Hiking Lady is back from Hawaii! I explored two beautiful islands of the Hawaiian Island chain, Kauai and the island of Hawaii (commonly referred to as the Big Island). Have you dreamed of hiking along the NaPali Coast in Kauai? Then you’re in the right spot – this is Part 1 of my Hawaiian Adventure blog series, and is all about hiking in Kauai!
Hiking Kauai’s Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi’ai Falls
The day began a little later than planned because I wanted to have a leisurely and healthy breakfast at the hotel, which meant plenty of delicious Hawaiian dragonfruit! Any hiker will burn a lot of calories on this hike, so eat up and pack lots of snacks!
How to Get to Kalalau Trail
There is only one “major” road along the north shore of Kauai, Kuhio Highway, a misnomer for the tiny road that wraps around most of the north side of the island. The narrow asphalt strip is the only thing on the north shore that isn’t covered in lush green vegetation. After passing through Princeville and Hanalei Bay, Kuhio Highway ends at the trailhead to the stunning Kalalau Trail. It is the best way to view Kauai’s NaPali Coast.
“The Hike At The End of the Road” to the “Beautiful Waterfall”
Prior to my trip, several hiking friends who had traveled to Kauai previously told me about this hike. However, no one could remember the name or the details! It was just “the hike at the end of the road”. You can’t miss it!
Hanakapi’ai Falls Hike Details:
- Distance: 8 miles
- Elevation gain: 600 feet
- Notables: This hike can be very slippery, especially after days of rain on Kauai. Be sure to wear shoes with Vibram soles and ideally a pair that is waterproof. (See Hiking Lady reviews: Vasque Blur trail running shoes, Asolo Stynger GTX boots)
- Bring a headlamp, especially during the fall and winter months. The Kalalau trail to Hanakapi’ai Falls is a long hike and unless you start early you may be finishing at dusk.
The hike starts out with two miles of primarily uphill hiking over slippery, wet rocks along the NaPali cliffs. The trail was paved with rocks in the 1930s when it was primarily used by horses and cattle! 
At two miles, you reach Hanakapi’ai Beach, a beautiful white sand beach that is a popular spot for backpackers to set up camp.
Once you reach Hanakapi’ai Beach and cross Hanakapi’ai Stream, the trail narrows and the real adventure begins! Since I was there in Fall after a week of heavy rain, it was a bit risky to attempt the waterfall hike, but I went for it! I had to be sure my footing was solid on the stream crossings; a pair of trekking poles would have come in quite handy. Unfortunately I was not able to find a sporting goods shop in the little village of Hanalei that would rent me a pair of trekking poles.
As I made my way up the valley I was glad that I brought waterproof shoes on this hike. My Vasque Blurs handled the deep and sticky mud quite well, and my feet stayed dry through the numerous stream crossings.
The hike was all worth it – the 300 foot Hanakapi’ai Falls are truly spectacular!
I hope you too get to hike the NaPali Coast and experience Hanakapi’ai Falls. Aloha, and happy Hawaiian hiking!