Hawaii Route Description

Originally built in the late 1800s, portions of the trail were rebuilt in the 1930s.  A similar foot trail linked earlier Hawaiian settlements along the coastline.

For most backpackers in good condition hiking eleven miles of this route will take a full day.  Midday heat may increase the chances of overexertion.

Naturalists will find a number of plants of interest, but most of the rare native plants grow on the inaccessible cliffs.  Wild goats are often seen.

     Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai-2 miles

This section offers a popular day hike for able bodied hikers.  Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent view of the coast.  The summer sand beach at Hanakapi’ai is a popular destination for day hikers.  Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended.  The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail.

An unmaintained two mile trail into Hanakapi’ai Valley leads to a spectacular waterfall after crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees.  The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks.

     Hanakapi’ai to Hanakoa-4 miles

More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchbacked trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapi’ai Valley.  The trail traverses the Hono O Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Ho’olulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley.  The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants.

Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing.  There are on old agricultural terraces nearby, where coffee plants, introduced in the late 1800s, are still growing.  The unmarked one third mile trail up the east fork of the valley to Hanakoa Falls has hazardous eroded sections but affords a spectacular view of the falls.

     Hanakoa Valley to Kalalau Beach-5 miles

After leaving Hanakoa Valley, the trail enters drier open land which offers little shade from the midday sun.  Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valley’s fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond.

The trial crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall.  During summer, sea caves just beyond the waterfall provide popular camping shelters, but winter surfs removes much of the beach and enters the caves.  Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is constant danger of falling rocks.

An easy two mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream.  This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, until 1920.  These terraces are now overgrown with Java plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees.