Kauai: Hike to Hanakapi'ai

One of the biggest items on our Kauai must-do list was hike along the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi'ai Falls. It is now one of my favorite hikes in the world--and that's saying something coming from a member of my family! For the first two miles, the trail follows the Na Pali coastline right alongside the ocean to a quiet, secluded beach. From there, you turn inland and navigate through a lush river valley for another few miles until you reach the falls.

The trail provides a fun little challenge with plenty of switchbacks, muddy streams, boulders, and river crossings along the way. It constantly rewards your efforts, however, with beautiful sweeping views of the Na Pali Coast, the pristine Hanakapi'ai Beach, and the tropical foliage on either side of the trail. And, of course, the gorgeous 300-foot waterfall that reigns over a small green valley and cascades into a refreshing blue pool below.

It looks as dreamy as it sounds.

If that picture doesn't make you want to go on this hike--or at least see more pictures of it--I don't know what will. To provide you with the eye candy without creating the longest blog post in the history of the universe, I put together a quick movie of pictures and video clips from the excursion.

Hike to Hanakapi'ai from Ashley on Vimeo.

Amazing, isn't it? We were in awe of our surroundings every single step of the way and would be hard pressed to name a favorite part of the hike to Hanakapi'ai. Although, the fact that the trail begins and ends at Ke'e Beach would be a strong contender. Even with all of the picturesque images we saw that day, there was no better sight after a grueling eight miles in the hot sun than the ocean water glistening through the coconut trees below.

Every hike should end in the ocean.