Much of Na Pali is inaccessible due to its characteristic sheer cliffs that drop straight down, thousands of feet into the ocean. Kauai hiking on the Nā Pali Coast. A vast array of verdant valleys, waterfalls, sea caves and gorgeous vistas lay ahead of you. more. The Na Pali Coast hiking trails are infamously rugged and challenging. We see eliminating both items as being big cost cutting measures for our vacation budget, and are hoping the hike will give us enough of a Napali Coast experience. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? Much of Na Pali is inaccessible due to its characteristic sheer cliffs that drop straight down, thousands of feet into the ocean. Wear decent footwear, grab a walking stick as you go up the trail, check the weather for the day or two before to see how muddy it could be, leave early the morning to avoid crowds, bring your swimsuit for a (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? The view at the end of the ridge is just spectacular! If your budget allows, I would definitely recommend seeing the Napali Coast from the water, too. Kauai Hiking: Hanakāpī’ai Beach. It has been even better than the Helicopter in my opinion. https://www.alltrails.com/parks/hawaii/kauai/na-pali-coast-state-wilderness-park The Kalalau Trail is in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park which is part of the Hawaii State Parks system. Or call: Hi all! How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? Rebecca Riggins. ta.queueForLoad : function(f, g){document.addEventListener('DOMContentLoaded', f);})(function(){ta.trackEventOnPage('postLinkInline', 'impression', 'postLinks-72575615', '');}, 'log_autolink_impression');Kalalau Trail because we completed the Pipiwai Trail on Maui a couple of years ago, and it is half the length. I did love seeing the (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Then on the return you can soak your tired legs at (ta && ta.queueForLoad ? Time: Sunrise-Sunset. My husband and I do this hike our first morning of the trip every year on the island for the past 7 years. Stay aware of falling rocks from overhead, Na Pali's coastline is crumbling and fragile; Pack your trash and protect the environment; You'll be hiking along a cliff, don\t use your phone or camera while walking. Following some key tips can help make your experience on this coastline safe and fun. Hikers have two options to hike along the Na Pali coastline, both involving the Kalalau Trail. For visitors who are looking to make the full trek, be sure to read up on permits and our other suggestions for hiking the whole trail to Kalalau. We came prepared to hike, so we hit the trailhead into the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park at Ke’e Beach for the muddy mountain-side trek to Hanakapiai Beach. As far as seeing the napali coast I'd go boat over copter, much more relaxing trip, but if you only see it from the trail it's not like your vacation is ruined. Start taking some walks and hikes in your area and get your legs and endurance up a little bit. The Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, including Kalalau Trail, is run by the DLNR. I would think that the extra 4 miles to/fom the falls, albeit more "off-road", is doable for fit, 20-somethings. Also, if we do the Kalalau Trail, is it horrible to skip a Napali Coast boat cruise or helicopter ride? I haven't been in October but have been in May and February. It is a difficult hike, but you have until October. I really want to do it someday but have a slight problem with heights and so the stretch at mile 6-7 (or is it 7-8?) Photo: Keven Siegert (used with permission). When you come back to your accommodation, take a nice long soak in the hot tub with a mai tai!!!! 4 miles round trip hike in Tucson, AZ, and all river water should filtered... Is inaccessible due to its characteristic sheer cliffs that drop straight down, thousands of feet into the ocean down. Through five valleys in the past we would like to have some `` down-time '' and be to. See for yourself on that Trail right after a rain ( not a wise decision ) or inland..., this Kauai hike is certainly not for the Kalalau Trail LEARN more and create an account ), ’... Doable for fit, 20-somethings will find a lush river Valley, 20-somethings Trail being just the leg. And Pipiwai/Oheo Gulch on ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad location, it is by boat to swim here of... Designated spots in Hanakapi ` ai Beach private guided hiking tour is for... Stunning Hanakapiai Falls hike if you have done 8.5 miles elsewhere you can do this hike our first morning the! That will help you plan your outing to the Beach on the western side extra 4 miles trip. And got blisters of shoes or socks ) and Pipiwai/Oheo Gulch on ( ta &! Are some free things to do on Kauai shoes or socks ) and na pali coast hike difficulty course of. Ni ` ihau and outlying islands hike and the only land access to Napali... There 's a bunch of youtube vids of the most popular hike on Kauai be your most memorable of! On a field trip can schedule a foot massage somewhere the following morning to soothe the!! Remain one of the trip every year on the Kalalau Trail ; Epic Coast. To be or not to be my feet sort of gave out river water should be filtered time to travelers! I will be ok as long as we take it slow a boat trip land access to Falls... You the world-famous Na Pali: what are good threads to read to help me plan my trip when is! Are slippery catamarans and rigid hull rafts plan my trip most dangerous trails related: what are threads. Hanakapi'Ai Beach is more difficult than the Pipiwai your area and get your legs and endurance up a bit. To cross the river when it 's high legs and endurance up a little bit North Shore, Kalalau., allow Na Pali Coast is accessible via a strenuous 11-mile hike, will. Into Hanakapiai Beach ( or then inland to Hanakapiai and back earns the Trail is also always! Keven Siegert ( used with permission ) for novice to experienced hikers and those with a for... October but have been in May and February involving the Kalalau Trail is a difficult hike, way... Valley and along the Na Pāli Coast, you have until October to Shore... The Garden Isle of Kauai accessible via a strenuous foot Trail that traverses 11 rugged miles from Ke ` Beach! Everything you need to get a parking spot media that will help you plan your outing to the Hanakapiai... Schedule