Hanakapiai Falls
Hanakapiai Falls
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5.0
511 reviews
Excellent
432
Very good
62
Average
9
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4
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4
Barbara S
11 contributions
Sept 2021
Hiked up the four miles on the difficult trail with a group of friends. All of us are distance runners and in shape and it was not always easy going but the falls and pool below were well worth the effort. One in a lifetime experience!
Written 19 September 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
floridaherbie
Marco Island, FL213 contributions
Dec 2023 • Couples
If you want to drive to the parking lot at the trailhead to Hanakapi beach and falls (also the starting point to the much longer Kalalau trail) you have to book for a reservation months ahead. Otherwise there is a shuttle from Hanalei ($35 per person) every 20 min. The trail is nothing for Sissies, it goes up and down around the cliffs of the Napali coast for 2 miles, then crossing the Hanakapi stream, jumping from boulder to boulder and after a short rest with some snacks, we went the last 1.8 miles to the Hanakapi Falls. That part was very muddy and slippery with three more stream crossings but the falls were worth the effort. Good trecking shoes are a must even though we saw people with slippers! On the way you will have excellent views to the cliffs of Napali coast and the surf of the Pacific. Together with the Waimea Canyon certainly the highlights in Kauai.
Written 10 December 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
P K
6 contributions
May 2022
We found this hike to be an incredible experience. But a few warnings, make sure you have a parking permit or a shuttle ride or both (from gohaena.com). And make sure you have plenty of time for this hike, at least six or seven hours, depending on how long you want to spend at the falls. We are both experienced hikers and were surprised at how long this hike took. Also, bring at least two liters of water per person and snacks.
It was well worth the trip, we would highly recommend this hike, it was the highlight of our Kauai visit.
It was well worth the trip, we would highly recommend this hike, it was the highlight of our Kauai visit.
Written 3 June 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Laura L
Hudson, NH1,265 contributions
Oct 2021 • Couples
SUPER FUN to jump in and swim after a great and muddy hike to the falls! We were surprised that not many people braved the water, but it was very misty from the giant fall, so May people were cooled off from that. We were able to swim right up to the falls.
I recommend wearing Teva’s or similar good sandals in the water as it’ll help with navigating the rocks.
I recommend wearing Teva’s or similar good sandals in the water as it’ll help with navigating the rocks.
Written 11 October 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lina W
Kerrville, TX8 contributions
Aug 2022 • Couples
Absolutely beautiful hike! My husband is 52 and I am 46. Our mission was to make it to the falls and we made it! We are not athletes but prepared the best we could by taking hikes back home in Texas. It took us 8 hours exactly from the trailhead (roundtrip). Keep in mind we stopped for numerous photo ops, walked on the beach (after the falls) and changes of shoes along the way. We took our time to the falls, enjoying the scenery. Many experienced hikers and younger individuals zoomed right by.
For novice hikers, preparation is the key. Pack some snacks, light lunch. We had about 5 liters of water and that was perfect for us. My trekking poles and hiking boots were my best friend. It was worth it to me to change out of my boots to sandals for water crossing. Walking through the water instead of crossing rocks and boulders were easier. I am short, my husband is 6ft and has a longer stride. It was easier for him to walk on the rocks.
Beware of low hanging branches!!!
We hit our head multiple times because we were watching our footing.
As listed in other reviews, the heat and sun on the way back is ridiculous. So yes, water water water. The hike back in the heat can take its toll on you. We packed some electrolyte gels to help get us through.
The entire hike was absolutely amazing. From the coastal view, greenery, all the water crossings, falls, bamboo...all of it.
It was a tough hike. Would we do it again? Absolutely!
For novice hikers, preparation is the key. Pack some snacks, light lunch. We had about 5 liters of water and that was perfect for us. My trekking poles and hiking boots were my best friend. It was worth it to me to change out of my boots to sandals for water crossing. Walking through the water instead of crossing rocks and boulders were easier. I am short, my husband is 6ft and has a longer stride. It was easier for him to walk on the rocks.
Beware of low hanging branches!!!
We hit our head multiple times because we were watching our footing.
As listed in other reviews, the heat and sun on the way back is ridiculous. So yes, water water water. The hike back in the heat can take its toll on you. We packed some electrolyte gels to help get us through.
The entire hike was absolutely amazing. From the coastal view, greenery, all the water crossings, falls, bamboo...all of it.
It was a tough hike. Would we do it again? Absolutely!
Written 28 August 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Joanne K
Ottawa, Canada170 contributions
Nov 2022 • Family
We took a shuttle to the start of the hike. The views are breathtaking. We hiked to the falls and had lunch. It was a hot day but rained along the way and then was quite chilly at the falls. Pack water, food layers and rain gear and wear proper hiking shoes and you will be fine. Great way to tire out teenagers!
