卡拉劳步道

Beautiful but nerve wracking as it rained and it gets super slippery. Trekking poles or at the very least a couple sticks are a must.

I've hiked the Kalalau Trail twice in my life and plan to hike the entire length next time I visit. It is one of the most beautiful trails, rain or shine. What I love most - is that people who are not very athletic can access some of the most breathtaking views by only hiking up half a mile.WITH KIDS: In February 2015 I took my daughter (8 Years old) on this hike. It was her first time and she love it. She managed 1 mile into the hike before we decided to head back and she said she felt like "I was rock climbing and it was so cool!". ***Be sure to talk to you kids about staying close to you and on the inside of the trail. Some of the cliff sides are sheer drops - but it can be deceiving because there are some trees that block the view - but past 1-2 trees it may drop straight down. IN RAIN: This can be a very slippery and treacherous hike in the rain - the first time I hiked (Dec. 2014) it had been raining and there were times our feet were submerged in mud. My friend slipped several times which resulted in some bloody knees. Regardless, I would still recommend the hike in this weather - just go prepared and ready to slow down the pace. WHEN DRY: This hike is MUCH easier! ;) SNACKS: Whatever you do, don't forget to bring a small backpack with plenty of drinking water and snacks. Make sure not to drop any waste on the trail. SHOES: I highly recommend wearing shoes that you don't mind getting wet. There are some rivers you'll need to walk through and it's so much easier if you don't have to remove your shoes each time (also feels great to go straight into the cold, crisp waters!)WALKING TREES: Along this hike you'll see TONS of Hala Trees (Pandanus tectorius), known as "walking trees." They are fascinating to look at and although many people say they move very slowly, over years, to access better sunlight, I can't find any supporting research. However, I still love them!

We originally wanted to camp at Kalalau beach but it just wasn't in the cards for us this trip. We decided to hike 6.5 miles in to see Hanakoa Falls and get a feel of the trail past the crowded first 2 miles. We hike a lot, nearly every weekend so the first two miles were a breeze, only slowed down by the crowds. This sense of easiness gave us the confidence to continue on to the next stopping point, the first campground and Hanakoa Falls. Immediately after you continue past the first 2 miles the crowds dissipate. You will occasionally come across other hikers but no slowing traffic jams as in the beginning. The trail is slightly overgrown and it switchbacks up and down the mountain. You are hiking from cliffs with ocean views and then through the jungle and it's awesome! It is shady in a lot of parts thankfully, because the sun is very, very hot. Bring a lot of water. Let's just say we ran to the drinking fountain at the end of the trailhead. Don't be us.The views are pretty amazing. The blue water juxtaposed with the dark green sheer cliffs is like nothing I've ever seen. The beginning of the trail is muddy in parts but really not bad at all. It won't ruin your shoes, at least not at the time we went. I didn't bring my good hiking boots because I read they would be ruined from the red mud but I wish I had. It would have been nice to have the ankle support while hiking over the rocky terrain. The helicopter tours above are pretty much non-stop and the noise pollution can be a bit unpleasant. Also, as you approach the first campground there are piles of trash which was really sad to see. People need to pack out what they pack in. It was sad to see such disrespect to the land. By mile 6 we had reached the first campsite. We sat by the river and eat our lunch and then hiked another .5 mile to Hanakoa falls. That trail is much less travelled. The falls were beautiful and we swam in the water below which felt great on our aching feet. It took us about 3 hours from the trailhead to reach Hanakoa falls. The hike back was a bit harder. The sun had moved over more of the trail and the uphill climbs were tougher. While the first two miles of the trail were easy going in they were TOUGH on the way out in the blaring afternoon heat. By the end of the 13 miles we were beat but happy and glad to have seen the Kalalau Trail. We took a boat tour the next day and got to see the coastline from the water and Kalalau beach. It's really a treat to see the trail from the water after hiking it.

I loved the views but did not really know what to expect as my husband had said we were hiking along the Napali coast and I thought he meant beach! This is not a hike on the beach! Make sure you have plenty of water and a supply of food; energy bars and fruit. Also make sure you have good hiking boots and poles are highly recommended. I was so surprised to see people attempting the hike in flip flops-crazy! We made it as far as the first beach and when we got back to the trail head we jumped into the ocean, exhausted but thrilled.

The trail is advertised as one of the world class beautiful trail. So we have great expectation on it. While for the first 2miles only better than average view I think. Maybe the whole 11miles is really beautiful but you have to got a permission in advance.