Kalalau Beach
Kalalau Beach is a secluded crescent of golden sand on Kauai's Na Pali Coast, accessible only by completing the 11-mile Kalalau Trail or via boat in calm seas. Surrounded by towering cliffs and lush valley trails, it's a remote haven for experienced hikers and campers with permits. Swimming is risky due to strong currents, and all visitors must pack out what they pack in.
Kalalau Beach, Kauai
Kalalau Beach lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. The trail is one of the most difficult in the Hawaiian Islands, which limits visitors to the beach. This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. The trail begins right after Ke'e Beach and has extreme inclines and declines and narrow footpaths, especially between the dreaded 6.5 to 8 miles (10.5 to 12.9 km) into it. Not only is the trail narrow in some places, but it can also be slippery because of loose rocks or if it has recently rained. So if you're afraid of heights, you may not like this trail, especially around the middle of it.
Kalalau Beach is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. From here, trails lead through the rest of the valley. Camping is allowed on the beach, but permits are required. Since the trail is quite long, most people who visit Kalalau Beach plan to stay overnight. There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. You need to bring all food and equipment with you. A waterfall at the western end of the beach (Ho'ole'a Falls) provides freshwater, but before drinking it, the water must be purified (bring a water filter or water treatment tablets) due to the threat of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease.
Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. The sandbar is quite shallow here and in some spots the ocean bottom drops off quickly to overhead depths. Since there are no lifeguards here and drownings have happened in the past, it is recommended to avoid swimming at Kalalau.
For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. Equipped with fins, they enter the water at Kalalau and swim over to the even more isolated Honopu Beach, which can only be accessed this way.
Access to Ha'ena State Park, which is where the trailhead to the Kalalau Valley is located, is controlled and only a limited number of permits are issued in the name of conservation.
Camping at Kalalau Beach
Camping permits are required to hike beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley, even just for a day hike. Camping is only allowed at Hanakoa (6 miles) and Kalalau (11 miles). 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 Kalalau Beach
- End of Kalalau Trail: Reachable only by foot via the rugged 11-mile Na Pali Coast trail or by kayak during calm summer months.
- Remote camping allowed: Camping is permitted with a state-issued permit. All gear and food must be packed in and out.
- Limited water sources: Freshwater is available from a nearby waterfall but must be treated for leptospirosis.
- Hazardous swimming: Powerful surf, rip currents, and no reef protection make swimming dangerous most of the year.
- Spiritual and scenic: Surrounded by towering cliffs and lush valleys, the area is known for its isolation and beauty.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get to Kalalau Beach?
The beach is at the end of the 11-mile Kalalau Trail starting from Ke'e Beach. You must hike in or kayak during summer months. A camping permit is required to go beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley.
Can I camp at Kalalau Beach?
Yes, but only with a valid permit. Reservations open 90 days in advance and are required even for overnight stays along the trail. Permits are limited to 5 consecutive nights.
Is it safe to swim at Kalalau Beach?
No, swimming is not recommended due to strong rip currents, shorebreak, and sudden drop-offs. There are no lifeguards present.
Are there any facilities at Kalalau Beach?
There are only composting toilets and an emergency helicopter landing pad. You must bring all food, gear, and water purification tools.
When is the best time to visit?
Summer is the safest season for hiking and accessing Kalalau by kayak. Trails and water conditions are more stable compared to winter months, which bring dangerous surf and flash floods.