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 leg from the trailhead to Hanakoa Camp begins with a popular day-hike section then ascends a steep 800-foot climb after Hanakāpīʻai Valley.
first camp is inland
Camp 1 → Camp 2
From Hanakoa Camp to Kalalau Beach, the trail becomes drier and more exposed, with narrow sections and severe drop-offs requiring extreme caution.
Crawler's Ledge
Camp 2 → Back to trailhead
The return from Kalalau Camp is a full-day effort, beginning with the most exposed cliff sections and ending with the muddy, rugged final miles.
start early
STREAM CROSSINGS — Streams can rise rapidly and become dangerous during heavy rain. The land manager advises to never cross a flooded stream; wait for water to recede.
TRAIL HAZARDS — The trail is often uneven, muddy, and slippery, with narrow sections along steep, exposed cliffs. Falling rocks can be a hazard near cliffs and waterfalls.
reservenature.com · hawaii.gov · ehawaii.gov
Best months
share of dry days · Open-Meteo Archive (ERA5), 10-year normals at the trailhead
TRAILHEAD
The trail starts at Kēʻē Beach in Hāʻena State Park, which requires a separate, pre-booked park access reservation.
HI Div. of State Parks
PERMIT
A Nāpali Coast SWP camping permit is required to hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai Valley and must be acquired up to 90 days in advance.
HI Div. of State Parks
ACCESS
Your camping permit does not include parking; book overnight parking or a shuttle via GoHaena.com 30 days in advance.
Go Hāʻena
WATER
There is no potable water along the trail; all water from streams must be treated before drinking.
HI Div. of State Parks
CAMPING FEE
Camping fees for the Nāpali Coast are $35 per person per night for non-residents.
HI Div. of State Parks
CAMPFIRES
Open fires are prohibited; plan to cook on a portable stove.
HI Div. of State Parks
No. Anyone proceeding beyond the first two miles at Hanakāpīʻai valley must possess a valid overnight camping permit.
Camping is permitted only in two designated areas: Hanakoa Valley (mile 6) and Kalalau Beach (mile 11). A permit for Kalalau is also valid for Hanakoa.
Swimming is generally not recommended as surf and rip currents are often treacherous, especially in winter. There are no lifeguards.
SAT 08·22
86° / 76°
showers · 57%
SUN 08·23
83° / 76°
rain · 78%
MON 08·24
80° / 76°
rain · 96%
TUE 08·25
84° / 76°
rain · 76%
WED 08·26
83° / 74°
showers · 33%