Hanakapiai Falls Kauai
A challenging 8-mile hike on Kauai's Na Pali Coast leading to a stunning 300-400 ft waterfall and a remote beach.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Hanakapiai Falls Kauai
Best Time
Beat the heat and crowds.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A challenging 8-mile hike on Kauai's Na Pali Coast leading to a stunning 300-400 ft waterfall and a remote beach.
"This hike is absolutely gorgeous, but definitely CHALLENGING."
🎒 Pack a Hydration Backpack
Carry at least 2L of water per person. Hydration is key on this strenuous hike!
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
Expect to cross streams. Water shoes or old hiking boots you don't mind getting wet are ideal.
Quick Facts
Rating
4.9 · 88 reviews
Type
Natural Feature
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Hanakapiai Falls
End of the Kalalau Trail segment
A breathtaking 300-400 ft waterfall cascading into a deep pool, perfect for a refreshing swim.
Hanakapiai Beach
First 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail
A stunning, remote beach offering a scenic halfway point and a place to rest before the final ascent.
Na Pali Coast Views
Along the Kalalau Trail
Dramatic, rugged cliffs and lush valleys provide unparalleled scenic beauty throughout the hike.
+1Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Reservations Are Essential
Embrace the Mud and Water
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎒 Pack a Hydration Backpack
Carry at least 2L of water per person. Hydration is key on this strenuous hike!
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
Expect to cross streams. Water shoes or old hiking boots you don't mind getting wet are ideal.
🚶♀️ Grab a Hiking Stick
A stick found at the trailhead offers great stability on muddy and slippery sections.
⏰ Shuttle Last Call
Know the last shuttle time! Missing it means a long walk back.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎒 Pack a Hydration Backpack
Carry at least 2L of water per person. Hydration is key on this strenuous hike!
👟 Wear Water-Friendly Shoes
Expect to cross streams. Water shoes or old hiking boots you don't mind getting wet are ideal.
🚶♀️ Grab a Hiking Stick
A stick found at the trailhead offers great stability on muddy and slippery sections.
⏰ Shuttle Last Call
Know the last shuttle time! Missing it means a long walk back.
⚠️ Beach Safety
Avoid swimming at Hanakapi'ai Beach; the currents are dangerous.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the breathtaking beauty of the Hanakapi'ai Falls hike, calling it a 'magical' and 'unforgettable' experience. The challenging terrain, including muddy paths and stream crossings, is a significant aspect, requiring preparation and sturdy footwear. While demanding, the stunning Na Pali Coast views and the rewarding swim at the waterfall make it a highly recommended adventure for those seeking a true taste of Kauai's wild side.
"This hike is absolutely gorgeous, but definitely CHALLENGING. It’s about 8 miles round trip and took my wife and I 5 hours (not including the 15-20 minutes we spent at the top and 10 minutes we spent resting on the beach at the bottom).
You MUST make reservations in advance, we reserved 30 days in advance as soon as they open and took the shuttle up which was super convenient and highly recommend. You can probably get away with reserving about 2-3 weeks out if you’re taking the Waipa shuttle.
It is definitely muddy even on a clear and sunny day, just because of the way the stream runs. I wore my hiking shoes, but if I had known how many streams you have to walk across rocks on I would have worn shoes I’m comfortable getting wet in. You will have to cross the stream 6ish times and plot a path across rocks and balance to avoid stepping in the water. They will also close the trail if it is raining. At the top you can hop in and swim in and under the falls. The first segment to the beach is two miles then it’s another two miles to the top. Lots of climbing and elevation gain."
Devin Bilski
"We loved this hike so much that it was the main reason we returned to the island 15 years later!
- A hard hike, but my kids (12, 14, 16) all did it without complaining. We were definitely exhausted and sore by the end but zero regrets!
- The trail was well populated, fun and technical (especially the last 20 min to the waterfall). We went on a completely dry day so I can’t speak to the muddiness or slipperiness of the trail.
- They say not to swim at Hanakapi’ai beach, and I believe them, but I saw lots of people doing it anyways. I wouldn’t risk it.
- Swimming in the cold water of the falls is super refreshing.
- It took us about 6 hours of actual hike time to the waterfall and back, plus 2 more hours for water breaks, lunch at the beach, and more lunch and swimming at the waterfall. So in total it took us 8 hours to complete.
- If you’re taking the shuttle, plan time wisely! Last shuttle leaves at 6:40 and if you miss it you’re walking home.
Tips:
- buy hydration backpacks so everyone has at least 2L of water.
- wear shoes you can get dirty (we wore water shoes and were fine, although I’m sure hiking boots are better for your ankles)
- work hard to get tickets! They sell out within 30 seconds of the website refreshing at midnight.
