The 11-mile Kalalau Trail winds along the Na Pali coast from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach. The trail is the best way to take in the soaring cliffs, verdant jungle and impressive coastline. The trail gains 664 feet over its 11 miles, so it doesn't ever get too steep. However, if it's rained recently, the tread can be slick and muddy, making the trail more rugged and challenging. Most travelers come here for the day, hiking the two miles to Hanakapi’ai Beach. Some continue another two miles to Hanakapi’ai Falls, and far fewer backpack to the camping areas within the jungle.
Backpackers must camp at one of two sites in the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. Hanakoa Valley, is about six miles into the Kalalau Trail. Kalalau Beach, a second campsite, is at the trail's end, 11 miles in. Campers must obtain a permit from the Hawaii State Parks agency, which restricts the number of nights you can spend at either site. Kayakers can camp at Miloli'i Beach or Kalalau Beach from May 15 to September 7.
These campsites are primitive, meaning they have limited facilities. Each has a compost toilet and no running water. Campers should be prepared to collect and treat water from nearby streams. The Ke'e Beach trailhead has restrooms, showers and potable water.
Permits are required for camping on the Na Pali coast. Hawaii State Parks provides a limited number of permits, and the competition for these is stiff. The parks department recommends applying early; they accept applications up to one year in advance. The Hanakoa Valley and Kalalau Beach camping areas are open year-round. Hikers on the Kalalau Trail may not book permits for more than five nights per trip. Travelers hoping to thru-hike the entire trail with a stopover at Hanakoa Valley may not stay at the valley campsite for more than two consecutive nights. An up-to-date list of provisions for permits can be found on the Hawaii State Parks website.
Hikers and kayakers should remember that this beautiful place can also be deceptively dangerous. Rockfalls and flash floods can occur along the trail, so keep an eye on the weather forecast and stay alert while hiking. The cliff edges are hazardous, so don't approach too closely. Kayakers might encounter strong currents, waves and rocky cliffs. Backpacking and kayaking here is not for beginners. If you go, you should have experience with these activities, know how to spot danger, and be able to deal with emergency situations in the backcountry.
