Approximately 50 people were stranded overnight at Kauai’s Hanakapiai Beach after heavy stream flow at the Hanakapiai Stream made crossing unsafe on Thursday, April 3rd, 2025. The beach and stream are located two miles from the trail head at Kee Beach, with the beach being on the far side of the stream. The people were all hikers on the Kalalau Trail who had crossed the stream earlier when conditions were better. Many of the hikers were on a day hike visiting the beach and/or Hanakapiai Falls, located an additional two miles inland. Some of the hikers were returning after nearly completing the full 11-mile hike (22 miles round trip) from Kalalau Beach.
At around noon on April 3rd, the Kauai Fire Department (KFD) was notified of the situation. Rescue workers hiked in to assess the situation, arriving at 2:25 pm. The rescue personnel confirmed the stream was too dangerous to cross and advised the hikers to shelter in place until the stream subsided. Personnel with the Department of Land and Natural Resources remained on scene with KFD personnel on standby. State officials confirmed that about 50 people were able to hike out the next day (Friday morning) after spending the night in the Hanakapiai Beach area, with no injuries reported. The rain and flooding prompted closure of the trail on Friday, April 4th.
The National Weather Service had issued a Flood Advisory for Kauai’s North Shore, including the Hanakapiai area, on Thursday morning. The advisory, which remained in effect until 12:30 pm, warned of heavy rains and the potential for flash flooding, particularly in streams and low-lying areas.
The incident prompted a statement from Kauai Fire Department Chief Michael Gibson: “We strongly advise all hikers to avoid entering trail systems when inclement weather is in the forecast. Flooding in stream areas can occur rapidly and without warning, putting lives at risk. We thank all the first responders and partner agencies who ensured that all the hikers made it out safely Friday morning.”
While the hikers involved in this incident were ultimately able to leave the trail safely, officials continue to stress the importance of preparedness and awareness when hiking in areas prone to rapid weather changes. Streams like Hanakapiai can rise quickly after rainfall, and what may seem like a manageable stream crossing can become dangerous in a short amount of time. Hikers should always check weather conditions before undertaking such adventures, and to be prepared with extra food, water and other essential items.
Signage at the beach provides valuable information for hikers visiting the area. The signage warns that “fast moving and rapidly rising water in Hanakapiai Stream can knock you off your feet and wash you downstream to the ocean. You can slip and fall on the wet rocks. Never try to cross a stream under these conditions. There is a real danger of serious injury, drowning and death. DON’T RISK YOUR LIFE.” The signage offers these additional tips in the event of flash flooding:
- Stay calm. Move away from the stream and seek higher ground.
- DO NOT attempt to cross fast-flowing waters.
- Seek shelter where you are. Wait for help to arrive or for the stream level to return to normal conditions.
The stream is not the only thing to watch out for when visiting Hanakapiai Beach. The beach is one of the most dangerous on Kauai, with many deaths having occurred here over the years. Our recommendation is to never go in the ocean water at the beach.
TOP PHOTO: Hanakapiai Stream under normal conditions (Kauai Magazine). SOURCE: County of Kauai
