Kalalau Beach

After a challenging 11-mile hike on Kauai’s legendary Kalalau Trail, intrepid adventurers are rewarded with an idyllic beach that is a secluded haven for nature lovers and free spirits.

Region: Na Pali Coast
Best for camping, exploring and hanging out with other adventurous souls.
Conditions: Surf can be dangerous, do not go in the water.
Accessibility: Requires 11-mile hike on Kalalau Trail or boat drop-off.
Requires Camping Permit for Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park.
No lifeguards
Map: Google Maps

Accessible only by hiking the legendary 11-mile Kalalau Trail or by boat, this remote gem is a sanctuary for intrepid adventurers and nature enthusiasts. Towering emerald cliffs and a cascading waterfall serve as a dramatic backdrop to the golden sand and Windex-colored waters of the Pacific Ocean. Visitors are enchanted by the tranquil ambiance and the sense of seclusion, where the only sounds are often the rhythmic crashing of waves.

At approximately one mile in length, Kalalau Beach has plenty of room and plenty of sand for everyone. A tree-lined section of the beach is popular with campers, and a waterfall is a beautiful and refreshing highlight. Sea caves, perhaps better described as a rocky overhang, provide shelter from the sun and elements in summer months, but disappear in the high winter surf. It’s probably best to avoid the sea caves, as a section collapsed in the winter of 2014-2015.

Beyond the beach is the opportunity for more beauty and adventure. Several trails from the beach lead into the Eden-like Kalalau Valley where fruits, secret swimming holes and maybe even a few long-term residents/squatters can be found.

Whether camping beneath a blanket of stars, exploring Kalalau Valley beyond the beach or simply lounging on the sand, Kalalau Beach offers an unparalleled experience of serenity and raw beauty.