Haena State Park: hiking the Kalalau Trail on the NaPali Coast – NEED TO KNOW

I would say that one of the most iconic and epic things to do in Hawaii is hiking the NaPali Coast on the Kalalau Trail. It’s difficult, beautiful and complex to hike. Starting in Haena State Park and ending in Kokee State Park, the Kalalau Trail is one of the coolest things you can plan for when you visit Kauai. It’s not for the faint of heart or short of breath.

Have you hiked the NaPali Coast before, either in full or in part? We’ve had some great experiences and are happy to share about it. We’ve got the details on being able to hike the Kalalau Trail, other ways to enjoy both Haena and Kokee State Parks, and tips for making it a great adventure. If you have any questions or need some suggestions for more hiking on Kauai, please leave a comment or send us a note. We’re always happy to share more and help you have a great Aloha trip.

Highlights of Hiking the Kalalau Trail

While the biggest thrill of visiting Haena State Park is getting to do the entirty of the Kalalau Trail all along the Na Pali Coast, there are some great options that are both less intimidating and less time consuming. Also, getting a permit for the entire hike to Kalalau Beach with camping is nearly impossible unless you’re a Kauai resident (not just a Hawaii resident). So what can you actually do as a visitor on Kauai? Plenty.

The beach just within the bounds of Haena State Park is gorgeous with good snorkeling. Because access to Haena State Park is so limited, the beach remains fairly empty through most of the day wish is awesome. Bring your beach towel and snorkel, whether you’re only planning to enjoy the sand and waters or if you’re hiking a little too. Non-Kauai visitors can enjoy the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail from Haena Beach to Hanakāpī‘Ai Beach and I’ll tell you, the trail is amazing and you won’t be disappointed.

What I love about hiking to Hanakapi‘ai Beach is both the challenge and the views. It’s beautiful as you hike along the coast, sometimes in the tropical forest and sometimes atop cliffs. There are orchids and other interesting plants, and when you finally make it to Hanakāpī‘Ai Beach it’s gorgeous. The hike is only two miles to the beach, but it’s intense with some steep grades and slippery slopes. The weather can change very quickly, so you need to be aware, but you may just be treated to some rainbows along the Na Pali Coast as you hike.

Tips for a hiking the Kalalau Trail

So hiking at Kalalau State Park is complex. Regular visitors (non-Kauai residents) can reserve entry to the state park 30 days in advance of your visit. You can access the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi‘ai Beach only, which is enough of a challenge, so enjoy it! When you secure your hiking access, plan to take at least four hours doing the hike in and back. You may be in great shape and sure-footed, but it’s a tough trail and it’s best to allow yourself plenty of time for the hike and enjoying Hanakapi‘ai Beach.

For those you need even more of a challenge, visitors are also allowed to do the hike from Hanakapi‘ai Beach up to Hanakapi‘ai Falls. This IS NOT a part of the permitted/restricted area of the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast. The hike from the beach to the falls is another 1.8 miles up the valley and you’re climbing in elevation all the way. It’s a tough hike, but awesome and worth it! In total if you want to do all of this, it’s 7.6 miles and will take you nearly all day, so plan your time and transportation appropriately.

Why Can’t I Hike the Whole Na Pali Coast Trail?

If you are a Kauai resident you can get a permit for camping at Kalalau Beach, which is an 11 mile hike from the entry at Haena State Park. To do this, you need to get your camping permit in advance (90 days). Only Kauai residents will be given permits May 15th through Labor Day, and then visitors may apply for permits outside of these dates, but it’s tight and they go very fast.

If you have a friend that lives on Kauai and they want to do the hike with you, see if you can align your schedules to be able to do the hike together. There are two camping options along the trail, Hanakoa and Kalalau Beach, and either is available if you have the camping permit. It’s a hard hike, so while you may have the goal of getting to Kalalau Beach, you may need to settle for camping at Hanakoa for safety purposes.

Being Prepared for the Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast

Since we’re talking about hiking the Kalalau Trail, which is an intense hike, you might be thinking that you want to bring hiking boots for the experience. DON’T WEAR REGULAR HIKING BOOTS. If you have some good hiking boots that are waterproof and dry quickly if wet, those may work, but then you’ll be in a pinch when you get to the Hanakapi‘ai Stream. The best shoes for hiking the Kalalau Trail are a pair of Keen sandals. I swear by them and have done 90% of my hiking in Hawaii wearing a pair of Keens. Keens are the best shoe for this trail because they have good traction, they feel good on your feet, and you’ll be able to keep them on when you have to ford the stream at the end of the trail when you arrive at Hanakapi‘ai Beach.

I’m not a hiking pole user, but if ever there were a trail that hiking poles are useful on, it’s the Kalalau Trail. Between the slippery areas, the potential mud and the rocky or rooty footing at times, having the extra support is great. Bring plenty of water and snacks for hiking the Kalalau Trail, especially if you’re doing the longer hike up to Hanakapi‘ai Falls. Bring a lunch if you’ll be doing the all day hike, and have a fresh pair of shoes ready for you back at your vehicle for when you’re all done. Believe me, if you’ve had a muddy hike, you don’t want to bring that red gooey mud back into your car. It’ll get on everything.

Parking and Shuttle for Haena State Park and the Kalalau Trail

Access to Haena State Park and hiking any part of the Kalalau Trail is wholly dependent on being able to get reservations for entry. If you don’t have reservations, you won’t be able to do it. 30 days in advance, log into gohaena.com to secure your entry. You’ll have the option of parking AT the state park, parking at the shuttle lot and riding the reserved bus to the entrance (several shuttle times) or accessing the park via drop off.

If you’re not able to get a Haena State Park reservation you can always keep checking back for people who release theirs. 5:00 pm the day before is when the state park opens up any cancellations for new bookings. When something is released, it’s usually a drop off or shuttle reservation, so don’t bank on getting a parking reservation. Plan accordingly knowing that you’ll be on a shuttle schedule or will need to be picked up outside the park when you’re done hiking the Kalalau Trail or enjoying the beach in Haena State Park.

Note: you can get the shuttle either from the Waipa Park and Ride or from Princeville. There are stops along the way, so familiarize yourself with the routes and make sure that you’re reserving and going to the correct locations.