Hanakapiai Falls

Princeville · HI

When to go

BestGoodFairPoorClosedCrowds (quiet → packed)May–July bring the most reliable hiking weather and long daylight, with good remaining flow.

Time: Late morning to early afternoon at the falls, after light reaches the valley. · Take the first practical entry or shuttle departure to preserve daylight and allow conservative stream-crossing decisions.
Avoid: Do not start in heavy rain, with fast or murky streams, a closure, or insufficient daylight; flash floods, falling rocks, and slippery terrain are serious hazards.

About 8 hours

Start
Hāʻena State Park check-in10 min
Reserve entry 30 days ahead at 12:00 a.m. HST; parking often sells out within minutes. Download the reservation before arriving.
+10 min
Kēʻē Beach and Kalalau Trailhead5 min
Begin the 2-mile Kalalau Trail section in covered, grippy hiking shoes.
+2 h 10
Hanakāpīʻai Beach and valley junction15 min
Use the composting toilet, assess rain and stream level, then turn inland; do not swim or wade at Hanakāpīʻai Beach.
+4 h 30
Hanakāpīʻai Falls20 min
View from a conservative distance; do not climb near the cliff or assume the plunge pool is safe.
+4 h 50
Return to Hāʻena State Park by the same route190 min
Turn back early if the stream rises. Shuttle users should not risk missing the final pickup.

Bring

Food & breaks

Pack all food and drinking water; there is no food service or potable trail water.
Restrooms are at Hāʻena; composting toilets are at Hanakāpīʻai.
Eat after the hike in Hanalei rather than delaying an early start.

Skip it if

Skip if you are not fit for an 8-mile, very difficult hike with mud, stream crossings, wet feet, and no dependable cellphone service.