The Kalalau Trail
Along the cliffs.
Antonio Zugaldia from Washington, D.C., United States — CC BY 2.0 · sergejf — CC BY 2.0 · Heath Cajandig — CC BY 2.0 · LCDR Eric Johnson, NOAA Corps. — Public domain · Heath Cajandig — CC BY 2.0
The Nā Pali Coast is a stretch of towering sea cliffs on the north-west shore of Kauaʻi in Hawaii, running about 27 km, about 24 km north of the town of Waimea in a straight line and protected within the Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park. No road reaches it: the cliffs rise straight from the sea in jagged ridges and deep green valleys with waterfalls spilling down them. That is why the coast is seen from the sea by boat, from the air by helicopter, or on foot along the Kalalau Trail. The Kalalau Trail runs about 18 km from Keʻe Beach to Kalalau Beach, crossing valleys and streams along the cliff edges, and is one of Hawaii's hardest and most beautiful hikes. Kalalau Valley can also be seen from lookouts high in Kōkeʻe State Park. Reaching the trailhead in Hāʻena State Park needs an advance reservation, and going beyond the first stretch or camping needs a permit. Winter seas are rough, so boat tours are best in summer, and the trail is slippery after rain.
Along the cliffs.
In summer.
Views from above.
North-west coast of Kauaʻi, Hawaii, United States
Yes, for the trailhead.
By boat in summer or by helicopter.