The Kalalau Trail

Hiking & Walking Trails • Kilauea, Hawaii United States

The Kalalau Trail is an 11 mile trail that follows the coastline of the island of Kauai. It spans from Ke'e Beach to Kalalau Valley and crosses sea cliffs and valleys while providing views of beaches and the Pacific Ocean. Hikers can see a variety of tropical plants along the trail, and experienced swimmers can swim in the ocean near the trail. It's no wonder that the Kalalau Trail has been named one of the best trails in America due to the beautiful views and landscape.

The temperature in the area is almost always above 60 degrees Fahrenheit, so travelers can hike the trail year round. However, tradewind showers sometimes occur between October and May, and storms occasionally cause flash floods. Travelers should always check the weather conditions before departing for the trail.

Experienced hikers can complete the trail in one day, but travelers can camp overnight on the trail at the Hanakoa or Kalalau campsites. Camping is not permitted anywhere else on the trail, and all campers must get a permit. All visitors who plan to hike past Hanakapi'ai Falls also need a camping permit, even if they plan to complete the hike in one day.