Hanakapi’ai Falls

The basics

The hike to Hanakapi’ai Falls starts from the Kalalau Trail trailhead at Ke’e Beach in Haena State Park at the terminus of the Kuhio Highway (Route 56). From there, it’s roughly 2 miles (3.2 kilometers) along the Na’Pali coast to Hanakapi’ai Beach and another 2 miles inland along an unmaintained trail to the falls.

The trail is difficult and takes 4–6 hours or longer. To visit, you’ll need to obtain permits for entry and parking or shuttle service from Hāʻena State Park; if hiking isn’t in your plans, you can view the falls from above on Kauai airplane tours.

Things to know before you go

• At the Kalalau Trail trailhead, you can find restrooms, drinking fountains, changing rooms, and parking; additional restrooms are near Hanakapi’ai Beach.

• Swimming at Hanakapi’ai Beach is highly dangerous and potentially deadly—not recommended.

• Read safety and trail warnings on the Haena State Park website before hiking.

• Book permits well in advance as they can sell out a month in advance.

• Dogs are not allowed on the trail.

• Make sure to bring rain gear and enough drinking water.

How to get there

The trailhead lies at the end of Kuhio Highway (Route 56) in Haena State Park, less than 2 miles (3.6 kilometers) west of Wainiha. With entry and parking permits, you can drive and leave your car at the state park—otherwise, you’ll have to book a round-trip shuttle from the Waipa Park & Ride.

When to get there

The trail is open year-round and beautiful no matter the season, but Hanakapi’ai Beach en route to the falls may only be accessible during summer. Generally, the best time to visit Kauai is from April to May and August to early October—these periods are the shoulder seasons and typically provide the best weather, smaller crowds, and better prices.

How to get permits for the Hanakapi’ai Falls Trail

No matter when you plan to hike, you must book permits online via the Haena State Park website. When booking, you have three options: Visitors who are accompanied by a Hawaii resident or who are biking or walking need only an entry permit; those parking at the limited stalls available at the state park need parking and entry permits; and the rest need shuttle service and entry. Shuttles run 30-minute routes from Waipa every 20 minutes from 6:20am to 6:40pm daily.