trek-napali coast 22 mile backpacking trip - October 7, 2026
Trek- Napali Coast on the Kalalau Trail, Kauai, HI
Description:Location Kauai, Hawaii 11 miles Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast October 7, 8, 9, 10, 2026 Beach camping for 2 nights Permits open up 90 days in advance. Cost is $35 per person/per night Plus getting to Kauai, food, rental gear, and rental vehicle. We will try to get permits for Hanakapi'ai Beach The Kalalau trailhead is located in H'ena State Park at the end of HWY 52. Hiking the first 1/2 miles will offer spectacular views of the coast line. The 11 mile trail ends in Kalalau Valley. This is a strenuous backpacking trip that is recommended for experienced hikers only. 2 miles in the trail will cross the Hanakp'ai stream. Here the trail breaks and a short section of 1.8 miles heads up the canyon to a 300 ft waterfall. Add 4 hours to the hike time if we hike to the waterfall. The next 4 miles Hiking becomes more strenuous at the switchbacks and the trail climbs 800 feet. We will pass the 500 ft Hanakoa Falls. There is a midway camp that we can camp at here if the weather turns or people are too tired. After Hanakoa, the trail becomes more drier (5 miles). This section is narrow and has steep drop offs. No swimming. There is strong rip currents. These are wilderness beaches with no lifeguards and very little people. If someone gets swept out to sea and people had rescue devices to call for help, it would still take 3 hrs for them to mobilize. Often the person swept out to sea will drown before help could arrive. So this is not a swimming beach in October. The plan would be to start hiking on October 7 by 7 AM and get to the campsite that night. Spend 2 nights. Hike out on October 9 and on the way out drop the backpacks at the Hanakp'ai junction and hike up the 1.8 miles to see the 300 ft waterfall. Once back at the trailhead, we can spend time in the Haena State Park and swim at Ke'e Beach. June meeting to organize and get camping permits and finalize the itinerary. October head to Kauai and hike.
Itinerary to be finalized in July once we have the permits.
Key Details & Regulations
Permits: Camping permits ($35/night non-residents) are issued through Hawaii State Parks. Permits for Kalalau Valley also allow camping at Hanakoa.
Parking/Access: A separate Overnight Parking Permit or shuttle reservation is needed at Hena State Park.
Trail Difficulty: Very challenging; 22 miles round trip with 5,000+ ft elevation gain, narrow cliff paths ("Crawler's Ledge"), and muddy conditions.
Safety: No potable water; all water must be filtered/purified. Flash floods can make stream crossings (especially Hanakpai) deadly.
Duration: Recommended 2-5 days. Many hikers camp one night at Hanakoa (mile 6) and 1-2 nights at Kalalau Beach (mile 11).
Camping Info
Locations: Designated camping is limited to Hanakoa (mid-point, no ocean view) and Kalalau Beach.
Amenities: Basic composting toilets are available; no tables or potable water.
Best Time: May through September (dry season) offers the best conditions. Winter (Oct-April) brings high surf and dangerous, wet trail conditions.
Department of Land and Natural Resources - Hawaii (.gov)
Department of Land and Natural Resources - Hawaii (.gov)
+4
Preparation
Bring a water filter/purifier, sturdy hiking shoes, and a lightweight tent or hammock.
Start early (6:30 AM) to avoid midday heat and finish, or to avoid hiking in the dark.
Reservations sell out instantly-be ready 90 days out at midnight HST.
https://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/files/2022/12/Kalalau-Trail-Brochure_2015.pdf
| Level: | MSD |
| Miles: | 22.0 |
| Vertical: | 800' |
| Route: | Out & Back |
| Pace: | Moderate |
| Organizer: | Anja Wadman |
| Date: | Wed Oct 7 2026 — Sat Oct 10 2026 |
| Meeting Place: | Register with the Organizer |
| Web Link: | Camping Permits |
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