Kalalau Trail (Hanakapiai Falls)
Na Pali coast cliffs, lush jungle, and a 300-ft waterfall reward. Slick when wet.
- Difficulty
- hard
- Distance
- 8 mi
- Elevation gain
- 1200 ft
- Permit
- Not required
Na Pali coast cliffs, lush jungle, and a 300-ft waterfall reward. Slick when wet.
State: Kauai, Hawaii
Type: Out & Back
Must-use gear on Kalalau Trail (Hanakapiai Falls)
Field-tested picks matched to this terrain. Links are affiliate — they keep the field guide free at no extra cost to you.
Two-way satellite messaging and an SOS button the size of a key fob. If you hike alone, you want this.
The only sock with a true lifetime guarantee. Merino blend, perfect cushioning, zero blisters across hundreds of miles.
The Durston X-Mid Pro 2 redefines what's possible in an ultralight, two-person trekking pole shelter, offering palatial space and storm-worthy performance at a staggeringly low weight. By utilizing Dyneema Composite Fabric and a brilliant offset pole design, it delivers exceptional livability without the typical compromises of minimalist shelters.
Recommended footwear for this terrain
The best all-around day-hiking boot we tested in 2026. Light, grippy Contagrip outsole, dialed lacing, waterproof without feeling like a sauna.
The HOKA Speedgoat 5 continues its reign as a trail-running and hiking favorite, offering unparalleled cushioning for an exceptionally comfortable ride over long distances. Its redesigned Vibram Megagrip outsole with Traction Lugs provides tenacious grip on the most demanding technical terrain, making it a go-to for serious adventurers.
Best hydration for this trail
The Petzl Iko Core is a revolutionary rechargeable headlamp that challenges traditional design with its ultra-light, semi-rigid AIRFIT headband. It offers exceptional comfort and balanced weight distribution, making it nearly unnoticeable during high-output activities like trail running and fastpacking.
The Nitecore NB10000 Gen 2 is the gold standard for ultralight power banks, packing a massive 10,000mAh capacity into a carbon fiber frame that weighs a mere 5.3 ounces. It's the go-to choice for thru-hikers and weekend warriors who need to keep essential electronics charged without adding punishing weight.