Fun fact: there was a lone cat living at the waterfall. There was also one 15 years ago. Crazy!"
JD Hornbacher
"Be sure to secure your reservation in advance or you’ll not have an opportunity to do the hike. DIFFICULT HIKE - do not go if you’re expecting flat, manicured trails. Trail starts at Ke’e beach and your introduction is a steep uphill over wet, muddy rocks for a full 3/4 of a mile. The climb isn’t done yet. After more uphill, you’ll have a steep downhill to Hanakapiai Beach. Be sure to grab a glimpse of that before starting the climb up the valley to the falls. There are multiple challenging stream crossings (you’ll probably get wet at one of them). The trail up the valley is not maintained, but there’s enough foot traffic that it is well cleared. You won’t be disappointed at the top. Large, deep pool to swim right under the waterfall. This is a once in a lifetime hike for many, so if you are up to it, definitely put it on your list."
Erik Sorbo
What People Like
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Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The trailhead for Hanakapi'ai Falls is located at the end of the road at Keʻe Beach in Hāʻena State Park. Access to the park requires a reservation, which can be made online. Many visitors opt for the shuttle service from Hanalei, which is convenient and recommended due to limited parking.
Parking at Keʻe Beach is extremely limited and requires a separate reservation that sells out very quickly. It's highly recommended to book the shuttle service from Hanalei to Hāʻena State Park to avoid parking hassles.
The shuttle service is a convenient way to access the trailhead. It typically departs from Hanalei and drops you off directly at Hāʻena State Park. Be sure to check the shuttle schedule and book your tickets in advance, as they can also sell out.
No, you absolutely need a reservation to enter Hāʻena State Park, which includes access to the Kalalau Trail segment leading to Hanakapi'ai Falls. Reservations are required for both parking and the shuttle.
The drive to Keʻe Beach can take around 45 minutes to an hour from Hanalei, depending on traffic and road conditions. If you're taking the shuttle, factor in the shuttle's departure and travel time.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, you need an entry permit for Hāʻena State Park, which includes access to the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi'ai Falls. These permits are released 30 days in advance and sell out within seconds.
It's best to book your reservation as soon as they become available, typically 30 days in advance at midnight HST. If you miss that window, try again for 2-3 weeks out, especially if using the shuttle.
Hāʻena State Park generally opens around 7:00 AM and closes around 6:00 PM. However, it's essential to check the official park website for the most current hours and any potential closures, especially due to weather.
No, same-day tickets are not available. All entry permits for Hāʻena State Park must be secured in advance online.
The shuttle service typically costs around $40 per person. This fee covers transportation to and from Hāʻena State Park and is a convenient alternative to the limited parking.
🎫 🥾 Onsite Experience
The hike to Hanakapi'ai Falls is approximately 8 miles round trip. It takes most people about 5-6 hours of actual hiking time, not including breaks for lunch or swimming.
Yes, it's considered a challenging hike. It involves significant elevation gain, steep climbs, muddy terrain, and multiple stream crossings. It's not a casual stroll.
Wear sturdy hiking shoes that you don't mind getting muddy and wet. Consider bringing water shoes for stream crossings. Lightweight, quick-drying clothing is also recommended.
Yes, there are multiple stream crossings, especially on the trail beyond Hanakapi'ai Beach. You will likely get wet at one or more of them.
Yes, swimming in the pool at the base of Hanakapi'ai Falls is a popular and refreshing activity. However, be cautious of the depth and currents.
The first 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach are relatively well-maintained. However, the trail beyond the beach to the falls is unmaintained, steeper, and more challenging.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
There are no food services directly at the trailhead or along the hike. You must pack all your own food and snacks.
Pack plenty of high-energy snacks like trail mix, energy bars, and fruit. A packed lunch is also a good idea to enjoy at Hanakapi'ai Beach or the falls.
No, there is no potable water available on the trail. You must carry all the water you will need for the entire hike.
📸 📸 Photography
The entire hike offers incredible photo opportunities, from the dramatic Na Pali Coastline views to the lush rainforest and the majestic Hanakapi'ai Falls themselves. Don't forget to capture the stream crossings and the beauty of Hanakapi'ai Beach.
Yes, the falls are a spectacular subject. You can get close to the base for dramatic shots, and the surrounding lush greenery adds to the photographic appeal.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the expansive Na Pali Coast views and the falls. A waterproof camera or a good phone case is advisable due to the potential for getting wet.
There are no specific restrictions on photography, but always be mindful of other hikers and the natural environment. Respect the 'āina (land).
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