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Explore Kauai

Hanakapiai Falls

Hanakapiai Falls or Hanakapi'ai Falls is an approximately 300 feet high waterfall located on the Na Pali side of the island of Kauai. It requires a hike of approximately 2 miles from Hanakapi'ai Beach. The waterfall is described as "gorgeous but challenging". The trail is unmaintained and is a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers.

After hiking two miles of rugged terrain to Hanakapiai Beach along the Kalalau Trail visitors may be tempted to turn back and head back towards Ke'e Beach. But if not too tired, they should consider taking an additional four-mile round trip hike inland to see the Hanakapi'ai Falls. It can take up to two hours to reach the falls and requires numerous stream crossings.

The total elevation gain to the falls from Hanakapi'ai Beach is 760 feet. This is a fairly strenuous hike. The trail can be rough in spots, but the 300-ft waterfall at the end is worth the trek. There are numerous mountain apple trees along the route as visitors travel through small bamboo forests. The trail crisscrosses the stream several times, so be mindful of water flow. Make sure to pack rain gear because showers pop up frequently and carry drinking water since it is not safe to drink stream water without sterilizing it.

Trip Advisor
Wikipedia

A 52 Weeks of Fun Fascinating Fact about Hanakapiai Falls

Few visitors ever see this waterfall up close due to the strenuous four-mile round-trip hike.

Attraction Advice

The park is open daily including holidays from 7:00 AM to 6:45 PM. The parking lot opens at 6:30 AM. All park visitors without a Hawaii driver's license or state ID must reserve in advance online. All reservation options include entry to Hā’ena State Park, visiting Kē’ē Beach, and day-hiking Kalalau Trail as far as Hanakāpī’ai Beach and Waterfall. Reservations open 30 days prior at 12:01 AM Hawaii time. All availability is managed on the website. Shuttle reservations cost $35 for adults over age 16, $25 for ages 4 to15, and under age 3 on a lap is free. Shuttles offer the most availability, flexibility, and easy access to other route stops. Shuttle ticket holders MUST ride the shuttle to gain park entry. Park attendants will not allow shuttle ticket holders entry if they arrive other than in shuttles, i.e., vehicles, on foot, bicycles,, dropped off, etc. Parking with entry reservations is $10 per time slot plus $5 entry per person in the vehicle. Parking time slots are 6:30 AM to 12:30 PM, 12:30 PM to 5:30 PM, or 4:30 PM to sunset.



Explore Kauai

The Hanakapi’ai Falls plunge pool is deep and great for swimming.
Trip Advisor

The falls drop over 300 feet.
Hawaii Travel Guide

The cool water at the base of the falls is the reward for the two-mile strenuous hike.
Kalalau Trail

The trail to the falls can be accessed after following the Kalalau Trail.

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