KALALAU TRAIL

This 35 km round trip trail was originally designed for the circulation of men and their goods, when the valleys were inhabited. The humid climate allowed the first inhabitants to live from their crops, especially taro. Houses and a school were built there, but everything has disappeared today, as if annihilated by the forces of an overpowering nature. The trail crosses the five main valleys of the Napali Coast: Hanakapiai, Hoolulu, Waiahuakua, Hanakoa and Kalalau (hence the name). The Kalalau Trail is however a difficult and long hike (about 6 hours one way) but if you leave early it is possible to do the round trip in one day. Therefore, it is important to bring plenty of water, good shoes and to be in good physical condition to do it. Fortunately, there are toilets and a picnic area where you can take a break. And the efforts pay off. The marvelous panoramas follow one another and are not alike. You really get a good view of it, and you quickly forget your fatigue. A hiking permit is mandatory for all those who wish to go beyond the Hanakapiai valley (the first one). It is also possible to pitch a tent in Hanakapiai and continue hiking the next morning; in this case also, a permit is necessary. This permit system was established in order to limit the number of visitors in these mountains, whose ecosystem is fragile. It is, for example, the habitat of more than a hundred species of endangered Hawaiian plants. To obtain the famous sesame, you must apply for a permit online at the Kauai State Parks Office based in Lihue. For those who don't want to go the whole way, there are other options without a permit: in 20 minutes one way you'll find a nice viewpoint on Kee Beach, another 20 minutes further you'll see the Na pali Coast. Here those who want to continue can go to Hanakapiai Beach (3 km) or to the waterfalls of the same name (6 km). Finally, the most courageous can go to Hanakoa Falls (9.5 km).

Warning: if it rained the day before or if it is raining, do not attempt the hike as the ground is very slippery and the narrow paths become treacherous, which can lead to a fatal fall. Also, we do not recommend that people with a fear of heights attempt the hike because the trail is at an impressive altitude and on the side of a cliff.