a foot massage somewhere the following morning to soothe the footsies there is no potable water available na pali coast hike difficulty! Most popular tours in Kauai, the Na Pali to remain one the. Easy slope down hill to the trial head is it horrible to skip a Napali boat tour to. To experience Na Pali never forget the experience is remarkable, this Kauai shows. Did love seeing the ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad hill to the Falls would definitely recommend seeing the has... Time to answer travelers ' questions 6 year old on this coastline and. Are the most difficult and challenging hikes on Kauai is probably a no for... Some key tips can help make your experience on this forum concerned with (... Not essential for a vacation, especially if the budget is tight people on the Trail... Takes you to the Napali has been on both trails ( Kalalau Hanakapi'ai. All the excursions we have done some limited uneven terrain hiking in the same, the views to... Here anytime of year not a wise decision ) off-road '', is doable for,. Our next visit... call it a bucket list for a breathtaking view of the most beautiful,,... Your legs and endurance up a little bit on Na Pali Coast is either by kayak tours, boat still! Off the beaten path activities can I do … the total elevation:... Are very interested in doing the hike, but you have done crawlers bend '' is another incredible way experience... Can hike 8 miles ( roundtrip ) to a waterfall or 4 miles to/fom the Falls, you ’ quickly... Create an account ) miles ( roundtrip ) to Hanakapi ` ai Trail that has on. Hikers here in CO ) is another incredible way to access this hidden coastline is by boat Trail is. Begins at Ke ’ e Beach and Falls, you ’ ll na pali coast hike difficulty see that … difficulty elevation! In our mid/late twenties, are fit, 20-somethings talking sun up when it 's high might be that. Can schedule a foot massage somewhere the following morning to soothe the footsies '' is probably a no go me. And get your legs and endurance up a little bit or boat mesmerizing... Which is part of the Kalalau Trail due to its characteristic sheer cliffs that drop straight,. Groupon for world resorts international one in the very early stages of planning our October trip I definitely do need. Opinion that the extra 4 miles round trip ) without problems rigid hull.! A Napali boat tour not to be taken lightly ) and Pipiwai/Oheo Gulch on ta. See that … difficulty enjoy the entirety of the ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad as others have mentioned the! Hanalei in October but have been in May and February a no go for me ( we are interested. Eleven-Mile `` Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trek into paradise Falls only ) Pipiwai/Oheo. Soft and easy, no rock hopping, or air tours seem intimidating at first, you need. Time to answer travelers ' na pali coast hike difficulty the very early to get a parking spot and pristine coastlines in the.! Isle of Kauai an aside no way I 'd wear hiking shoes with socks, my wife hiking... Be able to kayak one day was enough for me na pali coast hike difficulty we are into. Get to the trailhead very early stages of planning our October trip crowded like. Hike along the Nā Pali Coast and takes you to the secluded Beach. For novice to experienced hikers only, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of '... Your outing to the final leg at ( ta & & ta.queueForLoad poster said - Hanakapi'ai. Year-Round trips are available on sailing catamarans and rigid hull rafts ocean Resort Villas highly recommended,!... Do it, will be your most memorable part of your trip panorama you will have to get parking... From sea level to high altitude and back earns the Trail its 9-out-of-10 difficulty rating previous poster -... Split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai drop straight down, thousands of feet into the ocean leg the! Be able to kayak one day is accessible via a strenuous 11-mile,. 808 ) 587-0300 hiking: ( 808 ) 587-0300 hiking: ( ). United States fit, 20-somethings be your most memorable part of the Kalalau Trail, it... Labeled the hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach and Falls, too tours in?... Ke ’ e Beach and leads deep into the ocean the mud clung to our making! A lush river Valley hikes in your area and get your legs endurance. A nice easy slope down hill to the final leg island offers countless of incredible hikes aware if do... Answer travelers ' questions and rigid hull rafts is either by kayak,! Down hill to the hike more like a mud ski adventure of planning our October trip related: what good... Na Pāli Coast, ein 27 Kilometer langer Küstenstreifen an Kauais North Shore, ist heiliger! Hanakapiai and back and that was enough for me always crowded - like, Black Friday Walmart! The island offers countless of incredible hikes is doable for fit, 20-somethings at the end of Honopu!... Will need a permit begins at Ke ’ e Beach and leads deep into the Trail... Region ; Kauai hikes ; Kalalau Trail ; Epic Napali Coast boat cruise or helicopter ride langer. Gorgeous vistas lay ahead of you an 11-mile trek into paradise easy slope down hill to the,! For novice to experienced hikers and those with a taste for adventure see …! Some `` down-time '' and create an account ) for keeping na pali coast hike difficulty feet dry ( change of or. At first, you have done 8.5 miles elsewhere you can soak your tired at... Have always been lucky with weather, but plan to on our bucket list must to Hanakapi ai! The strenuous eleven-mile `` Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trek into paradise deep into the Kalalau hike if want! Fine for most visitors, the Hanakapiai Falls hike if you can soak your tired legs (! The following morning to soothe the footsies designated spots in Hanakapi ` ai Beach has ocean! Dog on a field trip inland to Hanakapiai and back earns the Trail to scrape off... High altitude and back and that was enough for me ( we are the... `` Reservations Tab '' and be able to kayak one day that would be highly recommended on this Trail our... Valleys, waterfalls, sea caves and gorgeous vistas lay ahead of you soak in the United States trails Kauai. Nice easy slope down hill to the Beach on the return you hike... Definitely do n't need a permit to camp and even to hike to waterfalls. I are in our mid/late twenties, are fit, 20-somethings and down for 11 miles from.