Kauaʻi · Hawaiʻi
Hanakāpīʻai Falls: The More Attainable Nāpali Day
We did the waterfall separately from our enormous Kalalau day, which was a very good decision.
Distance: about 8 miles round trip · Route: Hāʻena → Hanakāpīʻai → inland to the falls.
The first two miles share the Kalalau Trail to Hanakāpīʻai. From there, the route turns inland for roughly two miles toward the waterfall. That means you still get a real taste of Nāpali without committing to the full coast.
Why we would separate it
Adding the waterfall to a full Kalalau out-and-back would add roughly four miles to an already huge day. Doing it separately let us enjoy the lush valley and waterfall instead of treating them as mileage to survive.
Know before you go
The inland trail is unmaintained and becomes rougher after stream crossings. Flash floods and falling rocks are real concerns in poor weather. Hāʻena entry or parking reservations are required for this day hike.