Where is Kalalau Trail (Nā Pali Coast),Hanalei (Kauai), Hawaii?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: December 04, 2025, 14:08 ET

Kalalau Trail (Nā Pali Coast) is located in Kauai, Hawaii, USA. It lies between Keʻe Beach and Kalalau Valley, situated along the Nā Pali Coast on the north shore of Kauai, and is famous for its stunning coastal cliffs, lush valleys, and challenging hiking trail.

Kalalau Trail (Nā Pali Coast) Location Map,Hanalei (Kauai), Hawaii

Top Attractions Inside Kalalau Trail (Nā Pali Coast)

  • Kalalau Valley – Lush, dramatic valley surrounded by towering cliffs and waterfalls, accessible after a challenging hike.
  • Hanakapiʻai Beach – First major stop along the trail featuring a scenic black sand beach.
  • Hanakapiʻai Falls – Stunning 300-foot waterfall reached via a side trail from Hanakapiʻai Beach.
  • Nā Pali Coast Cliffs – Iconic jagged cliffs and panoramic ocean views visible throughout the hike.
  • Kalalau Beach – Remote beach at the trail’s end, ideal for camping, swimming, and relaxation.
  • Valley Lookouts – Multiple viewpoints along the trail offering breathtaking vistas of the coast and Pacific Ocean.

Kalalau Trail (Nā Pali Coast) Facts

Official NameKalalau Trail
LocationHanalei, Kauai, Hawaii, USA
Latitude & Longitude22.2086° N, 159.6030° W (approx.)
Total Area11-mile trail (one-way) along Nā Pali Coast; total hiking area part of Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park (~6,175 acres / 2,500 hectares)
EstablishedHistoric trail, maintained as state wilderness park trail (established 1983)
FounderState of Hawaii / Department of Land and Natural Resources
Managed ByHawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources, Division of State Parks
RegionNā Pali Coast, Northwestern Kauai, Hawaii
AddressKalalau Trailhead, Ke'e Beach, Hanalei, HI 96714, USA
Zip Code96714
Area Code808
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZoneHawaii-Aleutian Standard Time (HST) – UTC−10 (no Daylight Saving)
Theme / ConceptCoastal Hiking, Remote Wilderness, Waterfalls, Cliffs, Tropical Flora & Fauna, Adventure Tourism
Sections (Areas)Ke'e Beach Trailhead - Hanakapiai Valley & Falls - Hanakoa Camp - Kalalau Valley - Kalalau Beach
Famous AttractionsKalalau Beach - Hanakapiai Falls - Nā Pali Coastal Cliffs - Remote Valleys - Hiking Scenic Overlooks
Annual VisitorsApprox. 20,000–30,000 hikers
Entry Fee TypeHiking Permit Required for Beyond Hanakapiai (~$5–$10 per person per day)
Ticket Price RangeHiking Permit: ~$5 per day; Camping Permit: ~$25 per night
Ticket OptionsHiking Permits - Camping Permits - Guided Tours & Excursions
Best Time to VisitApril–October (dry season; safer trails and better conditions)
Nearby AirportLihue Airport (LIH) – ~40 miles (64 km)
TransportationCar access to Ke'e Beach Trailhead - Shuttle / Local Transport - Hiking & Backpacking Trails
Official Websitehttps://dlnr.hawaii.gov/dsp/parks/kauai/na-pali-coast-state-wilderness-park/

Distances from Kalalau Trail (Nā Pali Coast) to Nearby Landmarks

  • Kalalau Beach – 11 km (6.8 mi)
  • Hanakapi'ai Beach – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Hanakapi'ai Falls – 8 km (5 mi)
  • Honopū Valley – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Hanakoa Valley – 9 km (5.6 mi)
  • Nā Pali Coast Lookout – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Keʻe Beach – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Kalalau Valley – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Pūpūkea Lookout – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Kalalau Stream – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Makua Beach – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Kalalau Campground – 11 km (6.8 mi)
  • Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Hanakapi'ai Ridge – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Pali Trailhead – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Kalalau Valley Overlook – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Hanakapiai Valley – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Nā Pali Coast Helicopter Tour Landing – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • Kalalau Lookout – 0.2 km (0.1 mi)
  • Kalalau Ridge – 13 km (8.1 mi)