Hanakāpī’ai Falls

Kapaʻa, HI
5.0
8 Reviews
 Hanakāpī’ai Falls
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Details

Distance
8 miles
Elevation Gain
2913 ft
Route Type
Out-and-Back

Features

River
Bathrooms
Beach
Waterfall
Scenic
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About this place

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.

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Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and be sure to follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly.
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Douglas Dryden
10/27/2022
Truly stellar falls
Great day hike. Best when it’s rained just enough, not too much. If it’s rained too much the water will be too ...
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Jason Brown
5/5/2018
It doesn't get better than this
An absolutely spectacular hike. You get to travel a good portion of the Kalalau Trail before heading up Hanakāpī‘ai Valley to a stunning waterfall. ...
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Ben Douglass
3/25/2018
Must do
Amazing hike. It was very muddy when we went, but worth it. Beautiful views of the coast
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Nick Henke
2/21/2017
Definentaly worth it!
This hike is without a doubt my favorite hike in Hawaii. The 8 miles roundtrip is not to strenuous which is very nice. I ...
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Friederike Kosche
5/13/2016
Gorgeous Hike
This is definitely a gorgeous hike and great for getting a glimpse of the Na Pali coast. I definitely recommend to watch the sunset ...
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Christin Healey
1/1/2016
Perfect Kauai day
This hike was amazing! The first stretch you are treated to views of the Nepali Coast, and the cliffs crashing into the sea. ...
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Rachel Beck
2/19/2015
This was an awesome hike! Plenty of breathtaking views along the way : gorgeous blue water, Na Pali coast, tropical trees, and [of ...
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Jill Freeman
2/1/2015
This day was beyond fabulous! Gorgeous views on this trail through the "jungle", with streams, beach, and waterfall. I did this with my 22 ...
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