Route guide · Nā Pali Coast, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi
Eleven miles of cliff-cut trail along the Nā Pali coast to a beach that can't be reached any other way on foot. Crawler's Ledge and the stream crossings are the tests — both get serious in rain — and the camp under the Kalalau cliffs is the payoff. Go light: it's humid, steep, and the round trip earns its two nights.
permit required · we track who booked what · the whole crew on one page
Permit required — Hawaiʻi DLNR overnight camping permit (Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park) — sells out months ahead; parking/shuttle reservation separate. Official info
Yes. Hawaiʻi DLNR overnight camping permit (Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park) — sells out months ahead; parking/shuttle reservation separate.
Most groups take 2–3 days (22 mi round trip). The reference itinerary here plans 2 nights, camp to camp.
May – September (drier months). Outside that window expect snow, storm damage or closures to change the plan.
Dates, camps, gear split, meals and the crew — planned together on one page instead of forty threads.
Start a trip — it’s free2 camps
Expand map ↓Nā Pali Coast, Kauaʻi, Hawaiʻi · updated daily
Route profile · camps
Day by day
Camp spots below are estimated to balance the daily miles; exact sites depend on conditions and bookings. Your dates, pace and direction reshape it live.
Trailhead → Camp 1
The trail from the trailhead to Hanakoa Camp involves a steep climb after Hanakāpīʻai valley, traversing through the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve.
facilities at Hanakoa
Camp 1 → Camp 2
From Hanakoa Camp to Kalalau Beach Camp, the trail narrows and crosses exposed cliff sections, including the infamous Crawler's Ledge, before descending to the beach.
Crawler's Ledge
Camp 2 → Back to trailhead
The return from Kalalau Beach Camp to the trailhead is a strenuous, full-day 11-mile hike requiring an early start.
11 miles out
STREAM CROSSINGS — Do not attempt to cross flooded streams. The water level can rise and fall quickly; it is safer to wait for water to recede than to risk a dangerous crossing.
TRAIL CONDITIONS — The trail is often muddy, slippery, and uneven with protruding rocks and roots, especially after rain, and follows narrow paths along steep drop-offs.
hawaii.gov · ehawaii.gov · kayakkauai.com
Best months
share of dry days · Open-Meteo Archive (ERA5), 10-year normals at the trailhead
TRAILHEAD
The trail starts at Kēʻē Beach within Hāʻena State Park, at the end of Kūhiō Highway.
Hawaiʻi Division of State Parks
PERMIT
A valid camping permit is required to hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai Beach (mile 2), even for those not camping overnight.
Hawaiʻi Division of State Parks
CAMPING FEE
Camping fees for non-residents are $35 per person per night; camping is only allowed at Hanakoa and Kalalau.
Hawaiʻi Division of State Parks
WATER
There is no drinking water; all water from streams and waterfalls must be treated before consumption.
Hawaiʻi Division of State Parks
SHUTTLE
Overnight parking requires a separate reservation made after securing a permit, and spots are limited; a shuttle service is also available.
GoHaena.com
HAZARDS
Stream crossings can flood rapidly, cliffs are subject to falling rocks, and ocean currents are treacherous.
Hawaiʻi Division of State Parks
Yes, a camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley (mile 2), even if you don't plan to camp. For hikes only to Hanakāpīʻai, a separate park entry reservation is needed.
Yes, composting toilets are located at Hanakāpīʻai, the Hanakoa camping area, and the Kalalau camping area.
Very limited overnight parking is available at Hāʻena State Park for those with camping permits, but it requires a separate reservation from GoHaena.com that sells out quickly.