Na Pali Coast State Park

The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile hike through Na Pali Coast State Park to the sandy beach at Kalalau Valley.

Breathtaking sea cliffs can be seen from the Kalalau Trail at Na Pali Coast State Park.

Na Pali Coast State Park, on the island of Kauai, is home to the Kalalau Trail. The trail is renowned for its exceptional views of Hawaii's rugged and thrilling sea cliffs.

Hikers in good shape can walk the entire 11-mile trail (one-way), which runs from Haena State Park, at the end of Hwy. 56, to Kalalau Beach. The rigorous trail follows high, green cliffs and dips into lush valleys. Some hikers spend the night at primitive campsites in the Hanakapiai or Kalalau valleys.

Permits are required and in high demand. The campsites are often booked to capacity a year in advance.

A popular short day trip is the two-mile (one-way) hike from Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai Valley. Swimming and wading at Hanakapiai, which has a sandy beach and a small sea cave, are not recommended due dangerous rip currents. Shore fishing is good.

The trail's splendid coastal views are interspersed with forests of kukui and ohia trees and groves of bamboo.

Depending on the season, showy violet orchids may be blooming, and mangos and guavas may be picked. The spectacular Hanakapiai Falls at the back of Hanakapiai Valley, feed a pool that is placid enough for swimming. The trail to the falls is four miles round-trip and is recommended only for experienced hikers.

Permits are required to hike the trail beyond Hanakapiai Valley.

Commercial boats offer day expeditions to the Nualolo Kai section of Na Pali, where snorkeling is popular and archaeological sites can be explored.

Hunting is permitted during hunting seasons with a license. For details contact Division of Forestry and Wildlife on Kauai 808-274-3422.