How Difficult Is The Hike To Napali Coast?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

, , , ,

Explore this 22.0-mile out-and-back trail near Hanalei, Kauai.

Generally considered a challenging route

, it takes an average of 11 h 32 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, , and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

How long is Napali Coast hike?

Trail Length

22 miles (round trip)
Difficulty Difficult Terrain Wet Gulches to Open Ridgeline Elevation Gain 800 ft Trail Brochure Kalalau Trail

How many people have fallen from crawlers ledge?

Accidents, Falls, and Deaths

An unofficial sign near Hanakapi'ai Beach records almost 85 deaths, as seen in 2014. More recently, an article published by The Daily Beast website in 2019 claims “

over 100

” deaths along the trail.

What is the most difficult hike?

  • The Maze. …
  • South Kaibab Trail/Bright Angel Trail. …
  • Kalalau Trail. …
  • Mist Trail – Half Dome. …
  • Muir Snowfield Trail. …
  • Huckleberry Mountain. …
  • Barr Trail.

Can you hike the Napali Coast without a permit?

Hiking to Hanakāpīʻai Valley (2 miles in from trailhead) requires Entry and Parking Reservations at Haena.

Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakāpīʻai MUST possess a valid camping permit

. Make reservations at www.gohaena.com. Camping permits may be applied for 90-days* in advance.

Do you need a permit to hike Napali Coast?

In order to hike past Hanakāpī'ai Beach along the Kalalalau Trail

a valid camping permit for Napali Coast State Wilderness Park is required

whether or not you choose to camp.

What is the best way to see NaPali Coast?

The only way to truly see the entire coast is

aboard a boat

. A boat excursion aboard Makana Charters provides you with views of the entire Na'Pali Coastline. It's an experience you won't forget, as you see the spectacular coastline up close—even going inside the coastline into sea caves (weather permitting).

What should I wear to NaPali Coast hike?


Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction

are popular. Camping gear should include a lightweight sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad, tent or tarp, cooking stove and fuel, water purification tablets or filter, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, and biodegradable soap.

How do you experience the NaPali Coast?

  1. NaPali Coast By Land. By far the most popular way to hike the NaPali Coast is on the Kalalau Trail which begins at Kee Beach. …
  2. NaPali Coast By Sea. Traditionally, the NaPali Coast was accessed by sea via the gateway at Polihale. …
  3. NaPali Coast by Air.

Are crawlers ledges scary?

Many people say that the scariest part of the Kalalau Trail is “Crawler's Ledge” around mile 7.

It can be scary

.

Is the Napali Coast hiking trail open?


As of June 17, 2019, the Kalalau Trail is officially reopened and ready for visitors

. Hāʻena State Park and Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park (Including the Kalalau Trail) were closed in April 2018 due to severe flooding and damage to the parks and roads after several storms that hit Kaua'i's north shore.

What are the dangers of hiking in Hawaii?

  • Nightfall. …
  • Extreme weather conditions.
  • Narrow trails. …
  • Rockfalls. …
  • Leptospirosis. …
  • Hyperthermia (overheating) …
  • Hypothermia (low body temperature) …
  • Hunters.

What is the scariest hike in America?

  • Chinitna Bay, Lake Clark National Park, Alaska. …
  • Barr Trail, Pikes Peak, Colorado. …
  • Jack Mountain, North Cascades National Park, Washington. …
  • Presidential Traverse, New Hampshire. …
  • Denali, Denali National Park, Alaska. …
  • The Maze, Canyonlands National Park, Utah.

What is the deadliest hike in America?

America's deadliest hike is

Mount Ranier

in Washington State. It has claimed over 400 deaths. Anything but a “walk in the park,” Mount Ranier features extreme and fast weather changes, avalanches, falling rocks, and an unpredictable volcano.

Is hiking at hard?

Hiking the entire A.T. is

a grueling and demanding endeavor

. It requires great physical and mental stamina and determination. The terrain is mountainous for its entire length, with an elevation gain and loss equivalent to hiking Mt. Everest from sea level and back 16 times.

How many miles is the Napali Coast trail?

Explore this

22.00 mile

, out and back trail near Hanalei, Kauai. Generally considered a challenging route, it takes an average of 13 h 2 min to complete. This is a very popular area for backpacking, camping, and hiking, so you'll likely encounter other people while exploring.

How long does it take to hike first 2 miles of Kalalau Trail?

The first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail are strenuous and tricky. You'll probably want a

1/2 day

to do this hike. That will allow time for breaks and photo stops.

Can you do Kalalau Trail in 2 days?


I ended up doing the trail in two days

, which is quite quick, too quick for many people, but we didn't want to carry too much on our backs. Let's face it, I am a glamper. I don't like sleeping in the dirt, but I like camping and being in the outdoors!

How much does it cost to hike the Kalalau Trail?

Preparations: Permits: The Kalalau Trail is very popular and permits are required to spend the night along the trail. The cost for non-residents is

$20 per night

and you can book the permit for the Napali Coast Wilderness Park online.

How difficult is the Kalalau Trail?

Though it's unbelievably beautiful, there's no doubt that the Kalalau Trail can be

extremely perilous at points

. The trail is narrow, steep, rocky, and dotted with natural hazards ranging from strong water currents to falling rocks. Steep dropoffs into the water are especially dangerous.

Why is the Kalalau Trail closed?

Kalalau Trail closed due to

weather/landslide

.

What island is Na Pali Coast on?

Spanning 17 miles along

Kauai's

North Shore, the Napali Coast is a sacred place defined by extraordinary natural beauty. These emerald-hued cliffs with razor-sharp ridges tower above the Pacific Ocean, revealing beautiful beaches and waterfalls that plummet to the lush valley floor.

Why is Na Pali Coast closed?

Both Hāʻena State Park and the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park were closed from April 2018 to June 2019 following

severe flooding on the north shore of Kauaʻi

.

Can you kayak Na Pali Coast?

The adventure of a lifetime begins at the end of the road.


Napali Kayak invites you to join us for a sea-kayaking adventure along the emerald cliffs of Kauai's Na Pali Coast

. We use the highest quality sit-on-top tour kayaks with rudders, Werner paddles and cozy seat backs.

Do I need a sleeping bag for Kalalau Trail?

pack plus water. Enjoy, it is a very special hike!

No sleeping bag needed

, but a blanket of some sort, is usually necessary.

Do you need hiking boots for Kalalau Trail?

The first 2 miles one-way are shared with the day hike which most of these reviews are about – like the entire trail, the first 2 miles (4 miles RT) are steep and slippery and muddy, so

even day hikers should wear proper footwear

(hiking boots with wool socks, or sure-grip sneakers that you don't mind getting …

How do I prepare for the Kalalau Trail?


Save your knees and keep your backpack as light as possible

! The Kalalau Trail is a tough 22-mile hike (11 miles each way) with lots of elevation change. Temperatures are generally warm, so you can leave your heavy cold weather sleeping bag at home (a sleeping pad and light blanket may be enough for warm sleepers).

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.