Hanakapiai Falls Reviews

It's 2 miles to Hanakapiai Beach (also gorgeous and worth it, the path has stunning views of the Na Pali Coast and the beach has lots of cool cairns made by fellow travelers) and 2 more miles to the falls, 8 miles round trip. However, there's significant elevation gain and loss and a lot of the path is slippery. Do not attempt when it's super wet out or in flash flood conditions! There are several crossings of a stream in which you have to hop from rock to rock, so wear good shoes and be careful, or you'll fall and bruise your shins with 3 more miles to go like I did. Also be sure to bring lots of water and start by no later than 1PM. Parking is nearly impossible so start looking for it long before you get to Ke'e Beach. Despite the bad trail conditions, it is totally worth it. Those falls are amazing.

This was our first activity on Kauai for our honeymoon. It was absolutely incredible and worth waking up bright and early. The hike was more challenging than we expected and that made it all the more fun. The waterfall pool was cold and exceptionally refreshing when we hopped in, but beware of falling rocks - we almost saw a couple who were swimming get taken out with no warning. Mildly terrifying.

Tips:
- Get here early. We showed up around 9 AM and caught one of the last spots in the overflow parking lot. When we left there were cars parked all down the entry road.
- Wear hiking boots! We underestimated the length/difficulty of the hike and tried to hike this in Chacos... Both of us wound up with some nasty chafed up feet from going in and out of water along the hike. But it was still amazing.
- Plan ahead and bring plenty of water.
- Watch out for falling

Bring hiking shoes as this is not a dirt trail. You will be climbing over rocks and also climbing rocks over streams. Bring plenty of water and food. Experienced hikers should be able to complete 2 miles per hour at a moderate pace. Bring your swimming suits as you can swim in the waterfalls.

This is a wonderful single day excursion. We took our young children to Hanakapiai Beach and then up the river to the falls. They are spectacular.

The hike from the Hanalei trail head of the Kalalau trail to the Hanakapiai falls and return is a long (8 mile) and hard hike, worth every bump, bruise, and sore muscle. Wear good, non slippery hiking shoes, take lots of H2o and plan on a full day. The trail from the Hanakapia Beach (the 2 mile point on the Kalalau trail, starts out innocuous, a nice wide trail, not too much climb, winding through beautiful jungle, past hugh bamboo groves, very unfortunately festooned with a ton of names carved into the banboo. There are some rocky outcrops to negotiate, some route decisions to make. As you get closer to the falls, the trail gets steeper with much more slippery rocky formations, more mud, more decisions. You come around one corner, and there is this wonder falls outlined by a verdent forest. Don't relax, you are still about 20 minutes away, 20 minutes of the most trecherous part of the trail. Muddy, slippery angled rocks, boulders to traverse streams, several stream crossings. I would recommend that you carry a small dry bag with you (cheap at my local WalMart) for your electronics. I am a good hiker, and used to negotiating the rocky trails of the Rocky Mountains, and I had on, what I thought, good hikers. I slipped and fell probably 4 times, and I was being careful. It is a tricky trail, especially when wet, so talk extra care.
The trip was worth it, A very high feathery cascade, surrounded by the verdent green of Kauai's North Shore, drops into a very large, very cold, very scenic pool. Plan on going for a swim. Swim under the falls, and have a seat on the rocks behind the water. This is a trip not to be missed, but not for the faint hearted

I had this hike (8 miles round trip) from Ha’ena State Park to the Hanakapiai Falls on my Kauai bucket list ever since we planned our trip to Kauai. I read the reviews and thought I was prepared, but it was more difficult than I had imagined. First thing to know is that it is important to reserve your parking spot time a few weeks in advance so you don’t have to take one of the shuttles. Get the 6:30-12:30 time and don’t worry if you go over your time, because no one checks once you get in the park. There is a 1/4 mile walk from parking lot to the beginning of the trail (left of the restrooms). Take plenty of water (at least 3 liters) and some food to give you carbs and energy along the way. Wear hiking shoes. I can’t stress this enough. The path is muddy, slippery and treacherous in several spots, if you don’t have the right shoes. I would also recommend a walking stick even if you are young and athletic. The first mile heading to the beach is straight uphill and over a rocky path. There are several beautiful overlooks in the beginning. Use one to take scenic pictures while you still look good. The second mile is a series of switchbacks that is mostly downhill to the beach. This downhill portion is slippery and my two young adult sons both fell on the muddy path. Once near the beach you have to cross a stream about knee high. Just walk in the water and get your feet wet. You will have to do this several more times the rest of the hike. I skipped the beach; the falls was my destination, and headed up the 1.8 remaining miles to the falls. The first mile after the beach is muddy (a recurring theme) and slightly inclined, but is the easiest part of the hike. The last half mile is the most difficult part. The trail gets more dangerous and it becomes necessary to slow down to navigate the narrow paths with steep drop offs. Don’t worry, you will be fine if you take your time on this part. There will be 3-4 stream crossings after the beach. You will know where to cross anytime you see a flash flood warning sign. There is a view of the falls about 10 minutes out that will motivate you to finish. The falls are amazing, beautiful and breathtaking. I was there alone for about 15 minutes. (My sons and daughter went to the beach first). I got in the water, but didn’t swim all the way to the waterfall due to the strong current. Eat a bite here and drink water, saving at least 1 liter for your return. The path back was challenging because you no longer had the falls to motivate you. The mile uphill after the beach on the way back was by far the hardest part of the hike. It was well worth the experience, but this is not for the faint of heart, ill-prepared or those not in good shape. Many people started the journey on the trail that day, but probably only 20-30 actually made it to the falls. It took me 5 hours round trip and my children 7. But they went to the beach and my daughter (22 years old) really struggled the last two miles. This is a once-in-a-lifetime moment. Make sure you’re prepared. Enjoy...

We started our hike at 10:45. The "Ranger" dude at the trailhead asked us where we planned on hiking to. When we told him "the falls", he said we'll be hiking in the dark. Not so.
We did the hike to the river a year ago so we didn't need to stop and take pics at all the awesome vistas along the way. We are not terribly fast but pretty much kept moving and made it up to the falls in 2:25. The trip up is easy until the last mile. Then it's a little technical but fun. We hung out for 20 mins and had lunch.
If you're not a somewhat fit, hiker type person - I'd recommend you just see the river. If you can get it done - you'll just have tired legs at the end. Have a beer ready for you in the cooler when you get done. It'll be the best tasting beer ever. Also, bring plenty of water. We ran a little short and it kind of sucked.
We finished in 5 hrs - no problem. Great hike

This is a difficult hike- 4 miles each way. Take water!! You are treated a lovely beach after 2 miles. The stream crossings were difficult, but gosh, the reward when you reach the waterfall!! This was the highlight of our trip!!

It was a long hike. Several river crossings made it fun. Waterfall made it worth every step. Swimming in the pool before trekking back wiped away that muggy hot feeling so bring some trunks. Be cautious. Check the forecast before you go. Have fun.

This is an amazing hike. We left around 8:30am and arrived at the falls by 11:30. I would recommend grabbing one of the walking sticks at the bottom as they help when you are crossing the streams and rivers. Leaving early lets you avoid some of the heat and it is much less busy. On the way back the trails started getting a little cluttered around 1.

When hiking the Kalalau Trail please be aware that it can be slippery sometimes due to heavy rainfall over the Na Pali Coast. Besides that I hope you're prepared for a hidden beach, a stunning View over acres of rain forest and the beautiful color difference between the ocean and the lush greenery. Nothing better than jumping into the cold water at the Hanakapiai Falls after about three hours of hiking! A must do!!

If you want to drive to the parking lot at the trailhead to Hanakapi beach and falls (also the starting point to the much longer Kalalau trail) you have to book for a reservation months ahead. Otherwise there is a shuttle from Hanalei ($35 per person) every 20 min. The trail is nothing for Sissies, it goes up and down around the cliffs of the Napali coast for 2 miles, then crossing the Hanakapi stream, jumping from boulder to boulder and after a short rest with some snacks, we went the last 1.8 miles to the Hanakapi Falls. That part was very muddy and slippery with three more stream crossings but the falls were worth the effort. Good trecking shoes are a must even though we saw people with slippers! On the way you will have excellent views to the cliffs of Napali coast and the surf of the Pacific. Together with the Waimea Canyon certainly the highlights in Kauai.

We booked a 9 am shuttle and in hindsight, we should have given ourselves an extra hour. We are pretty fit and from Colorado so used to hiking in elevation. By the time we started it was a bit after 9:30 so when we arrived at the beach it was already 10:35. After a snack and bathroom break it was already 11. We were told the last shuttle left at 5 & were warned that it could fill up. The sign from the beach told us to expect an additional 4 hours to hike to the falls. We started and by 11:50 had made it to the first stream crossing, however, in thinking through the anticipated hours ahead of us, we got nervous that we wouldn't make it back in time for the shuttle as once we returned to the beach, we'd likely have another hour ahead of us. We now think we made a mistake because in looking at the map upon our return we were almost halfway to the falls and less than an hour in. While it definitely got muddier the further we went and the streams had very strong currents and slippery rocks, we regret our decision to turn around. In catching our shuttle, the driver told us their was a "sweeper" that came around at 6 for any stragglers. The hike is definitely not for the novice or weary. The inclines are steep and the mud makes slipping undeniable. We saw many people with a simple water bottle on their way to the beach and I would highly recommend a Camelback or a backpack with several bottles. Unlike other reviewers, we found the trail greatly shaded with sunny areas not a long distance. Regardless, sunblock and snacks are also recommended. We decided to cross the streams by taking off our shoes and socks, which resulted in us covered in mud since our shoes were tied to our packs. I think that was right as otherwise we would have chafed the rest of the way. Next time we'll bring hiking sandals for these crossings. While we saw others in sandals on the trail, the amount for the of rocks and overall terrain, I would recommend great tread shoes. And be prepared for them to be caked in mud. The hike is absolutely spectacular and next time we will make it to the falls.

This was my second time doing this hike and this time, the whole family came. It was as memorable as the first time. The first 2 miles along the Kalalau Trail on the Napali coast are incredibly beautiful. Then the next two miles along the stream to the waterfall are a little challenging footing-wise, but it was manageable and so worth it for the view of the falls. Make sure you bring plenty of water, because the last two miles returning back to Ke'e beach long the Kalalau trail are hot and tiring and if you run out of water it is much worse!

This is by far one of the most beautiful hikes that we've done. My husband and I did the hike to the falls and back (8 miles total) in about 5 hours, including a lunch break and lots of picture stops. To us, it wasn't the most strenuous hike we've ever done. The "hardest" part was more of the agility/scrambling over rocks, river crossing, etc. Granted, we are both very active, fit people (I was 6 months pregnant at the time, so we definitely were moving a little slower).
What you need to know....Everyone says to avoid if it has been raining. While I do think this is true, it was sprinkling when we started and dried out just fine halfway through. The major concern would be if it has been a major downpour the few days before. I think there are some spots on this trail (due to location, tree coverage, etc) that will always be muddy. Just make sure to wear appropriate footwear....at least athletic shoes with good tread and you will be fine. I saw several people in sandals (Keen, Merrell) that were probably fine, but I wouldn't have wanted my toes exposed like that. Also, for the love of all that is holy, please avoid being like older lady we saw in nice capris and casual sandals. She looked like she was going for happy hour drinks. This is a hike, not a boardwalk stroll. On that note, there were several people that you could clearly tell had never done any type of exercise since PE class. While I am all for people getting back in shape and being active, just remember once you get in, you still have to walk all the way back out. So, plan accordingly and start early if you know you will be slower. I wouldn't want to get stuck out there after dark.

It's two miles along the Kalalau trail to the Hanakapi'ia trailhead, and then two more up-hill miles until the waterfalll itself; so, take into account that you will be walking/hiking/climbing/river-crossing for at least 8 miles. From the parking lot to the beach/trailhead the hike is relatively straightforward; kind of steep, and can be very slippery when wet, but well-marked and maintained. Once you start hiking up to the waterfall, the trail becomes slightly more treacherous and difficult to follow (you'll be fine if you stick to the pink ribbons they have tied to trees)......fast-moving creeks to cross (you can either wade or rock-hop, depending on your agility/if you want to walk with soaked shoes), slippery slopes, rock scrambling and lots of (avoidable) mud. This is a must-do in my opinion, but don't go unless you're in pretty good shape and well-prepared (i.e. food, water and proper footwear.....my girlfriend and I have done this twice, and each time we finished off 6 litres of water, 3 large gatorades and four sandwiches). Flip-flops won't get you there. FYI regarding our fitness levels to gauge against your own.....ski 100+ days a year (30 or so days earning my turns (no chairlifts), then bike/hike/swim at least 5 days a week during the Summer. Also, we live at almost 7000', so going down to sea level makes a big difference too.

Anyone who is considering doing this hike to Hanakapi'ai Falls has read the warnings. It can be dangerous if there's rain. We were lucky that there was only light rain in the days before we decided to go. You don't have to go all the way to the falls to really enjoy this hike. The overlook of Ke'e Beach and down the Napali coast at around the first mile mark may be enough for some. The stream just before the two mile mark is a bit of a challenge, but the water level was fine and we could hop from boulder to boulder while others waded in knee high water. The beach is pretty - we really liked seeing the rock stacks. If you do decide to go the next two miles to the waterfall be ready even with no rain to encounter lots of mud, lots of vertical sections, and to cross the stream several times - including one crossing that has a safety rope. It's a slog to get to the 300 foot falls, but it's beautiful! Round trip for our group of two women and two men who are late 50s/early 60s, fairly experienced hikers, was almost 7 hours counting time to eat lunch at the beach and time at the waterfall. Hiking poles were really handy going through the slippery mud and up and down the vertical steps. We had a nice 80 degree day and still each drank 2 liters of water. Don't underestimate how much you'll drink.

I did this hike with my husband and two friends at about 0700am and ended at 3:30pm. We got there and just our luck, it started to rain. We decided to continue the hike and wanted to see the falls. The views are stunning and unmatched, however, the hike is extremely dangerous. There was tons of mud, it was slippery, and the stones on the floor were slippery as well. I'm lucky that neither of us fell, thank God. The edges are so narrow and with the rain it became extra slippery. If you make a wrong move, you will surely fall. Once we got to the falls, it continued to rain and a large stone fell onto the falls/floor, luckily no one was hurt. Tons of puddles everywhere which made it disgusting and the puddles are unavoidable. Finishing the hike was the happiest feeling because at one point I thought we would be stranded on that mountain. It was raining so much that there were so many new waterfalls that were created with the rain. The crossings became difficult and the conditions were awful for any hike, let alone a beginner/novice hiker. I would not recommend this hike simply because it is dangerous and not worth risking your life. If you decide to trek this area, take tons of water, take small snacks, and do not go into the beach- for your safety.

I beg you please don't risk your life on this trail. My beautiful, best friend and only sister died tragically hiking this trail. This park says danger everywhere, it should be closed because how dangerous it is. The Hanakapiai Valley is very deceiving and it's fast-moving streams can take you before you know it and no one would be able to rescue you.
I beg of you, please stay away.

If you do go, please make sure your living will is in order, and you buy arrangements for your death.

It may have amazing views, but look in the mirror and your precious life is much more beautiful, this place is just a horrific gamble.

Every day I wish I could pick up the phone and hear my sister's voice, laugh and see her, but this horrendous place took my beautiful sister away.

This place is absolutely stunning! The hike took about 6 hours RT. A bit strenuous if you're out of shape like me but very doable if you take your time. You can hear wildlife and birds and streams the whole way and the views are incredible. I didn't hike up to the waterfalls because I forgot to carry enough water. But I made it down to the beach which was great because it was secluded. I would recommend 1 gallon of water minimum. Maybe even 2. I have never seen anything more beautiful

8 miles round trip- but feels more like 14 at end. Lots of up and downs to beach. Rest at beach and begin the trail up to waterfall. Follow all the plastic trail marker ties on trees! Most amazing waterfall. You can swim out to waterfall- water doesn’t hurt! You can swim into cave behind waterfall and sit on rocks and enjoy the view!!! Rest at waterfall and begin hike back- started at 8 am and got back around 4pm- it takes most of the day. Bring food and water. Bug spray during hike!! Trails can be muddy by end of day so start early. Trails muddier coming back. Reward yourself with shave ice in Hanelei. Remember to go online and reserve your day at Haena parks so you can park in parking lot. Costs 5 bucks and worth every penny!!

We were not overly impressed by this little waterfall. Sure, it is pretty, but not worthy of a special sidetrip. We didn't expect to see another Niagara, but we hoped for more than we found. It must be more rewarding for the many hikers who work hard for their look-see.

This hike has many different reviews on difficulty. I would say for the young and athletic it’s easy. For those who are moderately active it’s a fun but challenging hike. And for those who’s idea of exercise is walking in the grocery store, this hike is not for you.
Beautiful waterfall 4 miles in. Take a dip. Snap some pics. It’s a fun day.

Whaaat? What is the big deal, I read the reviews for this trail before my latest trip to Kauai and I serioulsy thought well I will give it a try and see how far I make it. Among the reviewers was a Naval Special Warfare veteran, atheletes and what not. I left my car at 8AM I expected to be at the falls around noon, I was at the falls first at 10 am and back to my car by noon. Mind you the trail was in bad shape very muddy, I know this because I ran into people who had done the trail before. I stopped took photos, I took photos for others I spent time with the cats at the falls and still I it took me only four hours. Okay full disclosure I am a very experienced hiker and I did move at a fast clip since it was supposed to be this epic trail. My expectations on trails may be skewed becaue I am from Alaska and most trails there are muddy and rocky with stream crossings. But I am 47 and have a spare tire, so there is that. The trail is beautiful it is lined with guava, it has ruins, the falls are among the best on Kauai I know I have seen most of them, so do this trail. Now for the advice column part if you have hiking poles bring them it makes a huge difference, I bought $20 water shoes at Costco and they were perfect, you can also buy poles there BTW. It pains me every time i go to Kauai and see unprepared people on the trail thinking this is a stroll in the sun, it is not that, I actualy saw a guy with an infant on his shoulders in flip flops! Don;t be that person be prepared for the worst. If you want comparables we did the Pihea to Alakai and it was much worse, as was Hounounou so, don't fret, I would say this was actaully one of the easier trails I have done on the island, juts don't take it lightly. but have fun!

As others have stated, wear shoes you don't mind getting wet as you have to cross the stream about 5 times and I ended up very muddy. It can be steep and require steady attention coming down the hills. We went at 7am,swam for about 20 mins and took some pics...we finished back at the start around 1230. Well worth it but I was exhausted for the rest of the day!

Round trip took us 7 hours. Wished we had walking sticks. Could have brought more water (even after reading prior reviews) and food. Do NOT try this in the dark. Good shoes are a must. Muddy. Proud to have finished this and led to the most appreciated hot tub/jacuzzi soak ever upon returning to our hotel.

All the falls are a bit dry in June when we visited, so we didn't get the spectacular views from the pictures; regardless highly recommend taking time to visit.

My wife and I did not understand what we were getting ourselves into when we hiked to these falls last week. Both of us are in above average to good shape and in our mid 20's. It had rained the couple days prior and even on the hike which made the trail very muddy, slippery and at times dangerous, but hey, that is what makes it fun as well. It took us approximately 6 hours to do the 8 mile roundtrip.

Few things we recommend:

1. Bring lots of water (we ran out halfway)
2. Bring a small meal (sandwich, chips, etc) to eat once you get to the falls (we had two tiny boxes of raisins and a fruit bar).
3. Bring comfortable shoes as to not form blisters
4. Bring a walking stick to help with balance in river crossings and scaling rocks.

You will be very happy once this hike is complete! Enjoy!

Hiked to the falls on 7/7/17. Got to the parking lot a little before 6am and it was about half full.

I'd say it's moderate hike. The most challenging part was the last mile or so leading to the falls, mostly due to the rocks, river crossing, and rain. We used water shoes once we had to start crossing the river (I think something like 5 times). We saw others jumping from rock to rock but didn't want to chance soggy hiking boots (which others didn't seem to mind).

Took my husband and I about 7 hours to complete -- including time to swim, switch shoes, allowing others to pass, and bathroom stops.

Great hike overall. To sum up other reviews that were helpful for us prior to tackling the hike:
- bring plenty of water (We brought about 1.5L of water and a Gatorade each. We saw a handful of people start the hike later in the day with little to no water in hand! Not smart given the heat and exertion involved.)
- use sun screen (especially for the return portion from the beach to trailhead)
- +/- bug spray (we brought it but didn't seem to be bothered)
- allow plenty of time (earlier start the better -- for parking and traffic)
- do swim in the pool/fall! It's refreshing and absolutely beautiful!
- know your limits (may not be a good hike for anyone with prior knee or ankle injuries/instabilities). It's not a race so go at your own pace

One thing that did upset us while on the hike was how few people knew hiking etiquette (mostly with passing and crowding tight/challenging areas like the river crossings). Please note hikers going uphill have the right of way. Always give a warning if you're going to pass (ie "coming on your left").

We definitely recommend this hike in you're in Kauai! It was a highlight of our trip.

Read the reviews and was prepared with water shoes, sunscreen, bug spray, lunch, swimsuit and water. We were fortunate in that even though there had been a thunderstorm the previous week and the trail was closed, it was not as muddy as I expected. My 16 and 20 year old students who are very athletic zipped along the path. My husband and I (57, 56 years old), who are in fairly good shape, made decent time on the way up. I thoroughly enjoyed the swim in the pool before heading back. My husband did not swim and he got overheated on the way back, slipped on a river crossing and twisted an ankle and had to struggle to complete the hike. We drank every DROP of water we took for the four of us!. I would definitely do the hike again - but I would leave the long sleeves, long pants and bug spray at home (my family is allergic to mosquitoes). The mosquitoes aren't that bad if you keep moving. Use all the room in your backpack or fanny pack for WATER!

My husband and I are active and in our 30s. We love hiking and outdoor adventures, but this was a real challenge!! The hike is truly one of the most beautiful and most scenic (in our opinion) in the country and would rival views around the world.

The first part of the hike is approximately 2 miles to a beautiful, small hidden beach accessible only on foot or by boat. This took us about one hour and 15 minutes. The trail is very well-defined and suitable for families. I would label it beginner to moderate because there are a few challenging spots, but they are very conquerable!

Beyond the beach, you have three options:

1. Turn around and hike back.
2. Take the falls trail and hike 2 more miles to the falls.
3. Continue on the Kalalua Trail and complete the 11 miles (for experienced, prepared hikers only!!!!!)

We were brave enough to hike to the falls. Here is what we learned:

- The first part of the hike is very muddy. We wore tennis shoes, but I would recommend hiking boots with more tread

- some hikers had hiking poles and I wish I had them, too! Definitely consider bringing these for added support up this trail

- as you close in on the falls, the terrain gets more challenging. You cross over water three times and climb on and through some challenging rocky areas. I would not consider this suitable for someone looking to attempt hiking for the first time

- the trail is very well marked! Follow the pink ribbons :)

- you don't have cell phone service, so bring your own first aid supplies in case they are needed.

- being plenty of water and snacks

- start early! The hike took us just under 6 hours.

- check the weather! Be very aware of potential flash flooding!

All that said, it was our FAVORITE adventure and a once in a lifetime hike! If you have some experience and are prepared, don't miss this one!!

I am not a hiker, and I'm glad I went into it not knowing how difficult it was going to be because I probably would have convinced myself that I couldn't/shouldn't attempt it. While it was incredibly strenuous (4 hours up and down for 8 total for our group), and my entire body ached by the end of the day, reaching the falls and swimming in the icy cold water underneath them is without a doubt on the top 5 most incredible experiences of my life.

Good work out, amazing views, beach is a treat. If you're a beginner hiker you'll need to allocate longer than 2 hours for the 4 mile round trip to the beach due to incline/possible slippery conditions. For kids- out of my Colorado mountain kids this would've been fine for my 10 year old, a stretch for my 7 year old, and we would've been a little sore from carrying our 4 1/2 year old a bunch. So be prepared if taking kids. And that's just to the beach- not to the falls. Wear actual hiking shoes- flip flops/sneakers won't cut it! My husband and I had 5 days to spend on Kauai (3 true full days) so we wanted to maximize our adventure/sightseeing time! I read up on the reviews and decided this was a must do. So glad we did. We got going later in the AM than I'd have liked due to an unexpected change of plans. Grabbed snorkel gear at Hanalei Surf Company and got to the trailhead area around 9:30 on a Thursday morning. Being used to Colorado trail heads, I was nervous about scarcity of parking. It wasn't bad- we ended up just past the overflow lot about 1/2 mile away. Side note: there's a bathroom at Ke'e/trail head w/ a little room for eating on the rocks. Helpful spot for changing too. I had my Chaco rafting/hiking shoes on and they were perfect for grip. Trail was dry for a little over a mile, then it started lightly raining, which was a welcome relief. The trail became a little wet/slippery but not bad. Stopped periodically for some wonderful photo opps for view, even with light clouds/grey. Trail had foot traffic but folks were great about passing/letting you pass. Took about an hour to get to the beach area. River crossing was fine, most people were navigating across the rocks. Flow was fine so I just walked through the water in my rafting shoes. Of course wouldn't have attempted if flow was heavier. That definitely would've been dangerous. Beach had decent crowd but not overwhelming. Mix of roosters and kittens was kind of funny- after a treacherous hike into a somewhat isolated beach they're not what you're expecting! We had some snacks on the rocks, enjoyed the views, and headed back. Ran into friends as we headed out who were continuing on to the falls. So glad we didn't follow them- turned out the rain picked back up a few times and the trail was even more treacherous. They hadn't brought adequate supplies/water and their roundtrip that day ended up being about 8 1/2 hours. So that hike sounds awesome in the right conditions, but we wanted to head back to snorkel at Ke'e & Tunnels. Way back was a little more slippery but again, you're fine with the right footwear & watching your steps. Stopped more to enjoy views & snap photos since it was so much more blue at that point. At one overlook we spotted a sea turtle & had fun watching it through binoculars. Took about an hour to get back to the trailhead. Such a memorable hike and all around lots of fun!

You must be properly prepared on this hike, it is not easy. Hiking shoes are recommended but running shoes are a must, bring lots of water if its hot day. Hike begins with 1 mile hike up, and then 1 mile down alongside the mountains with beautiful vistas of Na'pali coastline to a beach that you wont swim at but you can rest. You can then continue (if you can definitely recommend) 2 miles inward to Hanakapi'ai falls which are unreal. Best falls on the island (besides jurassic of course). The hike inward is not tolling on your fitness however you must be able to climb up and over rocks very frequently, and also be prepared to walk across streams (you will get your feet wet). This is the part of the hike where running shoes are super important because it is very slippery and some points where you are hiking alongside an edge. Despite the hard effort the 8 mile roundtrip hike (this will be an all day long activity) is totally worth it and I would do it again in a heartbeat. A must for those coming to Kaua'i who want to see it all.

