Kalalau Trail

On the Hawaiian island of Kauai's N Pali Coast, there is a trail known as the Kalalau Trail. From Kee Beach to the Kalalau Valley, the trail travels along the island's north shore for about 11 miles (18 km). The route has been hailed as one of the most stunning and hazardous hikes in the country. The N Pali Coast in Kauai, where fluted cliffs tumble into the aquamarine Pacific, can only be reached by land by this breath-taking journey. It is an alien scene with tropical valleys, waterfalls, and mango trees, just like in Jurassic Park.

Expert hikers or trail runners can complete the 22-mile (35-km) roundtrip walk in a single day, but the typical hiker needs at least two days and will camp along the way. Only at the woodland streamside campsite Hanakoa Valley (6 km) and Kalalau Beach is camping allowed. Only Kalalau Beach is eligible for camping licenses, which are only valid for five straight nights. With a valid Kalalau permit, hikers are permitted to camp at Hanakoa Valley for one night. After Hanakapiai Beach, the trail climbs from sea level to 800 feet over a distance of 1 1/4 miles, which is the toughest section of the trek. It's also a really difficult hike, particularly after it rains, which it does frequently. Day hikers stick to the first two miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach because it is already rather spectacular.

Since backpacking, camping, and hiking are all fairly popular activities in this region, you can run into other people while doing your exploration. The route is lovely to explore at any time of the year and is open all year. Dogs must stay at home because this trail is off-limits to them.

Length: 35.4 km

Elevation: 1.883 m

Level: Hard