The Day Trip Of A Lifetime You Can Only Take In Hawaii

Situated along Kauai’s fabled Na Pali Coast is Hanakapi’ai Beach and Falls, accessible only via a strenuous, eight-mile round trip day hike. Don’t let the mileage scare you off - the hike to Hanakapiai is an absolute must-experience for anyone who isn’t experienced enough to tackle the famous Kalalau Trail. The journey to reach this unspoiled Hawaiian paradise will surely take all day, but is well worth the effort and makes for an epic day trip.

The hike begins at the trailhead of the 11-mile Kalalau Trail, but only takes you four miles in.

Two miles of hiking will lead you to the stunning Hanakapi’ai Beach, an awe-inspiring slice of paradise carved into the cliffs of this iconic coastline.

The beach is not only home to a beautiful sea cave, but fine, white sand and plenty of rock stacks made by fellow hikers.

Unfortunately, Hanakapiai Beach has been called the most dangerous beach in Hawaii. The water often looks fine, but dangerous rip currents, high surf, and rough shorebreaks have swept several people out to sea. You can instead cool off in the river before continuing on your way.

You can either rest here and head back to your vehicle, or add another two miles to reach Hanakapiai falls – it’s your decision to make, as only you know your true limits, but we suggest making the two mile trek into the valley to check out the awe-inspiring Hanakapi’ai Falls if you’re up for it.

From Hanakapiai Beach, the trail climbs approximately 760 feet in elevation and required numerous stream crossings.

This magnificent waterfall is something out of your wildest dreams - or maybe even Jurassic Park. The flowing water cascades nearly 300-feet down a fern-covered rockwall into a shimmering pool of water.

While these two destinations are absolutely jaw-dropping, the scenery you’ll find along the trail isn’t too shabby, either.

Although it can be strenuous and dangerous, the trek to Hanakapiai is certainly one to add to your Hawaii bucket list, along with these 17 hikes, as well as these 12 easy trails.