We spent a day hiking the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi'ai Falls and back. The 8 miles took us nearly 7 hours, and was no joke! We went after a couple of rare dry days, which made the footing much more tolerable. The trail is mainly rocks, roots, and steep drop offs. There was barely any level ground where you could maintain a normal stride. Between my husband and I, we took 7.5 liters of water. He drank 4.5 and I drank 2. I couldn't believe the number of people we saw with 16 oz. of water between a four people. I am an endurance athlete and have completed many marathons and an Ironman, but this trail was a challenge in and of itself. I wore hiking Keens sandals, which was an excellent choice as we had to cross a river a total of 8 times. Be careful, as flash floods are common. That being said, the views of the Napali coast are GORGEOUS! Even hiking in and out of the valleys and being surrounded by green and blue was unbelievably beautiful. Here's an analysis of the hike from the trailhead to the falls and back:

Mile 1 - Uphill. Lots of rocks. Great vistas.
Mile 2 - Downhill. Lots of rocks. Get to beach.
Mile 3 - Uphill toward the waterfall. Not too bad.
Mile 4 - Stream crossings begin, and there are a number of sketchy sections you have to traverse. See waterfall, relax. Go for a dip if you want to.
Mile 5 - Go back the way you came. Four more stream crossings. Don't slip on rocks and fall into the water.
Mile 6 - Not too bad. Downhill. Exhale.
Mile 7 - Back at the beach. Go back uphill. Then go up some more.
Mile 8 - Your legs are probably tired. Watch your footing as you go back down to the trailhead.

What An Adventure. We went in January and the trail was super muddy. The hike was challenging but well worth the effort. Take a swim at the Falls. Exhilarating. We did allow enough time at the Falls and found oursselves coming down in need the dark... not a wise decision. Lucky we didn't get hurt.

What a perfect day for a hike. It was sunny and cool on the trail. The views were breathtaking and worth the time to hike up two miles to the beach and back. It's very important to go early to get a parking space. We arrived at 830 am. There was plenty of parking. We went on October 27 Tuesday. We also picked up our walking sticks by the sign
This was great and aided us with our walk. The water was too dangerous for us to go in Please wear sturdy shoes. You will not regret it.

This trail is muddy and slick even after two days of little rain. We brought our keen sandals for the water crossings and wore hiking shoes. I suggest a clean pair of socks to change into at the falls. The most technical part is close to the falls. The most tiring is the incline back up from the beach. The trail will be muddier and slicker on the way back. Start this hike early, you do not want to get caught in the dark on this one.
To point out the obvious - there is no cell service.
Tips: Put bug spray on before you start and when you leave the falls.
Bring enough water. We brought 3 liters of water for 2, not enough. Also make sure you bring food.
Book two parking time slots and start at 6:30am. It’s much cooler. Also, we over stayed our parking and it was fine. There were empty spots when we got back to the car, so it could have been a lot of no shows in our date.
Good luck!

We hiked this in July. After reading the many reviews here on trip advisor, I thought I would tackle this hike with some friends and our teens. I should preface this review with some facts. I'm 43, and I am in good shape physically. I run, do cross fit training with a trainer and am strong. I enjoy the outdoors, but not to the point of sleeping in it. Also, I don't like getting drenched or wading in waist deep fast moving water. All of this will make sense later on.

I'm basically writing this review to all of the suburban moms out there who may be under false pretenses that this hike is a stroll through really pretty nature. You can enjoy the beauty of this hike when you stop and look up. The rest of the time you are carefully looking down, planning every step in order that you don't die, twist an ankle, etc.

The first two miles is the "easy" part of the hike. It's difficult at best. The trail was steep going up and down through the two miles. It wasn't a trail. It you are envisioning a bark path showing you the way, think again. It's a series of rocks, slippery mud, and some elevation changes. If I knew this was the easy part, I would have turned around. It is very pretty and full of fabulous views of the Napali Coast. It was breath taking. Get a helicopter to take you there.

If you get to the turn at the forest going to the falls and thought the first two miles was hard, just wait. It gets worse. Envision tree roots, mud, water, big rocks and "stream" crossings. As you may be aware of, this area gets a lot of rain. When we started this hike, it was sprinkling on and off. The forecast didn't call for rain. Well....meteorologists are only right 50% of the time right? On the way to the falls the stream crossings were knee deep at best. Some of the dads made sure everyone didn't slip and we all crossed safely.

By the time we got to the falls, it was down pouring. It was pretty, but really not worth the effort in my opinion. Again, it was really raining hard. What we didn't know is that at this point the park system CLOSED the trail due to dangerous currents and FLASH FLOODING. Did they send in Rangers to make sure everyone on the trail crossed the now rapid rivers successfully? Take a guess. Um no. One woman who we believe to have been a ranger was telling everyone on the trail that the water was high at the crossings. Yes, we figured that.

No one in our group panicked in order not to panic the teens we were traveling with. Although I think they understood our situation. The way back from the waterfall consisted of walking in ankle deep muddy water on the "trail of doom" trying not to fall on the tree branches, submersed rocks and slippery terrain. I found no beauty in this at all. None. At this point I was planning my spa day at the St. Regis.

The river crossings were actually very scary. By the grace of God, college age men and some other dads were all at the crossings at the same time. They literally formed a line of men who held on to us at we crossed in waist deep water. We learned later from the locals that we were lucky no one was swept away. They said it was a very dangerous situation.

Now, many of you may be saying....well it was raining. That's why your experience was terrible. No. Even without the rain, this hike was designed for the highly advanced experienced hiker. We saw many families with smaller children on this hike.

I think the park service should have made sure all were safe after they closed the trail and that they should have an age minimum as well. See my review of the St. Regis Spa as something to do instead of this 8 hour hike.

Great hike! If you are new to hiking take your time as the trail in the beginning is really rocky when you start at Ke'e beach. Its a gradual incline and decline.
We started at 7:03 am and got to Hanakapi'ai beach at 8:00am. Hung out at the beach for about 20-25 minutes. We then begun the hike to the falls at about 8:30am. It was a pretty easy hike, some stream crossing and rock hopping. Those two miles took us about 1 hours 10 mins. We stopped and took pictures along the way. Stayed at the fall for about 1 hour. We swam in the falls and behind the falls. Water was cold but it felt really good especially after all the hiking. Ate our sandwiches we had made and rested on the rocks and appreciated the beauty around us. Made our way back to Ke'e beach by 12:30pm Round trip with stops 5.5 hours. The hike back is kind of difficult because it is all uphill and the sun is beating down on you. Bring food and a lot of water and some bars. Hiking shoes are good since there are a ton of stones, but my friend did it barefoot too.

Yes, this must be done if you visit Kauai and are physically able. Yes, you need a park pass as mentioned in the May reviews. We were able to score last minute as cancellations do occur. Also we noticed people advertising if they needed passes or had some to sell via Google reviews. We spent a good 6.5 hours on a roughly 8 mile round trip hike. We're in our 50s, decent shape physically & found this to be very doable - 6.5 hours included a lunch (and dip - very cold) at the falls, a romantic walk on the Hanakapi'Ai beach and taking a dip at Ke'e beach after the hike (very refreshing). Rode the shuttle (20 minutes each way from shuttle parking). Good views of Na'Pali Coast on the trail between Ke'e beach and Hanakapi'Ai beach - one of 3 best ways to see Na'Pali (try dinner cruise and helicopter for the other 2). A definite highlight of our trip. Careful on the trail - read the other reviews - just pay attention, watch the time. Would not miss this. Very much worth the effort.

I read reviews about wading across the stream-river in waist deep water-- stupid and dangerous! Turn around. Wait 36 hours minimum after heavy rain-- light rains are normal in Kauai ( ask a local). The trail has many flash flood warning signs for a reason.

I hiked it with dry feet-- except for the mud!( sept 6).
Hike is difficult but not overly strenuous. I did it in 5 1/2 hours including my swim under the falls. The scenery/greenery and views are as awe-inspiring as the falls.
Only 8 miles but it's thinking miles. Thinking miles mean: Ya pay attention to mud, slippery rocks and boulder-hopping across the stream several times. You're gonna hike slower the usual. The trail is well hiked...Look for the fluorescent pink markers when the trail begins to fade as you boulder-hop across the stream several times.

Hiking is different than treadmills/stairmasters or street running/joggers...Ya gotta have hiking experience. Go slow and enjoy. Trail runners or boots with traction. Hydrate, hydrate hydrate-- at least 1.5 liters per along with energy food.

The falls are stunning and scenery along the trail is just as impressive. Listen--listen to the sound of the stream, the falls, the wind in the trees.

If you really wanna enjoy this hike and the falls...Start 1/2 hour after sunrise before it heats up and the herds of people change the vibe.

It's a clean trail without trash...pack it out! If you see trash...pick it up! Yes yes yes!

The hike to Hanakapiai Falls can easily be done in an half day without the need for extensive gear. I'm a fairly fit and active person. I completed the hike in 6 hours round trip with athletic shoes and a backpack. The first portion of the trail to Hanakapiai Beach was very muddy but clearly marked. Actually the entire trail is very visible and apparent. There are a few stream crossings along the way that can become dangerous after heavy rains. Use your judgement, be smart, and turn around, don't drown if necessary.
I traveled as a solo female and felt very safe and comfortable during this activity.

Of course after a rain the falls are more spectacular. Follow the signs to get there as it isn't hard to find and worth the drive.

We did this hike on July 2, 2021. First of all, at least for now, you have to have an entrance ticket and a parking ticket. There are two "sessions" for parking. The first is 630AM-12:30PM. The second ends at 5:30PM. Unless you are a Hawaiian resident, you must have this or they will ask you to leave. You can get them on the Ha ena State Park web site. You can purchase them 30 days in advance starting at midnight of that date Hawaiian time. I had to get up at 4AM 30 days before this trip because they will sell out in minutes. I was checking every day for a couple of weeks and it consistently sold out within 10 minutes. Set your calendar! Once covid restrictions ease it may not be an issue. You will need a mask to enter the park but once you park you don't need it.

Ok the trail....First of all we are fairly experienced hikers and have done dozens of hikes throughout the North American state parks. So - this hike, in my opinion, was moderate-easy in terms of stamina. The elevation changes weren't severe and the steep sections were few and far between. The first half of the trail is fairly smooth. You are in the sun quite a bit but it's not too bad. The views along this portion are wonderful. This will bring you down to a beach area. To continue you need to cross a river here. It's easier to cross the river by just going to the beach and around it. This segment took us just under an hour. You'll want to hang out at this beach for a while now or on the way back. The next section is the internal hike to the falls. This wasn't too difficult physically but this part is a solid moderate. There are some tricky river/stream crossings and the trail all but deteriorates for the final 300 meters or so. Wear good shoes because it's a rocky trail with some minor scrambling and some slippery sections. if you're one of those flip flop trail people (ugh) good luck. This segment of the trail is almost entirely shaded. At the end your reward is a fantastic waterfall and large pool area for swimming. It took as an hour to get here from the beach. The entire hiking part (round trip) was only four hours and that included stopping for pictures. You'll want some time to hang at the beach and the waterfall area (bring swimming clothes). Depending on your abilities and what you like to do, you might want to assume you'll be there for the entire 6 hours. Don't worry - they won't tow your car if you come back a little after your ticket time (I doubt there is even a tow truck for miles!). If you were planning on doing the 22 mile coast trek you will need a permit. Have fun!

Honestly, it's wasn't any easy hike for us but the views and scenery made up for the obstacles. Make sure you get there early to get a parking spot and time to relax and take everything around you. You won't be disappointed, maybe sore but not too bad :)

This is a very rewarding trip - but I must warn people it is not easy. The falls are 4 miles from the Ke'e Beach parking lot. My husband and I are in good shape and hike regularly and it took us 4.5 hours. It is amazing - start early in the am (we started at 6:30am) and you will miss all of the foot traffic. The rocks towards the end are a bit slippery - just take your time. The bamboo forest is beautiful and falls are mesmerizing! Definitely worth it!

My teenage daughter and I have hiked to the Hanakapiai Falls the past two years. We've had good conditions with trails that were relatively dry, (I'd stay away from the place if it is raining, or after a big rain). The round trip from Ke'e Beach to the falls and back is eight miles. The first part of the hike on the Kalalau Trail along the Napali Coast is well worth it, (one option is to turn around at the river/beach after two miles, doing just the first four miles round trip). The last four miles up and down the valley present some rock scrambling, wet areas, and river crossings. The falls are spectacular! Don't underestimate the day. Bring sturdy shoes, travel with water and snacks, and bring sun screen, and, of course, a camera.

Such a beautiful hike!
The hike to the beach is stunning and really crowded!!!
It had rained the day/night before our hike making the path extremely muddy and slippery. I'm short so the river crossings were difficult jumping from one rock to the next but it's not impossible. It's all worth it when you make it to the waterfall and jump in that freezing water!
It is Hawaii so it is hot and humid, bring a lot of water and wear shoes you do not care about, they will get ruined!

One of the best hikes we did in Hawaii... seriously tiring, but absolutely worth every second... You do need to have some sturdy shoes and you do need to be reasonably in shape.... we did see people on the trail in flip flops but they weren't happy! ;-)

You can either do a 4-mile (round trip) hike to the beach or an 8-mile (round trip) hike to the waterfall. We did the longer hike and it was excellent but the shorter hike is also worth doing if you are not up for an 8 mile trek. The first two miles are along the Napali Coast and are beautiful and this will take you to the beach. This is a hilly and muddy hike. If you go on to the waterfall, the next two miles are through the rain forest and includes three stream crossings. The waterfall is stunning. This was a memorable hike and I would highly recommend it.

It's worth reading the reviews that note the dangers inherent in this trail. It's very treacherous hike, and even the most experienced outdoors people are in danger of slipping on a slick, muddy trail, a slippery rock, etc. I want to be clear that the danger of this trail is not to be underestimated. On our way to the falls, we made it there in about 3 and 1/2 hours (maybe a bit less, with ample time for picture taking at the beach and fording several streams. Although we realized that the hike was much more challenging than we though, we kept thinking it would somehow improve. It did not. It also rained the entire time we hiked back, which led an already slippery and dangerous trail to be that much more slippery, muddy and dangerous. Not to mention flash flood danger. Given the rain, we took it extra slow, and made it back safely - in 5 hours. Although I enjoyed the swim at the falls and standing on the ledge behind the falls, and the falls themselves were pretty spectacular, there are many hikes in Kauai equally if not more magnificent, and far less dangerous. It is definitely not worth the easily broken ankle (and I did not get cell phone service, nor did I see any Rangers).

If you are going, you need the following: solid tread on your shoes, an early start, water, solid tread on your shoes and more water. While there are 22 miles in total, hike in hike out, without a camping permit you can only go as far as hanakapiai falls, the four mile in four mile out, 8 mile total hike. The first two miles takes you to Hanakapiai Beach, a secluded beach that has been carved out by years of waves pummeling against the coast line. This is also brackish where the stream from hanakapiai falls meets the ocean. From here, if you your permits you can begin the remainder of the trek out to Kalalau or day hikers can move up stream to hanakapiai falls.

You'll need get to the end of the road early if you want any chance at good parking. You are battling both hikers and snorkelers looking to post up at Ke'e Beach. Unless you have 4wd and good clearance, do nor atttempt the parking lot to your right (approximatwly .25 miles before the turn around at the end of the road). The best timing for this hike, to avoid the masses is roughly 7am. Thus way you can hike without a headlamp. Also, the early morning chill is still in the air; and you get prime parking.

To the beach it is two miles in, and you are faced with major elevation changes, some shear drop offs, muddy and dry conditions, heat, moisture, potential torrents of rain, followed by heavy bouts of sun shine. When you arrive at the beach, be prepared to cross your first river section. Depending on the bottle neck, and what type of shoes you have on, some will trek through the water to the other side...even with shoes and socks. Some will remove shoes, others with hybrid sandal hikers will trudge through. There are stones you can tip toe across without hitting the water, but all eyes are in you when it's your turn. Spending some time at the beach can refresh you for the hike up to the falls. (This authors suggestion, never do this hike without getting to the falls)

This was a beautiful hike. It is listed as moderate, however, I found it quite challenging. My son and I hiked 8 miles roundtrip. We hiked the first two miles to the secluded beach and then on to the beautiful water fall. We had to cross the river a few times and it rained on and off (they do get 460 inches of rain a year) which made the path very slippery. A few places were quite intense and you had to make sure of your footing, but in the end it was worth it. I would suggest you be somewhat fit for this hike and hydrate, hydrate, hydrate!

What a great hike! A lot of the comments talk about it being a dangerous hike. I would say maybe one small section towards the end was a little sketchy other than that not really. There were people hiking with young children and everyone made it to the falls :-) I would say the first half of the hike was more challenging than the last half. There are about 4-5 stream crossings. You can hope over rocks if you don't want to get wet but you also run the risk of falling. Many people simply brought their water shoes and walked across. When we were there the streams were very low and not dangerous at all. But I guess it depends what time of year you go. A must do if you are in Kauai!!

Very dangerous hike with an anti-clamactic ending. The falls is pretty but nothing that requires you to twist an ankle, drown or fall for. When you see a helicopter landing pad in the middle of your hike, you pretty well know you've put yourself in a not so safe place. Plenty of other outdoor activities to enjoy.

Pictures do not illustrate the true beauty. The rains of November gave the falls an epic flow we were thankful to have seen. Well worth the journey in and out on the 8 mile -6 hour Kalalu trail.

This ain't your regular day hike. Don't be fooled by the distance (4 miles in, 4 miles out). It's muddy, hot, humid, and there are the requisite ups and downs. Between the beach and the falls, the trail sometimes disappears. However, if you're up for it, it's well worth it. Download the All Trails app and map, bring 1.5L of water, hiking sticks, and some flip-flops, and extra pair of socks, a small towel for the multiple water crossings. Take your time to enjoy the beauty. As some others have mentioned, make sure you assess the weather situation prior to crossing the stream.

Most important: Make sure that you get a parking permit and entry in advance at www-dot-gohaena-dot-com. They are relatively inexpensive and available 30 days in advance.

Challenging hike - lots of mud, slippery rocks, and rain! EXPECT to get muddy and wet - don't even worry about your shoes getting wet... they will be soaked! Caution crossing the streams - rocks are slippery and loose. Follow the orange/pink trail markers. Trekking poles/walking stick are recommended! You can swim in the pool at the base of the falls.

Beautiful hike to the waterfall. We somehow hiked 10 miles and we averaged 2 miles per hour, so from car back to car it took us 5 hours. We are in shape with now injuries that cause us to slow down but we did take time to stop and enjoy the views.

Wear bug spray.

This is a must do if you are in relativity good shape. Highly recommend hiking shoes/trail running shoes with a great tread as the trail from the beach to the falls is VERY muddy with multiple stream crossings. Also recommend at least one hiking pole/stick to help keep you upright as the trail is very slippery. It did not rain the day we were there, but it had in previous days. Bring plenty of food, snacks, first aid kit and water. The two of us went through 4 liters in the 5.5 hours it took to do this hike. The falls were magical and the views of the Napali Coast stunning. Start early due to the heat and parking can be an issue. By 7:30am the main lot was full and had to park in the other lot that was a little further away from the trailhead.

Please note that you need a reservation to get into the park with the Kalalau trail (Nepali Coast). We rode the North Shore shuttle from the Princeville golf course, which included entry to the park. It made the arrival very easy. The park was much less congested than it was when we were here five years ago, before the reservation system was put into effect.

We hiked this trail on December 26, with our two kids (13 and 14). It was very muddy. The first 2 miles, getting to the beach, was moderately muddy, but not too difficult. The last two miles to the falls were significantly more muddy and the last half mile of the trail was quite challenging with some scrambling and slippery conditions. We crossed five streams each way, three large and two smaller. They were too deep to avoid getting wet. We just walked through with our hiking shoes on and it didn’t take long for them to become comfortable again. If you go, I’d recommend you are physically fit and wear shoes with tread.

The hike was all worth it. Between the views of the coast, the beach, walking through a true jungle and a spectacular waterfall it was a true Hawai’i experience!

This hike is one of our favs. It is anything but secluded when you start at the end of the road as there are too many cars for the limited parking. Get there early because if you park on the road you'll get a ticket even though signs are not visible. Definite Kauai income source. The hike is not for lightweights and not for post-rainy days as the mud is slippery and the trail not well groomed in places, especially the 2nd half. It's 4 - 6 hours depending on how quick you move and how long you stop to take in the visuals and beach at the 1/2 way spot where you'll have crossed the falls stream for the first, but not last, time. The trail from the beach to the falls is lush with fresh jungle growth and the stream sounds almost constant. Wonderful! Be careful and enjoy.

This is BEYOND worth seeing! Spectacular and worth all the effort to reach it. We had to cross the river several times to reach it, but it was doable.

View from the Kalalau trail on the way in are unbeatable. 2 miles of fairly easy hiking and then 2 more to the waterfall. Last half mile into the waterfall requires some easy bouldering. Get to the trail head early. My wife and I got to the falls, swam for a bit and were drinking a cold beer on Ke'e beach in 4-5 hours. We wore old running shoes and were fine. Only complaint I have is the non stop noise from the helicopter tours on the Na Pali coast. It takes away the peace and tranquility of this gorgeous hike.

My wife and I did this hike three years ago when we were on Kauai and when we made our plans to return to Kauai this year the hike to Hanakapiai Fall was on the top of our "to do" list. We are both 59 years old and because we had made the hike before we knew that it would be a challenge for us but we were also confident in our ability to safely make the trip. The trail is typically muddy and can be very slippery. Along with the stream crossings, the elevation change, and the rocks that you need to climb over or step off from there are plenty of opportunities to slip, fall and get hurt. I don't put that out there because I want to discourage anyone from making the hike if fact, just the opposite. I would encourage anyone that is in reasonable shape regardless of age make the hike. The only way to see this waterfall is to make the hike or in a helicopter. Believe me you will appreciate Hanakapiai Falls way more standing in front of it (or under it) than looking at it from a seat in a helicopter. We started early in the morning and walked at a steady pace without pushing. Like most hikers we took a break at the beach on the way in and again on the way out. We also took a longer break at the falls and had a light lunch before starting back. Make sure you have plenty of water and wear the appropriate footwear. Your shoes will get wet and muddy!! A pair of Keen sandlals work very well for me. It took us about 8 hours to complete the hike and I know a lot of people will do it much quicker but when we were finished we were tired but safe. If you visit Kauai you need to need to do this hike. The views are awesome!!!

When you reach your destinatiom and take a dip in the waterfall pool, I promise that you will forget your tired feet and the hours of jungle trekking you just completed. I recommend packing lunch, plenty of water, bathing suit, change of dry clothes, wearing comfortable hiking sandals (you will cross a river multiple times) and of course a camera which will not be able to capture the magnificence of this place. This hike will take a whole day so start early to avoid doing the first couple of miles imn the heat. After 2-3 miles the rest of it is in a lushy jungle forest.

The falls are spectacular, but it's a 4 mile hike to reach them. The last mile is challenging as it winds over rocks, river crossings, roots, and steep sections. We hike frequently and the 2 mile section from the beach to the falls was a workout. Bring plenty of water and snacks. We brought water shoes as there are numerous stream crossings. Yes, you can rock hop most of them, but we saw numerous slip and falls from those rock hopping. You can swim at the falls, but there's no place to change! Lots of roots and rock trip hazards on the trail, forcing you to watch where you walk. The return hike has some streep sections in the sun. Wear a hat and sunglasses. Book parking slots for the entire day, or take the shuttle. A very busy place!!!

Hiked the 8 miles to Hanakapiai falls. It ended up being about 11 miles total including the walk to/from parking lot, adding in a stop at the beach, and wandering around at the falls. We started at 7:40am and completed it around 4:00pm with an hour at the falls and 40 minutes at the beach (1/2 way). I’m female 38y/o, hiked with Dad 58y/o.
I read many reviews before going....This trail is hard to review accurately because sooo much depends on the weather. But here are my few tips:
1) WEAR BUG SPRAY if you’re one of those people who attract them. We made a special stop at the store just for the spray. When we got on the trail, I never saw or felt ANY bugs on me, so I assumed I didn’t need it, and didn’t put any on. 🤦🏻‍♀️I was wrong, and later in the evening ended up covered in 68 bites on my 2nd day in Kauai. I looked terrible, and itched even worse the next few days.(Note: I hiked with my Dad who received NO bug bites without applying bug spray)
2) Going against other reviews here, my personal opinion is the first two miles to the beach are harder than the second two to the falls. I’m basing this purely on incline. Once you cross the stream at the beach, the incline is not bad at all. (Note: at about the 1/2 mile nearest to the falls, there is a LOT of scrambling over rocks, but it’s not on an incline.)
3) The trail was dry when we started whi ch made the hike easy. Luckily, we didn’t encounter much rain on the hike to the falls (except once for 5 min). However, when we started our return back, the trail had turned into a muddy, slippery mess. This made the trail much harder, and more dangerous. I would definitely not recommend this trail if it’s raining or if the trail is super muddy right when you start. I thought coming back was a nightmare due to mud. (Note: this is why shoes with good traction is a good idea, and if you have a walking stick... even better!)
4) Keep your shoes on through the stream crossings! Not only does it save a ton of time, it’s also more safe and comfortable. We took our shoes off the first couple crossings and quickly learned this. Yes, you will have to get used to walking in soggy shoes, but most likely they’re going to be wet anyway from mud puddles. (The streams were all at least knee deep when we went 10/3/19)
Lastly....this is a MUST DO if you’re into nature and waterfalls. There’s something extremely beautiful and rewarding about the experience once you’re standing below the 300ft fall. We are not “hikers”, and while we were completely exhausted by the time we got back to the car, it was one of the biggest highlights of our trip. We even took a dip in the pool. Freezing, but exhilarating. Make sure you take enough water. We took 4, 16oz bottles each, (2 on way up, 2 on way down) which we drank all of. We were rained on the whole second half of the way down, so sun rays weren’t an issue, but I imagine more water would be needed if so. And snacks with protein!

Hanakapiai Falls has reopened! However, in an effort to mitigate traffic, non Hawai’i residents must obtain a park entry pass (shuttle service), parking pass (for vehicles) or a camping permit (campers) to access Ke’e beach, Hanakapi’ai beach and falls, Ha’ena state park and the Kalalau trail. Permits go fast, so order them ASAP. Trip Advisor won’t let me post the exact link to purchase permits, but if you google haena-state-park-permits it pops up.

So, from the air this is such a great site.... although everything from our helicopter tour was just breathtaking... this was one of the many waterfalls we was, but it is pretty impressive.

What a great hike! It's not a gentle hike, so take a pass if you're not steady on your feet. The mild option of 2 miles each way to Hanakapiai Beach is a terrific choice for a more beginning hiker. But, if you want to push yourself, you will be rewarded with an amazing falls. That second 2 miles to the falls can be exhausting, and there are tricky stream crossings. In fact, some stream crossings are not safe in rushing water. AND, you have to negotiate it on the way back. Not for flip flops, but a good water shoe, like Keen, will be fine. Recommended, actually. They will take a pounding, however. I saw many folks in hiking boots, and I wouldn't recommend that. I brought a trekking pole, and it helped. We had about a liter of water each for the 3 of us. It wasn't enough, but just barely.

Important: get an early start if you want a close parking spot--parking fills up quickly.

The hike is a 8 mile roundtrip hike with a couple of river crossings. Going in was okay, felt a few parts were a bit scary but did okay. The fall area itself was just wow! We had a quick swim to behind the waterfall. Was amazing! The water was freezing. On the way back it started raining. So we quickened our pace so as to cross the stream before it starts swelling. It rained whole hike back . Great memories though. If you can not do the entire Kalalau trail then I would recommend this.No permits needed either

It's a great hike that starts out with views of the Na Pali Coast (1 mile) before hitting a hidden beach halfway (2 mile), seeing a bamboo forest 3/4 of the way (~3 mile), and finishing off at a beautiful waterfall (4 mile). The first 3 miles is totally fine... there is one relatively easy river crossing before the beach and some minor incline/decline, but a pretty standard trail hike. The last 0.5 mile is much more difficult where the trail narrows significantly, the river needs to be crossed about 4 more times (which can be quite difficult if you don't want to get wet), and the trail itself turns into rock with some minor ups and downs. If/when it rains, this portion of the trail becomes significantly more difficult. It's not something most people can't do, just be prepared.

My advice:
-Leave EARLY. We started our hike around 8am, which was pretty good for our way to the falls (although a couple groups of people clogged some of the slow-going river crossings)... they got exceptionally busy on the way back (late morning). If I were to do it again, I would start at 6:30 or 7.
-Wear footwear you don't mind getting wet (this would make the river crossings easier).
-Be courteous to other hikes (especially on the river crossings). Many people aren't prepared. Lend a helping hand.
-Swim at the waterfall (this is the best part of the hike. The water is cold but glorious).
-Bring lots of water (and a place to store the empty containers as there are no garbage cans on the entire hike).

Some of the most breathtaking views you will see anywhere. And it's just so diverse. You hike up and down along the Napali Coast, make these wild stream crossings, (some of them have helipads near by so they can medvac people outta there--you don't want to miss a rock on some of these crossings or you're toast) You come upon an incredible beach, catch your breath and snap some pics. Pass through jungles of giant bamboo and banyan trees. If you are in it for the long haul, you hike another couple of hours beyond the beach stop to the top where Hanakapaiai Falls are. We parked on a big rock, ate sandwiches, had a beer. My husband swam in the pool right up to the falls... VERY cold. The return hike was kinda tough on the knees, so go easy on the return. If you have kiddies under 12, I wouldn't recommend hiking beyond the beach. I think the trip to the falls is for kids 12 years and up -- with a lot of stamina and a sense of adventure.

My husband and I did the 4 mile hike (8 miles round trip) that started at Ke'e Beach and ended at Hanakapiai Falls ... and though it rained on us, the trail was muddy and a bit tricky with all the stream crossings, I am BEYOND glad we did. Never in our lives have we experienced anything like watching (and swimming in!) this 300 foot waterfall. Words of advice: pack lots of water and snacks/food (it took us about 8 hours), wear good hiking shoes, and be prepared for the most incredible experience in Kauai!

This is not an easy hike, by any means, and beginners should know that. Make sure you wear hiking shoes - no sneakers - they will get muddy and soaked. I would plan on it taking 5-6 hours in total from the end of the road, going at a moderate pace. The beach is the half way point, a good place to sit on a rock and eat a granola bar. From there, the waterfall is about 60-90 minutes away. The path from here is rocky, slippery, and you must cross the river 3 more times. But it is worth it. I've never hiked to a taller waterfall in my life. You can swim there, although the water is cold, and there's not much sun due to the height of the mountain. Definitely worth the effort! Spent the rest of the day in the hot tub with a beer.

This is an awesome trail with a great view of the Napali Coast. If you want to hike more down the coast trail MAKE sure you get your permit way in advance of your trip.

four miles in and four miles out. worth the 6 hours we spent doing it. one mile up with amazing views and breathless panoramas (from climbing and beauty) then one mile down to a safe swimming beach with screw pine shade (and a rustic bathroom that will probably soon be a superfund site) then two miles thru a mixture of beautiful copses and streams and occasional chickens, then you are at the waterfalls. a swim in the pond at the bottom of the falls and a bite to eat of packed in food and retrace your steps.
take a couple of quarts of drinking water and if its wet go carefully. we passed a young man who broke his ankle not being careful. this is a difficult (and beautiful) hike.

Trail is moderate to difficult. Wear good hiking shoes. The trek is worth the experience. Bring water (went through 2 liters - and lunch)

We started on a perfect day a journey deeper into the island. The hike is not for the timid, from the start of the trail round trip it is 8.2 miles. The adventure is worth experience. The pure beauty of the beach you first reach is your half way point. Good time to take a breath an listen to the waves. We took in the everything as we made our way to the falls crossing multiply water ways. The power of the waterfall as you stand below will take you in, making you forget the outside world. Let yourself get lost even if only for a moment.

It was definitely harder than I expected. My husband and I did the entire 8 mile hike to the waterfall and back. We brought 8 bottles of water and we ran out towards mile 7 and 8 on the way back. Bring plenty of water and food! We aren't experienced hikers and I have some torn discs in my back so we took our time and stopped at the beach and then stopped at the falls and stopped again at the beach on our way back. It took about a total of 9 hours for us but it was worth every second. Its so rewarding to say we've done it and such a cool experience. We have so many great photos and it's one of the best memories from our honeymoon.

Suggestions - bring a lot of water and carry a backpack with it and some sandwiches to enjoy at the falls. Hiking stick is very helpful. We both found some that people had left from before. We didn't have water shoes we had sneakers. My feet were very sore after. It would have been nice to be able to change my shoes for the 2nd part of the hike to the falls to water shoes. My sneakers slipped on the rocks crossing the streams. But I would think you'd feel too many rocks underneath you with watershoes the entire way.

Like others said LEAVE EARLY! The parking lot is so small. By 9am on a Friday the lot was full and we had to make a spot. I heard they ticket here too if you don't park in the lot. Also Bubbas Burgers in Hanalei was a great reward after. :) Enjoy!

Nearby the ocean beach of Hanakapiai is and adjacent section of Kalalau Trail which moves inland to witness the long enduring falls. I rather stay at the beach and play in the pools of water at the mouth of the river or watch the waves crash to witness and be reminded of the power of the seas. If your thing is hiking and more hiking then by all means, hike to these falls.

If you didn't get a permit to do the full Kalalau Trail, this hike is the next best thing. Get up early, like when it's dark, drive to Ke'e beach, and get front row parking. The last two times we did this, and we started the hike with headlamps, we reached the waterfalls before anyone else and had it all to ourselves. At least for a few minutes, we enjoyed a Hawaiian waterfall in private. And there's nothing like a hike in the morning without the clutter of chatter. So peaceful!
Lots of water crossings, you will get wet! Bring hiking poles, lots of water and snacks. It's a tough, uneven hike, but worth every step.

This hike is not for the feint of heart. Both my husband and I run half marathons, we are no slouches when it comes to hiking. This hike will kick your behind. It is difficult, the footing is slippery, you cross a river (not a stream) several times, part of the trail is actually wading through a stream - and depending upon the season and the weather, you may be soaking wet before ever reaching the waterfalls. But when you get there, oh my! The view is spectacular. Because the hike is so challenging, there are not a lot of people there. I would recommend starting very early in the morning and pushing all the way through. Enjoy the views along the way but don't stop to rest until you arrive at the waterfall. That will give you more time to play in the cool water, swim under the falls, and then get back before the sun goes down.

We did this trail the day after it had been closed for flash flooding. The river levels were back to normal, but the trail was CRAZY muddy. I am pretty sure my toes will forever be stained with mud after this hike. We work hiking/water shoes- so they had good traction, but still allowed from water use. This also meant that every mud puddle I stepped in, allowed for lots of mud to seep in too. I think my feet were swimming in mud for most of this hike. The river crossings were fun, the scenery on this hike was spectacular and the falls at the end are absolutely breathtaking. Neither of us hike a whole lot, but this wasn't bad for either of us. This was one of our top 3 things that we did here for the last week. We loved this hike- even in the mud, and the rain. :)

This is one of the most beautiful places to hike on earth, as many of the other reviewers have captured. After the first two miles of the Kalalau trail, which bring you to Hanakapiai Beach, the waterfall trail is two additional miles that are quite a bit more technical than the first two. The last mile involves crossing three pretty deep streams across rocks, with a current. I'm an experienced hiker in good shape, and I had trouble with those crossings. In fact, on the second one, as I was crossing, my knee gave out, and I couldn't finish the hike. I think I tore my ACL or meniscus -- we'll see. I realize this can happen anywhere, but when it happens 3-1/2 miles in on a remote, technical trail with no cell service, you're basically (almost) out of luck. Now lucky for me I have an amazing wife who took charge of the situation, helped us find a ranger (eventually), and fellow hikers were incredibly helpful and even helped get our teenagers back to the parking lot safely, but we learned a few lessons you should take into account. I hope this is helpful!

1. Start your hike early so that if you have any kind of mishap you have time to take care of things before it gets dark. Especially important if you're hiking with kids, as everything takes longer with kids. It's easier to park early anyway. Also, have a real flashlight with you (not your phone), just in case you need it.

2. Wear the right shoes. We were prepared and we all had hiking shoes. At least Dad was the only one who came out with an injury, but wearing the right shoes when you're on a slippery, muddy, wet hike just makes sense. I did see one local guy doing the trail barefoot, which was amazing, but the rest of us are not built like that so wear the right shoes.

3. Know in advance that there is no cell service out here. Our phones didn't have service, and neither did anyone else, including the ranger's. Luckily, she had a satellite phone, but even that was spotty. That said, that satellite phone was how we arranged my way out, so thank goodness for the ranger!

4. This trail is not brimming with park rangers if you get into trouble. I can't thank our ranger enough for saving the day for our family, but I sat patiently for over an hour until she hiked past me. If you get hurt, you could be sitting for a while waiting for help, so just know that in advance and make sure you have enough water, snacks, sunscreen, etc. to make your wait as comfortable as possible. Also, be very nice to the rangers when you see them. She arranged help, got me an icepack, and sat with us until help arrived. I would have been in a lot more trouble without her calm demeanor, positive attitude, and knowledge.

5. There is no rescue hotline or satellite phone at Hanakapiai Beach. There's a payphone in the parking lot at Ke'e Beach, and then you're on your own. A few hikers told us there was a phone at the two mile marker, but there isn't.

6. Do NOT cross the streams if you are worried about your ability to do so. I wasn't worried, and I still had trouble. Certainly don't cross the streams during dangerous conditions.

7. If you do get injured, and can't get out on your own, the helicopter rescue service is incredible. I can't say enough good things about these people. I felt terrible that I had to use their resources on a healthy guy who just had bad luck, but when I was sitting there for an hour on my own I was trying to figure out how I was going to be able to cross that stream even with help and it just wasn't happening. These guys are lifesavers, and thanks to the ranger, they got me back safely and with precision.

I hesitated writing this because I certainly don't want to talk anyone reading this out of doing the hike to the falls -- at least for the wrong reasons. I did it many years ago without incident and it was incredible. Life is risky and I could have just as easily tweaked my knee at the shave ice stand. So if you're in good shape and smart and the conditions are good, go for it! But just be prepared and have a plan in the rare likelihood that you'll need it. The best experiences in life have risks. Just remember that this is truly a remote hike, and it's worth planning ahead.

Unless you are an experienced hiker, I do not recommend this UNLESS you are in great shape and go very slow so that you do not end up killing yourself. I am not a hiker and unfortunately didn't even think about reading reviews prior to doing this so going into this hike, I knew it was 8.2 miles roundtrip to the falls and "hard but very doable". I think this hike is VERY dangerous and didn't think the waterfall was worth risking my life. Don't get me wrong, the waterfall was breathtaking but by the time you get there, you are physically and mentally tired and thinking that you have to come back the same way you came in. The changes in altitude was not the issue on the trail, it was the various terrain. The trail consists of rocks, tons of mud, crossing streams in water almost to my waist (no exaggeration), crossing large rock formations that have water falling down it and walking narrow muddy cliff edges. There is no phone service on your cell. We took a few pics along the way and stayed at the falls for approx. 20 minutes and it still took us almost 8 hours to complete it! I wish that there were notices explaining what to expect in detail and I also think they should not allow kids to do this hike because it is very dangerous and people are getting hurt on a daily basis there. Some of the locals told us that there are constant helicopter rescues, broken bones and a number of deaths per year on this trail. If you do it, please take your time and good luck.

Most gorgeous site we've ever seen, but very dangerous, slippery (don't go after/during rain). Lots of cliffy areas, river crossings, and slippery. Have LOTS of water, right shoes. It will take 6.5 hours from beginning of Kalalau trail and back (8 miles total)

This hike is extremely beautiful but much more difficult then expected. We started at 7am on a day with pretty ideal weather conditions and it took us 7.5 hours with a few breaks. We are both in good shape but not avid hikers and I was struggling a lot. Even with good conditions the trail was very muddy and slippery. The stream crossings we're also pretty tricky with the water up to my knees and faster then expected. I feel multiple times and wound up with some pretty brutal bruises and was honestly surprised more people haven't gotten seriously hurt. If you are not an avid hiker know what you are getting into. Wear hiking boots and bring at least 2L of water per person.

If you are moderately fit or better, do this one. Plan on more water than needed and a snack. Took us 4.5 hours and we were moving most of the time. Spent about 30-45 minutes at the falls.

This hike ended up being our favorite part of our trip to Hawaii. It is best to start early in the morning to beat the heat on the last leg of the way back. Bring lots of water with you and enjoy the swim at the falls!

Unforgettable hiking experience with my family! Bring lunch and snacks & bathing suit for once you get to the waterfall. The trail can get very muddy (at one point I walked barefoot), the vast majority is thankfully in the shade, but trail does cross stream multiple times. Beautiful day hike option if you are not able to do Kalalau Trail!

This is an incredible waterfall. It's about 300 ft tall and lands down into a nice pool of water surrounded by beautiful cliffs. I don't know if it was because it was a challenge to get there, but this may have been the best waterfall I've seen in my life. roundtrip, it took us 6 hours from Ke'e beach. It wasn't the hardest hike and didn't have too much elevation climbs, but it was a little challenging as you have to cross some streams and take a lot of careful steps. I'd say more long than hard. With that said, you'll need lots of water. We brought about 6 liters (4 bottles from Costco) and drank it all. There is a bathroom 2 miles in at the beach. One thing I really liked about this hike was that it was broken up with things to see at the 2 mile and 6 mile mark is a pretty beach and there is also the Napali coast mountains. I'm not sure I'd recommend it solely for visiting the coast as I think a boat or air tour might be better as I didn't see the huge colors shown in other pictures. The coastline part was beautiful, but when you could see it, it was also very hot and that first portion was a little more of a steep climb. The falls are awesome though, and if you decide to hike this trail it's well worth going past the beach to the falls. Just remember it's 8 miles round trip (4 up, 4 back) and pretty hot. Again, it just takes time not that hard, we were not sore the next day like other harder hikes.

Lastly, my wife really wanted to know why we were going for a hike in Hawaii when we could be at the beach and she was really dreading doing this hike thinking how hard it would be. Afterwards, she said this was the best thing we did on our entire trip. Go for it.

We took a helicopter ride with doors off. Seeing the waterfall close up was truly an amazing experience and adventure.

I'm going to be a little different from everyone else and say that while I really enjoyed the hike (I love hiking), the waterfall wasn't that great to me. It was definitely cool, and I highly recommend this hike, but I got there and found the hike to be better than the waterfall. Going through the bamboo and stepping on thousands of guava are all part of the fun. The water is a little chilly, but just jump in and swim under the falls!

We hiked in the first 2 miles, not a problem for 60 year olds in good shape, and the views were spectacular! We encountered a couple with a camera who showed us why his calves were all cut up - he was crossing the "stream" at the 2 mile mark and while standing on a rock taking a picture down to the sea, he heard a big rumbling. He had time to turn around and a flash flood of water came down unexpectedly from above and knocked him into the turbulence. They left the rest of their party on the other side and it was getting dark! We turned back at that point.
We came back the next day. First 2 miles are great, views unbelievable, rocky and wet path, muddy and slippery. We crossed the stream and 2 couples about our age were coming back down and tried to dissuade us, said it had taken them 3 hours to go the next 2 miles to view the waterfall and back! There was a sign posted at the stream which warned of flash floods, and displayed lots of 5 marks, you know when one draws 4 marks and slashes through the fifth. Said at least 83 people to date have been swept by rushing water into the sea and died! Wish I'd taken a picture of that sign! When we got back to the hotel I asked the concierge about the sign, my husband said it must be a joke or noone would be allowed there, or the state would build a bridge. The concierge said it certainly is true and some of the deaths had been hotel guests! She continued, " We want Hawaii in its natural state, nobody is going to build a bridge."
We hiked on to the waterfall anyhow. It was really, really, really muddy - and slippery - and you have to cross back and forth over the water 5 or 6 times. I really felt a sense of accomplishment at the end, and the view is spectacular, but this hike is not for the faint of heart! I loved it, my husband complained the whole way.

One of the most gruelling hikes i have done! Fantastic scenery, very challenging and rewarding. Wished we could have stayed longer at the beautiful falls! Make sure you have plenty of water and a hat. Shaded most of way up but very sunny most of the way back from the beach.

Most importantly - this is not for the faint of heart or those in poor physical shape. It is a very challenging hike to get to and from this place. That said, the falls are spectacular and they come with a feeling of accomplishment for conquering a very rugged but exciting course. You will cross rivers, climb rocks, and slog through a lot of mud, but you will be glad you did.

Saying this was a tough hike is an understatement. Treacherous and tiring are much more descriptive. Do not attempt this if you don't have the right equipment, provisions, and physical conditioning. However, after you reach the falls and swim in the cold, refreshing pool... all is good. Swimming under a hidden 300 ft waterfall with my teenage kids is something that I'll never forget. We were all challenged in different ways, but we found a way to stay positive and told jokes along the way. My wife cried when we finished (partly emotional, but mostly relief)!

This is one of the most popular hikes in Kauai, and require mid-level hiking expertise to complete but worth it if you can do it. There are several places on the hike to just stand and watch the Pacific crashing into the rocks below. Be careful at the end of the hike: those rock formations are in the memory of those swept out into the ocean. The pool created by the water fall on one side and the ocean careening overt he rocks on the other might look peaceful but closer to the ocean there is an undertow.

I’ve done this hike in the past (7 years ago) so I knew what to expect. Look up haena state park and get a parking pass if you can. They book out weeks in advance so be prepared but it’s roughly 5 dollars. Otherwise there are shuttles and from I heard they worked great too. I would suggest getting the morning pass if you’re hiking up to the falls (6:30-12:30 slot) and also try to get the next slot from 12:30-5:30 to get ample time to do the hike and enjoy ke’e beach. Coming from Colorado I suggested doing this hike on the early part of our trip so we’d wake up early still being on Colorado time. Wear good shoes (sneakers or hiking boots). My husband wore sneakers that were also water shoes and those worked really well for the water crossings. As long as the tide is low I would just trudge through the water otherwise you can slip on the rocks. Very muddy but we were the first ones on the trail a week ago. I made sure we got to the trailhead even before 6:30 but the park ranger was on island time so she didn’t arrive until 6:45 (which meant I was missing out on precious hiking time or time at the falls). She said I could’ve just left the pass in my window but I was trying to obey the rules. It’s best to do this hike as early as possible. We got to the falls at 9 and spent about 45 minutes hanging out and swimming. My suggestion is to wear your swimsuit under hiking clothes. Bring lots of water and snacks. At the end of the day, my watch said I climbed 122 floors and I definitely don’t doubt that. The last mile back to Ke’e my legs felt like jello but we made it back to the parking lot with a quick dip at Ke’e beach and 5 more mins on parking but it didn’t look like they were super strict on making sure we were out if there on time. Enjoy!

If you're reasonably in shape, then definitely take the time to do the hike to Hanakapiai Falls. It's a tough hike. About 8 miles and some of the terrain is a bit difficult, but you'll be rewarded by a fantastic waterfall at the end, and the views along the way are stunning. This was a highlight of my time in Kauai.

To get to the trail, simply followthe main road till the end.Park your car at a legal spot, ignoring the no park sign will result in a ticket!
The trail is on your left just at the end of the road. The signs are important, this hike is wonderful, but you want to return in one piece. I recommend good hiking shoes (no flip flops), plenty if water and some food. The first part of the trail goes to the beach. The views are awesome, this is the kind of nature you associate with Hawaii. The first part is 2 miles. A lot of leople stop when they reach the beach. The next part to the falls is another 2 miles (all distances are one way). You need to cross the river first, and take a left (no worries, the trail is clearly marked). First you cross a bamboo forest, later on you get in a more tropical wet area. Be aware you need to cross the river several times, the rocks are very slippery, caution! I would for sure not do this trail with kids. The last section follows a rocky slope, where it would be nice to have some rope or chain as this part is a bit tricky. Finally you reach the falls, and it was worth the effort. Some people swim in the pool, which may be a bad idea as sometimes not only water but also stones fall down.
Don't stay too long, you still need to go back and you need saylight to return safely. The entire hike took us 4 - 5 hours, we walked at a normal speed and took some time to enjoy the view

I read many of the reviews before going on this hike, and I was a little bit intimidated by them, to be honest. I'm in average shape in my early 30's, and I'm not an avid hiker by any means. I probably go on 1-2 short hikes (1 mile or less) per year on average. This was our 3rd visit to the Kalalau trail, but we had never been to Hanakapiai falls before. Last time we were here 2 years ago, we made it to Hanakapiai beach. The comments about the trail made it seem extremely difficult.

We did the hike at the end of July, which is probably the hottest time of the year. We got to the trail head at about 6:50 on a Thursday, and the parking lot at the beach was about half full. I wore some old basketball shoes, and my wife bought a new pair of Keen hiking water sandals for the hike. We each brought 1.5 liters of water and 2 20 oz. bottles of Gatorade. Most of the elevation climb on the way to the beach is in the first 0.5 miles. There is some climb after that, but it isn't as steep. We made it to the beach by 8:00, and the sun was just starting to hit the edge of the beach. We were very glad to have been able to hike the first 2 miles with no sun on us. We still had lots of energy, and hadn't used much of our water. We spent around 15 minutes at the beach, and then headed up the trail to the falls.

It had been raining off and on for a few days before our hike, but we didn't get any rain during the hike, which probably made the trail easier. There is some elevation climb on the way to the falls, but it isn't much compared to the first half of the hike. The trail seemed pretty well-maintained, and wasn't hard to follow. In the few places where there was a bit of a fork, there were always ribbons that were visible to mark which way to go. Some parts of the trail were a bit wet and slick, but the mud wasn't bad at all. If you're sure-footed and have good balance, the river crossings aren't bad. I finished the entire hike without getting my shoes wet, and I didn't find any of the crossings difficult.

On our way up about 1-1.5 miles in from the beach, there was a rescue helicopter that was looking up and down the canyon very close to us. Hopefully they found who they were looking for.

The falls were amazing, and the water was very cold. We swam underneath the falls, and probably spent about an hour there. We brought lunch with us and ate at the falls.

The hike back was more difficult because we were tired and the sun was out and hot. When we got back to the beach, we rested there and ate for 15-20 minutes.

As others have mentioned, the most difficult part of the hike was from Hanakapiai beach back to Ke'e beach because of being exposed to the hot sun during most of the uphill climb. We made it back to Ke'e beach to our car by about 2:00, and between my wife and I, we had an unopened 1.5 liter bottle of water and an unopened Gatorade. We finished off the Gatorade at the car, and still had the water to spare. In total, it was about 7 hours with around 1.5-2 hours of time spent at the falls and the beach.

In summary, I think starting early before the sun was over the mountain made the hike much easier than it would have been in mid-day. The trail from the beach to the falls was MUCH easier than we were expecting, but I can see how it would be difficult if it were raining heavily.

If you wear good shoes, bring food and water, and start early, most people should be able to do this hike. Just realize that it is long, and the last 2 miles will be hot if the sun is out. Each 2 mile leg of the hike took us around 1 hour and 15 minutes at an average pace. We passed some people, and others passed us.

Highly recommended!

Yes this is quite a lovely and stunning area, but you should NOT attempt this hike unless you are among the fittest and most experienced hikers! the weather will also dictate if even that group can relatively safely traverse this beautiful but potentially DANGEROUS are! Why risk life and limb when there are so many safe places to visit on Kauai?

this was a fantastic hike that others have accurately described in their reviews on Tripadvisor. slippery rocks, multiple stream crossings, a few rock scrambles and amazing waterfall as the reward for your efforts! we did it yesterday and the weather was perfect. I would not have attempted this hike if it was raining as I think it would have turned the hike from challenging to treacherous.

go for it and bring plenty of water and snacks/lunch!

We knew this hike would be tough before we started and it lived up to its reputation. The hike is tough even for someone that is an experienced hiker. There is lots of mud, rock scrambles, steep ledges and slippery rocks to fall on. While it's only about 4 miles from the starting point at Ke'e beach, this hike can still take a solid 2+ hours each way.

Now, once you survive the hike, you will be rewarded with an amazing view of the falls. The falls stand at 300 feet and are nestled in a valley that is picture perfect. The hardest part is capturing the falls in all their glory in a single photo. You can also swim in the falls and actually swim through/behind the falls. It's an invigorating swim after a tough hike, but be warned the water is chilly (not tropical warm!) and the rocks around the lake are slippery. However, the swim is definitely worth it.

If your in shape for the hike (and brought adequate food/water), I highly recommend.

It was exhausting 4 miles to get there, and it rained some the night before, so it was super muddy and slippery at times. I recommend going early in the morning, bringing lots of water and some food, and a towel. I wish we had a change a clothes cause I wish we swam under the waterfall. Also bug spray and sunscreen is a must, along with a good walking stick and hiking shoes, or something with a good grip. Go early to avoid crowds and humidity. One of kind experience, well worth it, also great pictures of the coastline along the way!

Start out early in the morning and you will miss most of the days' heat and latecomers that seem to grow with the day. if you take a dip in the falls pool be ready for cold!

Don't miss this if you are capable of a moderate to strenuous day hike. To start, the nomenclature here is a bit confusing. The Hanakapiai Falls (and Hanakapiai Beach on the way) hike is referred to here. It is all the first part of the Kalalau Trail which is 11 miles (each way) along the Na Pali coast (and referred to in a separate tripadvisor activity). The hike up to these falls is a side trip. See the map at kalalautrail.com This is a comfortable day hike. The Kalalau Trail would be a multiday adventure requiring permits, etc.

The hike to the falls and back is easily divided into four sections of 2 miles each for an 8 mile hike (4 there and 4 back). Two miles to the beach then 2 miles up to the falls then back. We hiked at a moderate pace that was a bit above average of the people we saw. Each section took 1 hour and 15 minutes of hiking for a total of 5 hours of hiking. With stops for pictures, swimming at the falls, and lunch the whole thing took us about 6 hours.

This is a popular hike and we saw lots of people but it wasn't crowded. It is super easy to find as you drive to the end of the main road as far as you can go in a car and park. The main highway west past Princeville and Hanalei follows the coast and ends at Ke'e Beach where the trail starts. There is a lifeguard station at this beach. There is some parking there but it fills up. There is a secondary dirt parking lot a few minutes walk back along the road that has a very bumpy and muddy surface and you really need high clearance on your vehicle. We bottomed out in our rental car. It was much easier to just park along the road and would recommend that if the main lot is full (likely unless you arrive early).

