Hanakapiai Falls, Hawaii, United States

5P K 5:00 PM Jun 2, 2022

Incredible Experience
We found this hike to be an incredible experience. But a few warnings, make sure you have a parking permit or a shuttle ride or both (from gohaena.com). And make sure you have plenty of time for this hike, at least six or seven hours, depending on how long you want to spend at the falls. We are both experienced hikers and were surprised at how long this hike took. Also, bring at least two liters of water per person and snacks. It was well worth the trip, we would highly recommend this hike, it was the highlight of our Kauai visit.

4Jennpaz8 5:00 PM Feb 26, 2020

Amazing but start early!!!
We booked a 9 am shuttle and in hindsight, we should have given ourselves an extra hour. We are pretty fit and from Colorado so used to hiking in elevation. By the time we started it was a bit after 9:30 so when we arrived at the beach it was already 10:35. After a snack and bathroom break it was already 11. We were told the last shuttle left at 5 & were warned that it could fill up. The sign from the beach told us to expect an additional 4 hours to hike to the falls. We started and by 11:50 had made it to the first stream crossing, however, in thinking through the anticipated hours ahead of us, we got nervous that we wouldn't make it back in time for the shuttle as once we returned to the beach, we'd likely have another hour ahead of us. We now think we made a mistake because in looking at the map upon our return we were almost halfway to the falls and less than an hour in. While it definitely got muddier the further we went and the streams had very strong currents and slippery rocks, we regret our decision to turn around. In catching our shuttle, the driver told us their was a "sweeper" that came around at 6 for any stragglers. The hike is definitely not for the novice or weary. The inclines are steep and the mud makes slipping undeniable. We saw many people with a simple water bottle on their way to the beach and I would highly recommend a Camelback or a backpack with several bottles. Unlike other reviewers, we found the trail greatly shaded with sunny areas not a long distance. Regardless, sunblock and snacks are also recommended. We decided to cross the streams by taking off our shoes and socks, which resulted in us covered in mud since our shoes were tied to our packs. I think that was right as otherwise we would have chafed the rest of the way. Next time we'll bring hiking sandals for these crossings. While we saw others in sandals on the trail, the amount for the of rocks and overall terrain, I would recommend great tread shoes. And be prepared for them to be caked in mud. The hike is absolutely spectacular and next time we will make it to the falls.