Hanakapiai Falls Hike Guide: What to Know and How to Prepare

Why am I doing this? How much longer? My back hurts. My knees hurt. I’m not a “real” hiker, what was I thinking? OMG! This is the most amazing thing I’ve ever seen! These were all thoughts I had along the Hanakapiai Falls hike.

On my trip to Kauai, I walked, crawled, slid, and rock scrambled my way through this difficult 8-mile hike. In fact, the idea of this hike played a huge part in why I chose Kauai over the other Hawaiian islands. It was the hardest hike I’ve ever done as well as the most rewarding.

It’s certainly not a beginner-friendly hike, but if you’re an intermediate-ish hiker, like me, you will have no problem as long as you prepare (bring more water than you think you’ll need!) and the weather is cooperative.

So here is my guide to the Hanakapiai Falls hike for regular folks.

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Hanakapiai Falls Hike Stats

Distance: 8.2 miles out and back
Elevation gain: 2,444 ft
Alltrails Link
Difficulty: Hard. Before we went in, a ranger kind of hemmed and hawed about calling the hike “hard.” After doing the hike, I can’t imagine why. She went with the word “technical,” I guess because people argued with her. I would call this hike “hard” without a doubt.
Time required: I’d allow at least 8 hours, just to be safe. If you’re fast, you can do it in 5-6ish. I took 9, personally, but I lingered at the falls for quite a bit, and I’m a notoriously slow hiker. I was the second to last one back from my shuttle group.
Reservations: Required.

What to Know Before Hiking to Hanakapiai Falls

Preparation is key for this hike–you don’t want to be ill-prepared for one of the best parts of your trip to Kauai. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

You need reservations in advance, and parking is scarce. Reserve here. If you want to drive to the trailhead and park, you’ll need to get on at midnight Hawaii time a month in advance to book your parking reservation.

If you want to shuttle there instead, you should still plan in advance, though shuttle passes aren’t nearly as competitive. I opted for the Princeville shuttle because I stayed in Princeville. There’s no parking at Princeville, though, so if you want to drive your car to the shuttle, book the Hanalei shuttle.

If you’re walking to or being dropped off at the trailhead, you still need to reserve a pass for a small fee.

The weather can be unpredictable, and there might be flash floods. You’ll likely get at least some light rain, even on a sunny day. Do not attempt the river crossings during heavy rains. Be prepared to turn around.

The trail will be muddy and slippery in parts. When I did this hike, I’d already had my intro to the Kauai mud at Queen’s Bath. If you’ve not yet been introduced to the mud, here you go. You will get it on you at some point. This is part of the experience. If you have an old pair of hiking shoes, it might be a good idea to wear those and then toss them at the end.

You will have to cross a river multiple times. Be prepared for this. Hiking poles help.

You’ll need more water than you think. Bring extra. Yes, it adds weight. Yes, you’ll have to pee. But it’s necessary.

The last stretch is harder than you’d expect. The trail slopes downward at the beginning, so you have to hike back UP at the end, and that’s after you’ve already hiked up to the falls. By the last two miles, I was looking so rough and taking so many breaks that multiple people asked me if I needed help. Make sure to take a good, long rest at Hanakapiai Beach on the way back.

What to Pack for Hanakapiai Falls

• Water – More than you think you’ll need. Trust me on this one.
• Food – Snacks are amazing.
• Hiking poles – Not mandatory, but will make your life easier and save your knees. I did not have them, but if I do this hike again, I will. It’s a no-brainer.
• Dry bag(s) – Bring some dry bags. You will be shoving wet things in them and want to protect your dry things.
• Bug protection – It gets quite buggy on the trail. If mosquitos love you, bring lots of bug spray or wipes.
• Extra socks/clothes
• Swimsuit if you want to swim in the falls. I saw several folks hiking in their swimsuits. I might try that next time.
• Sunscreen and a hat. The Kauai sun is no joke.

The Shoe Situation: Which Shoes Are Best for Hanakapiai Falls Hike?

