Hanakapiai Trail and Falls

Hanakapiai Trail and Falls General Description

Hanakapi'ai Falls isn't a waterfall most visitors will ever see. Nestled deep inside Hanakapi'ai Valley on the Na Pali coast, it'll take some effort to reach. After hiking two miles of rugged terrain of the Kalalau Trail you'll have to another two miles inland via the Hanakapiai Falls Trail, along one of the most rugged trails we've ever taken, to reach this 410 foot beautiful falls located on the back valley wall. Take notice of the native plant life as well as the small bamboo forests you will pass through. The trail crisscrosses the stream several times, so be mindful of water flow. Make sure to pack rain gear because showers pop up frequently and carry drinking water since it is not safe to drink stream water.

It's unfortunate you cannot see the entire falls from within the valley. Estimates, based on topography, say that the Hanakapi'ai Falls may top 1600 foot in height. As noted above, only the bottom 410 feet of the falls are visible from the ground.

Total elevation gain for the segment between Ke`e and Hanakapi`ai is about 1060 feet (that's coming and going) and the hike takes approximately an hour and a half at a moderate pace. As noted, the falls are another two miles inland and it can take up to two hours just to reach the falls.  Total elevation gain to the falls from Hanakapi'ai beach is 760 feet. This is a fairly strenuous hike.

Location: Na Pali Kauai    Detailed Map: Detailed Hanakapiai Trail and Falls Map

On the Kauai Map

Park at Ke`e Beach at the end of Highway 560 and hike the first two miles of the Kalalau trail to Hanakpia`ai Beach. Then take the trail two miles inland to the falls.