Hanakapiai Beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast presents itself as an idyllic setting during the summer months, drawing visitors with its sandy shore. However, winter brings powerful waves and high tides which wash ashore, taking most of the sand with it. Reached via a two-mile hike from Ke'e Beach along Hanakapiai Trail from Ke'e Beach via Hanakapiai Trail from there is a peaceful place to unwind and unwind, often drawing in picnickers bringing lunch.
Hanakapiai is one of the busiest sections of the Kalalau Trail, drawing many hikers who continue onward for another nine-mile challenge. A permit is necessary to continue beyond Hanakapiai; furthermore, hiking itself can be demanding in particular on its steep second mile which often becomes muddy and slippery following rainfall; round trip hikes usually last 1.5-2 hours each way.
Hanakapiai Falls, a 100-foot waterfall located 2 miles away, can be reached via a challenging side trail with multiple stream crossings and multiple stream fords. Hikers often enjoy taking a refreshing dip in the pool beneath the falls after hiking to relax; however, caution must be exercised as rockfall may occur on this trail.
Camping at Hanakapiai Beach provides an amazing opportunity to spend the night under its starry sky. Camping permits must be obtained beforehand from relevant authorities' websites; hiking from Ke'e Beach to Hanakapiai Falls requires 8 miles and should take at least an entire day, if stopping along the way for rests and refreshments.