Backpacking the Napali Coast
Backpacking the Napali Coast trail should be at the top of your bucket list! Deemed as one of the most iconic trails in the United States, its sure to exceed your expectations. Here you will find everything you need to know to prepare, hike, and pack for the trip!
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Permits
Camping permit for Kalalau beach: Camping permits opens 90 days in advance
Parking pass for trailhead: Must have parking pass permit to park car overnight while backpacking
Travel
Airport: Lihue Airport
Transportation
The easiest way to get around the island of Kauai is by renting a car so you can drive the entire island!
Trail Aspects
Distance: 19.8miles round trip
Elevation: 6512 ft
Ideal trip length: 3 nights, 4 days
Sample Itinerary
Day 1: Travel Day
Fly into Lihue airport
Rent a car and head to Anini Beach to camp for the night
Has public restrooms, water station, and public outdoor shower
Hotel options (if you dont want to camp)
Stop for dinner on the way
Dinner recs
The fish express (close to the airport)
Eating house 1849
Japanese grandma
Waikmo shaved ice
Hanali bread company
Kalalea juice hale
Java Kai
All the food trucks are amazing!!
Get Butane and lighters on the way to trailhead
Places to get Butane
Walmart: 3-3300 Kuhio Hwy, Lihue, HI 96766
Ace Hardware: 1105 Kuhio Hwy, Kapaʻa, HI 96746
Island Ace Hardware: 5-4280 Kuhio Hwy, Princeville, HI 96722
*last one before trailhead*
Day 2: Napali Coast Hike In Day
Hike from Trailhead to Kalalalu Beach (12 miles)
Water stream about 6 miles in to filter water if needed
Camp as close as you can to the waterfall at the end of the trail (only fresh water source at campsite)
Warning: this is a nude beach, people will shower in the waterfall as well.
Day 3: Napali Coast Day Hikes
Day hikes from Kalalalu beach
Kalalau Valley Trail (4 miles) takes you to two natural pools with gorgeous views
Best natural pool (not technically a trail): When coming from the beach back to the trail stop at the first river crossing, cross the river. The Napali Coast trail will veer to the right, the natural pool will veer left. Follow the river down and it will open up to a gorgeous natural pool/waterfall.
Day 4: Napali Coast Beach Day
Hang out on the beach and relax before your hike out day
Go explore the caves, to the left of the campsite when looking at the ocean (only go at low tide!!)
Day 5: Napali Coast Hike Out Day
Hike out back to trailhead (12 miles)
Drive to and Camp at Anahola beach (has outside shower and public restrooms)
Has public restrooms and outdoor public showers
Add on days
I highly recommend extending your trip if you can to explore the rest of the island! Here is an additional 3 day itinerary including my favorite trails, campsites, and sites!
Day 6
Wailau falls (drive up lookout)
Kuilau ridge trail (2 hour hike)
Day 7
Drive through Kokee state park and stop at all the viewpoints
Waimea Canyon lookout
Puu Hinahina Lookout
Kalalau Lookout
Pu’u O Kila Lookout
Can hike the 1 mile Pihea Trail from here
Awaawapuhi Trail (4 hour hike)
Camp in the meadow in Kokee State Park
Has public restrooms and showers, restaurant in walking distance
Day 8
Nu’alolo trail (4 hours)
Waipo'o falls trail (2 hours)
Day 9: Travel Day
Fly out of Lihue Airport back home!
If you have even more time…
Tunnel beach
Poipu (turtle beach)
Seaglass beach
Spouting horn
Packing list
Here is a specific packing list to backpack the Napali Coast. If you are looking for an all inclusive gear list, click here!
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Toiletries
Sunscreen
Bug spray
