Trailhead information
Kee Beach
Primary- No restrooms
- No water
Each entry point carries its own quota
Kalalau Trail Permit
Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park (HI) · Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile, cliff-hugging route along Kauai's Na Pali Coast to Kalalau Beach. This page sells a cancellation alert on the camping permit, which sells out within minutes of its 90-day release.
Get an alert when Kalalau Trail opens on your dates.
70% of the openings our scanner caught on Kalalau Trail were gone within 5 minutes.
Kalalau Trail reservation dates
- Season
- year-round (rolling 90-day release)
- route distance, out and back
- 11mi
- elevation gain
- 800ft
Kalalau Trail elevation profile
Kee Beach (trailhead) to Kalalau Beach (trail end), one way800 ft of descent · 1.4% average grade
Trailhead
Kee Beach (trailhead)
The trail starts at Kee Beach inside Haena State Park, at the end of Kuhio Highway.
Mile 0 of 11
0 Kee Beach (trailhead)11 Kalalau Beach (trail end)
- Mile
- 0
- Elevation
- ≈10 ft
Kalalau Trail landmarks
Kalalau Trail campgrounds
How to get a Kalalau Trail permit
As of September 2026, Kalalau Trail in Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park (HI), Hawaii requires a permit issued via reservation. Kalalau Trail is one of the most competitive permits in the United States, rating 9/10 on PermitSnag's demand index. Cancelled Kalalau Trail permits are re-released on the booking system, and PermitSnag alerts you the moment one opens. The Kalalau Trail route covers 11 miles with 800 feet of elevation gain, rated strenuous.
- Type
- Backpacking
- Location
- Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii, HI
Step 1: Create a Hawaii State Parks account
Sign up at Hawaii State Parks if you don't have an account. Have your payment info ready.
Step 2: Know the release schedule
Permits release on a rolling basis. Check the release time for your dates.
Step 3: Be ready when permits drop
Log in a few minutes early. Have your dates, group size, and payment ready to go.
Step 4: Monitor for cancellations
If your dates are sold out, people cancel all the time. Set up PermitSnag alerts to catch openings instantly.
Learn more:
More on Kalalau Trail: Live availability activityWhen Kalalau Trail permits open upKalalau Trail permit itineraryDo I need a Kalalau Trail permit?
How much a Kalalau Trail permit costs
Kalalau Trail permit fee: Non-resident rate around $35/person/night (Hawaii resident rate is lower; confirm at booking).
The Kalalau Trail hike
- Distance
- 11 miles
- Elevation Gain
- 800 ft
- Route Type
- Out & Back
- Duration
- 2-5 days
- Difficulty
- Strenuous
Eleven miles of exposed cliff trail along the Na Pali Coast, ending at a beach you cannot drive to.
About this permit
The Kalalau Trail is the only land route into the Na Pali Coast's Kalalau Valley, crossing five valleys of sea cliff, waterfall, and exposed trail. Day hikers can go as far as Hanakapiai at mile 2 on a day-use permit; anyone continuing needs a camping permit for Hanakoa or Kalalau.
The route
From Kee Beach the trail climbs into Haena State Park before reaching Hanakapiai Beach at mile 2, where day hikers turn back. Continuing past Hanakapiai Falls, the trail passes Hanakoa Camp at mile 6, crosses the exposed Crawler's Ledge, and descends through Kalalau Valley to Kalalau Beach at mile 11.
The feeling
The trail clings to fluted green sea cliffs the whole way, with the Pacific dropping away below and waterfalls cutting the valleys you cross. Crawler's Ledge, a narrow exposed stretch with a severe dropoff, is the trail's best-known pinch point.
How hard the Kalalau Trail hike is
- Physical DemandFitness and endurance required3/5
- Technical SkillClimbing, scrambling, or specialized skills2/5
- NavigationRoute finding and trail clarity2/5
- CommitmentDifficulty of bailing out mid-route3/5
Best for: Intermediate hikers comfortable with long days and moderate challenges.
