Hanakapi'ai Beach
Hanakapi'ai Beach is a strikingly beautiful but extremely dangerous beach along Kauai's Na Pali Coast, reached via a rugged 2-mile hike on the Kalalau Trail. While the golden sands and cliff-backed shoreline make for stunning photos, powerful currents and high surf make swimming here deadly. It's best enjoyed as a scenic reward for avid hikers.
Hanakapi'ai Beach, Kauai
Hanakapi'ai Beach is the first main destination on the Kalalau Trail on Kauai's Na Pali Coast. The beach is about 2 miles (3.2 km) into the hike and looks beautiful, offering great photo opportunities. The scenic surroundings stand in stark contrast to the beach sign with a body count on it. On a calm day, you wouldn't think that Hanakapi'ai is the deadliest beach on the island. Dozens of drownings have happened here. The current is so strong that some victims have never been found.
During the summer months, Hanakapi'ai's shore is sandy, but in the winter, the waves wash ashore and remove most of the sand from the beach. The hike to Hanakapi'ai is the busiest stretch on the Kalalau Trail. Most people hike up to here, since the trail continues for another long and arduous 9 miles (14.5 km) and one needs a camping permit to hike it all the way. Up until Hanakapi'ai, one doesn't need a camping permit. The hike to Hanakapi'ai is not easy. Especially the second mile of it is very steep. After a recent rainfall, it can be very muddy and slippery. The hike takes about 1.5 to 2 hours each way.
From here, a side trail leads to Hanakapi'ai Falls. The side trail to the 100-foot (30 m) Hanakapi'ai Falls is another 2 miles (3.2 km) and is quite tough as well with numerous stream crossings. Some people reward themselves by having a refreshing dip in the pool. If you do this, step into it slowly (no head-diving into it) and be aware of rockfall (which are always possible near waterfalls and around cliffs). If you plan to hike from Ke'e Beach all the way to Hanakaip'ai Falls, it's a total of 8 miles (13 km) and can easily take an entire day, especially if you plan to rest along the way.
Visiting Hanakapi'ai Beach
Access to the Na Pali Coast is controlled and only a limited number of permits are issued in the name of conservation.
Hawaii state residents with a current Hawaii driver license, state ID, or UH Student ID may enter Ha'ena State Park for free and park their vehicle for free, first come first serve. No time limit up until dusk daily. No other IDs or documentation are accepted for free Hawaii resident entry. Anyone without accepted ID must purchase a reservation, even when traveling with a resident. Minors (under 18) are not required to have an ID.
Three options to access the Kalalau Trail for non-Hawaii residents:
1. Shuttle reservations are sold roundtrip and include trail entry. $40 per person (age 16+), $25 per child (age 4-15), free per child on lap (age 0-3).
2. Parking + Entry Reservations. $10 per car per timeslot plus $5 entry per person. Purchase multiple timeslots to stay longer. Morning: 6:30 am – 12:30 pm, Afternoon: 12:30 pm – 5:30 pm, Evening: 4:30 pm – Sunset
3. Entry Only for resident guests and those who do not need to park a vehicle: $5/person
Day-use entry reservations can be booked online up to 30 days in advance. For more info on Day Use Access via parking or shuttle to Ha'ena State Park (including DAY hiking at the Kalalau Trail), visit gohaena.com/info-faqs
Na Pali Coast Camping
Camping permits are required to hike beyond Hanakapi'ai Beach, no matter if camping is planned or not. Camping is only allowed at Hanakoa and Kalalau. Na Pali Coast camping permits are currently available 90 days in advance. The maximum length of stay along the Kalalau Trail is 5 consecutive nights. The rate for Hawaii residents is $25 per person per night and $35 per person per night for non-residents. Camping permits are only available online through this website: https://camping.ehawaii.gov/camping/all,details,1692.html
Limited overnight parking for campers is only available at the trailhead at Ha'ena State Park and with a valid camping permit AND an overnight parking permit. Overnight parking must be purchased at gohaena.com AFTER securing your camping permits.
Key Features of Hanakapi'ai Beach
- Remote trail-access beach: Located 2 miles into the Kalalau Trail along the Na Pali Coast, accessible only on foot.
- Highly dangerous waters: No reef protection, unpredictable rip currents, and dozens of recorded drownings.
- Beautiful views: Dramatic cliffs, clear ocean vistas, and lush scenery - ideal for photographers and hikers.
- Seasonal shoreline: Sandy beach in summer, rocky and boulder-strewn in winter months.
- No camping allowed: Day-use only. Camping is prohibited at the beach but allowed further along the Kalalau Trail with permits.
- Optional waterfall hike: From the beach, a side trail leads to the scenic Hanakapi'ai Falls.
Vacation Rentals near Hanakapi'ai Beach
|
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to swim at Hanakapi'ai Beach?
No. Despite its beauty, Hanakapi'ai is one of the deadliest beaches in Hawaii due to hidden rip currents and rough surf. Swimming is strongly discouraged.
How long does it take to hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach?
The hike is 2 miles each way from the Kalalau Trailhead at Ke'e Beach and typically takes 1.5 to 2 hours one-way, depending on trail conditions and fitness level.
Can I visit Hanakapi'ai Falls from the beach?
Yes, there's a 2-mile side trail from the beach to Hanakapi'ai Falls. The trail is steep, muddy, and includes stream crossings - only attempt if prepared and physically fit.
Do I need a permit to hike here?
You don't need a permit to hike to Hanakapi'ai Beach, but access to Ha'ena State Park requires a day-use reservation, unless you're a Hawaii resident with valid ID.
Is camping allowed at Hanakapi'ai Beach?
No. Camping is prohibited at the beach. Camping is only allowed beyond the beach at Hanakoa and Kalalau with a valid permit.