The first 2 mile section of the hike gains 600 feet in elevation before going down to ocean level again at H. Beach. It is almost all up then all down. Views of the Na Pali coast at many places are stunning and happen fairly soon after starting. Hiking just to the beach and back without going to the falls would half the time and be more than worth it. The best views by far are on this section (except for the falls of course). H. Beach is rocky and swimming is really out of the question even if you are a great swimmer due to high surf and currents and rocks. The river that comes from the falls ends at the beach so the hike up to the falls follows the river and crosses it in several places. It is a 750 feet elevation gain to the base of the falls from H. Beach. The falls end in a large pool that is amazing to go for a (cool but much appreciated) swim. One has to give at least a thought to Leptospirosis but once you are there (and hot and sweaty and muddy) it would be really hard not to go in. We swam in the pool and went under the falls briefly, which was amazing. Another danger of course, if you go under or close to the falls, would be falling rocks which come from way up and would be deadly. The falls are 300 feet tall.

The trail is easy to follow and well travelled. It is almost entirely mud. It had not rained in a few days and was hot and sunny and there was significant mud (don't wear shoes you can't clean). There are lots of rocks and roots. Steam crossing is hopping on rocks (some people waded). Apparently it can flood quickly and become impassable and deadly to cross during or after rains which may be higher up and not where you are!. Warnings suggest waiting rather than trying to cross if deeper than your knees. That said, we kept dry at all crossings on the rocks but you have to jump a bit and have good balance. This hike is rated moderate to high in difficulty because it is steep in places, there is significant elevation gain (3 separate times) and because it is muddy. The trail to the beach is similar to the trail up to the falls except for the stream crossings (there are none on the trail to the beach). There are toilets at the beginning and at H. Beach. Bring lots of water and don't drink from the stream/pool/falls. Much of the hike was in shade which was nice because it was hot. This was end of January so may be different at other times of year although there is a lot of tree cover on the way up to the falls. The views of the Na Pali coast are in the first two miles only. You go up to the falls to see them and the forest and stream. There are no vistas once you head up the falls trail.

If you aren't feeling as athletic or don't have as much time you can start the trail from Ke'e beach and get stunning vistas within 1/2 an hour (all uphill hiking until you turn around). It would still really be worth it. If you just have an hour do that. If you have 3 hours hike to H. Beach and back. The full hike is really worth it though so plan most of a day and do it! You can see the Na Pali coast by helicopter, plane or boat but this is way better in my opinion (and cheaper!). Check the weather for Na Pali and plan to go on a good day after it has been dry for a few days.

This is one of the best hikes I've ever done and should be first on your list. Enjoy.

The two mile hike to the beach is great. The longer hike to the falls is really dangerous. It wasn't raining on the way to the falls and some of the streams were still really hard to cross. On the way back it was raining and it was almost impossible to get down. It is a DANGEROUS hike. The trail back was a proper survival situation. Rivers were deep and fast flowing and almost impossible to cross. There is a river that intersects the beach and it was too deep and fast to cross. We were trapped. In the end I swam across but looking back I am lucky to be alive because I could have been washed out to sea. Please don't take children on this walk.

We just came back from the 6 1/2 hour hike. My wife and I are in our upper 40s. We went with our two kids, 13 and 11. We followed others advice of bringing 2 L of water per person and tons of snacks, including spam musubi‘s. We lucked out on the weather as there was very little rain throughout our adventure. The muddy trails were challenging for sure. We spent some time swimming at the waterfall. It was definitely easier wading through the streams rather than trying to jump from rock to rock to try to avoid getting wet.

Don’t let the bad reviews scare you off. I have a sedentary lifestyle. My wife is a little bit more active. Our kids are not happy hikers, but they are troopers. I wouldn’t do this with young children under ten or elderly grandparents.

We did not use hiking poles, and we wouldn’t if we were offered them.

Overall, nobody got any blisters, cuts, bruises, broken bones or deaths. Two of us wore open keens. One more closed keens. One more closed Merrill’s there and Keens on the way back.

We all wore thin shirts. We brought rain jackets but ended up not wearing them at all.

Frankly, I don’t know if I will go again. I doubt it at my age. It is physically challenging, and there are other hikes to explore. I hope my kids return when they are adults with their own future loved ones.

Getting to the waterfall was not so bad, but that last mile coming back was less than fun. All of our feet were aching by the time we got to the car.

I would probably recommend this to my friends. I would definitely recommend this to my enemies.

My wife absolutely loved the hike. I was glad to accompany her.

At 60 years old and in decent but not excellent physical shape, I was a little a concerned that I'd make it to the falls. But the trails were well-maintained and signed. Some river crossings were a little challenging, but the falls were beautiful and satisfying. Plan on 5-6 hours.

We looked at previous reviews. Essential to be properly prepared. Our family is experienced in treks and walking. We did this walk in the dry. It was still very slippy in places. Take lots and lots of water. We took 2 litres per person and finished the lot. It was a hot and humid day. We left at 8am which was probably at least an hour too late as the car park was really filling up and coming back we were right in the mid day sun. Even though we are all fit, due to the number of people and slippy surfaces plus river crossings it took nearly 5 hours including a nice stop and swim at the falls. We walked pretty quickly but you do need to stop to take in the views as well. We have heard of some people who were not experienced and without the right shoes/equipment taking nearly 10 hours although this does seem excessive. Coming back was so hot that we just walked at speed and returned in just over 90 minutes from the falls (4 miles). Back from the falls to the beach is virtually downhill all the way. We wore walking boots which in wet weather would be essential (or walking shoes). We wished we had taken light water shoes for the three deeper river crossings and for the waterfall swim as we now have very wet walking boots. So the trek is really rewarding but you do need to be relatively fit, especially for the climb back out from the beach on the way back. Take a small picnic and chill out at the waterfall. It is very beautiful and worth it. It is 13.4km round trip from the car park and none of the trail itself is flat. Having done it, I would not go if the weather was bad as the views will not be very good and the trail will be muddy and slippy - but that is personal choice!

We booked the shuttle 30 days in advance for ourselves and our 3 kids (ages 15, 19, 23). It had rained for several days so our first bus trip was cancelled (flooding over the road). We rebooked for a few days later. The hike was only 15 km but was so muddy that it was not enjoyable at all. We hike often in the Canadian Rocky's but had never hiked through so much slippery mud.
The river crossings were also a little sketchy (up over our knees with a strong current). I think there were five river crossings, each way, there and back. When we got to the waterfall there was so much flow over the falls that we couldn't get close to them and certainly couldn't swim at the base of the falls. Overall disappointing. If I could do this again I would only like the first mile in - to see the views down the coast. If the trail had been dry, it would have been fine. With all the slippery mud the hike took us close to 8 hours. If you go bring bug spray (the bugs were awful) and water shoes for the river crossings.

My hike along the Na Pali Coast to Hanakapiai Falls
Elevation: starts at sea level at Ke'e Beach and raises up 800 feet at the highest point
Distance: 2 miles to the beach, another 2 miles to the falls; 7 hours round trip.

My first thought as I was preparing for the hike was, “Why am I doing this to myself? I’m on vacation, shouldn’t I be sitting on the beach drinking a Mai Tai?” Oh well, we are already committed. So I stuffed my backpack with food, water, and camera, etc.… When we arrived at the trail head at 8:30 in the morning, I was still thinking this was a bad idea. The first half mile wasn’t bad and I was stopping to take photos periodically. We had gone up a few hundred feet already and I could feel my thighs starting to burn. By the 1 mile marker, I was sweating like crazy (the humidity must have been at 90%), my thighs were on full burn, and I was stopping more often to take pictures (really just an excuse to catch my breath). At least the trail wasn’t too muddy today, so far. When we finally made it to the beach, I was ready to sit and relax for a while. By now, my thighs were numb and my feet were damp from almost falling into the stream several times that we just crossed, as I stepped from rock to rock, and they are starting to hurt. My shirt is totally drenched from sweat and the humidity must be 100% now.
As we start into the valley (a rain forest jungle), the "trail" starts to become muddy, I mean really muddy. The trail follows the creek all the way to the falls, crossing it several times. About half a mile into this trail, the humidity must now be at least 150% (I’m not sure how it not raining). My feet are soaked from slipping and falling into the stream at the first crossing. Not to worry though, this cleaned off the 3 inches of mud caked on my shoes from walking in ankle deep mud along the trail. In some cases the trail is actually in a creek bed, which means that if it rains up hill, I would expect to be met in the face with a wall of water coming down the mountain. As we approach the half way point, I swear that I am breathing straight water now, the humidity is so thick. Sweat is pouring off me faster than I can wipe it off. Parts of the trail are climbing up wet shear rock. I keep telling myself that waterfall will be worth it. In what seems like an eternity, we finally make it to the falls. They are beautiful!! Or so I’m told. I can’t see straight right now because I’m so exhausted. I will just take pictures and see it later, if I am pointing the camera in the right direction. I take this opportunity to lay on the rocks and relax. Then it occurs to me, I still have to go back!!
I quit. I'll just stay here. Please forward my mail to Hanakapiai Falls, Kauai.

Hanakapiai Falls hike is difficult it is 8 miles round trip, allow 6-8 hours. You cross streams and a river, can be dangerous depending on rain/ flash floods. If you time it right the trip is well worth the effort, amazing views of a spectacular waterfall!

Great waterfall that is well worth the hike. Be warned though that you need to be in good shape to make the hike and bring plenty of water as there is none on the hike.

If you are physically fit you should take the time and hike to these falls. A few hours up but it's all worth it. The falls are beautiful and on a hot day take a swim, sit down and enjoy nature at it's best.

This is a very rocky and muddy "trail". It has many challenges including multiple river crossings, rocky trail, steep inclines, bugs, and lots of mud. That being said, if you're up for a challenge go for it! On a sunny day this hike would be beautiful. We went on an overcast day (still awesome) that was very wet. Don't expect to keep your shoes clean, there is a ton of mud that is VERY slippery.

This hike is the second part from Hanakapiai beach. This part of the hike was certainly not "easy" as others have said but can be rather difficult in parts. Very muddy in sections and a lot of river wading along the way. That being said it can be done in trainers (although i'd recommend ankle high hiking boots). The falls at the end are very special and as far as i know this is the only way to see this waterfall, didn't see it on our helicopter tour even. You can go for a nice swim when you get there to cool off too. Star early in the morning as it is at least 5 hours from the trail head at Haena and take lunch with you to eat when you arrive at the falls.

My wife and I made the round trip in about 8 hours with several breaks along the way. We are in our mid-late 30's in moderately good shape and did not have any issues with the trip. Even coming from the flatlands of Michigan the hike wasn't overly challenging. All the trip advisor reviews were spot on! Nothing quite like the experience of floating in the pool and looking up at a 300 ft waterfall. Amazing!

This hike is only 8 miles R/T, but it hikes like 12. If you want to hike and explore Kauai, get the Kauai Trailblazer guide (the green and black cover). It has the inside scoop. For this hike, show up early, bring a hiking pole, and wear sturdy shoes that will get wet and muddy.

Awesome moment there, well worth the lonnnng hike! Might get lost a bit as trail can get confusing but pretty straight forward. Crossing the streams may be hard for some folks but saw some kids crossing. Water was nice and refreshing for a swim!

First off, I'll let you know that 6 people in my family did this hike (4 people 19-26, 2 people mid-50s). Four of us have done hikes all over the country (one was a Boy Scout and backpacked a couple of times in the NM mountains).

We started the hike at 7:45 am and the parking lot at the beach was already full and we had to park in overflow parking. The first 2 miles from Ke'e Beach to Hanakapiai Beach aren't too technically difficult (just a lot of elevation changes) when it's DRY! There's one river crossing before you get to the beach. It took us just under an hour and a half to do this stretch. We walked along the beach and ate some snacks (about 20 min) before starting the 2 miles to the falls. The first mile of this was not very difficult -- not a lot of elevation change and the path is nice and shaded. This changes dramatically for the second mile. There are 3 river crossing and the path is a lot of walking over boulders. It started raining on us at 11:30 am (about 1 mile before the falls) which made it even more difficult as this made the rocks slippery, not to mention the slick, red-clay, mud. The last 0.5 mile before the falls gets more difficult where the path gets narrow. There are a few areas where the path is only about a foot and a half wide and you're walking over boulders and it's a straight drop down into the river.

Once you make it to the falls, it's beautiful and I highly recommend swimming -- the cold water feels great! Take some time to enjoy and relax before the 4 miles back.

On the way back, the 2 miles between the falls and the beach were more or less the same. It was still raining so the mud was getting worse and more slippery (I think all but one of us slipped and fell. Luckily, it was just our pride that was hurt). The 2 miles between Hanakapiai beach and Ke'e beach were now wet and slippery as well. Luckily, on the way back, the muddy areas are mostly going up hill so it's easier to hike up them. People that started late and were walking down those areas were really struggling. It took us exactly 8 hours to complete the hike with our stops.

Some tips: Bring a first aid kit, snacks, and plenty of water (we had eight 32 ounce bottles and it was barely enough). As for footwear, 3 of us wore hiking shoes and 3 of us wore teva/chaco sandals. I think you could go either way -- the sandals were nice because we just walked through the rivers instead of trying to stay on the rocks but the palm fronds are sharp and you run the risk of stubbing your toes. Hiking shoes obviously protect your feet better but it's almost more dangerous if you're trying to keep them dry over the river crossings (those rocks are slick!). Two people used hiking poles and they thought it really helped them. Make sure you have rain gear as you are walking in a rain forest (it rained on us for 5 of the 8 hours).

Overall it was a fantastic hike but it's definitely challenging. Just do your research and make sure you're prepared.

It seems like half the couples in Kauai are expecting so I'll highlight my pregnant wife's experience. My wife is 5 1/2 months and just completed the hike to the falls with a return trip to Hanakapi'ai beach two days later.

The trek to the falls is strenuous but made more difficult by the humidity and rocky, uneven ground. We both had trail running shoes and it was still slippery at points on a completely rain free day.

We both agreed that this hike was two miles two long for her stage of pregnancy. We started at 8AM but would recommend 6AM start as the mid day sun and humidity hit us in the final two miles section from the beach to the parking lot. We were so excited to reach the beach on the way in that we forgot about the uphill on the return. My wife hikes an average of 12 miles per week and exercises daily and was shocked by her lack of energy.

We both drank two liters of water each.

Note: Sensible advice - if you're pregnant, just go for the hanakapi'ai beach hike.

However...I just asked her and she said she would definitely do it again knowing what she knows now haha

Hiking along the river is just great. Some parts (especially when crossing the river multiple times) are quite challenging, overall you should be fit and have some hiking practise. Calculate a full day for this tour from the Kalalau Trail entry and back.

Beutifull falls but you need to get to the falls 😀
Well, first get there early as the sun can be realy hot in the next half of the day. From my expirience get enough water we had 6.5 liters between both of us and we finished this by the end of our trip.it took us 8 hours to do 8 miles.Trail it self is not easy especialy going to the falls 2 miles nothing but rocks,some steap rocks, mud and roots.pay attention where you steping.
Good shoes, hiking shoes a plus.we saw people with water shoes bad idea.did once never ever unless you want to be miserable all the time go for it.
When you get 2 miles in from kee beach by the Hanakapiai beach there is a restrom.my recomendation use . this is the only restoom that is there.On the trail you cant go on the side to do your buisness and you will see if you walk the trail what i mean if you hungry there is mango trees all over.tasty fruit.washit first before eating but not in the stream !!!!
So enough said if you in Kaua'i you must do this.
I would recomend this to any one who is some wat fitt and likes hiking.if you cant make all 8 miles to and back do firs mile.exelent views that you cant miss.

Read the low star reviews. They are spot on!! The first 2 miles to the beach is decent and not terribly difficult. The hike to the falls are a different story. You will be crossing streams waist deep in water. You're practically rock climbing on the side of a steep cliff at one point. My partner and I fell several times. Cuts and bruises. All in all, It's a ton of effort. The falls are cool but really not worthy the pain. I twisted my knee and injured my foot. The last mile back was extremely painful for me. I didn't think I would make it. I'm still suffering at home hours later. If you must do this then be seriously prepared. Get hiking boots and water shoes. Or be prepared to soak your boots. Get hiking poles too. I think they sell them at Costco in Lihue. Bring food and water. I would say around 800 calories (candy bars are good too) and 2 liters of water. I regret wasting the 8 hours. There are shorter hikes with great payoffs. Queens bath is great. I swam there. I like taking risks for fun and sights but I wish I could turn back time. I almost tripped down a cliff. I'm grateful I made this trip alive. Seriously. However, I did see many others that seemed to not have any problems. Maybe it was me. Meh.

The trail to the falls is 8 miles round trip. Totally worth it but bring twice as much water as you think you will need. Many river crossings--I would recommend sturdy shoes and a walking stick.

I will admit, we had no idea what we were in for. Our first thought was this would be a nice walk along a nicely paved, nicely level trail to a nice waterfall. Wrong! What it turned out to be was a long, challenging 8 mile hike into the forest that is best for intermediate to experienced level hikers. Do not get me wrong, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves, and we will defiantly do it again. But, understand, you must be prepared for a long, sometimes difficult, rainy, muddy, hot, humid, trek up a steep mountain side that, at times, can be on an unsteady, slippery and potentially dangerous trail. The reward for your efforts...a spectacular and beautiful time spent with nature at her best!
Tip: Do not forget to wear appropriate foot attire (no sandals) and bring plenty of water/food, and a camera!

This is a MUST VISIT while in Kauai. However, do not take the trek to this gorgeous waterfall lightly. It is a difficult 8 mile round trip hike. It took us about 6 hours to complete the whole thing. We stayed at the falls for about 45 minutes.

The Kalalau trail begins at Ke'e Beach. You should get there EARLY. We got there at 7AM and the parking lot was already halfway full. Bring AT LEAST 2L of water per person and wear good hiking shoes that you don't mind getting wet or muddy. We all wore old tennis shoes and they are all covered in mud now, but they worked perfectly fine. Wear lots of sunscreen and bug spray if mosquitos like you. Bring a lunch or at least several granola bars per person. Also, wear your swimsuit if you want to swim in the falls. There's not really any bushes to change behind.

The first 2 miles of the trail bring you to Hanakāpīʻai beach. This is a well marked trail that is uphill the first mile and downhill the second. Nothing too difficult, but it's certainly not a walk in the park. To get to the beach, you come across your first river crossing. There are ways to get across dry, but just figure out a way that's best for you. Once you arrive at the beach, you should not swim at this beach as you will see signs everywhere that show how dangerous it can be. At this beach. the trail splits into two. You can continue on the Kalalau trail for 9 miles, but you must have a permit, etc. The trail to get to the falls is on the left. There's also a pit toilet a this junction.

The next two miles are grueling, but gorgeous. The last about half a mile is the most difficult, with a lot of steep rocks etc. There are also several river crossings, some more difficult than others. Once you get to the falls it is totally worth it!

Don't think that the hike back will be easy, it's still difficult and it seems like it takes forever, but you get back eventually. Just don't forget your water!!

Disclaimer: I am not an avid hiker nor would I consider myself an outdoorsy person. So for those who might be on the fence about doing this hike, you may find my review to be helpful.

This is NOT for the casual hiker. Ladies, don't wear cute yoga clothes or adorable "hiking" clothes to post on Instagram. Be prepared to wear clothes to toss afterwards because you will get mud/dirt on them, which might not come out. Same with shoes.

Speaking of shoes, do NOT wear gym shoes or even Keen hiking sandals. Wear hiking BOOTS - the big, clunky ones with ankle protection. I am SO thankful that I packed them. It rained the day before and rained for a good portion of our hike. Every other step could've easily led to a twisted ankle as the trail was slippery and steep. I don't know how we could have made it without our boots.

I absolutely despise the mushy feeling of wet feet, so if you're like me and want to avoid getting your feet completely drenched, then I would pack a pair of water sandals with good traction for crossing rivers (not creeks) when stepping and balancing on rocks. There is a river that you must walk through (about waist high), so your feet will need to be underwater at some point - and you'll be thankful for the sandals then.

As mentioned, it rained pretty much most of our trail, and although I used my handy windbreaker for the first portion, I didn't even bother on our way back. I never felt so gross in my life, as I was covered in mud, drenched by the rain, and exhausted by the 8 miles. But am I glad we did it? Yes. Not only were the sights breathtaking and you had a sense of accomplishment, but I know realistically that if we have the opportunity to return to Kauai, we would probably not be able to physically do it again. (Granted, we are healthy 30 years olds, but we realistically aren't going to be in better shape with time).

So if this non-outdoorsy gal can do it, you can too - just make sure to start early in the morning, to pack and dress appropriately (bring an extra 5 grocery/trash bags for your dirty shoes afterwards), and to anticipate for rainy, dreary weather.

I did a ton of research on this hike prior to our trip, and while I was a little nervous, I couldn't pass up the opportunity to get up close and personal with a waterfall. No research could prepare me for how awe-inspiring these falls are. If I had to pick one highlight from our week on Kauai, this would probably be it. We swam (in the incredibly cold water), had a little snack on the rocks, and just basked in the stunning view. The hike was challenging, but I would do it again in a heartbeat. I'm relatively in shape, but didn't have any hiking experience prior to this. For the most part the trail was easy to follow, but there were some places where it got a little confusing. I just wore Nike shoes instead of hiking boots, and with the exception of stepping into a huge puddle of water 3/4 of the way through, it worked out fine. We started super early to beat most of the heat (the last two miles in the sun were a bit brutal) and get decent parking. We packed LOTS of water into a comfortable backpack we swapped back and forth between the two of us throughout the hike. In hindsight I would have brought a couple more snacks as well. All in all, if you're on the fence about this one, I say give it a try!

One of my favorite things we did on the island! The hike was easy for me, but I live at 8700 feet in the Rockies. You will want to bring plenty of water, it is a 8 mile hike roundtrip. 2 miles to the beach, then 2 miles up to waterfall. It will be super muddy!! Plan for that, do not wear sandals, you shoes and feet will be covered in mud. It will be a little slippery, since you will be muddy, so be prepared for that. If you go, you should suck it up and swim in the falls. It is cold at first, but you really do adjust quickly. Leave no travel, this place is so special, but since it isn't a far hike, gets lots of visitors. Use bathroom at trailhead/parking lot, only one 2 miles in at beach and not the best. Roundtrip took 4 hours. Plan for 6. Bring at least 32 oz of water and snacks. For parking in the lot, you'll need to get there before 8 am, unless you get lucky. I did not bring my toddler and am glad I didn't. You need to keep them in pack the whole hike and since it is so slippery/muddy, could be easy for you to fall while carrying your kid.

After hiking into the Valley you might be tired but after a time at the beach - do go and find your way through the jungle to the Falls as they are spectacular !! You can swim there too usually unless its in Flood ... ( i write that as all care and no responsibility ! )

Took the 4 mile hike to the falls!!! It was better than expected......huge waterfall. We loved the swim and hanging by the falls! See you again

Hiked up the four miles on the difficult trail with a group of friends. All of us are distance runners and in shape and it was not always easy going but the falls and pool below were well worth the effort. One in a lifetime experience!

Your journey starts by booking a shuttle bus, because it's almost impossible to get a parking permit at Ha'ena State Park, where the trailhead is located, unless booked weeks in advance. The good news is the shuttle gives you flexibility to look at the weather during your trip and decide the best date for this unforgettable journey.

The 2 mile hike takes you over muddy trails through several waterfalls to a secluded beach, from which you can hike an additional mile to the H Falls. We went after days of heavy rain, so the trail was an absolute mess, but worth it. I just pretended the trail was made of milk chocolate and that powered me through.

VERY IMPORTANT: DO NOT ATTEMPT TO SWIM AT HANAKAPIAI BEACH DURING THE WINTER. A 27 year old male died the day we were there and was found 150 yards off shore.

Plan on each mile taking about an hour given the rough footing. That means you'll want to get there no later than 11am to make it back before dark. Take lots of water and good footwear that you can throw out. Used sneakers or running shoes that you will trash and throw out are highly recommended!

The hike to the falls is gorgeous (see review of Kalalau Trail for details). The waterfall was so beautiful! It's so tall, and looking up to see the birds circling near the falls feels primordial. When we were there, no one was swimming in the pool underneath. The mist made it pretty chilly.

Totally worth it if you like hiking!

Worth traveling into, but takes some coordination, fitness, and confidence for stream crossings, and walking on slippery rocks at times. If it rains, the trails become streams and the stream crossings increase in difficulty.

One of the best hikes I've ever been on. We started at 10, got to the falls at 1, spent about an hour there, and got to the car a little before 5. INCREDIBLE day. Unreal scenery.

We took my mom to Kauai for her 60th birthday and rented a place in Princeville just to hike this trail. We had read that the parking lot fills up early and even though we got there before 8am the parking right at the beach were already filled. There's another parking lot but be careful because there are huge holes as you enter. Another family tried to hike and got there later and said parking was completely full so I recommend 8am or earlier. The first 2 miles were great and we thought it was pretty hard until the next 2 to the waterfall. We had hiking boots but some people did it in sneakers and even barefoot! We were ankle deep in mud at some parts. My mom isn't a hiker so we helped her along the way but it took us about 9.5 hours there and back to the falls. We did stop to eat and swim and also got lost for an hour (follow the ribbons closely). We brought water shoes for the falls area and had 3L hydration packs. Kauai is beautiful and this is a great way to see it!

In my opinion this was one of the most beautiful hikes. Amazing views of the Na Pali coast, nice hanakapiai beach, lush forest with bamboo trees and many unique plants and the waterfall at the end was stunning! However, to get to the beach there is one stream crossing and another 3 on the way to the waterfall. Not trivial, we were afraid at first but we saw how others crossed and it gave us confidence. There were also some muddy parts along the way, but not too bad. It is all worth it when you get to the waterfall. Many people went in to swim but we just enjoyed resting and watching this amazing nature. The entire trip to the waterfall and back took us almost 7 hours, including breaks and stops. After the hike we went swimming in Kee beach, which was very pleasant.

This hike was a bit more than I bargained for as i'm in physio after leg surgery. I'm a seasoned hiker in the rocky mountains but found this surprisingly challenging, in a good way! There were tonnes of people along the trail so don't expect an epic private getaway. People watching was great in every configuration from sandals and bikinis to full-on backpacks and hiking poles. I can imagine just how much the Park officials shake their heads at the silly tourists and it's not a surprise that a lot of people have died at the beach over the years. It was super slippery with clay, rocks and roots and a few tricky stream crossings. Every step felt like careful placement of the feet which added a lot of time to the overall length of the hike. The falls were really worth it, especially if you don't mind stripping down to go for a swim!

December 2016

Great waterfall hike, but beware!

The trail is up and down and very, very slick and slippery.

Be sure you have good boots, hiking poles, water, some food and first aide.

Today we witnessed a Frenchman fall and break his arm. He had to be helicoptered out.

Later we met a man whose wife fell and broke her leg. She was also was helicoptered out.

Apparently there are 7-15 helicopter rescues weekly and we were told last week a woman drowned in the surf at the beach (2 miles in), which you absolutely do not want to swim in.

