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How long does the Napali Coast hike take?

Author

Michael Henderson

Updated on March 02, 2026

How long does the Napali Coast hike take?

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.

Furthermore, how long is Napali Coast trail?

Kalalau Trail

Trail Length22 miles (round trip)
DifficultyDifficult
TerrainWet Gulches to Open Ridgeline
Elevation Gain800 ft
Trail BrochureKalalau Trail

Also, how difficult is the Kalalau Trail? 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.

One may also ask, can you hike Napali Coast 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 HanakÄpÄ«Ê»ai beach (4-Mile round trip) or to HanakÄpÄ«Ê»ai Falls and back (8-Mile round trip). Permits are available up to a year in advance.

Is hiking the Kalalau Trail worth it?

Worth the effort for the views! This is not an easy hike for tourists but it's absolutely worth it! Just plan ahead, bring lots of water, food and make sure you have proper shoes and a hat! The trail is rocky, slippery and muddy!

Can you hike Napali Coast without permit?

Day hiking is allowed without a permit up to Hanakapi'ai Valley (2 miles in from trailhead) however Parking or Park Entry Reservations are required for Haena State Park. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapi'ai must possess a valid NaPali Coast SWP camping permit.

What is the best way to see Napali Coast?

The only way to truly see the entire coast is aboard a boat. A boat excursion aboard Makana Charters provides you with views of the entire Na'Pali Coastline. It's an experience you won't forget, as you see the spectacular coastline up close—even going inside the coastline into sea caves (weather permitting).

Is the NaPali Coast hiking trail open?

HÄÊ»ena State Park (SP) and NÄpali Coast State Wilderness Park (SWP) are now open! NÄpali Coast State Wilderness Park & Kalalau Trail: In-order to access the NÄpali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through HÄÊ»ena SP.

Can you do the Kalalau Trail in two days?

Hiking the Kalalau Trail

I ended up doing the trail in two days, which is quite quick, too quick for many people, but we didn't want to carry too much on our backs. Let's face it, I am a glamper. When that happens, its another reason why its considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the world.

Is Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii Open?

Hawaii's famous Haiku Stairs, known as the "Stairway to Heaven," will be removed due to illegal trespassing and injuries at the site that have led to hefty costs. The stairs, built by the U.S. Navy in the 1940s, are now known to lead the best views in Hawaii, despite being closed to the public for over 30 years.

How do I backpack the NaPali Coast?

The classic approach to backpacking the Na Pali is to backpack to the half way point at Hanakoa Valley and decamp. This offers a welcome break for sore muscles and from a heavy pack. The next day, with a lighter pack, a couple of hours brings you to the saddle of Red Hill with the paradisaical view of Kalalau Valley.

How many have died on the Kalalau Trail?

It's difficult to come up with a reliable death toll for the Kalalau Trail. An unofficial sign near Hanakapi'ai Beach records almost 85 deaths, as seen in 2014. More recently, an article published by The Daily Beast website in 2019 claims “over 100†deaths along the trail.

How do I get to NaPali Coast?

There are 3 ways to visit the NaPali Coast: by land, by sea, or by air.
  1. NaPali Coast By Land. By far the most popular way to hike the NaPali Coast is on the Kalalau Trail which begins at Kee Beach.
  2. NaPali Coast By Sea. Traditionally, the NaPali Coast was accessed by sea via the gateway at Polihale.
  3. NaPali Coast by Air.

Can you hike the NaPali Coast?

Na Pali Coast (Kalalau) Trail is a 22 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii that features a waterfall and is only recommended for very experienced adventurers. The trail offers a number of activity options and is accessible year-round. Dogs are also able to use this trail.

How long is crawlers ledge on Kalalau Trail?

Hiking the 7 mile mark on the Kalalau Trail

This is known as the hardest and most dangerous part of the 11 mile Kalalau trail.

Can you take a boat to Kalalau Beach?

The only way to access the valley is either by boat or hiking the 11-mile Kalalau trail – there are no roads or airstrips here and only government helicopters are authorized to land. Most of the year the high surf prevents boats from accessing the shore, which means the only way in is to make the trek by foot.

