Hanakāpī‘ai Falls

Kapaʻa, Hawaii

5.0/5

based on 7 reviews

Save

View all 12 photos

All 12 photos

Save Review Directions Add Photo

Details

Distance

8 miles

Elevation Gain

2913 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Rob Witt

Be prepared to swim under a 300ft waterfall and get another perspective of the Na Pali Coast at Hanakāpī‘ai Falls. This day hike should take about 5-6 hours, so pack accordingly.

This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. The beach is a beautiful place to hang out and relax, there's a stream where you can take a dip, and bathrooms if you need to stop. Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents.

If you're planning to continue up to the falls, be prepared for another 2 mile climb uphill. This part of the hike gets more challenging with steep climbs, crossing a stream multiple times, and a little scrambling over boulders, but the reward is worth it. Once you've reached the falls, enjoy it! Take some time to relax, eat lunch, and swim in the pool below the falls. Keep in mind though, you've still got 4 miles to hike back. Due to the length of the hike, we recommend getting an early start on it just in case; you want to make sure you make it back to your car by the time the sun goes down.

Download the Outbound mobile app

Find adventures and camping on the go, share photos, use GPX tracks, and download maps for offline use.

Get the app

Download GPX File

Features

Photography

Hiking

Bathrooms

Beach

River

Scenic

Waterfall

Hanakāpī‘ai Falls Reviews

Rachel Beck

Hanakāpī‘ai Falls

02/19/15

This was an awesome hike! Plenty of breathtaking views along the way : gorgeous blue water, Na Pali coast, tropical trees, and [of course] the waterfall! I hiked the 8 miles in my Vibrams, and feel fabulous today. I even saw a few people walking it barefoot! (Albeit, I wouldn't recommend it if you haven't trained to walk barefoot). The second leg (beach to waterfall) is a lot rockier, so definitely take your time. Overall, it was a superbly enjoyable hike.

Jill Freeman

Hanakāpī‘ai Falls

02/01/15

This day was beyond fabulous! Gorgeous views on this trail through the "jungle", with streams, beach, and waterfall. I did this with my 22 year-old son when I was 53. I had not been exercising much, but am fairly active and not overweight. I did not find this too difficult. Crossing one rushing stream was tricky. It was an amazing hike. Good shoes are super important and lots of water of course. Beware: Trail was muddy with puddles in places even on a relatively dry week. A recent rain will make it treacherous in places. One of the best adventures of my life!

5.0

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

Nearby

Hanakoa Valley via Kalalau Trail

Hanakoa Falls is one of two large waterfalls along Na Pali Coast. While most set out for a high-paced hike on Kalalau Trail, rushing past Hanakoa Valley, those who choose to explore Hanakoa Valley and Falls will not be disappointed. To reach the beautiful Hanakoa Valley, you will take the same trail as you would to reach Kalalau Beach. Kalalau Trail is world-renown for its breathtaking coastal...

Na Pali Coast via the Kalalau Trail

This hike begins at the parking lot of Ke'e Beach at the Northern most point you can drive to on the island. This is where the Kalalau Trail begins. From there, you immediately start hiking upward, with great views of the beach down below. The first two miles of the trail are the busiest, as no permits are required to hike this section, and often many families like to hike this stretch to ge...

Kayak or Sail the Na Pali Coast

Enjoy the view of the Garden Island from the crystal clear waters of the pacific ocean. Experiencing the coast by water allows for private beach access and exploring amazing sea caves! You have a few options to go by boat to see this enchanted terrain.Guided Kayak ToursYou can rent a kayak and paddle down the coast and camp at Kalalau beach (you'll need a permit). Kayak Kauai has a good option ...

Relax at Tunnels Beach, Kauai

Makua, aka Tunnels, is known for its incredible mountain scenery. This beach also offers great snorkeling, where people will usually see turtles. Public parking, bathrooms and showers are available at Haena Beach Park located west of Tunnels. Be sure to head to the beach early, parking on the town's streets can be a little challenging.

Relax in Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Bay is one of the most scenic beaches on the north shore of Kauai. It features mountain views and a pier. In summer, the water gets calm and clear. It's perfect for swimming, SUP, and diving. During the winter, the it becomes a beautiful surf spot. There are small lots for parking scattered along the length of the beach, so refrain from parking in front of houses. It stays relative...

Kayak Camp on Miloli'i Beach

NOTE: The beach is closed in the winter months due to high surf. Be sure to work with a local guide to insure you do this adventure safely.The only way to reach Miloli'i is by Kayak. Unless you are going to be bringing your own kayak to the island chances are you will need to rent one from a company on the island. We had a good experience with Kayak Kauai. They offer a package called `Maveri...

Hanakāpī‘ai Falls

Details

Description

Download the Outbound mobile app

Features

Hanakāpī‘ai Falls Reviews

Leave No Trace

Nearby

Hanakoa Valley via Kalalau Trail

Na Pali Coast via the Kalalau Trail

Kayak or Sail the Na Pali Coast

Relax at Tunnels Beach, Kauai

Relax in Hanalei Bay

Kayak Camp on Miloli'i Beach

Discover

Community

Company

Follow Us

Mobile Apps