This is a hike you can do, but go in with your eyes open, and I would not recommend going if it is raining.

Worth the 6-hours roundtrip from the park entrance, all the mud, wet shoes, lost sunglasses (they fell in the river as I crossed), the slight sunburn, and my need for a bath and long nap when I got back to my room. I would do it again in a heartbeat (and some more of the Kalalau Trail) on my next trip. Be prepared for rock scrambling to cross the river, lots of mud if it rained, both sun and shade, as well as wild mangoes, guava, bamboo, and a beautiful waterfall at the end. :)

8 miles RT, 5.5 hours of hopping on rocks to cross streams, climbing over and under branches, walking under a canopy of lush green and a forest of bamboo, a beach full of balanced rocks, a giant waterfall, and the nearly omnipresent visage of incomparable Napali coast. For a day hike, you cannot get much better than this.

The Hanakapiai Falls hike is tacked on after the 2 mile trek to Hanakapiai beach. Bring some water, a picnic (with trash bag), sunscreen, bug repellant, swimming clothes and a towel. The hike will test the casual hiker. The stream crossings, and various terrain you must traverse should not be taken lightly. It will be challenging, but to see and swim underneath that waterfall was an experience of a lifetime. Test yourself, you won't regret it!

Word of caution, if it's raining hard you could be swept by a stream or stranded.

It was a hard hike but it was beautiful!! Had to cross 3 or 4 streams so be prepared for that. Wet shoes are no fun! But it was so amazing to see!

Family of 5 decided to do this hike. My wife and I are both in our late 40s in pretty good shape. Our children are teenagers, also in good shape. We've done various day hikes in the Adirondacks and Appalachian trail. I've climbed Mt. Marcy in the Adirondacks. We know what moderate hiking is like. This was no easy hike, and other reviews reflect what we thought was a high level of difficulty. The views and nature are stunning, but the hike has serious elevation changes, not a single step that is sure footed, stream crossings, roots, mud, etc. You have to watch every step. I couldn't believe some hikers were in flip flops with small children. We didn't see a single ranger, and getting someone out of there in an emergency would seem to be difficult, especially on the trail from the beach to the falls. The 2 miles out to the beach is moderate to difficult in my opinion. It only gets harder to get to the falls. The last 400M to the falls is basically a clamber up and down rocks. Had we known in advance it would be that difficult, we might have reconsidered, but once we were heading to the falls, we just forged on. Total hike time was about 7.5 hours, and we were moving at a good clip and only took a short break at the falls. Be prepared, take water and some food. Watch out for flash flooding at stream crossings.

this is a long hike. It is challenging and can be hot. Hydrate, and bring extra water. It's a 5 to 6 hour trip. I bought a pair of reef shoes. Totally worth the sore legs (likely from dehydration).

We did this hike back in 2010 after running in the Kauai marathon. Was fantastic. Fairly challenging but nothing we really had any problems with. Worth every step you take to get there. I want to go back and do it again in the worst way. We all wore Keene water shoes and they worked out great. All wore camelbacks and had plenty of water. We also took power bars and snacks. We were pretty hungry after it was all over but we did ok.

The first two miles to get to the stream were lots of up and down with great coastal views. I'm a bit fearful of heights but had no fears on this trail. They are plenty wide and the edge consists of lots of vegetation and trees so you don't really get the super dangerous right at the edge feeling. At least I didn't.

The final two mile hike to the falls were a blast. Lots of interesting sites to see walking through the trees and crossing the stream numerous times. Spent a short time at the falls but took plenty of pictures. Heading back, one of the best parts was just soaking our tired, muddy feet in the stream at the beach to get ready for the last two miles. Felt great. Not a super hard hike if you're in decent shape. We all made it without difficulty.

Like I said, would do this again in a heartbeat, but maybe not the day after running in a marathon. The good news...... We didn't die. = )

To get to the falls, you take a ~2 mile trail that starts at Hanakapi'ai Beach, which is ~2 miles from the nearest parking at Ke'e Beach, so it's about 4 miles total to get there. The 2 mile trail starting at Hanakapi'ai Beach is mostly uphill and through a lot of wooded areas, so there aren't a ton of scenic views along the way (unlike the incredible views along the 2 mile trail from Ke'e Beach to Hanakapi'ai Beach). I have to say there were several times when we wondered if it was worth the hike because it was challenging, slow and got pretty tiring. However, once Hanakapi'ai Falls came into view we immediately knew it was absolutely worth the hike. The Falls are several hundred feet tall and you can take in all its beauty from the pool at the bottom of the Falls. We wanted to get in the pool and swim a little bit, but we were running short on time and the temperature was kind of cool, so instead we had a picnic at the base of the Falls and then turned around.

Absolutely beautiful hike! My husband is 52 and I am 46. Our mission was to make it to the falls and we made it! We are not athletes but prepared the best we could by taking hikes back home in Texas. It took us 8 hours exactly from the trailhead (roundtrip). Keep in mind we stopped for numerous photo ops, walked on the beach (after the falls) and changes of shoes along the way. We took our time to the falls, enjoying the scenery. Many experienced hikers and younger individuals zoomed right by.

For novice hikers, preparation is the key. Pack some snacks, light lunch. We had about 5 liters of water and that was perfect for us. My trekking poles and hiking boots were my best friend. It was worth it to me to change out of my boots to sandals for water crossing. Walking through the water instead of crossing rocks and boulders were easier. I am short, my husband is 6ft and has a longer stride. It was easier for him to walk on the rocks.
Beware of low hanging branches!!!
We hit our head multiple times because we were watching our footing.

As listed in other reviews, the heat and sun on the way back is ridiculous. So yes, water water water. The hike back in the heat can take its toll on you. We packed some electrolyte gels to help get us through.
The entire hike was absolutely amazing. From the coastal view, greenery, all the water crossings, falls, bamboo...all of it.
It was a tough hike. Would we do it again? Absolutely!

Beautiful 4 mile hike to the most beautiful waterfall. Bring water! 8.5 mile round trip! Worth it!!!

...and it's gonna take minimum 8 hours there and back to do it. Both trails you need to get here are feet-paining rocky as hell, and I was wearing some badass North Face boots as well. Then again some fools were wearing slippers and sandals and they seemed fine. Maybe it has something with me being 60 next year. Also don't be stupid like I was and not bring enough water nor any food. Thank God for this Swiss dude I met named Thomas for sharing his water with me on the way back. I gave him a ride to his hostel afterwards. Oh yeah, you gotta cross a stream at like 4 or 5 swift moving crossings and unless you're young or like a monkey and can hop from rock to rock, you're going to have to take your shoes off or just get them wet. I took mine off and went barefoot at each one - nice chance to get a rest. I was kind of jealous of these people who had those beach shoes/ocean shoes - I don't know what they're called. They changed into them at the crossings and were well prepared for the stream. Hey, I gave this place an excellent rating. Certainly Hanakapiai is the highest waterfall I've ever seen. And coming and going ain't all doom and gloom. There are some serious, sweeping views of the Napali Coast that are breathless. Hanakapiai Beach halfway to the waterfall is pristine. The stream to the waterfall is very beautiful as well. Took me all day to do this thing, nevertheless I sit in my room afterwards writing this review feeling a real sense of physical achievement coming here. I think I'm going to be sore as hell tomorrow.

8 miles of awesome hiking! About 2 miles in there is a tucked away little beach where you can swim and relax. This is a good time to eat your snacks, because the next two miles to the falls is moderately difficult after heavy rains. It was really muddy but the end result was absolutely worth every squishy step!

My husband and I enjoyed these falls. I cannot get enough of the water features here on the island! Every sight is like a post card. The hike out is totally worth it!

Parking is horrible. The wife and I arrived around 12:30pm. We had to park about a mile up the road. So we actually started 12:57 pm. Made it to the beach in about 1hr 20min. Took a couple of pics. And turned up the path to the falls. Made it to the falls by 3:31 pm. Took a couple of pics and took off. We made it back to the beach at 4:55pm. Then back to the start of the trailhead at 6:03pm. (1 well under 40 one over 40 a bit, age wise)

The day was not too hot and had a great breeze. Went in with some granola bars and bananas and 50oz of water. (Plus hydrated well before the event.)

Did not use all our water and actually gave the remaining to an older couple stalled out on the way back at about the 1 1/2 marker.

Trail was very muddy and slippery. We got a couple of showers during the hike. (This trail would not be so bad if it had been dry.)

All steams have enough boulders to cross without getting wet. You just need a little balance. 😁

When we do it again I will bring waterproof hiking boots. We choose our breathable running shoes. Will need a pedicure to remove all the dirt from our feet. 😁

Went in April with my boyfriend and have been meaning to write this for awhile. It was the most challenging but rewarding hikes I have ever done. My body ached for probably a week. Crossing streams was scary for me but the falls at the end were worth it. It was absolutely amazing. The water was cold but swimming under the falls was exhilarating and a once in a life time experience for me. Must do! Note: conditions are very dangerous and I would not recommend doing this if there was a risk of rain or during a rainfall or after. You do not want to be climbing up or going down when it's wet and muddy, would be too slippery

Good day hike , be prepared to get dirty , amazing scenery !I would definitely call this at least a moderate hike. It took me 3 hours to get to the falls and 3 hours return and I think I was going at a pretty good pace. I wore hiking boots and it was still muddy and slippery. There are 3 or 4 creek crossings each way (my foot slipped in on the first one, the second one was slippery as, and from there I just walked straight through the rest as I was worried I'd slip and fall anyway) it was an enjoyable hike, even with wet feet haha, amazing scenery along the way, water at the falls was freezing, bring some dry clothes if your planning on swimming.

It was an incredible experience to hike to these falls with my wife and 10 & 12 year old daughters. The falls themselves were absolutely breathtaking. We got there late in the day and were worried we wouldn't get out before sunset so we didn't dive into the water. We thoroughly enjoyed the mist, collected a rock, and headed back. We are already making plans to go back again.

The hike is tough, very tough. That being said, I saw people out there who made the entire hike barefoot. I'm in ok-ish shape, and I made it just fine. I took my time, didn't get in a hurry. The good thing about hiking and bouldering is that everyone else is in the same situation you are. Help people who are having trouble, accept help when you need it.

I didn't take pictures of the muddy, slippery parts. Focus on the reward at the halfway point.

We had a really great day trekking here! Not too strenuous but then we are experienced hikers. Fun times wading through the waters and scrambling up slippy clay like passes. Absolutely stunning scenery the whole way. The freezing dip at the falls is shocking but has to be done! I feel like we went through all seasons in a day so go prepared. Worth it!

This review is for those with toddler age kids or younger. You can totally do this hike with kids as long as you have a carrier for them. We arrived before 8 AM on a Saturday which was ideal since there’s limited parking and the area can get crowded. Grab a Walking stick on your way up the trailhead as it’s very slippery and steep. We initially planned to hike to the quarter-mile point but went to the half-mile point which had a view of the Napali coast. Breathtaking. We would’ve loved to have gone farther but didn’t feel super comfortable walking on the slippery rocks while carrying our daughter. Also don’t bring your favorite sneakers as they are going to get trashed with mud. Better yet, bring your oldest sneakers and trash them after the hike since they will literally be covered in mud by the end. Enjoy!

Great hike to do when the trails are relatively dry. The stop at Hanakapiai Beach is gorgeous as well - but no joke, don't go in the water - it may look calm but the rip there is beyond dangerous. The only downside to our hike was the fact that it appears that many people are unfamiliar with basic hiking courtesty - yield the trail to the faster hiker and yield the trail to the uphill hiker. I get tired of saying "on your right" or " please allow us to pass" or when going uphill having a downhill hiker refuse to give you trail access. Take this hike, be courteous to others, and enjoy the wonder of the Napali coast!

This was one of the nicest hikes I have ever done! Like every one says, get here early to park at the end of the road. We started hiking at 6.30am in cool temperatures which was the perfect choice as it got very hot later. We returned around 12 and there was no more parking to be found.

Right from the start you hike along the coast with amazing views of the Napali coast. After to miles you will arrive at Hanakapiai Beach.
PLEASE DONT TRY TO SWIM!!!! Don't even go close to the water.
One day before we hiked here another person died. So many people have died here due to ignoring the warning signs. The ocean sucks you right out to open sea with all its strength and you have no chance of returning. No lifeguards here!!!

At the beach you have three options. Return, hike to the falls or follow along the coast for the kalalau trail.

Hiking to the falls takes approximately another hour from here - depending on your speed. Use the river and the bamboo forrest as markers and you won't get lost. I attached a photo.

After crossing the river several times - which is only 1 foot deep right now - we arrived at Hanakapiai Falls. The view is incredible! We changed to swim wear and swam right under the falls...GoPro time!!

It took us 2 hours to hike back, but we were going at it pretty fast.

Watch your step and say hello to your fellow hikers ;)

Enjoy this wonderful hike!

Fun, muddy hike up to the falls. It's a bit of a grind but well worth it. The waterfall, views, and river crossings were the highlights for me.

I'm a 28 year old male in very good shape - former spec ops in navy. This hike was a little bit too much for even me. We started out with 85 oz or 2.5 liters of water and a 32 oz gatorade. We thought we were good because they recommend 2 liters per person. Boy were they not kidding. In the first 2 miles we were down to 32 oz of water and about 16 oz of gatorade. We debated turning back, but decided to push on. By the time we got to the waterfall we were down to 17 oz of water. Recommend at least a gallon per person with some sugars like an orange for an energy boost at the waterfall. The trail is difficult and would not recommend for children under 12. Be prepared to get wet. I fell trying to stay dry and almost injured myself. The difficulty stems from the crazy elevation gains. Its up and down for 8 miles and stepping on slippery rocks. It took us 8 hours to complete, and we did not waste a lot of time at the beach or falls. I cannot believe the way people do this trail in sandals and with little to no water. Don't be that guy, I would have passed out. Despite the difficulty the falls are gorgeous. I swam in the pool and it was heavenly. Don't think too many folks aged 40 or older would complete this. If you decide to take it on be sure to take your time, take plenty of rest stops, start before 10 AM, get wet and get wet early to keep you cool, and pack plenty of water. Plan like this is a 16 mile hike, not an 8. 4 stars for the beauty, -1 star due to the high level of difficulty. Good luck.

My husband and I hiked up to Hanakapi'ai Falls this month while in Kauai; it was absolutely beautiful but technically difficult due to the wetness of the trail. There are several stream crossings and about a mile of mostly scrambling over rocks. We definitely felt it was worth it, but I would not attempt this unless you are an experienced hiker and prepared for a challenging hike with good footwear. Many people were hiking in tennis shoes, which is the minimum I think you could manage; hiking boots are better due to how slippery the trail gets. Please don't try this in flip flops!

We were lucky and had a dry day so the mud was minimal. Didn't know if I could make the return journey, it's about 8 miles round-trip, but after a rest and a swim it was ok, not that there was much choice, no one was going to pick me up in a helicopter!

Strange to see 2 small cats hanging around in the rocks at the falls. How did they get there?! Maybe we shouldn't have shared a bit of our lunch but our daughter is a cat lover and couldn't help but do it.

Upon returning to Ke'e beach I was so hot and tired I walked straight into the water for a swim with clothes on.

Grab a walking stick and wear good shoes and an extra pair of socks. We had loads of water to drink on the way and a picnic at the falls.

Check the weather reports and try to pick a dry day. Good to go early as the shade will be there on the way. Plus it will be easier to find parking. We were there by 8:45 and that was good.

The hike should be taken seriously, bring more water than you think you will need.
The waterfall itself is incredible and totally worth the hike. We do quite some hiking back home in Europe but as long as you are not used to the temperature, humidity and sudden rain it will be a challenge.

My husband and I hiked this trail at the end of March. It was a sunny day, so we didn't have to deal with weather issues. It's a moderate hike with a few river crossings. Having hiking poles definitely helped my confidence level with the river crossings - which were mostly boulder hopping for us. I would definitely recommend bringing hiking poles, at least 2 liters of water per person, lunch/snacks, sunscreen, hat, and wear old tennis shoes that you don't care about getting muddy. We originally planned on going swimming at the falls, but the water was freezing. Plenty of other people took the plunge though.

The Kalalau trail is super crowded and touristy. Lots of kids and folks wearing inappropriate footwear, with no real understanding of trail etiquette. Once you get past the beach where most people stop for the day and then turn around, the trail becomes much less crowded.

Bring snacks, lots of water and give yourself more time than you think to complete the 8 miles roundtrip to the Falls. We met several people along the way who said they were "crunched for time" and couldn't finish the hike to the falls. Such a bummer. You go all that way, why not finish what you started?

Get to the trailhead EARLY. I can't stress this enough. Parking is a bit of a nightmare. We got there right before 9am and parked in the overflow parking lot. Ideally, you'll want to get there by 7:30am to beat the crowds.

Wear trail shoes with good grip, this will help a lot. Prepare for mud and possibly rain. There are several stream crossings along the way that will have you walking through the water and navigating slippery rocks, so get ready for an adventure. The scenery is absolutely breathtaking and the Falls are unreal! Plan to swim, have lunch, take photos and hang out. Enjoy!

Loved this hike. My wife is 5ft11inches so it was a little rough for her climbing and jumping over rocks but she made it. One thing we noticed was according to her Nike GPS band , round trip for this hike was 9.73 miles. We stayed strictly on the trail. We clocked it right from the trailhead. How is this possible?

Even the hike to see the waterfalls is on the difficult side, it's definitely worth it. I'm a 57 yr old Dad and I hiked with my adult children and I even the climb was strenuous, the falls and the pool are sight to see. We swam in the pool, floated under the falls and stood behind/beside for some great pics. Pack lots of water and snacks or PB&J's and plan on taking most of the day to hike up to, swim in the waterfall pool, and hike back out. I'd do it again!!

Bring your snorkel and mask! Bring your swimsuit. Expect a wet mudddy slog. Well worth it! Best with at least one friend.

This is a must hike for all hikers. Young kids and the elderly are not advise to even attempt the beach section. Never give up until you get to the falls. If you only go as far as the beach you miss crossing the stream and the waterfall, so don't give up. Take some food and water and start early. It rained hard up to the waterfall but the stream was still able to be crossed if you stay above the boulders and walk in the waist deep water. They closed the trail while we were at the falls but it was still possible to return.

My husband and I did the 8 mile round trip to the falls. It was amazing! The trail wasn't too bad. There were a few places where it was wet/slippery and steep, so we slowed down. I definitely would not do this in open toed shoes or during rain. For a reference point, we did the whole hike in about 6 hours (7:20am-1:30pm)--we are in fairly good shape but we do not hike often. We stopped to take pictures, eat lunch at the falls and take a quick dip in both the falls and ke'e beach. We were so tired at the end--but the whole hike was just beautiful!!! Definitely do this if you like hiking and if there is little to no rain.

The most beautiful waterfall Ive seen. Since we did not have a permit we could not go further then 2 miles of the kalalau trail, and decided therefore to walk the additional 2 miles to the Hanakapiai falls instead. Overall one of the best hikes Ive done considering the beautiful surroundings. A must do if you are in Kauai!

7:10a start time - 2:55p end time = 7:45 total hike time ... this included 45 minutes at Hanakapi'ai Beach & 75 minutes at Hanakapi'ai Falls. We had plenty of food, but only had 70oz of fluid each & wished we'd had even more because we weren't acclimated to the humidity! It rained while we were at the falls, so the way back was a little more slippery & muddy. I shook a few ripe passion fruits out of the trees & that gave me a nice sugar boost, but I'd avoid eating the ones already on the ground just to be safe.You're going to see Hanakapi'ai Falls, not Diarrhea Falls. If you leave early enough (in September anyways) you can make it all the way to the beach (2 miles in) before the sun even comes up over the hill. Trust me, you'll notice the difference when the sun comes up over the hill.

NOTE: The last 15-20 minutes before reaching the waterfall isn't really hiking so much as it's climbing up & down & across boulders. It is more difficult & should be taken seriously to avoid injury ... especially when you're so close to the reward!

This location is not easy to get to but it is worth the trek. beautiful falls , jungle like forests, and a scenic creek

Our family of four (our kids are 15 years old) went on this hike on the last day of our trip and I am so glad we did. The day after I was super sore and I don’t think I could have gone on our other adventures like the garden tours without extreme discomfort.

My husband and I are in our 50’s. Our lifestyle is pretty sedentary and I definitely did not physically condition myself enough for this hike. This is my biggest regret as I paid a high price for my lack of physical conditioning. I almost passed out multiple times!

That being said, there were many more physically fit people (including a young couple with two babies in carriers) who trotted by us like gazelles. Avid well conditioned hikers even trotted by on the trail in their bare feet! I would not recommend this for first-timers. Most of these hikers were locals who visited the trail multiple times.

There were a couple things that we did right as sedentary newbies:

1. We bought parking passes for the entire day. In my physical condition, we did not get to our car until after sundown. The last shuttle leaves at 7 pm. To get a much coveted parking pass, you have to be on the website at midnight 30 days beforehand. These passes sell out in less than a minute.

2. We brought a change of dry clothes. At my friend’s suggestion, we put them in freezer ziplock bags. This part of Kauai is notoriously unpredictable in terms of rainfall. We lucked out as it was very dry but we were prepared to wait out sudden rainstorms should they come along.

3. I brought bandages for blisters. I ended up using several.

4. I wore amphibious shoes that were good for stream crossings and had treads that were good for hiking.

5. Trekking poles. I used these a lot including steadying myself on the 5 stream crossings. Again, in dry weather they are not a problem but in rainfall they are dangerous.

6. Hats. Especially on the way back when the sun begins to set, there are several segments of the trail in direct sunlight.

Here are things I wish we had done differently:

1. Even with 2 1/2 liters of water in each hydration backpack, we ran out of water on the last leg of the hike coming back. I recommend bringing more than 2 1/2 liters per person to be safe.

2. The park opens at 6:30 am. We didn’t get there until 7:30 am and I regret this. Missing the green flash at sunset is a bummer. For first timers, I recommend getting there at opening. You will have more time at the falls to enjoy the view. We spent an hour but I would have liked to spend more time.

3. The kids had to use the bathroom at Hanakapiai beach. Apparently it is not kept up very well (they inform me this is the understatement of the century). I recommend using the bathroom at Ke’e beach before beginning the hike.

As many have said before, this was the highlight of the trip to Kauai. Yes, the view of the waterfall is totally worth the hike. And, yes, the water there is ridiculously cold but definitely a must after hiking for 4+ arduous miles. The last bit to the falls is basically rock climbing so I have no idea how the couple with the babies managed that part!

Just as importantly though, if you want to feel a part of this island and immerse yourself in Kauai, the trail itself is beautiful. I managed to find several lilikoi
fruit that were ripe and refreshing to eat along the way. Standing underneath the bamboo listening to them creak as the wind blew high above was a little startling as I kept wondering if they would fall on me! Walking among the lush greenery, the beehive ginger plants and the kukui trees, there is an otherworldliness and awe that this island inspires. This was both the hardest and best hike our family has been on.

30 years ago, when we first hiked up to Hanakapi'ai Falls, it was a remote secret. No longer. With guidebooks, signs and Trip Advisor, the word is out. But, this is still one of our favorite hikes.
It begins with the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail, leaving from Ke'e Beach and climbing up 800 feet before descending to Hanakapi'ai Beach. That section is rocky, slippery when wet (the normal state) and grueling, but anyone can do it in decent shoes until the stream crossing near the beach where you may take off your shoes.
The hike up to the falls is a different matter. There are four stream crossings which require rock hopping finesse, or just getting wet. The trail is usually muddy, and most of it requires careful steps on rocks, logs, dry patches and more rocks. There are a few rocky scrambles, and there are places to lose the trail (just follow the pink ribbons). At the end, you and everyone else on the trail come to a sign that says go no further due to falling rocks. There's a nice view of the falls from there, but, ignore the sign. Continue another 100 yards and you come out to a 500 foot bowl highlighted by the falls. Wonderful to swim (very rocky bottom), and enjoy the vistas. Best in the morning when there is a little sun at the bottom, but, worthwhile any time - until you realize that you still have 4 miles of mud, rocks, down, up and down to go...

A must do! This hike is so amazing!!

It is a little over 2 miles to the private beach, but it is totally worth it. Make sure you wear shoes and not flip flops! It is a semi tough hike, with tons of mud!

There are bathrooms at the beach, and you have the option of continuing to a waterfall that is 4 miles and another that is a total of 11 hours.

Bring lots of water, I also wouldn't recommend bringing kids. It's hard, and at times you're on a cliff. That could very easily be fatal.

As of Feb 25, 2019 the road to get to the trailhead is closed just west of Hanalei Bay. There are workers checking all vehicles and only construction crew can get through. All trails to Kokua and The falls are inaccessible and does not look to be open anytime soon due to rain mudslide wiping out the road! : (

Stunning views of Napali Coast, breathtaking waterfall & jungle so green you may never want to leave! Just ask the creepy zombie squatter we saw!

This is not an easy hike! Start early, eat a hearty breakfast, bring at least a gallon of water per person & lots of snacks. We ordered some Keen knock offs on Amazon that worked wonderfully! You need the right shoes. The weather in Kauai is unpredictable and so are the trails. We never slipped, tripped or fell climbing rocks or crossing streams & rivers. You'll be glad you made the investment.

This is a day hike so plan accordingly. If you are not the most fit, don't worry neither am I! Just take plenty of breaks. It's not a race nor do you need to prove to the fit people you can do it. It's a rewarding hike.

Keep in mind, the hike back from the beach will kick your butt! Again take your time and go early so the sun isn't beating down on you like it was for us! We completed the hike in 7 hrs. 30 mins at the beach & 30 at the falls with plenty of picture stops and water breaks.

Swim in the water! It's cold but refreshing. Do it.

We did it! We are in our late 50's and experienced hikers. It was a great adventure.
So important to have good hiking shoes, hiking poles, plenty of water and snacks. You do traverse 4 stream crossings. Take it slow and enjoy the beauty!

The kayaked and hiked and was disappointed. The water fall was 1/2 of the pictures shown. Total let down. But the tour guide made up for it.

Wow, what a hike! Challenging but worth it at the end, beautiful Hanakapiai Falls! You will need lots of water and hiking poles are most helpful as the trail is up and down, very rough in places where you almost have to crawl up and down, and rivers to cross. Good hiking shoes are a must as well as comfortable hiking clothes. The views along the way are spectacular. If you're not an avid hiker, you can do it but take it slow. It tooks us all day to go in and back. At the falls, you can jump in and cool off before trekking back. About 4 miles one way!

Absolutely beautiful water fall. It took us a full ten hours to hike to and back from the falls to the parking area. If it rains the trail is very slippery and has many rocks. You have to cross the river several times to get to the falls.

If you want a drive park and step out to see a waterfall this is it. I'm a hiker so a bit disappointing however good if you have a mobility impaired travelers

The bamboo forrest on the way to the falls is gorgeous! You're able to get in the falls ad the view is amazing, absolutely lovely!

This wonderful waterfall I saw from a helicopter tour. It is all you can imagine and more. I recommend viewing this waterfall.