Written 8 November 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Robert
Orem, UT27 contributions
May 2023 • Couples
This was a hard hike, but so much fun to do. My wife and I took the 6:40 shuttle there, started the hike around 7:15, and we finished the hike at about 2:15, so took us 7 hours. The first part of the hike is constant up and down, it really climbs up a bit at first. The views from the top of the Na'Pali Coast are so beautiful. 2 miles in you get to the beach, which was really pretty, but not good for swimming, it can be dangerous. The trail continues on away from the beach with bathrooms off to the right. After an initial climb, this part of the hike is flatter, but you are still constantly walking over/around rocks, roots, and mud. After a while the trail gets pretty tough, at times it felt more like rock climbing than hiking. The trail isn't very well marked at times and we had to backtrack a few feet a couple of times, but it was pretty easy to find where we went wrong and where the trail actually went. There are a number of river crossings and you can cross them how you would prefer. I would say most people, including myself, hopped across the rocks and managed to keep our feet dry, it wasn't too difficult. The river crossing by the beach after the first two miles is the hardest to cross on the rocks, I took my shoes off for that one. The waterfall is absolutely incredible. The water is surprisingly cold, and swimming in it is a great way to cool off and refresh after the hike out there. I hiked in my swimsuit and a t-shirt, my wife hiked with her swimsuit underneath some clothes, so we could both swim. Even if you don't swim, you'll cool off here with the constant cool breeze and mist that blows on you while you're there. We brought a picnic lunch to eat there and had a really good time. We were pretty wiped by the end of the hike, but we absolutely loved it and were glad we did it. Prepare to get wet from the rain and have your feet/legs covered in mud by the end. I don't know what days they do it, but we hiked on a Tuesday and there was a Farmer's Market at the shuttle dropoff location that we perused around after the shuttle ride back. Overall, it was an incredibly fun hike.
Written 18 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mary R
Cascade, ID44 contributions
May 2023 • Family
Magical trail….we had a blue bird day for most of the day. Trail was pretty dry and not too strenuous especially if you take your time and take in all the beauty the trail has to offer. Rode the 6:30 am shuttle which I highly suggest. You have all day to explore without a rush to get out if you only reserved parking for 1 or 2 time slots.Bring plenty of water- 2 liters.
Written 11 May 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Fess S
Tucson, AZ375 contributions
Mar 2021
I hiked today- March 25th and the trail was perfect. Not too muddy and the water crossings were all very easy. I did bring water shoes besides my boots and would put them on to cross the streams. I should have brought a small towel to wipe my feet. I was at the trailhead at 7:30 and took a total of about 6 hours including time at the waterfall. As the road is only open until 7:30 in the morning due to the mud slide if you go early, I think you will have the falls to yourself as I did. When I finished the hike there were only 7 cars in the parking lot.
Written 26 March 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lifeisrealbeautiful
1 contribution
Serious safety incident
Mar 2019
I beg you please don't risk your life on this trail. My beautiful, best friend and only sister died tragically hiking this trail. This park says danger everywhere, it should be closed because how dangerous it is. The Hanakapiai Valley is very deceiving and it's fast-moving streams can take you before you know it and no one would be able to rescue you.
I beg of you, please stay away.
If you do go, please make sure your living will is in order, and you buy arrangements for your death.
It may have amazing views, but look in the mirror and your precious life is much more beautiful, this place is just a horrific gamble.
Every day I wish I could pick up the phone and hear my sister's voice, laugh and see her, but this horrendous place took my beautiful sister away.
I beg of you, please stay away.
If you do go, please make sure your living will is in order, and you buy arrangements for your death.
It may have amazing views, but look in the mirror and your precious life is much more beautiful, this place is just a horrific gamble.
Every day I wish I could pick up the phone and hear my sister's voice, laugh and see her, but this horrendous place took my beautiful sister away.
Written 17 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bonjour ! Je voulais savoir combien de temps il faut prévoir pour la randonnée complète ?
Merci !
Written 8 August 2018
Can I currently hike to the trail/falls or has access been closed off due to the recent flooding?
Written 3 June 2018
I am currently on the island. July 17 and the trail access is still closed unless someone knows a bypass or way around road blocks. FEMA has the area restricted as many residents are current displaced living in a school.
Written 17 July 2018
Can I get to the Hanakapiai Trail/Falls right now? Or is it closed off from the flooding?
Thanks!
Written 3 June 2018
So did you go recently or not? I am trying to figure out what is still closed and what is not but there is so much mixed information out there. Thanks.
Written 1 June 2018
Got it. From my research it appears that the falls are inaccessible due to the flooding that happened in late April. I can confirm that camping and hiking the Napali coast is closed.
Written 3 June 2018
Last time we were in Kauai my wife and I did the trip to the beach no problem. Sadly we didn't have time to make it to the falls and back. My question is this: Is the trail to the falls well marked? I've read yes and no at a couple of different places. Thanks. Fingers crossed for good weather to get the 8 mile round trip hike done this time.
Written 15 July 2017
its so buisy you cant get lost there.its like ant trail.Not easy one though.much more rocks mud and stream crosings.walking pole a plus
Written 21 July 2017
Where exactly does the trail start? And where is the best place to park?
Written 28 March 2017
We started near Kalalau Beach. There's limited parking if you arrive before 7 or 8am. Otherwise a quarter mile from the beach is a parking lot. Just be careful driving in because it has a steep drop off and lots of holes.
Written 28 March 2017
Really depends on the conditions that day. If it's been rainy and muddy, you may want something more stable. If it's been dry, you'll be fine in chacos. My wife did the entire hike in chacos on a relatively dry day and really liked being able to cross the streams without staying wet.
Written 9 March 2017
Are there any easy access rope swings or rock pools similar in kaui that are much more safe and still really unique?
Written 9 September 2016
I do not remember any rope swings. There are some pools in the river going to the falls that you can get in.
Written 14 September 2016
Is it a hard trail to walk? Is it okay to swim in? What about in the winter?
Written 8 September 2016
The beach area is not safe to swim at. The falls is great to swim at. This is a lot more than a little walk to the falls. You need to be in descent shape.
Written 14 September 2016
No. We did it in the rain and it became extremely dangerous. By the time we returned, they had closed the trail. Expect the muddy trail to turn into a running muddy creek, and the knee high river crossings to be waist deep Rapids. Expect misery.
Written 25 July 2016
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