING OPTION #2: KE’E BEACH TO HANAKAPIAI FALLS (AND BACK)
The Route: 8 miles round trip from Ke‘e Beach; 4 miles round trip from Hanakapiai Beach.
Degree of Difficulty: Intermediate
Logistics: Day-pass parking reservation required; no permit needed.
The Appeal: Glorious views of plush valleys, rocky cliffs, and the sandy shore below.
Facilities: Composting toilets; natural streams; shaded camping areas.
Pro Tip: Along the way, on this and every other Kalalau hiking route, you can see rare native-plant species—some only recently discovered—clinging to the craggy cliffs.

HIKING OPTION #3: KE’E BEACH TO HANAKOA BEACH (AND BACK)
The Name: “Hanakoa” means either “Bay of Koa Trees” or “Bay of Warriors.”
The Route: 12 miles round trip from Ke‘e Beach; 8 miles RT from Hanakapiai Beach.
Degree of Difficulty: Strenuous, featuring switchbacks that climb 800 feet straight up.
Logistics: Even if you don’t camp overnight, this route requires a Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park Kalalau Permit, in addition to a reservation.
The Appeal: Astounding scenery at every twist and turn: sea, cliffs, valleys, tropical flora.
Facilities: Composting toilets; shaded camping areas; pure, clear streams.
Caveats: Swimming at Hanakoa Beach can be extremely dangerous, for a variety of reasons that may not be immediately apparent. It’s best not to go in the water here unless you are a very advanced swimmer with extensive knowledge of local conditions. And even then, you should never swim alone!

HIKING OPTION #4: HANAKOA FALLS (SIDE HIKE)
The Route: Half a mile, each way (approx); normally takes 30–40 minutes, round trip.
Degree of Difficulty: Low. This is considered an easy hike, especially in dry conditions.
Logistics: Follow the signage from the Hanakoa campsite. (Even if you don’t camp overnight, this hike requires a Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park—Kalalau Permit.)
The Appeal: The falls, spectacular in themselves, nestle in a natural amphitheater created by the surrounding cliffs, and the resulting view is absolutely dazzling.
Pro Tip: Watch for the series of pink and orange ribbons that mark the trail.

HIKING OPTION #5: KE’E BEACH TO KALALAU BEACH (AND BACK)
The Name: The place name “Ka-lalau” means “The Straying” or “The Wandering.”
The Route: 22 miles round trip from Ke‘e Beach, or 5 miles each way from Hanakoa.
Degree of Difficulty: Strenuous/challenging/advanced.
Logistics: Reservation and permit required. Usually a two-day hike, with an overnight stop either at Kalalau or Hanakoa—the two designated locations where camping is allowed.
The Appeal: One of the world’s epic, bucket-list hikes, through wildly gorgeous scenery.
Facilities: Composting toilets; natural streams; shaded camping areas.
Pro Tip: Breadfruit, or Ulu, grows wild here, and is in season from February through July. The unpeeled fruit can be roasted over an open campfire, and eaten like a baked potato.

HIKING OPTION #6: KALALAU VALLEY (SIDE HIKE)
The Route: 22 miles round trip from Ke‘e Beach, or 5 miles each way from Hanakoa.
Degree of Difficulty: Easy, but not short; hike takes between 2 and 2.5 hours, round trip.
Logistics: Head inland from Kalalau Beach (recommended for multi-night campers only).
The Appeal: Shady, pastoral countryside, picturesquely punctuated by streams, tropical fruit trees, and old hippie-commune sites. Along the way: dramatic views of valleys, cliffs, and intricate lava-rock agricultural terraces, built by ancient Hawaiians.
Pro Tip: The trail ends at the so-called Big Pools; lower pool is perfect for a refreshing dip.