This is a unique, one-of-a-kind hiking experience along the steep and rugged shoreline in Kauai. You will be hiking up or down almost the entire time. This is not a flat trail :) You will also be, at times, several hundred feet above the water--with a very steep slope downward. So take your time, enjoy the views, rest up every few hundred feet. In other words, plan some time for it and don't rush! And be careful!

The views are incredible and the experience is surreal. We did the 2 mile hike to the Hanakapiai "Beach" (most rocks when we were there). It was strenuous but not terrible. We didn't find the hike to be particularly dangerous - just stick to the trail and you are fine. Be cautious of slick spots though. There is a lot of mud. Take plenty of water. Fun and unforgettable experience!

Our tip: Go early! We started at first light and there were very few people on the trail with us (plus parking was easy to find). By the time we were returning, there was a constant stream of hikers.

Today is July 17, 2021. Has anyone hiked to the falls in the past few days, and what are the trail conditions?

This is an absolutely beautiful hike! From previous reviews I fully expected this to be a pretty tame hike compared to what I'm used to living in Colorado. I am honestly shocked that many people trying to complete the trail made it- flip flops, canes, older people. This hike is no joke, especially if it's been raining. It's slippery, muddy and has a few steep rocky climbs. It's well worth it to get to the beach. If you're up for it, travel another 2 miles inland for a beautiful waterfall and more views of Na Pali. Well worth the time to get to the end of the road, but come prepared with water, hiking shoes and bugspray.

Take plenty of water with you, and a good pair of shoes. The walk is not for the unfit, it is recommended to allow up to 2-4hours one way. (8mi/13km). It has beautiful views.

This was the most breathtaking and beautiful hike we did on Kauai and possibly one of our favorite hikes ever. The hike takes you from Ke'e Beach on two miles of the Kalalau Trail (right before where you need a permit) and then the Hanakapi'ai Trail for another two miles. 8 miles round trip in total.

We are moderately experienced hikers and didn't think it was overly strenuous. The last mile of the trail was the hardest for us, not because of the steepness of the terrain, but because we were wearing water shoes and not our hiking shoes. With that said, we'd definitely recommend bringing some sturdy open-toed hiking shoes appropriate for water (which we'd definitely bring next time) AND some normal hiking shoes as well, and change at the first river crossing. We saw so many folks who were unprepared and had to finish out the trail with soaked hiking shoes and socks. Also, I can't believe this doesn't go without saying, but don't wear long pants or at minimum have your pant legs rolled up during the last mile.

Other tips include: (1) get there EARLY... parking can be iffy and the falls do fill up quickly with other hikers. We arrived at 7AM and had a picnic breakfast on the beach and left for the trail at 8. We were among the first couple of arrivals there (for a brief minute we were alone!) but about 15 minutes later it started to fill up and by the time we left the falls were packed. (2) bring plenty of water-- we brought Camelbaks which were enough for us. There are plenty of streams along the way, but I probably wouldn't trust any of that water without a microfilter... plus it's easy enough to pack enough water for an 8-mile loop hike. (3) Please be safe and use common sense and caution. There are some steep drop-offs and the trail does get slippery during rain, and it is Hawaii so you never know when it will rain. The waters were calm during our stay but occasionally they will get rough enough to make crossing hazardous or impossible.

We'd highly recommend it!!

This hike was absolutely amazing!!
Be prepared for rain, sun, and mud. The reward at the end is completely gorgeous. I would recommend bringing two pairs of shoes(one for before waterfall and one for after).
Go early in the morning because parking fills up and the trail gets crowded.

This is no walk in the park. Be sure to bring plenty of water(2L+), good shoes/boots with a sturdy sole that can handle water and mud, sunscreen, insect repellant, your bathers and towel and perhaps a light snack or lunch. We set off from the carpark at about 9:30am and due to beautiful scenery and photo stops we took approximately 90 minutes to reach Hanakapiai beach. At this beach you have the option to continue along the Kalalau trail (another 9mi) or venture towards the falls (about 2mi). The trail towards the falls does get harder and more muddy than the scenic walk from carpark. You'll have to cross at least 4 streams by jumping from rock to rock unless you wish to remove shoes and take it slow through the water and there will be plenty of slippery mud throughout. Keep your eyes open for pink or orange ribbons tied to trees to ensure you're on the right path as you go. From the beach it was about another 90 minutes till we reached Hanakapiai falls. The 92m falls are stunning to come upon and it's necessary to take a well earned break for water and food. Be sure to take any trash with you as there are no bins or baskets. The water at the falls can be a a little chilly but it's well worth taking a dip to cool off from the hike. Be wary of rocks as underfoot as you enter the water. With a well known path back it should only take you 90-120 minutes total to reach the start at the carpark again. Overall is an exhausting but very rewarding experience to visit the Hanakapiai Falls but be sure to be well prepared and equipped.

This trail is TOUGH! Bring excellent shoes, plan for a really slow pace (we averaged 1.4 mph per my gps watch) and bring a lot of food and water. The water crossings are pretty tough and the trail has some extremely narrow, very slick spots.

You can get a park pass online, separate from the shuttle. We drove to Tunnels very early in the am and then walked over (added 2 miles to the hike).

All of that said, the waterfall was stunning. Maybe the prettiest one I've ever seen.

We found this hike to be an incredible experience. But a few warnings, make sure you have a parking permit or a shuttle ride or both (from gohaena.com). And make sure you have plenty of time for this hike, at least six or seven hours, depending on how long you want to spend at the falls. We are both experienced hikers and were surprised at how long this hike took. Also, bring at least two liters of water per person and snacks.

It was well worth the trip, we would highly recommend this hike, it was the highlight of our Kauai visit.

It was hard, but rewarding. I kept telling myself (and him) that we would be rewarded with a beautiful waterfall. And, I was not disappointed. It was just breathtakingly beautiful. I wish you could jump into my pictures and see it for yourself instead of having to take an 8 mike (round trip) hike. The hike itself was treacherous and, at times, nonsensical. There were moments (mainly on the hike to the waterfall) where we’d have to traverse across walls of rocks and have about a foot and a half to walk on. You have to jump rocks across streams, try not to slip in the mud, and figure out which way the path actually is. I know if sounds like I’m complaining about it, but I really think that it was worth it, I just may never do it again. Haha. Tips: wear water proof shoes, enjoy the mud, and make sure every member of your party is a willing participant in this sort of hike.

This is a hike. 3 Miles in and the same back. By far this was the experience of a lifetime for me at 31.The most beautiful end to a grueling trek up the Kalalau Trail

DO THIS!! If you visit Kauai, you have to do this hike. Start early in the moring because the parking lot gets full by about 7:30. You will also want the cooler temperatures. Wear hiking sandals because there are lots of rocks and mud. You have to cross the stream 3 or 4 times and you can easily fall in. Once you make it to the waterfall, jump in and swim under it. That water is falling 300 feet and it is exciting to swim under it. The water is pretty cold but it feels good. Make sure you have plenty of water. It gets pretty hot on the hike back out. The hike is 4 miles each way.

We always take the time to go back and to view the falls. It is about a 2 or 2.5 mile drive back to view the falls and to take some great photo's. Often there is an artists painting while there.

Breathtaking views throughout the trail. The waterfall was amazing. I’m 17 weeks pregnant and in decent shape. The trail took me 6.5 hours to complete. I would recommend this to anyone with a sense of adventure however, there are slippery rocks and towards the end some rock climbing. I would not recommend this trail to young children, elderly couples or pregnant woman. Plan to wear hiking boots or sneakers, leave with plenty of time and bring lots of water. Expect to fall a handful times and be very sore the following day.

My husband and I did this hike in the middle of June. From the parking lot it's four miles to the falls. The first .25 mile from the Hanakapiai trail head is easy, after that things got hairy. It poured really hard on us which made even our rain jackets pointless. slippery trail with mud pits and lots of standing water with very rocky terrain. Multiple water crossings, some harder than others. I think the day we went was rough but small kids and teens as well as fit elderly adults were on the trail. I think if you take your time anyone can do this hike. I wore chacos sandals and they were perfect... except for the part where I kicked a rock on accident and lost a toe nail (and some blood, ewe). Husband wore his running shoes and had to throw them away at the end. This red mud stains! The falls were amazing. Definitely take a snack or lunch with you and eat up there. From parking lot round trip took us 7 hours. We stopped on the beach and stopped at the falls and for some photo opps along the trail. Plan for an all day adventure. Stop in Hanalei for beer on the way back to your place, you deserve one!

You can't ask for much more on this hike, the views are breathtaking and I love the challenge of hiking 8 miles round trip to get there. There is lots to see along this hike but it is an all day affair so come prepared and wear hiking shoes because it's almost nothing but rocks the entire way

Bring your hiking/water shoes when you come to Kauai because you won't want to miss this! The 4 mile trail to the falls is a beast, but if you're up to the challenge you won't be let down. There is a beautiful beach 2 miles in to stop and rest at, but please don't stop there. Keep going to the falls it's worth it. We were told about this place by the activities desk at our hotel (Sheraton on the south side of the island), they told us to get to the trail head by 8am because the parking lot gets full fast. I'm glad we listened to her because it did get crowded, mostly people staying at the beach at the end of the road and not the trail, but it did help to get there early. My wife and I started at the trail head around 7:50 am and got to the first beach 2 miles in a little after 9am. We took a short break there and headed to the falls. The trail from the beach to the falls is a little less traveled and a lot more tricky than the trail to the beach. It still took us just over an hour to get to the falls from the beach. Once we arrived and after taking some great photos, we eased into the cold water and swam under the falls! It was like something out of a movie! Bring something you can snack on while you're at the falls because the hike back is a killer. Hiking back to the beach took right at an hour and wasn't too difficult, but from the beach to the trail head seems like it's all up hill and in the sun! We still did it in just over another hour so maybe it wasn't as difficult as we thought at the time, but it will wear you out. When we arrived back at the trail head of was about 2pm. If you are in okay shape and visiting Kauai then you MUST do this hike.

Hike is about the same distance as the trial from Ke'e to the beach, but doesn't have the elevation changes so in this respect is a bit easier, plus most of it is in the shade. Many smaller falls along the way which are picturesque. main falls come into view quickly, but sure does take a while to reach. One of the better falls visited on the trip. Well worth the hike if you have the time. There are some bouldering areas with wet rocks making it a little sketchy, but doable for nearly all hiking abilities. Once out of the bouldering areas, can get a bit of a trail run returning for a shorter trip.

We hiked to the falls today - the day started out bright and sunny but it rained (and sometimes poured) off and on throughout the day. On the inbound hike, it was pretty slippery on the second mile down to the beach but nothing too treacherous.

Feeling confident, we continued on to the falls. It was slippery and damp the whole way in. But totally worth it - the falls were spectacular. No picture or helicopter ride can get you so close to Mother Nature's majesty.

We both fell in the mud a couple of times - and the journey back was primarily in ankle deep mud if you missed a rock. A lot of strategy on the water crossing but we were so muddy we just walked across so we could clean our shoes for better traction. Between the rain and the foot traffic, big portions of the trail were rivers of mud.

Grab a stick at the trailhead - helps on the slip and slide and the water crossings and definitely echo what others have said about footwear - you want to be able to trust your tread and people in sandals were really struggling. Not to mention all that mud oozing between your toes...

We had fun....but I haven't been that dirty since I was a kid!

If you are in Kaua'i and consider yourself as an adventure-seeker, this hike should definitely be on your list! I was aware that it was only an 8 mile roundtrip hike and I thought it would be a piece of cake because I've done longer hikes. But wrong, it was actually more difficult due to the incline, slippery mud, unclear paths, and white-water crossing. But nonetheless, it was very fun and very rewarding when you reach the falls at the end of the trail.

When you reach the 2-mile mark, you'll see a beach. Everyone stops here, and some people decide to turn back. BUT DON'T! Keep going for another 2 miles to reach the falls. It gets harder but you will not be disappointed.

This was definitely a long, tough hike but not "too" tough. And getting to the falls makes every step worth it!! It is a beautiful and amazing part of nature! If you like hiking, DO IT!! But definitely plan ahead, be prepared, and use your brain.
1. Take plenty of water!!! I can't stress this enough. We had 3, 17 oz bottles for each of us and it was just enough. I wouldn't have wanted any less.
2. Take snacks/ lunch. Keep yourself fueled up. You will be burning major calories and want enough to sustain yourself.
3. Wear hiking shoes or water shoes. My family had water shoes that are like light athletic shoes -and they were perfect. I would recommend using socks for the dry parts so the wet shoes don't rub your feet all day during the long hike.
4. Go on a dry sunny day. I can see how rain could make this a very dangerous wet and slippery hike with a high risk of flash floods. You're in a canyon and you have to cross multiple creeks. I can see how it would be tough if the creeks were too high after a rain. The conditions can change quickly so be prepared if you have to wait it out.
5. The first 2 miles is the Napali Coast which isn't super easy but will give you a gauge for the second 2 miles up to the falls. The 2nd half is only slightly more difficult than the coast hike, until you get to the last 1/2 mile. Then it gets really tough and is definitely the most treacherous part of the entire hike. But by that time you are so pumped that you are almost to the falls that you can push through it!!
6. Pay attention to every step and where you are stepping, making sure your footing is secure and that you're not gonna slip or trip. The tough parts have plenty of rocks and trees to grab onto. This is the "use your brain" part of the review. Keep paying attention, take it slow and make good decisions and you will be fine.
7. Swim under/ behind the waterfall. The water is cold but definitely worth doing!
8. Go early so you have plenty of time. It took us about 6 hours round trip. Plus parking is tight.
9. Enjoy the beauty!! It's rare to have access to something so amazing!!!

Challenging hike. Falls are so rewarding. Recommend hiking in sturdy water shoes, hiking poles. Pack a lot of water, food.

This is a four mile one way hike to a secluded waterfall. At the end, do not miss out on swimming in the pool under the waterfall. The water is shockingly cold but worth it after hiking four miles on a warm July day. Be warned: this is a strenuous hike with lots of other people. There is not a lot of elevation gain; however, the trail is very rough with lots of rock that is VERY slippery. This is not a hike for flip flops, chacos or tevas. This is a hike - hiking boots are needed. Yes, enjoy taking off your boots when you get to the waterfall but they are necessary to get to the waterfall. Also, take plenty of water. We saw many people filling water bottles from the waterfall pool. This is not safe without a water filter. And, do not park in the "no parking" areas. You will be ticketed. We saw lots of cars with tickets when we left the trail.

The shoes and poles from James at Kalaulau Trail Outfitters make all the difference! Don't even think about hiking to the waterfall without them.

2 days prior to my waterfall hike my very fit marathon runner wife and I hiked from Ke'e beach (the start of the Kalaulau trail) 2 miles to the Hanakapi'ai beach. It is steep and muddy but generally doable for a reasonably fit and determined individual. On this hike I wore my NorthFace goretex trail hikers with kind of thick tread....no poles. The problem is that the treads become totally clogged with mud. I was slipping around. We ate the lunch we brought and hydrated up and after using the outhouse facilities near the beach decided to head back for the day. The footing was unsure!

2 days later after reading TA reviews I stumbled on the shoe and pole rental idea. So on trip #2 I was outfitted with the neoprene socks and the totally waterproof Adidas canyon hiker boots. NIGHT AND DAY IMPROVEMENT! The treads are not thick but something about the rubber makes them stick. You walk calmly through the mud and rinse them off in the streams. The poles are hugely helpful for stream crossing and especially for descending on the return. With these shoes I could walk on the sides of boulders not just the top. The toughest part of this hike is near the end about 20 minutes from arriving at the falls. Some rocks are encountered there with some weepy water flows that could be a little slippery. The fall might result in a broken leg but its not generally high enough to kill you. Again sure footing in the rented shoes plus the poles made the areas non issues. I walked quickly and calmly through. The 2nd toughest areas are the river crossing. ...again a total non-issue with the shoes and poles. (Flash flood and drowning risk if it's been raining! Be safe and smart)

I am a fit 57 year old and I made it to the falls in 1 hour 45 minutes. The return trip was a little quicker because it is more downhill. There will be a million people hiking back and forth to the beach. DO NO SWIM AT BEACH..HIGH DROWNING RISK. Once you cross stream and get to beach head left up trail. Now the crowd thins out and as you ascend it gets cooler.

SWIMMING: The pool of water by the falls is freezing cold but exhilarating. Don't go in the water unless you are a strong swimmer and there are other swimmers there. Do not swim directly under rhe falling water but swim to the left side kind of keeping your back to the falls until you reach the back canyon wall. Then work your way yo the right and behind the falling water. You will find a ledge that you can easily and safely climb onto. Sitting behind Hanakapi'ai falls dripping wet is probably the highlight of my Hawaii trip.

Recommendations:

1. Rent the shoes and poles ($35...come on how much did your plane ticket and hotel room cost? Renting these made my trip FUN!)

2. Check the weather and pick a good day. James has the shoe rental place open at 7AM...start early. There will be a huge crowd at the falls by afternoon.

3. Bring plenty of water. 500 ml each way plus at least 500 ml extra. Min water 1.5 liter per person. 2 liters per person better. And hydrate before you start.

4. Bring a big lunch to eat sitting on the rocks up after the falls. (Swim first, cool off and then stretch out for lunch in paradise.)

5. Swim at falls only if you are an excellent swimmer. See above. Bring towel if you plan to swim. Do not swim at Hanakapi'ai beach.

6. Take lots of pictures. Keep phone/camera wallet in a ziplock in your backpack.

This hike is AWESOME! Prepare and be safe.

This hike was my favorite activity I did on the my vacation! We got up at 5am to start the hike early. Parking is limited at the trail head, but we had no problem getting a spot because we were so early. We were staying in Princeville, so we were not too far away, but it is a long drive from other parts of the island. The trail was in good condition until you reach the bathroom/beach about halfway. The second half of the hike was muddy and a bit more difficult. The second half of the trail seemed a bit less traveled than the first half. You have to cross streams by rock hopping and holding on to a rope and duck under heavy vegetation several times. We got to the water fall and were blown away!! It is unbelievable and so beautiful. The water was brisk, but felt refreshing after the hike! We took our gopro in and had a blast filming under the waterfall. At one point we were the only two people there until a few more hikers arrived. I'd recommend bringing a lunch to refuel for the hike back. Definitely don't wear shoes you care a lot about. The mud is thick and dark! Well worth it for the awesome experience though!

We did not learn about this trail until the day before. Needless to say, we were not the most prepared group on the trail. But we did our research well and put together a really good game plan. We did quite a bit of research the day before by reading reviews from TripAdvisor, Yelp, and other websites. We also read many articles related to this fall to learn about the different weather conditions, etc. We also spoke to waiters/waitresses at restaurants and cashiers at the local stores for their feedback.

Here is our research, hope it helps to guide you to a successful hike – good luck!

Distance:

The trail begins at Ke’e Beach. You will hike 2 mile of the Kalalau Trail to get to the Hanakapi’ai Beach. If you feel like you had enough, you can turn back. Otherwise, you will hike an additional 2 miles up the Hanakapi’ai Valley to the falls – making total of 8 miles round-trip.

Footwear:

Like many other reviewers have called out, the best footwear is probably the keen – remember you will need comfortable footwear to walk, climb and navigate your way across streams. However, If you don't have keen, you can still pull it off with tennis shoes and some sort of water shoes. Both my husband and I wore tennis shoes – just regular tennis shoes, not hiking shoes. But we did pack water shoes – well, we used the same water shoes that we used for snorkeling and they worked really well. We swapped out our tennis shoes for these water shoes when we needed to cross streams. Must admit, the swapping of shoes was a bit of an inconvenience, but if the support of the water shoes work for you on climbs, you could continue to wear them. My husband wore them for the most of our hike back, I did not and just swapped back to tennis shoes for maximum comfort. If you to buy these water shoes, go to the local stores, such as Whalers (maybe ABC stores), you should be able to find them at a very affordable price.

Clothing and gears:

For guys, you could probably just wear shirt and shorts. for the girls, I recommend wearing a knee-high comfortable pant. Don’t wear jeans and if you must wear a long pant, make sure you can fold them to your knee because you will have to cross streams and the water level could be pretty high. Also, If you plan to swim when you reach the waterfall, obviously don’t forget to wear or pack your swimsuit.

You can bring sunglasses, but you may end up packing them away most of the hike – we both did. Most of your hike will be shaded, except for the first mile and last mile on your way back. If you start your hike early in the morning, then you will only get the sun (behind you) on your way back. Same goes with a hat, you can bring it, but you may find that you don’t need it at all. Oh, don’t forget to bring sunscreen and bug spray. You can bring a jacket, but I didn’t need it (and I am one of those who always feel cold). Bring a small first-aid kit if you have one handy, I always have one packed for any trip. If you don’t a backpack like I did, you can also get one at Whalers for about $20. But be aware, the backpack is small (and not too sturdy), so you can only use as a secondary bag, say to carry food. You’ll probably need a real backpack to carry all the water bottles.

Water and Food:

Bring about 2 liters of water per person, don’t bring any less than 1.5 liters per person. We brought two 1.5 liters bottle and ran out of water on our way back, which happens to be the most difficult part and exhausting part of the hike. Stop by FoodLand and grab some sandwiches, one sandwich per person is enough if you have breakfast. Also, pack one bag of trail mix and 2 – 4 of protein bars. Btw, you could buy all of the above at Foodland as well. Foodland is on the way so it’s just convenient, but you should be able to get them any of the grocery stores (obviously!).

Other tips:
• The trail is muddy and slippery, always be careful, make sure you are sure-footed each step you take, especially during narrow climbs.
• Grab a stick at the beginning of the trail if any are available. If you arrive too late (after 7:30am), chances are all will be taken. We saw some folks packed trekking poles – great idea! We didn’t have any, it would have helped a lot, but again you will survive without them!
• When crossing streams, watch the water level, if there has been heavy rain and high surf, you may not want cross at all. Also, it’s probably a good idea to watch other people so you get an idea of how to cross. I believe one stream crossing, there is a rope tied across the river that you can use to cross, a few others have tree branches that you can use as a guide as well.
• Watch for “pink” or “orange” tape when you feel that you have lost the trail. Keep looking around at the trees and you will find the tape, it is not too obvious at times, but they are there. Remember that the tape is only there on part of the trail that is not obvious, so when there is a clear path of the trail, you will not see it.
• Guava fruits on the ground everywhere, be cautions and avoid stepping on them to avoid slips and falls.
• Make sure you hydrate and drink enough water
• Remember the last mile back is probably the most difficult because you’re exhausted and fatigue really kicks in, save some water for the last push

We went on this hike on Monday 09/14/2015. We left our hotel from Koloa at approximately 7:15am and arrived at the parking lot around 9am (parked in the second parking lot) and got back to our car at approximately 3:30pm (after the hike). Expect some traffic if you take this route. We did stop at the store to pick up some food and that took about 15 minutes. We also had a few espresso shots as a preparation for the trip – think that really helped! 

Phew! This is the longest review I’ve written, hope it helps – best of luck to you, be careful on your hike and don’t forget to stop and enjoy the beautiful sceneries.

This an amazing yet difficult trail. It really makes you work for it's awesomeness with the combo of slippery mud/rocks, up & down elev changes, near continuous cliff/ravine edges & rock scrambling as you get nearer to the waterfall. We've done a lot of trails around the U.S. & don't shy away from challenge. But I would highly recommend having good fitness, solid ankles/knees, proper shoes/supplies & not be in a hurry. Took us 6-7hrs with stops. We made it back in time for the shuttle but not by much. The day before we went the trail was closed because the main river crossing got too high. We lucked out today but were wary of that potential. Grab some walking sticks left by others at the trail entrance. They saved us from falling at least 4-5 times. The trail is also more like 10 miles, so plan your time accordingly as it's very slow going. In summary, this is a definite must-do trail, but respect it & know what you're getting into.

Wonderful 4 mile hike (one way) up to the falls. Trail is challenging - lots of mud, scrambling across wet rocks, roots, and some serious high stepping up onto rocks, ledges etc. - but well worth it. Be advised - don't mistake the Kalalau Trail from the Waterfall trail. Both trails start adjacent to each other from the Hanakapi'ai state park (at the 2 mile point). It would help if the signage basically said that the Kalalau Trail is not only permit only - but if they stated it was "Not the waterfall trail" - it would help. We mistakedly started off on this trail and had to backtrack to the proper waterfall trail. Other than that hiccup - it was a fantastic day.

Misty, muddy, and extremely crowded trail so go early if you want to beat the crowd. If fairly fit will not take more than 4 hours round-trip. We were there early and made it to the falls behind just a couple of people. On our way back we met chains after chains of people and had to wait quite often to let everyone go by. Saw many folks with white shoes and socks that were now brownish red...

The hike was slippery and steep. It had beautiful views, make sure you wear proper shoes as they are going to get wet and muddy and don't forget the sunscreen. The waterfall is amazing and getting there is a challenge but worth it. It took us about 6-7hrs and we took our time, taking a break at the beach.

Mud, mud, and more mud .. muddy, muddy, muddy .. We are talking 4 inches or more of mud for 8 miles. It not just dry mud.. its the wet, liquid kind .. 8 whole miles of a path that is slick as oil, up and down the mountain, over rocks and tree roots. . This trail is incredible dangerous .. and the water crossings were equally dangerous. This is a hike that is over the top gross, nasty, and very difficult. Throw out the shoes at the end .. there is no redemption. Tide will not make these come clean - ever. Saw some pretty stupid people trying to do this in flip flops and open toed sandals. Saw a mother carrying a 8 month old baby on her front. Saw elderly people risking their life trying to go up and over the mountain. This path is not for the weak and elderly. It rained frequently ... so you will be soaked for 8 miles. The path is filled with people you are trying to step around. The park service does nothing to improve conditions. It is dangerous and a big hazard. If you work on a farm and are familiar with cleaning slop out of the cow barn, you will fit right in with this hike. It will feel like second nature. The mud is overwhelming. The end of the first 2 miles to the beach was slick as ice going downhill .. be sure to hold onto the grass and twigs along the way to help stabilize you. Was the water fall worth it? It is stunning, but the hike was incredibly painful and scary most of the way up and down. You can easily become injured either twisting your ankle or breaking some bone in a fall. We fell many times on this hike.

My wife and I were celebrating our 10 year anniversary and decided to Hike to Hanakapiai Falls. Here's what to expect!

Be Prepared: Water/Food is a must if you plan to go to the Water Falls and back which would be a total of 8 Miles round trip. We brought two one liter bottles and six eight ounce bottles of water, packed sandwiches/snacks, Gatorade energy gummies, and a first aid kit for cleaning small scrapes and wounds if needed.

Footwear: I cannot emphasize enough the importance of having good shoes for this. I saw people with sandles, flats, and even dresswear shoes and they were struggling big time! Basically you need a shoe that has decent tread. It doesn't need to be TOP OF THE LINE hiking shoes but A shoe that has good traction. I bought my wife and I trail running shoes. They are light, have good tread, can get wet, and have decent grip. I saw hikers with good looking hiking boots/shoes, but they were trying their best not to get them wet because it would weigh them down. So although hiking boots/shoes are ok i would go the Trail Running Shoe route.

