Kalalau Trail
Encyclopedia
Kauai
Kauai or Kauai, known as Tauai in the ancient Kaua'i dialect, is geologically the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. With an area of , it is the fourth largest of the main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, and the 21st largest island in the United States. Known also as the "Garden Isle",...
in the state of Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
. The trail is very strenuous and runs approximately 11 miles (17.7 km) along the island's north shore from Kee Beach to the Kalalau Valley
Kalalau Valley
The Kalalau Valley is located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. The valley is located in the Nā Pali Coast State Park and houses the beautiful Kalalau Beach. The Nā Pali Coast is very rugged and is inaccessible to automobiles...
. An experienced, very fit hiker can complete the trail in about a day, but most people require two days and will camp along the trail.
The trail is located in the Nā Pali Coast State Park
Na Pali Coast State Park
Nā Pali Coast State Park encompasses of land and is located in the center of the rugged along the northwest side of Kauai, the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island. The Nā Pali coast itself extends southwest starting at Kee Beach extending all the way to Polihale State Park. The pali rise as high as...
and access is controlled in the cause of conservation. A limited number of permits are issued for camping in Kalalau Valley every year. In spite of the efforts of the state of Hawaii, many people hike the trail without paying money to the State Park office.
The trail starts on the north shore of the island, where the main highway ends at Kee Beach. The first two miles (3 km) of the trail are moderately strenuous and open to the public. This portion of the trail leads to Hanakapiai
Hanakapiai
Hanakāpīai Beach is a beach in the Hawaiian islands located on Kauai's Nāpali Coast. The beach is approximately from the start of the Kalalau Trail, a very popular hiking trail which is located at Kee Beach. During summer months, Hanakāpīai Beach's sandy shore line is clearly visible; during...
stream and beach. The trail beyond Hanakapiai is open only to those with camping permits or with day use permits.
The trail continues for approximately four miles to Hanakoa Valley
Hanakoa Valley
Hanakoa Valley is a hanging valley along the Kalalau Trail along the Nā Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. Hanakoa has primitive camping via permit only. It is located on mile 6 of the Kalalau Trail, often used as a resting destination for hikers completing the Kalalau Trail...
, which is a hanging valley with no beach access. After Hanakoa, the trail turns more toward the dry side of the island. About five miles (8 km) later is Kalalau Valley
Kalalau Valley
The Kalalau Valley is located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. The valley is located in the Nā Pali Coast State Park and houses the beautiful Kalalau Beach. The Nā Pali Coast is very rugged and is inaccessible to automobiles...
, a large, flat-bottomed valley almost a mile across.
Camping is permitted (for a fee) at Hanakoa Valley and Kalalau Valley. No two consecutive nights may be spent at Hanakoa.