The best shoe for Hanakapiai Falls is going to be trail runners or a hiking shoe. I really, I mean, really, really wanted to wear my Tevas, and some people do (some folks even do it barefoot). But I couldn’t. There are too many rocks and branches where you can scrape a foot, and it’s just not worth it. Tevas may seem like a great solution, especially because there are river crossings. I saw some people wearing them along various parts of the trail, but I did not feel comfortable in them myself. I kept my “real” shoes on for about 90 percent of the hike.

Should you bring water shoes and switch? I wouldn’t recommend this. I attempted it at first, but it got old quick. If you don’t want your shoes to get wet at the river crossings, it’s best to just cross in bare feet. But honestly, your shoes are probably going to get wet anyway. Bring extra socks.

If you do have room for water shoes, and you want to swim at the falls, they would come in handy there. But if it’s not worth the burden to you, no big deal.

Is Hanakapiai Falls Dangerous?

Yes, it certainly can be, but with a little preparation and good judgment, it is generally a safe hike. Here are a few good safety rules to live by:

Watch the weather. Be prepared to turn back if the weather turns bad.
Respect the ocean. Hanakapiai Beach is not safe for swimming, no matter how loud the siren song is.
Take the river crossings seriously. Don’t rush them, and don’t attempt to cross in inclement weather.
Know your limits. It’s a long, strenuous hike. Make sure to bring extra water and take breaks as needed.
If hiking solo, tell someone where you’re going and when you expect to return.

Backpack rubbing against sunburn=ouch

The Hanakapiai Falls Hiking Experience

This was the hardest hike I’ve ever done in my life. It was also the most beautiful and rewarding. My previous hiking experience consisted of mountain hiking in cooler temps, including a Colorado thirteener, so this hot, humid jungle experience was a complete twist for me.

Getting to the Trailhead

If you managed to get a parking pass, or if you’re walking, biking, or being dropped off, you will head to the Haena State Park entrance.

If you booked a shuttle reservation, you’ll go to that shuttle’s boarding location (Princeville or Hanalei). I took the Princeville shuttle, which boarded at a golf course. Princeville has a 7 a.m. and a 9 a.m. option. I did 7 because I did not want to feel rushed, even though I’m by no means a morning person.

The first thing I noticed was that all my hiking brethren waiting for the shuttle looked legit–think outdoor hats, hiking shorts, and massive water bottles. I felt a little out of place because I’d just shoved a few plastic water bottles into my bag. I was also wearing a cheesy hat that said “You had me at Aloha” with a crab on it, which Hawaii is hugely known for…not.

I had also kind of -ahem- overdone it at the luau the night before, so I knew going in that it would be a rough go. Plus, I was already sunburnt from my adventures the day before. A backpack strap rubbing against sunburn just isn’t fun.

The Princeville shuttle ride took about 30 minutes, and there was a recording explaining a little about the park and its history. After that, some Hawaiian music was played, including–you guessed it– “Over the Rainbow.” I have to say, the scenery fit the song perfectly.

One of many amazing overlooks

The Trail to Hanakapiai Beach

Once we arrived to the trailhead, a ranger explained to us the basics–the trail, safety, bathroom access, water filling stations (there’s only one, and it’s at the entrance, by the way). She described the hike as “technical,”–apparently because people have argued when she called it “hard.” I would call it hard without a doubt.

Once we’d been briefed, I filled my bottle and set out. First, you’ll notice Ke’e Beach in the background. I did not stop there, but there is a lifeguard, and swimming is allowed if conditions permit. This is the only beach along this trail where it’s safe to swim.

As you start the hike to Hanakapiai Beach, you’ll notice helicopters buzzing right off the bat. Helicopter tours are super popular on Kauai, and while I recommend the experience, I can see why locals get annoyed with them. Helicopters were constantly overhead, and combined with the jungle scenery, I felt like I was in Vietnam at times.

The hike to Hanakapiai Beach is about 2 miles, and this will be the most populous part of your hike. Many people hike to the beach and turn around. The trail is maintained, but can be muddy and slippery in parts. Much of this section is downward–remember this for later because that means your home stretch will be uphill hiking, and it’s brutal after going all the way to the falls.