Get there early!: The best time to go on this Hike is early in the morning. We got there around 8:30am and most parking was filled up so we had to park slightly down the road. The reason why its best to go early is because the trail hasnt been worn down by other hikers yet which is a big difference. You cant avoid the wear down on the way back but if you can start early you wont has as much difficulty as other hikers will have if you start after 10:00am

The Hike to the Beach (First Two Miles): I would say most people should be able to do this part of the hike and not have two many issues. There are rocks, inclines, declines, soft clay etc will require some effort but overall not a bad hike. breath taking views and great places to take pictures.

The Hike to Falls (Second Two Miles): THIS IS where the challenge and difficulty significantly increase. You have slippery rocks, you have big inclines, crossing streams that can knock you over if not careful and you can easily twist your angle if your foot gets stuck between rocks and you lose your footing. There is lots of mud especially if you have some rain even if its light rain, some big rocky inclines and very narrow trails where single file is needed. This TRAIL IS VERY HARD!! ... BUT... when you finally make it to the falls... all the effort you put in to get there will be well worth it and all you can do is marvel at the beauty that is surrounding you. (Singing the Jurassic Park theme is also a must! .. no lie do it and you can't help but smile)

All in all this was a very challenging/difficult hike with gratifying and rewarding views. Go at a pace thats good for you and take in the beauty that you see. Not many people will see what you are about to.

Started Trail at 8:30am and returned back to the car at 3:45pm.

Fantastic hike to the beach and then up the trail to the waterfall. Was raining pretty hard and streams kept getting higher at each crossing on the way up. Last crossing was going to be wading above the waist with no way to protect camera in the bag. Decided we didn't want to risk death on honeymoon so turned back 100m from the falls. Still had an amazing time. We will be back!

This was my third time hiking on the beautiful Kalalau and my first time hiking to the waterfall. It is absolutely worth the effort if you are well prepared, fit and enjoy hiking. A lot of the negative reviews from people seem to by those who expected a paved path in the park and didn't notice the warning signs at the trailhead. The trail is slippery and muddy in places but not dangerous or overly difficult footing for intermediate hikers with proper footwear.
Do:
-wear sturdy shoes, sunscreen and a hat
-consider packing bug spray in the summer months
-bring more snacks and water than you think you need
-use common sense at river crossings
The river crossing can be slippery and difficult. The water moves quickly and it's just as difficult crossing on the rocks as it is going through them. Take your time and don't attempt to cross if the conditions are too poor.
We started the hike at sunrise and had the waterfall almost to ourselves, coming back it was a zoo. Start early to avoid the crowds and find parking. Enjoy!

Beautiful hike, not the easiest. Muddy paths at time. Took me about 90 minutes to the falls from kee beach so can be done if you are a good shape(i'm 42y)

Make reservation far in advance. Touch hike and totally worth it if you are physically able to scale rocks and hike up and down elevations on slippery muddy trails. You will have to cross a river at least 5 times and will get wet doing that. Wear proper shoes that are sturdy and can get wet. Most beautiful hike ever. Swim in the cool water pool below the falls. It is 8-9 miles round trip. If that is too much for you then just go 2 miles to the beach and hang out there before hiking back. Great views/jungle.

Very good experience for my family of 4. Wife and I are 50 and kids are 15 and 19. I told my family before we left for Kauai that I would complete this hike to the falls “ hell or high water!”. I didn’t know if anyone would want to go with me and never expected all 4 of us to go. We did the hike on day 1 of our trip to try to help with time zone acclimation. The hike was tougher than I expected, don’t be deceived by the photos of hikers on a nice flat path overlooking the ocean… that’s literally about 200 yards of the 9+ mile round trip adventure. Steep inclines, rock footfalls everywhere and multiple stream crossings that were not for the faint of heart! My daughter thought she might breathe her last breath out there on the trail, was ready to kill me, but once we all survived it was a highlight of our trip. The falls were incredible, very refreshing cold water perfect for a swim!

We took our 12 year old and 8 year old on this 8 mile round trip hike. It was a tough hike as the trail was very wet and slippery, but we loved every minute of it! Our kids are both very athletic and agile so we weren't concerned about their abilities to handle the hike. We were well prepared with food and water and started out early in the morning.

The waterfall is beautiful! We swam in the pool which was very cold, but so worth the effort! An experience of a lifetime for our family.

Make sure to not wear shoes that you don't want to get dirty, and I would recommend taking an extra pair of socks and you will be getting wet.

If you are adventurers you will love the challenge and the reward at the end of the trail!

We just did the first 2 miles in and stopped at the beach. It wasn't an extremely difficult hike and well worth it!

I could not make it all the way because of the cliff ledges were small and freaked me out. However, we were close enough to see the falls. Those we talked to on the path who did make it said it was great and worth it to be able to swim in the pool. The hike is long and strenuous, but doable and beautiful.

This was a hard hike, but so much fun to do. My wife and I took the 6:40 shuttle there, started the hike around 7:15, and we finished the hike at about 2:15, so took us 7 hours. The first part of the hike is constant up and down, it really climbs up a bit at first. The views from the top of the Na'Pali Coast are so beautiful. 2 miles in you get to the beach, which was really pretty, but not good for swimming, it can be dangerous. The trail continues on away from the beach with bathrooms off to the right. After an initial climb, this part of the hike is flatter, but you are still constantly walking over/around rocks, roots, and mud. After a while the trail gets pretty tough, at times it felt more like rock climbing than hiking. The trail isn't very well marked at times and we had to backtrack a few feet a couple of times, but it was pretty easy to find where we went wrong and where the trail actually went. There are a number of river crossings and you can cross them how you would prefer. I would say most people, including myself, hopped across the rocks and managed to keep our feet dry, it wasn't too difficult. The river crossing by the beach after the first two miles is the hardest to cross on the rocks, I took my shoes off for that one. The waterfall is absolutely incredible. The water is surprisingly cold, and swimming in it is a great way to cool off and refresh after the hike out there. I hiked in my swimsuit and a t-shirt, my wife hiked with her swimsuit underneath some clothes, so we could both swim. Even if you don't swim, you'll cool off here with the constant cool breeze and mist that blows on you while you're there. We brought a picnic lunch to eat there and had a really good time. We were pretty wiped by the end of the hike, but we absolutely loved it and were glad we did it. Prepare to get wet from the rain and have your feet/legs covered in mud by the end. I don't know what days they do it, but we hiked on a Tuesday and there was a Farmer's Market at the shuttle dropoff location that we perused around after the shuttle ride back. Overall, it was an incredibly fun hike.

It is 8 miles and very vigorous. We are athletic and hikers. Anyone can make it, just have to be cautious and take your time. Very, very muddy. Recommend a walking stick. Your feet will get wet and muddy, just give in. We all hiked in keen hiking sandals which were awesome for this. We could clean them off in the streams when we got the change. It can be very slick so be careful. You will literally be clambering up and over rocks, so be aware. So worth it to get to the falls. We swam in the falls and it was cold, but awesome!! Best to get there very early. Trail is more packed. On our way out it was even more muddy because of high traffic. It took us 3 hours to hike in and 3 back out so plan on this being a whole day excursion.

My 18 year old daughter and I made the 8 mile round trip hike and loved it!!! It was tiring and challenging and not for those who have health issues or are not athletic. I was glad we took the advice of locals and wore water shoes and brought lots of snacks and water.
This was an amazing day and I highly recommend it- just get an early start and choose decent weather!

We drop by for the lovely view twice a year during vacation. Always beautiful and fun to compare each visit.

This scenic hike is one that you do not want to miss. It is a moderately hard hike. Be sure to wear good, non-slip shoes as you will be crossing streams, climbing boulders, and trekking uphill and down most likely in rain (at least some of the time). It did rain off and on when we were on this trail, which made the trails a bit slippery. However, if you are careful, wearing appropriate shoes, and paying attention, you should not have a problem. Take your time, enjoy the views, and drink plenty of water.

We saw several waterfalls in Kauai but none as beautiful as Hanakapiai Falls. Swimming under the falls was an experience I wont ever forget, the cool water feels amazing after the tough hike through the jungle. The only tip I would offer is to be prepared to swim in the many deep pools along the river as you hike in and out of the falls. These pools are really refreshing and break up the hike. Also, pick a dry day to make this hike, as it is challenging enough during dry conditions. A word of caution to those that are not regular hikers - this hike will challenge anyone who is not VERY sure footed. My group witnessed several people take very bad falls on the rocks while attempting to cross the river during the two mile hike into the falls. Please be prepared for this hike, it would be a very difficult rescue if you were to twist an ankle, or worse. This is an 8 mile round trip hike from the nearest parking lot.

Beautiful area well worth the trip. Careful while walking on rocks can be slippery for older ones. Great photo opportunities

Don't be fooled - this is a tough hike. You are scaling rocks on your hands. That being said, it's totally doable. I'm 32 and ran two marathons. However, I was shocked to see older, overweight people doing it. And kids. It's beautiful and you will feel accomplished. I'm from NYC so this was a great, first time experience. Water shoes are a must! You'll drench your sneakers.

The hike along Na' Pali Coast and then up to the Falls was great, the Falls themselves were truly magical. While "only" 4 miles in (2 miles to beach then 2 up to the falls), it felt like one of the longest 8 miles hikes I've done...but VERY worth it. Words of advice: wear comfortable shoes; take hiking stick (or find one there); be ready for crossing the river (a few times); bring plenty of water; swim in the pool where the falls are (but be careful -- while there we saw a very large rock fall into the pool from above); assume the round trip really will take 5-6 hours with pause time at the beach then the falls.

We loved this hike. it is about 8 miles round trip and so beautiful. Plan to get wet, it is usually raining once you turn up the path and get into the canyon. You also cross back and forth over a stream and at times can be waste deep in water. It is such a fun hike.

Omg! This trail was well worth the effort and a whole lot more!! My wife and I will be 60 this year and were a touch shy about attempting the trek, but we had been used to running a bit;
After reading reviews we said let’s do it!
We did the 2 miles to the Hanakapai beach, and it was wonderful ; the initial 1/2 mike is steep and strenuous, but at the 1/4 and 1/2 mike markers, the views of Ke’e beach were utterly amazing! Soon thereafter, the Napali coast comes into view and that takes your breath away! The rest of the hike to the beach passes by seeing the views, and looking at awesome flora!
The river crossing before you get to the beach is a little challenging on the rocks and boulders but the beach is beautiful! Surrounded by cliffs,and so picturesque with boulders!
There is really no danger, it is moderately difficult to do, the way back especially...slippery at times in the wet mud.
There were lots of kids, people of all ages and weights doing it!!
Totally recommend this very highly, one of the best trails ever!!!

You already see this magnificent fall from 1-2 km's distance and once you arrive at the pool at the foot of the fall the cool but comfortable water is a splendid reward. Plan to spend at least 1 hour here to swim and just take in the fertile valley of ferns and others tropical flora while enjoying a picnic right at the foot of the waterfall. You cannot expect to have all this to yourself but even so, it somehow aplifies to experience to hear all the other hikers' enthusiatic sreams of joy when they swim under and behind the giant waterfall curtain. Expect a 3 hour hike to get here from the trailhead, the last 2 km quite difficult, but all worth it.

This was a good experience as a solo traveler. You're not alone on the trail and lots of people will be there. Arrive early (solo or not) to get a head start on the trail and to get a descent parking spot. Take the break at the midway point on the beach. Have fun crossing all the waterways. Spend time at the falls. Just be with the nature. Lovely but hard trek.

This was a moderate to advanced hike with breathtaking views. Would be treacherous in a rain and slow the pace drastically. First two miles could be done over 45-60 minutes if not slowed by other hikers (this is the busy section of the trail).

After the rock beach, the hike to the falls requires proper shoes as the combination of rock and soil is surprisingly slick even when it is not raining. There are several water crossings and these should be navigated cautiously. If you bring electronic devices, recommend dry storage to avoid misadventures. Once to the falls, the view is overwhelmingly stunning. There is a pool under the falls for swimming! If you find a pair of brown sunglasses they may be mine.

This hike is beautiful, but a challenge. There are multiple water crossings and it is very muddy. A few times we were searching for markers to be sure we were still on the trail. Watch your step and take breaks, it's worth the views but if you're not prepared you will be in trouble. We packed water shoes, extra socks, lots of snacks, 4 bottles of water, bug spray, sunscreen, and a microfiber towel. We used everything! Read the reviews and trust your bodies - if you aren't ready for a hard hike, turn around.

Not the easiest of hikes but if you take your time and have good foot wear, it's not bad. The falls are beautiful and as challenging as the hike there is, it makes it that much better! It was very muddy when we went so be careful, it will be slick on the hills.

We took a shuttle to the start of the hike. The views are breathtaking. We hiked to the falls and had lunch. It was a hot day but rained along the way and then was quite chilly at the falls. Pack water, food layers and rain gear and wear proper hiking shoes and you will be fine. Great way to tire out teenagers!

If you can go anywhere in the world go here!!! This hike is rated difficult but the first park is really the most strenuous. The hike is amazing and I can't wait for my next visit to go again! This will be my third time!

We took on the hike on our first day. It didn’t have rain in the forecast, so we went for it. Bring lots of water - we needed more than we planned for.

The first two mile to the beach - moderate hiking. You go up for the first half mile and then mainly down the rest of the way to the beach. At the beach you will have to do a small stream crossing. There are bathrooms (kind of like outhouses).

The two miles to the falls are beautiful - mostly jungle - but lots of bamboo and nice scenery. It’s mainly up and VERY muddy. We went in March and it was a rainy stretch, but hiking boots were really valuable to us on this hike. You have five or six stream crossings. You have to be careful, we saw several fall in. Even though it’s uphill, I would say it wasn’t a difficult hike until the last half mile. It gets pretty rocky and slippery toward the end. But worth it! The falls were beautiful up close.

Tips:
Hiking boots, lots of water and some snacks, bug spray, and a positive attitude!

This is a great day hike from Ke'e Beach, but make sure you do it when it hasn't rained for at least 48 hours. It says 8 miles total but my GPS tracker had it closer to 10 miles. The first 1 mile of the Kalalau Trail along the coast offers some of the most gorgeous views I've ever seen. We were lucky enough to see humpback whales breaching right off the coast! This first stretch is a bit of an ascent (easy/moderate difficultly, but nothing technical), then it levels off before a descent into Hanakapiai Beach. The beach offers a great resting spot for a snack and has composting toilets. The hike to the falls from here is fairly easy to start (when not too muddy) but it becomes pretty technical at points especially the last 1/2 mile. Several stream crossings involving hopping onto slippery rocks with some technical scrambles make this part technically difficult but not strenuous. The falls are huge!!! Such a unique area as you look up 300 ft cliff face. Definitely a must-do if you enjoy hiking, as the trail offers some amazing views.

After reading reviews of this hike on TripAdvisor, I was pretty sure we either (A) weren't going to do this hike (B) would take the easy route and just do the 2-mile portion to the beach and back. Going through with it - I blame it on my hubby who I quote: "Come on, we got this." At the time all I was thinking was, "well...I do work out" and "this can burn off all the extra calories I'm eating." Right. So, on the day of our hike, we ate an early breakfast and hit the trail head between 9:00-9:30 AM on a bright, sunny April day. The 2-mile portion to the beach is a rocky and both uphill and downhill at times, but not that difficult. The sights on this portion are pretty spectacular of the NaPali coast, and worth it if you're just doing the 2 miles in and out. After resting at the beach (more like boulders in the sand) for a bit, we decided to make the additional 3 miles trek up to the waterfall. (It's 8-miles total in and out). People. The trek between the beach and the water fall is treacherous with very narrow paths at times with steep cliffs, slippery rocks, and at least 3 streams to cross with rushing water. At one stream crossing, I lost my balance and my husband grabbed my arm, or I would have been a goner. As we got closer to the waterfall (and thinking of giving up), it started to rain. Then it got more slippery, which made things even more treacherous. But then - yay - finally, the reward was the awesome waterfall, which we had virtually to ourselves. After a rest and a cold dip, we had to hike out in the pouring rain. By the end, I thought I was going to die. BUT WE MADE IT! (Six hours round trip). I really feel like this hike, or at least a portion of it, is a must-do while on Kauai.

A few notes: prior to our trip, my husband and I both purchased Keen hiking sandals in anticipation of this hike, and they were awesome. Although I did have some major blisters, I can't imagine what this hike would have been like without these water-proof shoes! In early April this hike was not that busy, but I understand during peak travel times, it gets quite crowded. Start early because it takes a long time!

My husband and I veered off the Kalalau Trail to continue onto the Hanakapiai Trail which brought us to the falls. It was another 2 miles away...which would make your day hike a total of 8 miles roundtrip. The trail is very muddy and can be slippery at times. There are multiple stream crossings and the last quarter of a mile to the falls consists mainly of scrambling and climbing up and down rocks. The falls are beautiful though and well worth the hike! Go early so you can get parking and also avoid the big crowds! If there is a threat of heavy rain, don't go as the stream crossings could get even more challenging!

Let's be real people...this is a hike in the wild and not a Disney Land ride. This is Kauai island yet people act surprised that it actually rains and that mud is slippery...really?
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Care needs to be taken when traversing this area as it would be in any other wilderness spot. This is a fairly long hike at around 8 miles round trip. Lots of ups and downs and it can be quite strenuous. I have an average fitness level and am in my mid 40s.
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So, with that being said, here's the hardest part of the trip...Finding parking! Leave early and I mean before sun rise to snag a good spot. And the second hardest is dealing with all the people. If you hit the trail at gray-light, it will be your own personal adventure going in. Not a big fan of crowds in the wilderness but if you're uncertain of the safety of it all, people end up crawling all over this place as the day progresses so unless you take a header off a cliff into the ocean below, you'll be found. And I'll say it now...If someone in your party doesn't want to go to the falls but you do? Have them wait for you at the beach. There are so many people that I'd have no problem doing this by my self. Wife didn't want to go to the falls and "commented" the whole way...Knowing what I know now, she would have been fine waiting for me at the beach as there are so many people there and I would have been fine going to the falls alone as there are so many...people there. So as I said, although I hate crowds, you can make it work to your benefit. But for those hesitating about doing the whole thing? In retrospect, she's very glad she did it.
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Plan on getting very muddy, plan on getting wet *IF* you push through to the falls. You are wearing hiking shoes right? Because if you're wearing sneakers, I assume you like slipping, sliding and falling...Sandals? Plan on leaving them with the other broken ones you see along the trail here and there. Be smart and plan for a real hike.
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Bring plenty of water (1 gallon per person recommended...we had less, we ran out) and some sort of high energy food, bring mosquito spray (don't say I didn't warn you) bring a walking stick of some sort and don't forget the sun screen. We saw a gal up there that was just chewed by mosquitos all over, poor thing looked miserable. Don't be that person!
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As I said, there is a fair bit of ascending and descending to get to the beach but completely doable by those in average health. DON'T be the guy with a baby strapped to your chest, one slip and fall could have killed that infant...Total knuckle-head. Slipping should be expected, falling too if you have poor traction or walk too fast. Just take it easy. We fell a grand total of ZERO times and it was raining lightly with very muddy trails.
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It is a bit of a grind to get to the beach but the scenery along the way is very distracting so you don't really notice it. I am not a fan of cairns so as you can imagine, I could have spent an entire day at the beach knocking them over but had other goals in mind...Such as reaching the falls.
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And as expected the "I'm invincible" 20 something just have to go swim at the beach to prove a point. Don't be that person, signs are up for a reason and people drowning while on vacation is very common. Just sigh at their ignorance and rest for a while for the second half.
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As to the second half...Right before you reach the beach there will be your fist real river crossing. If the water isn't clear, don't cross, turn around. Seriously, if that water is rippin', your hike is over, head back. You did check the weather first right? Making it to the beach in the rain isn't too big of a deal...But if its pouring up-valley? Forget the falls! If you even hesitate at the river crossing and the sky is dark and threatening...Turn around or wait for the conditions to improve. You may be successful in crossing it but you may not be able to get back across if it starts to pour. Water rises very quickly. Weeks before we attempted it, groups of people needed to be rescued...don't chance it.
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On to the falls and the jungle portion. You'll notice some unpleasant aromas as you make your way through the forest...Rotting guava is everywhere. Still with me? Good, keep going!
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Now, you may have heard of Tabbies...A special shoe to help grip slippery surfaces. Don't even think about it. We found out the hard way after the first 100 yards. Worked great for mossy river rocks but NOT for mud. And speaking of mud, it can get pretty thick. Try not to walk on tree roots as those are very slippery. Where to walk in mud? Right in the central most flat spot. Those trying to go around by skirting the slopped areas will guess what...slip. Surrender to the mud and stay on the flats, even if its the muddiest spots of the trail. You wont slip or fall AND you'll cross the river enough times to clean it off.
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Speaking of crossing the river...Cross where it is the EASIEST. It may not be the driest or most shallow spot *BUT* you won't slip off of a boulder and smash your skull in either. We saw plenty of people rock-hopping and taking dangerous chances all in the efforts to stay dry. Not worth it people, as with the mud, surrender to the water and stay safe. Plus, when you're waste deep and you gotta number 1...Yeah, there's a reason why you'll be smiling big as you cross if you take my advice.
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Look up every now and then, stop the drudgery and soak it all in. I bet many people don't even see the ruins that are up there...or the plaque high up in a tree. Heck I'm sure I even missed things!
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You're achy, you're tired, you may even be banged up a little...But keep telling yourself this "When will I ever be here again?" 1. Never, it will end thank God! 2. Never, I better enjoy this while I can! Win-win, be in the moment, stay positive and press on to the falls!
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The closer you get to the falls, the more technical the trail. You will be doing some climbing and will be in areas that you have to pay attention to as you do not want to make a mistake in footing or you'll be injured badly. Stay focused and you'll be fine. The trail is very well worn and I can't see anyone getting 'lost'. It's a valley...with a river, you'd have to try hard to get lost.
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At the falls, wow, quite a site to behold, even before you get to it. You reach a point where you're thinking "Man, I'm deep and its a looooong way back." Don't give up, keep pushing, you didn't come this far to wimp out!
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At the falls, look up, look at those sea birds way up there, look at the mysterious upper pools...You're looking at a scene that's countless millions of years old exactly as it was, unspoiled and perfect. Crazy when you put it into perspective isn't it? What an amazing gift you've given your soul! Judging by some of the reviews, its obvious that some people can't see it or appreciate it and that's too bad...That's the prize though, that's the pay off.
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Now a word of advice, as temping as it may be, I recommend staying out of the pool at the base of the falls for two reasons.
1. You have a loooong hike out and you don't want to chill your muscles or say hello to cramps. The water is fer-fer-fer-freezing! Ok, not literally but pretty cold. Last thing I want to do in the middle of a long hike is soak in cold water.
2. See all those boulders every where? Guess where they fell from.

Whenever at big falls like this, stay on alert for rock slides. What happened at Sacred Falls in O'ahu can happen at falls like these.
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Now as for the grind back...Getting to the beach from the falls seems to go pretty quick, it's the second half that really pushes your fitness level. After a while the pounding of the feet really starts to set in but just be happy you're over half way out.
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If you take anything from this let it be this....as I said, watch out for the river. Discolored water means 'don't cross'...It doesn't matter on what side of the river you're on. If you're already halfway up the valley and the sky unzips and dumps rain down get the heck across the river ASAP...I mean like turn around in your tracks and bee-line it to the river. When you get there, *IF* its still clear, cross quickly...If it is not STOP and wait. Don't even think about chancing it. You are not alone up there and sitting on a river bank alive beats getting swept down stream and possibly getting killed while your partner freaks out in panic. Seriously, that's the most dangerous thing about this hike. You may make it across one crossing only to get to the second crossing that's rippin...Too bad, wait it out. I guarantee that if you get stuck up there and don't attempt the crossing you will 100% live and be uninjured, if you attempt a risky crossing, no guarantees. Give me a miserable night over seeing my loved one swept away ANY DAY.
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That being said, have fun!

We were encouraged by a couple that we met at the hotel to 'push on' and go past the beach up to the falls. That suggestion hung in my head throughout the hike, and I'm echoing the sentiment here after seeing it myself.

There are several stream crossings and multiple points where you have to walk on very slippery rocks on the edge of steep trail. Be very careful.

I hiked today- March 25th and the trail was perfect. Not too muddy and the water crossings were all very easy. I did bring water shoes besides my boots and would put them on to cross the streams. I should have brought a small towel to wipe my feet. I was at the trailhead at 7:30 and took a total of about 6 hours including time at the waterfall. As the road is only open until 7:30 in the morning due to the mud slide if you go early, I think you will have the falls to yourself as I did. When I finished the hike there were only 7 cars in the parking lot.

We are experienced hikers and this was one of many hikes that we did on Kauai. It rained quite a bit when we were there so we waited until there had been no rain for a couple of days before doing this hike as we had read about how muddy it is. Once we had got used to hiking in the muddy conditions (all over the island) we didn't find that aspect of the hike difficult, however, we wear good hiking boots with ankle support and carry hiking poles, both of which help considerably. The river crossings all involve either hopping from large rock to large rock above the river or wading through the water. My husband (and many others we saw) had no trouble crossing via the rocks. I found this more difficult as I'm not great with heights. On the way to the falls I waded across the first river and then had very kind people help me across the rest via the rocks. On the way back I waded through two and hopped across the rocks on the others by myself as I'd become more confident of how to do it. I agree with other reviewers though that it's not an easy hike and I wouldn't tackle it on a wet day, if I wasn't an experienced hiker or if I wasn't wearing the right boots and carrying hiking sticks. The return trip of 8 miles took us about 5.5 hours. We also arrived fairly early in the day to ensure that we could get a car park as parking is limited close to the start of the walk.

After 5h constant transpiration you deserve to jump into the sea with all your dirty apparel and muddy shoes. Before that you have seen a stunning waterfall embedded in a diversified flora. Of course you should be well prepared. Start early in the morning to avoid the inappropriate would-be hiker. You will recognize them by being red-faced, wearing wrong shoes and sometimes carrying a shopping bag . Unbelievable!!! When you love to hike, go for it, you will accomplish this mission.

Some people love the helicopter rides, some love driving throw Wimea, others like seeing the Napali coast by boat. For my money, hiking the Hanakapiai Falls Trail is the way Kauai was MEANT TO BE EXPERIENCED. It can be a ridiculously hard and dangerous trail to hike (one woman on the trail needed to be air lifted out) but it's do-able and the rewards are unimaginable. It wraps around the coast line of the Napali Coast, so you see rocky shore lines almost the whole way. Then you wind inland, through rain forest and crossing streams, until you see a gorgeous untamed water fall, feeding into an ice-cold pool. A pool that you OF COURSE dive into, despite its frigid temp. Make sure to go behind the water fall.

Tips:
- I know it rains all the time, but if at all possible, try and go on a day where it hasn't rained that day or the day before. We had the best conditions (dry the previous 2 days but wet prior to that) and the trail was still muddy and slippery. But at least the streams were at ankle-knee depth.

- Go early. They say the average time there and back is 7 hours. It took us about that time with a break at Hanakapiai beach and time to dip into the falls. But mostly, you want to get to the falls (about 2-3 hrs) while the sun still hits the falls/pool, or else it will be REALLY cold when you swim (with no sun to dry you after). So, aim to get to the falls by noon or 1 pm.

