Kauai with Kids: Hike to Hanakapiai Beach

Cruising the boardwalks to the trailhead

Hanakapi’ai Beach refers to the beach at mile two of the Kalalau Trail.
Why Hanakapi’ai Beach? While challenging, the hike to the beach is quite fun and full of breathtaking views of the Napali Coast. There’s plenty to explore on and around the beach–from hopping along boulders to popping in and out of the caves. Note that I wouldn’t recommend this as a swimming beach as the current here is very strong and the break can be quite rough. However, certain times of year the right conditions create an extension of the stream where children can splash around in (as pictured here).
Where is the trailhead for Hanakapi’ai Beach? The trail begins at Ke’e Beach within Haena State Park at the end of the highway on the North Shore. This is the start of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau Trail. Part of the recent park improvements include the addition of a boardwalk area connecting the parking lot to the trailhead.
What is the parking situation like? Parking is limited and a parking permit is required plus there is an entry fee for all visitors. Day-use parking and entry is available for purchase here up to 30 days in advance. If you are a visitor a reservation is required to enter the park regardless of your mode of transportation. *Hawaii state residents are exempt from the fee and reservation requirement.
When is the best time to go? We prefer to do this hike in the morning for some cloud coverage. Otherwise, it’s a perfectly beautiful hike any time of day so long as it’s not raining heavily. The trail becomes extremely muddy and dangerously slippery when super wet.
What should I bring? Insect repellent–our go-to is from California Baby! In terms of footwear anything both sneakers and sandals with straps are fine. Make sure you are comfortable in your footwear and that it’s well broken in as you will be hiking along a good variety of difficult terrain.
What food should I bring? This hike is not close to any food vendors or convenience stores. We typically bring a full spread of snacks (think charcuterie-type, easy finger foods) plus a lot of water!
Insider advice: This is not a trail for beginning hikers. The first mile is a steady climb along mostly uneven, rocky surfaces–the first half mile is particularly steep. When the trail is wet it becomes even more challenging with slippery stretches. On this particular day it took our four and six year olds about two hours to hike the two miles into the beach, plus another two hours to hike out after playing on the beach.
Fun fact: If you are feeling extremely adventurous and your keiki are up to it (or you have the opportunity to return without children), you can continue on another two miles to Hanakapi’ai Falls. This section of the trail is generally flatter although there is some rock scrambling towards the end. It is absolutely worth the extra trekking as you get to meander through a bamboo forest, swim in cascading pools, and frolic below a gigantic waterfall.
Photo ideas: I love to capture the children wandering through the jungle-like scenery–vibrant green foliage nearly swallowing them whole. There are also several amazing viewpoints of the Napali Coast along the trail, if you’re lucky you may even catch a rainbow. Finally, at Hanakapi’ai Beach it’s fun to play around with camera angles to show how large the beach and cliffs can be (and how very small we are in comparison).

Kauai with Kids: Hike to Hanakapiai Beach

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