The Na Pali
Coast is a very special place. The pali, or
cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep,
narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea.
Waterfalls and swift flowing streams
continue to cut these narrow valleys while
the sea carves cliffs at their mouths.
Extensive stone walled terraces can still be
found on the valley bottoms where Hawaiians
once lived and cultivated taro.
THE KALALAU TRAIL
 The
Kalalau Trail provides the only land access
to this part of the rugged coast. The trail
traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau
Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted
pali. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost
never level as it crosses above towering sea
cliffs and through lush valleys. The trail
drops to sea level at the beaches of
Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau.
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 the 11
miles will take a full day. Get an early
start to avoid overexertion in the midday
heat.
For
experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local
sea conditions, nearshore waters offer
limited opportunities for swimming and
bodysurfing. Naturalists will find a number
of points of interest. Native and introduced
tropical plant species abound. Many rare
native plants grow on inaccessible cliffs.
Wild goats are often seen along the trail
route.
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 views 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. DROWNINGS
OCCUR HERE REGULARLY!
An
unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapi'ai
Valley leads to a 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.
A camping
area here allows travelers to stop overnight
on the way in or out of Kalalau Valley.
HANAKAPI'AI
TO HANAKOA (4 miles)
 More
strenuous hiking begins as the steep
switchback 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, a rest area offers
a stop for weary backpackers. Facilities
include a composting toilet and two roofed
shelters. The shelters are within a complex
of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians
once planted taro. These terraces were
replanted with coffee plants in the late
1800s, which are still growing throughout
the valley today. The poorly marked 1/2-mile
trail up the east fork of the stream to
Hanakoa falls has hazardous, eroded sections
but affords a spectacular view of the falls.
The trail
crosses the stream well back in the valley,
therefore there is no shoreline access at
Hanakoa. In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging
valley without a beach - the stream exhausts
itself over cliffs at the ocean's edge.
HANAKOA TO
KALALAU BEACH
(5 miles)
 After
leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters
drier, more 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. Portions of the trail in this
section are very narrow and the dropoff on
the ocean side is severe. Use extreme
caution, especially during wet weather.
The
trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley
mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a
small waterfall. Camping in Kalalau is
allowed only behind this sand beach. During
Summer, sea caves just beyond the waterfall
provide popular camping shelters, but winter
surf removes much of the beach and enters
the caves. Shaded campsites are available
beneath the trees behind the beach. 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 a constant danger of
falling rocks. An easy 2 mile trail into
Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the sream.
This trail passes through extensive
agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew
taro, the staple crop, until about 1920.
These terraces are now overgrown with a
variety of alien trees, including Java Plum,
guava, and occasional large mango trees.
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