The remote sea cliffs of the Na Pali Coast hide several stunning beaches accessible only by trail (Kalalau Trail) or by boat. Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau Beaches are legendary for their dramatic settings.
The Na Pali Coast is a 17-mile stretch of dramatically eroded sea cliffs on the northwestern shore of Kauai, Hawaii, where volcanic mountains drop sharply to the Pacific Ocean in a series of fluted green ridges and steep valley walls. Hidden within this largely inaccessible coastline are several golden sand beaches — most notably Hanakapi'ai Beach and Kalalau Beach — reachable only on foot via the Kalalau Trail or by boat during the summer sea season. The combination of towering cliffs, waterfall-fed valleys, and total absence of commercial development makes the Na Pali Coast beaches among the most dramatic and remote in the Hawaiian island chain.
The Kalalau Trail begins at Ke'e Beach at the end of State Route 560 and runs 11 miles along the cliffs to Kalalau Beach. The first two miles reach Hanakapi'ai Beach, a day-hike accessible destination for visitors wanting a taste of the Na Pali experience without a multi-day permit commitment. Hanakapi'ai Beach is seasonal: a wide sand beach appears in summer when calm swells allow sand accumulation, but the beach narrows significantly or disappears in winter when large north swells scour it away. Swimming at Hanakapi'ai is extremely dangerous in all but the very calmest conditions, and signage at the trailhead reinforces this warning.
Kalalau Beach, at the trail's end, is the most expansive Na Pali beach — a wide golden crescent set below the Kalalau Valley walls. Access requires a state camping permit obtained in advance, and the distance makes same-day return hikes impractical. Swimming is possible at Kalalau only in the flattest summer conditions (typically July and August) and remains risky even then due to unpredictable shore surge. A waterfall-fed freshwater pool at the western end provides a rinse point. No facilities, food, or emergency services exist at any point along the Na Pali Coast.
From the water, catamaran and sea kayak tours operate from Port Allen and Hanalei approximately from May through September, when ocean swells diminish enough to allow safe passage along the cliffs. Winter trips along the Na Pali Coast are routinely cancelled due to swells exceeding 10 feet.
Good to know
- Best for
- Adventure hikers, Boat tours, Photography, Wilderness experience
- Facilities
- None
Highlights
- Na Pali's fluted green sea cliffs rise to 4,000 feet directly from the ocean, creating one of the most dramatic coastal landscapes in the Pacific — viewable from trail, boat, or helicopter
- Kalalau Beach at the trail's end is a vast golden crescent enclosed by valley walls, accessible only after an 11-mile hike or by summer boat tour
- Hanakapi'ai Beach, two miles along the Kalalau Trail, offers a day-hike accessible Na Pali experience without requiring overnight camping permits
- Sea kayak and catamaran tours run May through September along the full 17-mile coastline, entering sea caves and passing beneath the cliff faces at water level
- Kalalau Valley's freshwater waterfall and stream cascade to the beach, creating a rare water source at one of Hawaii's most remote camping destinations
Tips for visiting
- Kalalau Beach requires overnight camping permit. Day hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach (2 miles) is more accessible.
When to visit
May through September is the only window when the Na Pali beaches are reasonably accessible by trail or boat. July and August bring the calmest conditions for swimming at Kalalau Beach. Winter months (November through March) bring very large north swells that make the coastline inaccessible by sea and hazardous along the trail.
Frequently asked questions
Do visitors need a permit to hike to Kalalau Beach?
Yes. Hiking beyond the two-mile mark — past Hanakapi'ai Beach — requires a state camping permit from the Hawaii Division of State Parks, obtained in advance online. Permits are limited in number and required for both trail use and camping at Kalalau Beach.
Is it safe to swim at the Na Pali Coast beaches?
Swimming is generally dangerous along the Na Pali Coast. Currents are strong, shore surge is unpredictable, and conditions change rapidly. Kalalau Beach offers marginally safer swimming only in the flattest summer conditions (typically July through August). Hanakapi'ai Beach is dangerous to enter at any time of year.
Are there any facilities at the Na Pali beaches?
No. There are no restrooms, potable water, food vendors, or emergency services anywhere on the Na Pali Coast. Hikers must carry all food, water, and gear for the full duration of their trip. Stream water should be treated before drinking.
Can visitors reach the Na Pali beaches by boat?
Yes, approximately May through September. Catamaran and sea kayak tours depart from Port Allen on the south shore and from Hanalei on the north shore. Some tours include beach landings at Kalalau when ocean conditions allow. Winter boat access along the Na Pali Coast is generally impossible due to large north swells.