That first ocean lookout is so beautiful. Stop and take a few pictures, but remember there will be plenty more views like that along the trail.

Hanakapiai Beach

Hanakapiai Beach is a great spot to take your first long rest. It’s also fun to walk around and explore. However, you cannot swim at this beach. It’s too dangerous–the ocean is too rough here, and many people have drowned.

At the various trail overlooks, you can sometimes see little sandy areas below–I spent some time watching the ocean completely wipe out the sandy areas, then watched them reappear again. Beach, then no beach. Repeat.

I also witnessed a catamaran bounce around so much along the waves that it looked like an old animated cartoon. My point is, the ocean here is dangerous. Do not enter.

Hanakapiai Beach to Hanakapiai Falls

Once you’re ready to move on from Hanakapiai Beach, you’ll need to find a spot to cross the river.

Once across, you’ll have one last spot to use the bathroom. This is where the unmaintained part of the trail starts. It is still easy to follow, but it does get a little rugged, with lots of mud, which you’re familiar with by now. You will hike through lush jungle scenery, including bamboo groves.

Now is a good time to refresh your bug protection–this spot is really buggy. In fact, a little poetic justice was served–there was a group behind me with a guy talking loudly. I’m not a fan of loud talkers. He stopped talking for a second, then announced that a bug had flown in his mouth. Unfortunately, that only quieted him for a few seconds. Anyway. Don’t be like that guy.

One of several river crossings

River Crossings

Did you think the river crossing to get to this side was the only one? Nope. You will cross four times. Remember to be patient with people who are taking their time crossing. Hiking poles help tremendously with the crossings. River crossings can be fun if conditions are calm (and it’s always nice to rinse some of the mud off you). Do not attempt to cross during flash floods.

Hanakapiai Falls…in all its glory

Finally Reaching Hanakapiai Falls

Your first view of the falls will go something like this–you’ll get to a point on the trail where you look up and you just go wow.

Suddenly, all the mud and sweat seem worth it.

Continue on up to the falls. If you’re not already wearing a swimsuit and you want to get in, I recommend finding a spot to change in the wooded area. Once you get to the actual falls, it’s a lot more exposed.

And then…you’re there! I lingered here for quite a while. As you approach the falls, you will get sprayed, which is nice and refreshing at first, but also really cold.

The falls pool is cold, and the ground is rocky. If you brought your water shoes, put them on–they will be helpful.

The falls are generally safe to swim in, but there is a risk of falling rocks along the cliff edge. Personally, I did not get that close. If I had it to do over again, though, I would have braved it, dunked my head under the falls, and gotten out. Instead, I got in just deep enough to get submerged and got right back out. It was cold.

The Return Trip

If you shuttled to the park, make sure to check the return times beforehand. The last shuttle departs in the early evening. The exact time varies by season.

After you’ve had your fill at the falls, you will retrace your steps back to Hanakapiai Beach. I recommend pausing here for your last big rest of the day, because the rest of the hike will be tougher than you think.

All those slopes and stairs you descended on the way in? Yeah, you’ll have to climb those to get back out…

This part was so tough after a full day’s worth of hiking. I must have looked rough because a few people stopped and asked if I was okay as I took rest breaks along the way.

I didn’t bring quite enough water with me and had to ration it out toward the end. However, a lady I met offered to share her water with me. When I asked if she was sure she could spare it, her response was, “I’m a camel, I can handle it.” I guess that’s what they mean by Aloha spirit.

I arrived back to the trailhead just in time for the shuttle. All my limbs hurt, and I was a muddy, sweaty mess. I tossed my gross hiking shoes, put on my Tevas, and rode back. Thankfully, there were seat covers on the shuttle.

Back at the condo. It’s all over but the laundry and aloe…

Is the Hanakapiai Falls Hike Worth It?

Absolutely. When you picture hiking in Hawaii, this is it. You will get all the iconic scenery, and the payoff at the end is huge. The cuts, bruises, and aches will heal, but the memories will last forever.

FAQ: Hanakapiai Falls Hike