15 Reasons Why Hiking The Kalalau Trail Is So Special

The Kalalau Trail is obviously spectacular and allows the adventurous hiker to experience the beautiful Napali coast in a unique way. And yes, it’s also a little dangerous here and there and physically challenging.

However, compared to other hiking and backpacking adventures, there are other, less obvious reasons that make this trail so special:

1. It’s warm, but not too hot

The temperatures on the trail are definitely warm (higher in summer), but due to the steady wind, it usually feels reasonably pleasant (unlike hot desert hikes or cold alpine adventures). The warm temperatures result in fewer clothes and require only a light sleeping bag (or even only bag liner), so they help reduce weight.

2. There is plenty of water along the way

You don’t have to bring a lot of water as there are plenty of places to pump and refill water (just make sure you filter and treat it). The waterfall in camp (or creek at Hanakoa) are also very convenient.

3. You get to shower - under a waterfall

Speaking of waterfall, at the end of this trail is a gorgeous, refreshing waterfall, perfect for the post-hike shower and something to look forward to as you’re descending Red Hill. Forget about finishing your day all hot and sweaty like on other trails.

4. Swimming spots

The nearby Kalalau stream as well as the ocean give you another chance to cool off, hang ten, and relax. Just make sure you pay close attention to the conditions on the beach as current and surf can make it dangerous to enter the water there.

5. Plenty to explore

Once you’ve arrived at the much-coveted destination and set up camp, there are plenty of spots nearby and in the valley to explore and see different facets of this remarkable environment. (Tip: bring a packable day pack, so you can bring essentials, especially if you head up into the valley.)

6. Camp right on or near the beach

There are not many other trails that allow you to camp right on or near a gorgeous beach and enjoy the ocean and fantastic scenery. This beach also makes for beautiful sunsets and great sunrises.

7. Tent or hammock

With plenty of trees around, you can either use your hammock (which might help you cut weight) or a tent if you prefer. Your preference! (The trees are also producing welcome shade during the middle of the day.)

8. Midway camp option

With Hanakoa Camp at around mile 6, which is roughly midway through the hike, you have the option to tackle the entire trail spread out over two days and can get rest if your body needs it. (Keep in mind temps will be lower than on Kalalau Beach and you’ll definitely have some mosquitos.) You can make the call as a game-time decision based on how things are going for you.

9. No dangerous animals

Forget about scorpions, snakes, and bears. Kauai is - despite being a tropical place with plenty of jungle - a very safe place for outdoor adventures. Yes, there are a few spiders, boars, and the occasional centipede, but they rarely cause any problems. And no bear canisters needed!

10. Barely any mosquitos

Surprisingly, and maybe it’s because of the trade winds, there are barely any mosquitos at Kalalau Beach. (That’s not necessarily true for Hanakoa or other hikes into the Waimea Canyon.) This sure makes the evenings more pleasant.

11. Up AND down

On the mainland, you either hike up a mountain or down into a valley, so in many cases, you have lots of uphill on the way into camp and downhill on the way back. Yes, the Kalalau Trail has plenty of cumulative elevation gain, but since you start and finish at sea level, it’s a lot of up AND down, which I personally find easier than just one or the other.

12. No crowds

Yes, it’s tough to get a permit and the daily quotas are low, but once you are one of the lucky few to get one, you’ll appreciate it because there will only be a few people in camp and on the trail. The only legal way onto Kalalau Beach is to hike or kayak in, which both require a permit. The scenery is so amazing that you’ll see plenty of tourist boats and helicopters checking it out. Imagine if they could all shuttle people in!

13. The trail never gets boring or monotonous 

The trail crosses through and passes beaches, rivers, dense jungle, exposed areas with red dirt, and ends in a spectacular oasis. Its diversity will keep you entertained and it never gets boring or monotonous.

14. The people there are cool and friendly

You will come across other people on the trail and in camp, so it never feels like you’re completely deserted or alone (unless maybe you decide to go up to Hanakoa Falls, which is a little more remote). And in my experience, the people you meet are cool, friendly, and willing to help and provide advice if needed. It’s a good crowd out there!

15. It’s hard, but not impossible

The Kalalau Trail is not a joke. It’s challenging but not impossible. You need to be in pretty good shape, but you don’t have to be an extreme athlete to make it. It’s just hard enough to where you feel great and accomplished once you’ve conquered the whole trail. Bucket list kinda stuff.

 

The Kalalau Trail is certainly very special for many reasons - an experience you never forget. 

If you’ve hiked the full trail, what did you find most unique about it?