- Bring water. Seriously. You can't have enough.

- Don't worry about walking right through the streams. The people who walked through seemed to have a much easier time than some who were struggling to bounce from rock to rock. The temp/humidity was so warm (in April) that I didn't even notice my wet feet. Just wear good socks and shoes (I even wore running sneakers. Don't wear flip flops. But I even saw some people doing it bear foot).

- Please don't bring your babies. I saw a couple of people nearly topple over their babies as they hopped from rock to rock, carrying them in their baby bjorns. I guess it's their kids, but I saw distinct looks of regret on the faces of parents who brought kids.

Challenging conditions: elevation changes, mud, stream crossings, and slippery rocks. it's going to take 4 hours to complete-so be ready with snacks and water.

The payoff of seeing the falls and knowing you completed such a challenge was worth it to us.

Bring Hiking Boots or Water Shoes!! Also consider bringing a towel if you want to jump in the cold water to swim under the falls!

We did this 4 years ago and again this February. It is still one of the most spectacular things we have done. This year was quite different in two ways. 1. The new system for reservation and improvements in the parking/launching area are in place ( lots on that by googling but book early , figure out when each day opens up and stay up to book it as it sells out quickly. Each day opens at midnight Hawaii time. Book the parking. Walking in or the shuttle looked like a real pain)
2. The first time it was dry and sunny. This year it was wet and muddy . We did luck out in that the rain stopped 20 min into the hike and resumed after we finished. Still beautiful but it is much slower in the mud and we almost ran out of daylight.

This hike is challenging at the best of times (dry) and inherently dangerous but that is manageable if you heed the warnings and make smart decisions. You need to be careful and turn around if you might run out of daylight. At all points think about what you would do if someone is injured (a twisted ankle is highly likely and would really slow you down = caught in the dark). Also think about the stream becoming impassable and you on the wrong side.

The first time took less than 4 hours and this time took 5 1/2 hours round trip, and that was moving as fast as possible to beat sunset and still make it to the falls. Start as early as possible.

Don’t even consider swimming at the beach below the falls/river.

The water was running fast and higher due to recent rains. Watch for flash floods. We swam under the falls the first time. This time they were crashing with heavy flow such that it couldn’t even be considered. The whole area was a whirlwind of mist around the entire pool and last part of the trail. I think going under the falls would have been lethal from pummeling water not to mention the possibility of rocks falling.

We did all the river crossings by jumping from rock to rock but this required planning and the rocks are slippery. This also requires some athletic ability a some of the jumps were several feet onto a small rock which was sometimes just below the surface. At this water level apparently most people wade , up to their waists in this day , so plan for that. We managed not to get wet until we went for a swim in one of the pools about 3/4 of the way up which was safe and magical.

This time we were hiking most of the way in thick mud like glue which caked on you’re shoes. It is incredibly slippery and can’t be avoided. You will fall. The mud will go over the tops of your footwear and all over your legs (at least).

Wear hiking boots or shoes. Bring lots and lots of water. Bring extra socks. Plan to be longer than you think. Have a contingency plan for injury or being trapped. Keep a full set of clothes and shoes on your car.

We were happy that the new facilities include outdoor showers and washrooms at the end of the hike so you don’t have to bring tons of mud back to your car and then condo.

Here is what my trip was like and what to expect if you had the same type of weather:
1. You will be in hip deep water crossing a river multiple times. Bring shoes/sandals you can submerge.
2. The trail is extremely muddy!! Bring appropriate shoes and clothes.
3. The trip is 8 miles. Put on sunblock.
4. Most likely it will rain, but it may be so hot you won't want to wear rain gear (completely soaked).
5. Bring 2 liters of water/person + energy snacks. Chocolate will melt.
6. Above all be careful, mind the signs and the Rangers. I've been to many hikes in the Rocky Mountains and this was the most challenging, but fun and rewarding! Enjoy!

We save the falls hike for the last day and weren't disappointed except for a few bumps and bruises. The falls hike is about 6 miles roundtrip and you should have good shoes, not flip flips for hiking it. The views are magnificent, the stream and river crossings refreshing and the falls are awe inspiring.

Hiking with breaks last about 5-6 hours.

This is a strenuous hike with 4 river crossings and very muddy trails. It takes a full day but the scenery and the Falls them selves make it very worthwhile. A hike to remember.

We hiked to the falls, which is 8 miles round trip and you stop at a remote beach along the way. The first 2 miles of the hike is gorgeous as you walk along the Napali coastline. The views are gorgeous. The second part of the hike feels more like the jungle and is more muddy. I would say the hike can be moderate (3-5 exertion level if the weather has been good) but the last half mile before the falls is muddy, slippery and you are on all fours climbing over rocks. It had been raining quite a bit before we did the hike, so it was pretty muddy. I recommend bringing an old pair of sneakers to wear and throw them away before you come home. You definitely want sneakers or something with a tread. Definitely bring a pack because you will want to be hands free for the entire hike.

The falls are breathtaking but it is definitely a strenuous hike - close to 9 miles but they are steep, hot, and at times dangerous. I would not say this is for the faint of heart! As you get closer to the water fall the trail becomes less clear, you have to pay close attention to trail markers and there's a good amount of bouldering required. For experienced/avid hikers with proper footwear and plenty of water, it's a fun hike with a great payoff. Just note even if you go early you are most likely walking back in pretty intense heat without much shade for the last 2-3 miles. I would not recommend taking children.

If you like waterfalls, this is a must see! There are some things you need to know about the hike. Just for background, I am 55 and 2-3 days per week am on a stair climber. I usually am on it for 60 minutes and travel 6 miles, plus light lifting.

1) The first quarter mile is fairly tough and up hill;
2) The rest of the hike to the beach is fairly easy; you do not have to be in great shape because you can take several stops up to the beach;
3) The final 2 miles to the falls is tougher and on a lot on rocks. You have to have fairly good leg strength and balance to go these last two miles. Walking sticks would help.
4) I wore running shoes, which was fine but a hiking shoe would have been better;
5) We took a little time at the beach going in and out and an hour at the falls to swim, eat some protein bars and re-hydrate. The whole trip took us approximately six hours;
6) Make sure that you take plenty of water and a snack to eat.
7) So to go all the way to the falls, be in some type of shape, I was just a little sore the following day.
8) We went on a dry day and still had mud that we had to deal with as there are little streams that run across the trail. So those reviews that state on rainy days that it can be very muddy, believe it.
9) The key is to be smart and know your limits. Go in the morning to give yourself plenty of time to do the hike. Wear proper shoes,take plenty of water and a snack.

The Hanakapi'ai Falls are beautiful!! Make sure you know what your getting into . (Narrow trails on cliffs with rocks and mudd ) This is what we experienced during our hike . We are middle aged and in good physical condition. Beautiful day until it started raining on the way to the falls about 3 miles into the trail . We picked up poles on the ground at the entrance that helped tremendously. First two miles to the beach with one water crossing was challenging and difficult and will only give you a small taste of what's to come . The trail from the beach to the waterfall consist of two more miles following a rocky trail marked by small ribbons to the Hanakapi'ai falls. The rain made it strenuous and dangerous trying to keep steady footing in SLICK mudd and on the SLICK rocks. It was like walking on ice !!! These conditions caused foot placement to become unsteady and we did slip and fall on several occasions . We had on hiking shoes ( Merrell ) . You will rock jump , rock climb , cross many streams, and be on the edge of a cliff manouvering over all kinds of obstacles . The more it rained the slicker it was .. Take plenty of food and water you will need it !!! Started at 7:30am and round trip was 10 hours with rest at the beach and Hanakapi'ai falls .. It's 8 miles total . Weather conditions change fast and impact the hiking trail " BE Prepared "

This hike is divided into 4 parts:
1. 2 miles standard hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach - good hike, gorgeous views of Napali Coast.
2. 2 miles muddy, strenuous mosquito-y hike. Criss-crossing over the river, rock jumping and navigating slippery rocks. Arrive at stunning 300 ft Hanakapi'ai Falls. Swim near the falls, have lunch rejuvenate.
3. 2 miles muddy, strenuous mosquito-y hike slightly rested at the beginning, then the feet begin to hurt from the pounding down and wet shoes. End at Hanakapi'ai Beach
4. 2 miles standard hike that you are likely tired for and think is a lot harder than the first 2 miles.

With that said, I loved the hike! The views, the adventure, the swim.

Some have said to be sure to have proper shoes: I saw people in proper hiking boots, water shoes, durable flip-flops, Converse Hi-tops, old man loafers, even bare feet. Wear what's good for you. I had good hiking shoes for part 1 & 4, and keen-style hikers for 2 &3. The keen-type left my feet sore and blistered. I would likely try harder to make the jumps and keep my feet dry next time rather than wade in the water. I say bring band-aids in case you blister.

Also there were people of all ages on the trail. Kids in the tween range and 60-70ish people. If you are hardy and willing it is worth it.

Get there early, the parking is insanely small. We were there shortly after 8 and got the last spot. There is an extension lot down the road, but the close lot is small.

As a regular hiker I doubted the other reviews about how hard this leg to the waterfall was. It is not for the faint of heart or inexperienced hiker. There is lots of bouldering, rock hoping over streams, and at times climbing in your hands and knees or going down on your butt. You need good hiking shoes, hiking poles are helping and camelback water bladders are a plus. Do not recommend for children! When you get to the falls - take it in! The photos do not do it justice. Swim under the falls, have some lunch (that you packed) and catch your breath. The 1/4 mile out of the falls is tough. And then the mile after the beach is no joke - straight Up hill in the blistering heat with little shade.

SUPER FUN to jump in and swim after a great and muddy hike to the falls! We were surprised that not many people braved the water, but it was very misty from the giant fall, so May people were cooled off from that. We were able to swim right up to the falls.

I recommend wearing Teva’s or similar good sandals in the water as it’ll help with navigating the rocks.

My wife and I were in Hanalei for a week and half before attempting the 8 mile loop. During our time here, we hiked several locations including Hanakapiai Beach during torrential downpours, which equals mud, being wet; risky, slippery hikes. Between the simple lessons learned on those hikes and the warnings posted, common sense had us initially avoid the 2nd half of the Hanakapiai Trail. Fortunately the rain finally stopped for 2 clear, sunny days.
We then decided to go for it!

All the reviews are correct that the trail is challenging between the river crossings, mud, rocks, etc. But hey, that is the fun of it!

We are both reasonably in shape and completed round trip in 6ish hours. But we were definitely done at the end. We could not wait to get our feet out of our soaked hiking shoes into flip-flops!

We both thought the hike was completely worth it and the falls are gorgeous and majestic. I kept thinking this has to be freshest water in existence!

That said, I would advise the following so you are not caught off-guard and will enjoy.

1) If it is raining; just don’t go to the falls, wait for a day with no rain. Rain adds too much risk to this hike; flash floods, making already muddy trails worse, rocks that would be dry slippery, etc
2) Wear hiking shoes; say absolutely no to flip-flops or sandals.
3) Bring couple bottles of water and some food
4) Don’t attempt to bring / carry your infant, not the place or hike as there is a high risk of slipping/falling. We left our 2 year old home.
5) Bring your bathing suit; if you are going all that way, you might as well take a dip! You will feel refreshed.
6) Take your time, watch your footing

Expect:
You will get muddy
You will get wet
You most likely will slip
You will be tired by the end of round trip

We thoroughly enjoyed trip, but again I would simply not go of it is raining or has just rained. Too risky and I see too many reviews of others who went anyway and hated it, gave bad reviews. The hike is worth it, the falls are amazing, but just wait for a good day.

All the other reviews are true! The trail is slick, muddy, and tough at times. The waterfall is beautiful, amazing and well worth the effort! Know your limits. If you are beat when you arrive at the beach and a short break won't fix things for you, it is best to call it a day. If you have the time and the stamina the trail and falls are amazing. As said above, very much worth the effort.

Not much to say about this unforgettable hike that hasn't already been said in hundreds of other reviews - two miles of spectacular views along the coast followed by two miles of a slip n' slide hike crossing streams that were definitely more daunting than I would've imagined. Double that for the return and you've covered eight miles. My GF and I went at the end of August after there had been heavy rain the week before. It was still super humid like nothing I've ever experienced before, and muddy conditions the whole way slowed us down, so it took six hours not including time at the falls. I'm guessing I could've knocked 30-60 minutes off that time if I'd been by myself, but I was so proud of my GF after she did this hike with me. BRING LOTS OF WATER. I usually bring two liters when I hike and never run out. For this hike, GF and I brought 7-8 liters, and we drank about six liters. I have no idea how some people did this hike and literally brought no water. In any case, this is a trail not to be missed if you love hiking, and even if hiking is not your thing, I'd encourage you to give this hike a try. You can always turn back before the end, and you'll still get to see the Napali Coast from a view that most tourists never do.

First day we did .5 miles up and quickly realized we were not prepared. Re-grouped for next day with FAR more water and snacks. Started out 7:15am (2 parking spots left at this time). It was my husband, 10-yr-old daughter, 12-yr-old son and myself. We got to the beach in about 1 hr 25 min. I felt like we were keeping a pretty darn quick clip. We felt up for the adventure so we headed to the waterfall. We definitely noted all the signs about the flash floods...I can see how it could be an issue. Fortunately we had perfect weather. It was way more difficult than I thought...I did catch myself wondering how I was in this situation when we had to go up on the side of the mountain before the waterfall. However, I must say, so darn worth it to get to the waterfall! It was such a great accomplishment for my kids to see when they put their minds to it. The water was way too cold to go in. We headed back much more sure of ourselves down to the beach (where there is something like an outhouse). No lifeguards. Do not swim. Google some of the accidents there have been - awful. But absolutely beautiful! The last 2 miles from the beach to the car were hard - not going to lie. My kids are always in sports so they were up for the task but even they were spent for those last 2 miles. However, afterwards we were all very happy we did it! 8 miles total from car to waterfall back to car - 5 hr 44 min. Notes - USE BUGSPRAY. My daughter must have 40 mosquito bites - ended up covering her in mud to hide her skin from them! We had 6 waters and 4 gatorades...will bring more next time. If you are a nervous-nelly and/or not sure-footed, this just isn't the hike for you. If you think your kids won't pay attention when there is a drop off with no safe barrier, this is absolutely not for you. Otherwise, GO FOR IT! Can't imagine being on the north shore of Kauai and missing this! ENJOY!

This is a challenging 8mi hike with the sweet reward of a beautiful waterfall at the turnaround point. This is my favorite thing we've done so far in the islands.

We hiked on a dry day (during a dry week) and would not recommend this in wet conditions. It was slippery and there are dangerous parts in which you're on slanted slippery rock inches from the tall cliff to the creek below. It was pretty unbelievable to see pregnant women and folks carrying babies.

Have fun! This is an amazing way to see the beautiful Kauai.

The hike took us about six hours total (with stopping at the falls for lunch).Theres some pretty rugged uphill climbs over rocks as well as several river crossings. While we were there, we were able to cross the rivers on rocks without really getting our feet wet (which would obviously change with higher rainfalls). Theres also a few slick parts on the normal trail where you have to be very careful.They recommend 2 liters of water per person, but i would recommend 3. Its very up and down, so the hike back is just as challenging as the hike to the falls. The view once at the falls is absolutely breathtaking. Plenty of spaces to set up lunch and enjoy the view. Ice cold water at the base of the falls makes a relaxing swim. Water gets deep enough to properly swim. 100% recommended!

A lot of reviews say to get there early, however we had a fabulous experience starting our hike around noon. The first two miles of the hike along the Kalalau trail are tough, but easy compared to the grueling 2 mile hike from Hanakapi'ai beach to Hanakapi'ai falls. We went in July and it was an overcast and breezy day. The hike is narrow, muddy and you frequently have to balance on stones to cross the rapidly flowing stream. We wore our hiking boots and brought plenty of water. We were fortunate enough to spend an hour at the falls without anyone else there. The swim at the falls was cool and refreshing. It was worth every ache and pain I felt in my legs the next day. We took our time and the round-trip, 8 mile uphill hike took us 6 hours. Do it!

Wow, tough hike when the conditions are on the wet side! Wear your hiking shoes and bring a hiking stick or hiking poles - you will be thankful. The first 2 miles on the Kalalau trail are up then down...when wet it can be really slippery. This is along the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast, which are a long way below you, so being careful is critical. After crossing a few small streams and then the wider Hanakapiai river via boulder jumping, you arrive at the Hanakapiai beach (2 miles in). Great place to stop for a few and refresh before turning to the tougher part of the hike. It was wet everywhere when we went - the 2 miles to Hanakapia falls was a slipper mess of mud, river crossings where you boulder hop (be prepared to get wet!) Some areas require scrambling over rocks... Follow the bright orange flags hanging on tress - this marks the trail in some places. Its 2 miles from the beach to the falls. This took us about 3.5 hours - and I would consider us in relatively good shape. The hike back wasn't any less difficult due to the slipper conditions. Take an extra pair of socks and Keen type shoes would be nice for when the hiking boots are totally soaked (which they were before we made it the 4 miles into the falls). The 8 miles to the falls and back out was worth it - but don't know if I would do it again. Very sore the next day - in particular feet from being wet and hiking many miles that way! Hiked May 23, 2016 took 7.5 hours including stops at the beach (2 miles in), falls (4 miles in) and at the beach on the way out (6 miles) - total 8 miles round trip.

Started at Kee Beach on the Kalalau trail and headed for Hanakapiai Falls (rigorous!).
8 miles total however that's thinking miles. Serious elevation changes

- - ya pay attention to each step, not a single step is sure footed, frequent slippery rocks and boulder hoping. It's a mental work out as well as physical.
Go slow and enjoy

Many flash flood warning signs! 2 emergency helicopter landing pads

To the beach is 2 miles in. You're faced with major elevation changes, shear drop offs, slick muddy conditions, heat and moisture.

Once on Hanakapiai Falls trail ---
Stained with mud up to our calves, mud seeping through toes, at least 4 challenging river crossings waist high or boulder hoping rock to rock with rushing river below, the last 400M to get to the falls is basically a clamber/scramble up and down rocks. Very advanced and difficult, especially when you're fatigued.

You're rewarded with spectacular scenery and breathtaking Hanakapiai falls with 500' wide pool at the base.
Be prepared and well equipped
Suggestion: never do this hike with out getting to the falls if you LOVE adventure!

We are a very active family ages, 44, 42, 18 & 16
It took us 8 hours at an intentional pace
Worth noting: unless you have headlamps be aware of time and sunset.

The Hanakapi'ai Falls is a great day hike. It took us about 7 hour to make the 8 mile round trip hike. The first 2 miles is a moderate hike and brings you to a beautiful beach. The next 2 miles to the falls is pretty strenuous but worth it! The falls are beautiful. There are several river crossings and the trail is steep and rocky in areas. Be sure to bring lots of water and wear good shoes. I wore Keen sandals which were perfect. They made the river crossings easy, allowed for the feet to dry out and were good traction. There are areas where you will be climbing and pulling yourself up rocky ledges so good physical condition is a must.

This is the beginning section of the Kalalau trail that brings you to Hanakapi`ai beach (2 miles in) with the option to hike an additional 2 miles up Hanakapi`ai Valley to the falls. Remote and beautiful, this Na Pali hike is gorgeous but can be challenging.
My challenge was to be there very early in the morning to be alone; I reached the waterfalls at 8:00 by running from Wainiha (3,5 miles + 4 miles), starting at 6:30am.
Trail conditions may range from muddy puddles to dry, crumbly rock.
The waterfall is very very tall : maybe 300ft (almost 100m) !!!

Such a beautiful hike! My sister and I, both in our mid-50's, intended to hike just to the beach but couldn't resist the trail to the falls. It was everything- sloppy mud, rocky creek crossings, boulder hopping, steep trail sections, creaky bamboo groves, and the beautiful falls.

We laughed and giggled our way up to the falls and back to the beach but my sister (who lives no where near any hills) was miserable on the two miles from the beach back to the trailhead. We both wish we had worn shoes with sturdier soles than our old running shoes as we felt every stone before it was over. Carry plenty of water as that last two miles gets sunny and hot by mid-day.

Next to our helicopter tour, this was our favorite adventure of our vacation.

This is a difficult and somewhat treacherous (depending on the water levels and slipperiness of the rocks) hike with an amazing payoff - beautiful waterfall and lovely swimming.

We started from Kee Beach at around 9am, and got back to our car 7 hours later after enjoying a break on the way there and back at Hanakapiai Beach (no swimming) and a lunch/swimming break at the falls. It had rained a lot recently, but the weather was warm and dry that day. Hike to the beach was easy (save for the river crossing right before it, which was more challenging if you're trying to stay dry) but the rest of the way to the falls was more difficult. I'm not experienced in river crossings/leaping from slippery rock to slippery rock, and sometimes I froze and didn't know where to put my feet. I'm a somewhat experienced hiker but in completely different conditions (climbed Kili this past summer). It was TOUGH. Don't underestimate.

We brought 4L of water for 2 people and drank 3L. We ate sandwiches from Hanalei Gourmet at the falls, and that was enough food. We took our boots off to swim but in hindsight this was stupid - the rocks sucked, we accidentally kicked/smashed knees into hidden underwater rocks while swimming, and I ended up soaking my boots 10 mins into the hike back.

All that being said - it's beautiful and worth it if you make it there and back in one piece... but be careful!! It's certainly dangerous in parts.

Magical trail….we had a blue bird day for most of the day. Trail was pretty dry and not too strenuous especially if you take your time and take in all the beauty the trail has to offer. Rode the 6:30 am shuttle which I highly suggest. You have all day to explore without a rush to get out if you only reserved parking for 1 or 2 time slots.Bring plenty of water- 2 liters.

I think the trail is more worthwile than the waterfall. I didn't swim there but in another pool on the trail, all alone and naked. Great!

This hike is off the Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast. Not easy but a great adventure to this 300 ft waterfall.

We are vintage 60 year olds who were overjoyed and exhausted by the end of the day....Take every chance you can to get wet as it will help cool your body down. Wear hiking boots and get them wet in the streams and pools..If you can safely wade through the stream crossings, do it!.Use your whole body to hike up and down the rocky trails...Its a blast. Go have some beer!

We hiked into the falls and back out in about 6 hours, stopping at the deserted beach at the half-way point. There is no food or water along the way, so be sure to pack enough to sustain you. The trails were really muddy, so a walking stick for stability is a good idea. There are parts of the trail where you have to cross streams so your shoes are bound to get wet, but who cares? They come out clean in the wash. Be sure to pack your snorkel and mask. The snorkelling at Kee Beach at the end of the hike was like icing on the cake. Fantastic day and unbelievable views!

Very difficult hike, no point going 2 miles to the beach because there’s no beach, just rocks and can’t swim. Plan to go all the way to the waterfalls, return is very tricky, slippery rocks and give 2 plus hours up and down. Check the weather conditions before going, if it rains, the trail is gonna be hell. Take lots of water. After beach, the trail is unpaved, hard to see the trail if people are not on it especially after river crossings. Try to leave early so you have enough time to enjoy and come back. The last pick up is at 5:40 PM.

These falls are amazing! At first I wondered if this was really worth the time and effort because it's a whole day. It is! And you want to start early! Expect mud, rocks, water crossings, and tired legs because it's up and down repeatedly. But swimming at the base of the falls is your sweet reward

for the over 50 non hiker it is tough but so worth it, take a lunch for the 2 mile break at the beach before you start you hike up hill to the falls, then take a dip in the frigid pool beneath the falls it is so rewarding and then you have Ke'e Beach to finish relaxing in once you make it back. took us 7 hours for the total 8 mile hike and dip in the pool but we didn't push ourselves either.

We did this hike on Saturday, July 9th and made sure to get an early start. We didn't get a parking pass for the state park, but did manage to get a shuttle pass for the first shuttle of the day (6:30 AM). You'll need one or the other and they se out fast. Passes can be purchased at gohaena.com 30 days in advance.

As for the hike, the last 1/2 mile before the waterfall was probably the most difficult but definitely manageable. You will get muddy on this hike....so wear good hiking shoes that can handle it. There are 5 stream crossings, 3 of which you might be able to do without getting in the water (stepping on rocks). But the water was super refreshing, so we chose to get in.

Don't underestimate how much water to take with you. They recommend a minimum of 2 liters per person, and you'll want every bit of that. Take some snacks, too. There isn't anywhere to refill along the way, and you can't drink the water from the creek or waterfall. We did, however, take a swim at the falls and it was great.

I wouldn't recommend this for completely inexperienced hikers or really young kids. If you go early enough, you'll probably have the falls and the trails nearly to yourself.

This is now by far one of my all time favorite hikes! It is 2 miles to the quiet (in summertime) secret beach, where my new wife and i ate lunch, and another 2 miles to the awesome waterfall. In total 8 miles since there is only one route and you have to backtrack the 4 mile trial. All of this can be done without a hiking permit. I would absolutely do this if you're there in the summer when the ocean is calm, I have not been there at any other time so i cannot tell you how it will be in the winter. Either way you probably shouldn't swim off the beach since it's a short wave break and rough waters. The 1st two miles is along the cliff coast and the second half is through the pretty dense forest along a creek that comes from the waterfall. along the way are some trees that produce some yummy apple-like fruits that you can eat if in season. It is a tough hike, but believe me it is worth it to get to the waterfall! There's nothing quite like a dip in a cool pool beneath a tropical 200-300 ft waterfall after a 4 mile hike! I hope i get to go back some time and see this again!
If you don't want to deal with crazy parking or trying to slip by parking illegally go early!!! this gets packed since the entrance is at a beautiful and popular beach.

My husband and I hiked the 8 mile round trip to the falls on an overcast and somewhat raining September day. I am not the most active person and it was a challenging hike. But when we reached the falls and cooled off in that beautiful pool of water it was so worth it. We were told to allow for about 5 hours round trip but ended up spending about 7 hours total. I would take at least 3 or 4 bottles of water each.

BEST TIP I CAN GIVE: There is a small shop next to the Wainiha General Store called Kalalau Trail Outfitters. For $35 you can rent a pair of Adidas Canyoneering Boots, neoprene socks and two trekking poles to use for the day and it was the best money we could have spent. The trail was muddy and slippery and everywhere we looked we saw people with very nice Adidas or Nikes that were ruined by the red mud. The boots we rented were super comfortable and completely waterproof up to our ankles. They provided excellent footing and made hiking the trail so much more enjoyable. And in the end you simply rinse the boots off at the outdoor showers and return them to the store.

We booked a parking lot and wanted to start at 6am our hike but as the last three days it was raining 24 hours they informed us about flash flood on the complete trail so we couldn't made our hike. But I made this hike to the waterfall 6 years ago on my own and I can tell that you shouldn't do this alone like I did as you need sometimes a helping hand to feel safe on some parts on the trail. I made it but you need to cross the river a few times and it don't need to rain to have flash flood. So be always careful and don't do this alone. On my way back it started raining and the trail was immediately slippery, the river flodded and so I crossed the water with some other hikers together but we all had wet feet which made the grip more slippery as it already have been. We came back safe and I had luck that there have been some nice people on the same way at the same time. When we arrived we got the information that all other hikers are stucked and can get back earliest the next day.

So take enough food and water with you and some clothes and towels to be prepared for all possibilities.