How to get a permit for the Kalalau Trail: one of the most beautiful hikes in Hawaii

The epitome of a hiking trail in paradise, the Kalalau Trail on Kauai is one of the most scenic routes in Hawaii. It stretches for 11 miles along the Napali Coast, sandwiched by stunning blue water and mountains covered with dense vegetation. Prepared hikers can complete it in a day, but most people want to take their time and enjoy the views. There are two campsites along the route: Hanakoa, six miles away, and Kalalau at the end of the trail.

Dotted with idyllic waterfalls and swimming holes, this stretch of coastline is extremely popular with tourists, but it has been repeatedly damaged by storms and even briefly closed for restoration. Now it is open, but it is no longer as easy to visit as it once was. This was reported by travelandleisure.

In 2019, a permit system was introduced to limit crowds on the trail after a severe thunderstorm and flood. Initially, the Department of Land and Natural Resources of Hawaii required a permit to hike any part of the trail. Since then, the rules have been relaxed, and now visitors can hike the first two miles from Ke'e Beach to Hanakapiai Beach without a permit.

Here's what you need to know about hiking the Kalalau Trail, including up-to-date information on permits, Haena State Park fees, campgrounds, and more.

Reservation and permit information

Since the trail is located in a state park, all hikers must pay an entrance fee to enter Haena. Those without a state ID must make a 5-6 hour reservation at gohaena.com. Reservations can be made 30 days in advance. The daily maximum number of visitors is 900.

Park passes can be purchased for shuttle entry ($35 per person), entry and parking ($10 and $5 per person), or entry only (hiking or biking passes for $5 per person). Park entrance fees and the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail, which lead to Hanakapiai Beach and a two-mile walk to Hanakapiai Falls, are mandatory for reservations.

To hike past Hanakapiai Beach, you "must have a valid overnight permit, regardless of whether you plan to camp," as stated on the trail's website. A permit to camp at Napali Coast State Park costs $25 per person per day for Hawaii residents and $35 per person per day for non-residents. Only 60 people can be on the trail at a time. Permits can be obtained from the DLNR Hawaii reservation system 90 days in advance. Keep in mind that the camping permit is an additional requirement to the park entrance fee.

Tips for hiking the Kalalau Trail

Although there are a few hoops to jump through here, it will be worth it when you see the breathtaking beauty of the Kalalau Trail.

If you find it difficult to reserve a park spot or campsite permit - not uncommon given their popularity - keep an eye on the booking sites as they are regularly updated with new locations due to cancellations.

Check the weather forecast and conditions in the park on the day you are going to hike. The trail can be dangerous even in good weather.

The best option for a multi-day hike on the Kalalau Trail is to purchase an overnight parking pass at Haena State Park or have a shuttle drop you off and pick you up at the park entrance. While the shuttle is convenient, overnight parking is not allowed at the Waipā Park and Ride lot where the shuttle stops.