Ma Ka ʻĀina: The Hiker's Pilgrimage
Walk the sacred path of the ancients on the legendary Kalalau Trail
Written by a Local Expert
Kalani MillerThe Kalalau Trail: A World-Class Hike
Walking the land of Nāpali feels like a pilgrimage. The Kalalau Trail has earned legendary status, not just for its breathtaking beauty but for its formidable difficulty and inherent dangers.
This 11-mile trail stretches one-way and traverses five valleys. The cumulative elevation gain reaches approximately 5,000 to 6,500 feet over the 22-mile round trip. The trail is almost never level. It crosses high above sea cliffs and drops into lush valleys in a constant rhythm of ups and downs.
Trail Sections Breakdown
Keʻe Beach to Hanakāpīʻai Beach
This represents the most popular day hike on the coast. The trail can be muddy and slippery, especially after rain. The beach itself poses serious dangers from treacherous rip currents. Drownings happen here regularly.
Hanakāpīʻai Beach to Waterfall
The trail is unmaintained and poses a high risk of flash floods. Never attempt this section in rain or when storms threaten the area.
Hanakāpīʻai to Hanakoa Camp
You'll face a steep 800-foot climb out of Hanakāpīʻai valley. Hanakoa represents the first campsite and has a composting toilet.
Hanakoa to Kalalau Beach
You'll encounter exposed, narrow cliff sections including the infamous Crawler's Ledge. The terrain becomes hot and dry.
Crawler's Ledge: Facing the Fear
Around the 7-mile marker lies the trail's most infamous section: Crawler's Ledge. This part of the trail cuts a narrow, crumbling path into a sheer cliff face that drops hundreds of feet to the ocean below. There's nothing to hide the steepness or soften the psychological impact.
Many seasoned hikers report that it's manageable in dry conditions. But it remains undeniably a major psychological challenge, especially for anyone with a fear of heights. In wet or windy weather, this section becomes extremely perilous.
I've talked to so many hikers about Crawler's Ledge over the years. The key is focus. Don't look down, watch your footing, and never attempt it in heavy rain. The trail demands your full respect here. This isn't the place to push through if conditions aren't right.
📊 Trail Stats
- Total Distance: 22 miles RT
- One-Way: 11 miles
- Elevation Gain: 5,000-6,500 ft
- Valleys: 5 total
⚠️ Difficulty Guide
- First 2 miles Moderate - most popular
- To Hanakoa Strenuous - camping required
- To Kalalau Very strenuous - expert level
The Permit Maze: Your Step-by-Step Process
One of the biggest hurdles for visitors involves navigating the two separate, mandatory reservation systems required to access the trail. This creates the single biggest source of confusion for planners. Breaking it down makes it manageable.
For Backpackers (Hiking Beyond Hanakāpīʻai to Kalalau)
Step 1: Secure the Nāpali Coast Camping Permit
This is your golden ticket and the absolute first thing you must do. This permit allows you to camp at Hanakoa (mile 6) and Kalalau (mile 11).
- • Availability: 90 days in advance at exactly 8:00 AM Hawaiʻi Standard Time
- • Limit: Only 60 people permitted on the trail per day
- • Competition: Often sells out within minutes
- • Website: camping.ehawaii.gov
Step 2: Book Overnight Parking or Shuttle
The moment you have a confirmed camping permit, you must book your access to the trailhead. Your camping permit grants you entry to Hāʻena State Park, but it doesn't include parking.
Option A: Overnight Parking
A very limited number of overnight parking spots are available for Kalalau permit holders at the trailhead via the GoHaena website. These also sell out extremely fast.
Option B: Shuttle and Off-site Parking (More Reliable)
Book a spot at an off-site lot like Aliʻi Kai Resort in Princeville and take the North Shore shuttle to the trailhead.
Website: GoHaena.com
💡 Pro Tips
- • Be online with your account pre-filled the second permits are released
- • Use a cancellation alert service like ReserveNature.com if you miss out
- • The moment you secure your camping permit, switch tabs and book your overnight parking or shuttle immediately
- • Do not wait - parking sells out just as fast as camping permits
For Day Hikers (Hanakāpīʻai Beach and Waterfall Only)
Step 1: Secure a Hāʻena State Park Day-Use Reservation
If you are a non-resident and only want to hike the first two miles to Hanakāpīʻai Beach or the four miles round-trip to the waterfall, you need a reservation from GoHaena.com. These become available 30 days in advance and also sell out quickly.
Option 1: Shuttle Reservation (Recommended)
Your shuttle ticket includes your park entry fee. This is the easiest option.
Option 2: Parking Reservation
Reserve one of a very limited number of parking spots for a specific time slot like morning or afternoon. You must also pay a per-person entry fee.
Option 3: Entry-Only Pass
If you plan to walk, bike, or get dropped off by a friend, you still need a pre-booked entry pass for each person.
All options available at: GoHaena.com
The Easiest Option: Nāpali by Car
For those unable to undertake a strenuous hike or boat tour, you can still witness the majesty of the Nāpali cliffs. The drive up Highway 550 (Waimea Canyon Drive) takes you through Waimea Canyon State Park and into the adjoining Kōkeʻe State Park. Several spectacular lookouts offer easy access to breathtaking views.
Key Lookouts in Driving Order
Waimea Canyon Lookout (Mile Marker 10)
Serves as the primary viewpoint for the "Grand Canyon of the Pacific." It offers expansive views of the colorful canyon carved by the Waimea River over millions of years.
Puʻu Hinahina Lookout (Mile Marker 13)
Provides a different, parallel perspective looking down a gorge into the main canyon. On clear days, you can also see the island of Niʻihau from a separate viewing area here.
Kalalau Lookout (Mile Marker 18)
Represents the iconic, must-see viewpoint. You're looking directly down the breathtaking Kalalau Valley to the ocean, 4,000 feet below. This viewpoint appears on countless postcards and travel brochures for good reason.
Puʻu o Kila Lookout (End of the Road, Mile 19)
Sits just a short drive past the Kalalau Lookout. This final viewpoint offers what many consider an even better and more expansive angle of the Kalalau Valley and the Nāpali cliffs.
Continue Your Nāpali Journey
Explore the sacred cliffs from the air or learn essential planning and safety tips