How long does it take to hike to Hanakapiai Falls?

Once you reach the falls feel free to reward yourself with a dip in the pool and a swim behind the waterfall, just watch out for any falling rocks. Total hiking time is between 3-5 hours.

Can you drive to Kalalau Beach?

Directions: On Kauai's north shore, drive past Hanalei all the way to the end of Highway 560. Park at Ke'e Beach Park. From here, take the Kalalau Trail to reach Kalalau Beach. It's an 11-mile hike, one-way.

Are dogs allowed on Kalalau Trail?

Dogs aren't permitted on the Kalalau Trail, though archery hunting is, according to state hunting rules, and the state doesn't regulate the number of dogs a hunter can have at one time. Hunting hours are during the day from one-half hour before sunrise to one-half hour after sunset, unless otherwise allowed.

Can you backpack in Kauai?

The Kalalau Trail has grown to become a world famous backpacking trip and something that all outdoor enthusiasts should add to their bucket list. The trail traverses the untouched, rugged Na Pali Coastline in Kauai and gives access to Kalalau Beach, often said to be the number 1 beach in the world.

What is the scariest hike in America?

Mount Ranier, in the State of Washington, tops the list for many reasons. Over 400 deaths have been recorded, making it the deadliest hike in America. Mount Rainer is complete with its unpredictable volcano, extreme weather which quickly changes, falling rocks, and avalanches.

What is the hardest hike in the world?

The 10 Toughest/Most Dangerous Treks in the World
  1. The Death Trail -Mount Huashan, China.
  2. Drakensberg Traverse -South Africa.
  3. El Caminito del Rey -Spain.
  4. The Snowmen Trek -Bhutan.
  5. Skyline/Muir Snowfield Trail -Mount Rainier, Washington.
  6. Chadar Trek -Himalayas.
  7. West Coast Trail -Vancouver Island.
  8. Kalalau Trail -Kauai, Hawaii.

Can you hike the Napali Coast in December?

Re: Napali Coast in December? It really depends on how much rain there is on the north shore. It can rain so much up there that they have closed the roads out to Haena and the trailhead to the Kalalau trail. And if you can still access the trailhead, the trail itself can be very wet and muddy.

Which island is the Napali Coast on?

Spanning 17 miles along Kauai's North Shore, the Napali Coast is a sacred place defined by extraordinary natural beauty. These emerald-hued cliffs with razor-sharp ridges tower above the Pacific Ocean, revealing beautiful beaches and waterfalls that plummet to the lush valley floor.

How long does it take to do a 4 mile hike?

How Long Does It Take To Hike A Few Miles?
How Many MilesA Flat Hike TakesA Gradual Hike Takes
4 miles1 hr 20 mins1 hr 40 mins
5 miles1 hr 35 mins2 hrs
6 miles2 hrs2 hrs 25 mins
7 miles2 hrs 15 mins2 hrs 50 mins

Is it safe to hike alone in Kauai?

Solo Hiking in Kauai is Safe but Can Be Challenging

And every trail I was on has some people on it – not lots but enough that if something happened to you, a person would be by in about 10 minutes who could help. At least I had a spectacular view from where I sat, defeated before I had even started the trail.

Is Kalalau Trail Safe?

The Kalalau Trail can be very dangerous, especially in bad weather. There are many hazards that you need to be aware of to keep you and your companions safe. We recommend using the buddy system. Having a buddy with you who can help you in case of emergency can help save your life.

How long is the AWA awapuhi trail?

Awaʻawapuhi Trail
Trail Length3.1 miles (one way)
ActivityPedestrian
DifficultyDifficult
Elevation Gain1,180 ft
Park NameKÅkeÊ»e State Park

How do I train for the Kalalau Trail?

Hawaii Bound: Training for the Kalalau Trail on the NÄ Pali Coast
  1. Strength Training 3x a week.
  2. Steady State Cardio 2x a week.
  3. Active Recovery 1x a week.
  4. Outdoor Training about every other week (hiking w/a heavy pack)

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