The Na Pali Coast: Ke’e Beach to Hanakapi’ai

The Na Pali Coast is one of the most spectacular places on the island of Kauai.  Its cliffs provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the northernmost tip of the Hawaiian island chain.  In this series, I will detail the different parts of the coastline, otherwise known as the Kalalau Trail.

The section between Ke’e Beach and Hanakapi’ai offers a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers.  Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast.  The summer sand beach at Hanakapi’ai is a popular destination for swimming and wading.  However, be away that the surf and rip currents here are variable and often treacherous.  Conditions are worst in the winter when high surf can prevail.  Ke’e Beach is where surfer Bethany Hamilton was attacked by a shark, so it would be wise to stay close to shore.

An unmaintained 2- mile trail into Hanakapi’ai Valley leads to a waterfall.  After crossing the stream about a mile into the valley, the trail becomes more difficult, as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees.  The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks.

A camping area here allows travelers to stop overnight on the way in or out of Kalalau Valley.

To get to the Ke’e Beach trailhead [map], take the Kuhio Highway (Route 56) north into Ha’ena State Park and all the way to the end, about 40 miles (or 90 minutes) from the Lihue Airport. You will see the trailhead across from the bathrooms, on your left if you are looking at the beach.

Photo courtesy of AZAdam (Flickr)