Tips for Hiking the Hanakapiai Falls Trail (From Someone Who Really Doesn’t Like Hiking)
I’ve done this trail three times now, so I suppose I can offer some advice for anyone brave (or foolish) enough to try it. Here’s what I’ve learned:
1. Get a Permit (No, Really)
I know, I know—it sounds like one more thing to deal with, but for a variety of reasons, there are limits to how many hikers can go out each day, so the state has created a reservation and shuttle system for anyone wanting to attempt the Hanakapiai Falls hike.
From the DNLR site: “Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park and its famed Kalalau Trail is one of the most popular park destinations on the planet, and competition for the few backcountry permits is fierce.”
Kalalau Trail and Hanakapiai Falls Trail: Updated Rules and Permits
Both the Kalalau Trail and the Hanakapiai Falls Trail are part of the Na Pali Coast State Park on Kauai, and both have rules to protect the environment and ensure safety. While the Kalalau Trail has long required permits for camping, the Hanakapiai Falls Trail has seen new regulations in recent years due to increasing visitor numbers and parking congestion.
- To hike the Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapiai Beach and camp at Kalalau Beach (the end of the trail), you need a camping permit. This is a backcountry hike, and camping is only allowed in designated areas.
- In recent years, the Hanakapiai Falls Trail has undergone some important changes. One of the key changes is the shuttle requirement due to limited parking at the Ke’e Beach Trailhead.The parking lot at Ke’e Beach, where the trail begins, has limited space. To address this, the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) now requires all hikers to take a shuttle to access the trail. The shuttle service operates between Hanalei / Princeville and Ke’e Beach. This is a $40 round-trip fee, which you must book in advance. The shuttle is mandatory and must be arranged ahead of time. Reserve your permit here.
- Shuttle Schedule: The shuttle typically runs during peak hours, but availability can vary depending on the time of year and demand. We were on the first shuttle out and the last one home before dark.
2. Check the Weather—Seriously
This trail is already tough, but if you hike in the rain, you’re basically cooked. I’ve learned this the hard way. You can’t trust the weather on Kauai—it’ll go from sunny to monsoon in 20 minutes. Check the forecast before you go, and make sure you’re ready for whatever Mother Nature throws your way. Otherwise, you’ll be trudging through knee-deep mud in a downpour while silently questioning all your life decisions. Also, please note that they will shut the trail down if conditions are unsafe, and especially in the winter, that happens at least once a week. Keep an eye on conditions and notices before you get up early to meet the shuttle.
3. Wear Sturdy Shoes (Because Flip Flops Are a Terrible Idea)
You need serious footwear for this trail. Flip-flops or sandals will make you regret every decision you’ve ever made, although I only speak for myself here. My own brother has hiked it barefoot, so maybe I’m just a baby. If you don’t want to end up on your butt, or at the bottom of a ravine, I’d go for shoes with grip.
4. Hydrate (Because You’ll Need It)
This hike is tough, and you’ll need all the energy you can get. Make sure to bring plenty of water and snacks. Kauai is full of farmer’s markets where you can load up on tasty local produce to snack on as you hike. Trust me—by the time you get to the waterfall, you’ll be questioning whether you packed enough snacks for your journey back. Pack at least 2-3 liters of water. I didn’t, and by the end, I was wondering if I was going to have to start licking the trees for moisture.
5. Pace Yourself (Or Take a Nap Mid-Hike)
The trail is not a race. It’s not a sprint (I’m mostly directing this to the people running past me at any given time). It’s an endurance test that will make you want to take multiple naps. Don’t overexert yourself. Stop, catch your breath and take in the sights – the coastal views are outrageous. There’s a surprise bamboo forest. It’s pleasant (if you don’t have blisters) to spend time on the way in and out at the beach rinsing off and cooling your heels in the streams.
6. Enjoy the Falls, Even If You Want to Cry at the End
After what feels like hours of torture, you’ll finally reach the Hanakapiai Falls – they are gorgeous. The pool below is cold and probably anti-inflammatory, so soak it in. You’ll probably want to take a photo, do a victory dance or cry tears of relief. But whatever you do, don’t feel bad for just standing there, out of breath and wondering if you’ll ever walk again.
7. Strategize Hike Timing
We made quite a few bad decisions on the last trip to Hawaii and one was spending just three nights on Kauai before hopping over to the Big Island. Each Hawaiian island really warrants its own week or more to explore, and we thought since we were returning to Kauai that we wouldn’t need as much time. That was silly.
The other poor decision was doing the Hanakapiai Falls hike early on in the trip because we spent the rest of our Hawaii vacation with pulled muscles and wonky knees. It definitely made the rest of the trip less fun because we weren’t as mobile and we ran out of Advil.
Another thought: the last time we hiked to Hanakapiai Falls, our friend had a 9 p.m. flight that very night. That was not wise for 100 reasons. So just keep all that in mind as you plan.
8. Find a Walking Stick
I’m only 5’3″ and I can’t imagine doing this hike without a walking stick. Rick didn’t need one with his long legs, but I literally wouldn’t have made it without one. If you’re one of the first people to get to the trailhead in the morning, there may be some good ones waiting near the entrance signage, but you may just want to plan ahead and bring your own walking poles.
9. Leave the Little Kids at Home
There were SO many people on the trail with babies – like, newborn babies. If I had a baby, the last place I’d bring it would be the slippery, steep cliff paths of the Na Pali Coast. There’s just no reason to put yourself or your kiddo in danger, and this hike is famous for the injuries it produces. People are consistently slipping and smashing their heads on rocks or twisting ankles and breaking bones. Getting helicoptered out of there is not as uncommon as you would think. If you have kiddos but are set on doing the hike, hire a local sitter.
