The Napali Coast is one of the most beautiful landscapes I have ever seen with its lush green cliffs flowing into the bright blue Pacific Ocean. The first time I hiked along the Napali Coast it was like I had a filter on my eyes with the saturation all the way up, the colors are just unbelievable.

Whether you get a glimpse of the coast from a lookout point or venture the coast by hiking, you will not be disappointed even on a cloudy day.

I think the best way to explore a new landscape is to take a hike! There are many trails that will give you different views of the coast, but my favorite is the Hanakapiai Falls trail. More on that hike below!

Where is the Napali Coast located?

The Napali Coast is located on Kauai, Hawaii also known as the Garden Island. The island of Kauai is relatively small compared to the other Hawaiian islands which makes it easy to explore many parts of the island. The Napali Coast is located on the North Shore of Kauai, and no roads go directly through the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. That is where the hiking comes in!

What Time of Year Should I Visit Kauai?

Kauai is beautiful to visit year-round, but when hiking the Napali Coast there are a few factors you’ll want to consider. Many trails through the Napali Coast Wilderness Park have river or stream crossings. This makes these trails susceptible to flash floods which you do not want to get caught in!

Flash flood season in Kauai generally lasts from October to April. If you’re planning on hiking during these months, keep an extra eye on the weather and do not venture out if there is rain forecasted.

I have hiked through the Wilderness Park in February and June, and the river crossings were much more intense during the wet month of February! The weather in June does get very hot and humid though so it is important to bring more water than you think you’ll need.

The Logistics of Hiking the Napali Coast

All good hiking days are planned well for the best experience! I never like going into a hike not knowing the basics, so here’s a rundown based on my experience hiking the 8 mile Hanakapiai Falls trail.

What do I Need to Bring on the Hike?

Water!!! And a lot of it. I had my 32oz HydroFlask with me and finished it before I even got to the waterfall. I ended up filling my bottle up in the river on the way back but that’s probably not the best idea… oh well. You will want to stay hydrated with clean water so definitely invest in a hydration pack or bring some backup water bottles.

Sunscreen is a must while hiking to Hanakapiai Falls. Some of the trail is shaded through the bamboo forest but for the most part it will be full sun. Don’t forget the scalp sunscreen too! This was my biggest downfall on this hike… a sunburnt scalp. Don’t be me.

The 8 mile hike will take about 6 hours so you’ll definitely want to bring some snacks and a light lunch. Pasta salad, protein bars, and oranges made for a perfect lunch/snack combo. Don’t forget to pack out what you pack in and leave no trace!

What Should I Wear Hiking?

Both times that I hiked the Hanakapiai Falls trail it was hot and humid. A swimsuit is a must for jumping into the falls at the end of the trail and you’ll want to bring an extra shirt or shorts if you don’t want to hike back in wet clothes. Be sure to pack your dry clothes in a bag, the falls can get windy and spray everywhere!

For shoes, you’ll want to wear something that you don’t mind getting wet and muddy. I hiked once in an old pair of gym shoes and again in my pair of Chaco’s. The Chaco’s won for me because I didn’t have to worry about taking my shoes off for the multiple river crossings. Surprisingly there were minimal stubbed toes!

To tie it all together, a backpack is a must to pack your food, water, sunscreen, dry clothes, and anything else you like to bring on a hike!

Where Should I Park?

The shuttle system through the Ha’ena State Park is hands down the easiest way to get reservations and transportation into the park. If you’re staying in Princeville, the Waipa park and ride is only about a 20 minute drive from town and has plenty of parking spaces. We arrived for a later shuttle around 10:30am and had no issues parking or getting on our timed shuttle. The drive into the park then takes about 20 minutes.

The Best Trails to Hike Along the Napali Coast

There are so many great trails to choose from through the Wilderness Park from easy walks to multi-day excursions. The AllTrails app is my favorite way to find a hike based on distance and pictures of course!

• Awa’awapuhi Trail
  • This is a 5.8-mile out-and-back hike to overlook the cliffs of the Napali Coast. Generally considered a challenging route.
  • You don’t need any permits or reservations for this hike, and there is a parking lot at the trailhead. Access to this trail is a little over 30 minute drive from Waimea Town, right before the Kalalau lookout.
• Hanakapiai Falls Trail
  • The best trail IMO!! A little over 8 miles round trip is the out-and-back hike to Hanakapiai Falls. This is considered a challenging route, but you’ll be rewarded with the incredible waterfall at the end!
  • Reservations for entry are required year-round and can be purchased through the Go Ha’ena website. The Shuttle + Entry pass is the way to go for convenience.
  • You can also hike the first half of this trail to Hanakapiai beach for a 4 mile round trip hike
• Kalalau Trail
  • If you want to spend multiple days hiking the Napali Coast, this is your route! The Kalalau Trail is 22 miles long round trip and is considered one of the most beautiful yet dangerous hikes in the U.S.
  • This trail requires a permit to hike past Hanakapiai Beach, even if you don’t plan to camp along the trail. Permits can be found on the State of Hawaii website, and are issued 90 days in advance.
  • This is a bucket list hike that takes preparation and training!