Hanakapi'ai Beach & Falls ~ Kauai ~ Hawaii

Hanakapi'ai Beach ~ 4 Miles Roundtrip

Description:

• Hanakapi'ai Beach is a stunning, remote beach that can only be accessed by a 2-mile elevated hike along the coast or by boat or kayak.    
• The trail is mostly hugging the coast about 100 feet above the water and has amazing ocean and coastline views, many beautiful plants and some small streams and falls.
• The Hanakapi'ai River meets the ocean here.
• Sea caves are accessible during low tide.​

Trailhead:  

• Drive to Haena State Park/Ke'e Beach at the end of the road on Kauai's north shore.  
  
• The trailhead is to the left of the Ke'e Beach lifeguard post.

Hike:  2 miles from Ke'e Beach.  This is also the beginning of the rigorous 11-mile Kalalau Trail.  

Difficulty:  3-Moderate - This is a well-maintained, packed dirt trail with occasional uneven, rocky spots.

Precautions:  ​

• Much of the trail has full sun exposure, especially midday and in the afternoon.  Be sure to wear a hat and protective clothing and/or sunscreen.
• Take plenty of water and healthy snacks.

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Hanakapi'ai Falls ~ 8 Miles Roundtrip

Description:  A 300-ft waterfall spilling into a large, cool, rocky pool.  The hike along the river from the beach is mostly shaded.

Hike:  Follow the river 2 miles up from Hanakapi'ai Beach.  The trail is uneven, muddy and sometimes slick and requires a couple of rocky river crossings (wading).

Difficulty:  3-Moderate

​Precautions:  There may be many bugs, especially toward the end of summer when the guava fruit litters the forest floor.

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