Recommended experience: Experience with 6-10 mile hikes on varied terrain.
When to hike Kalalau Trail
Weather Forecast
Trailhead (5,000 ft)
⚠️
Backcountry Tips
- Today: Wind gusts to 56mph. Secure tent, avoid exposed ridges.
- UV index 8. High altitude sun is intense—sunscreen and hat essential.
- Today: 100% chance of precipitation. Pack rain gear.
Today
🌧️
79°
75°
100%
Sun
🌧️
80°
74°
88%
Mon
🌧️
82°
74°
84%
Tue
🌧️
87°
76°
59%
Wed
🌧️
84°
76°
80%
Thu
🌧️
83°
76°
55%
Fri
🌧️
81°
74°
26%
View full NWS forecast →Mountain weather changes rapidly. This forecast is a guide—always be prepared for worse conditions.
Kalalau Trail photography guide
Classic Shots
- Kee Beach at the trailhead
- Hanakapiai Falls
- Crawler's Ledge
- Kalalau Beach at the trail's end
Kalalau Trail rules, gear and safety
Rules & regulations
- 01A day-use permit covers Kee Beach to Hanakapiai only
- 02A camping permit is required beyond Hanakapiai
- 03No two consecutive nights allowed at Hanakoa Camp
- 04Camping is capped at 5 total nights in the park
Hazards & considerations
- Flash-flooding stream crossings
- Falling rocks near waterfalls
- Crawler's Ledge, a narrow cliff section with a severe dropoff
Safety & planning
Emergency Info
Emergency contacts, ranger station locations, and satellite communicator tips for Kalalau Trail.
Food Storage
Bear canister requirements, approved container lists, and rental locations for this permit.
Gear Checklist: Required and recommended gear for Kalalau Trail · Shuttle Services: Trailhead transportation options · Guide Services: Experienced wilderness guides
Some links may be affiliate links. Purchases support PermitSnag at no extra cost to you.
Kalalau Trail FAQ
Do I need a permit to hike the Kalalau Trail?
You only need a permit if you go past Hanakapiai at mile 2. Day hikers turning around at Hanakapiai need a Haena State Park entry and parking reservation, not a camping permit. Anyone continuing toward Hanakoa or Kalalau needs a Na Pali Coast camping permit.
How far in advance can I book a Kalalau Trail camping permit?
Permits release exactly 90 days before your first night, at midnight Hawaii Standard Time. Popular dates often sell out within minutes of release.
How many nights can I camp on the Kalalau Trail?
Five consecutive nights total in Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. You cannot camp two nights in a row at Hanakoa; it's a one-night stopover only.
How long is the Kalalau Trail?
11 miles one way from Kee Beach to Kalalau Beach, 22 miles round trip.
Where do I book my Kalalau Trail camping permit?
At explore.ehawaii.gov, the Explore Outdoor Hawaii platform. The older camping.ehawaii.gov site is being phased out for new bookings.
Can I hike the Kalalau Trail in one day?
It's possible for very fit hikers but not recommended given the terrain, heat, and stream crossings. Most people take 2 to 5 days and camp at Hanakoa and/or Kalalau.
What are the biggest hazards on the Kalalau Trail?
Flash-flooding stream crossings, falling rocks near waterfalls, and narrow, exposed cliff sections like Crawler's Ledge where a fall would be fatal.
Kalalau Trail trail conditions and trip reports
Trail Conditions
No active conditions reported
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Questions
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Trip Reports
Write ReportAlternatives to a Kalalau Trail permit
Where to stay near Kalalau Trail
- Napali Coast State Wilderness Park Kalalau campgroundNapali Coast State Wilderness Park
- Napali Coast State Wilderness Park Kalalau Peak campgroundNapali Coast State Wilderness Park
- Napali Coast State Wilderness Park Milolii campgroundNapali Coast State Wilderness Park
- All Hawaii campgrounds
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