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The Global Insight

Do you need a permit to hike the Napali Coast

Author

Emma Valentine

Updated on April 20, 2026

Day hiking is allowed without a permit up to Hanakapi’ai Valley (2 miles in from trailhead) however Parking or Park Entry Reservations are required for Haena State Park. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapi’ai must possess a valid NaPali Coast SWP camping permit. Camping permits may be applied for 30-days* in advance.

How do you get a Napali Coast permit?

  1. Napali Coast Camping Permits are currently available 30-days in advance.
  2. PERMITS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE ONLINE through this website.
  3. Limited overnight parking is available at the trailhead in Hāʻena State Park. …
  4. Limited overnight parking is also avaialble in cooperation at the Alii Kai Resort – 808-826-9988.

Is the Napali Coast open for hiking?

Hāʻena State Park (SP) and Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park (SWP) are now open! … Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park & Kalalau Trail: In-order to access the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hāʻena SP.

Do you need hiking permits in Hawaii?

The only exceptions to this are for all parks on the island of Oʻahu, and for Kīholo SPR on the island of Hawaiʻi, where permits can be applied for no more than 30 days in advance. You must be at least 18 years of age to obtain a permit.

Do I need reservations to hike in Kauai?

Permits Required In-order to access the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Parj as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hāʻena SP. Hāʻena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Nāpali Coast SWP.

How much does it cost to hike the Kalalau Trail?

Preparations: Permits: The Kalalau Trail is very popular and permits are required to spend the night along the trail. The cost for non-residents is $20 per night and you can book the permit for the Napali Coast Wilderness Park online.

How many days does it take to hike the NaPali Coast?

To hike the entire trail and also spend time exploring Kalalau Beach and Valley takes 3-5 days. Most people are day hikers that don’t ever make it all the way out to Kalalau.

How much is a beach permit in Hawaii?

Like all the Hawaiian Islands, Oahu requires a permit from the State of Hawaii to marry on a beach. We can apply for and pick up the permit for your event. At the time of writing, a Hawaii beach wedding or vow renewal permit costs $50.

How do you get a hiking permit in Hawaii?

In order to get a permit, visit the Hawaii DLNR reservation system online for Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. To get a day-use reservation at Hā’ena State Park, visit the park’s website.

How much is a building permit in Hawaii?

The fee for building permits will vary depending on the county in Hawai’i. For frame of reference, the minimum fee for a building permit in Hawai’i County may be $10 for work up to $500 in value and $355 for work up to $50,000 in value.

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What permit do I need for Kalalau Trail?

Anyone proceeding along the Kalalau Trail past Hanakāpīʻai Valley (2 miles in) must possess a valid Napali Coast State Wilderness Park camping permit whether or not you plan to camp. This same permit allows you to camp at one of two different places: Hanakoa or Kalalau.

How do I book Napali Coast hike?

HoursDaily 7:00am to 6:45pmVideoKalalau Trail Safety Video

Can you hike the Kalalau Trail in one day?

If no permits are available, you can still enjoy the Kalalau Trail for a day hike (day-use reservations required). You can hike to Hanakāpīʻai beach (4-Mile round trip) or to Hanakāpīʻai Falls and back (8-Mile round trip). Permits are available up to a year in advance.

Is hiking the Kalalau Trail worth it?

People spend months planning and saving for this vacation of a lifetime. It’s not worth risking your life hiking where you shouldn’t be or crossing a stream where you shouldn’t be, even if it means missing your flight home. The Kalalau Trail is amazing. Make your trip amazing by following the rules and being cautious.

Has anyone died on the Kalalau Trail?

A fatality occurred in June 2012 at Kalalau Beach campsite when a 30-year-old woman fell to her death near the beach waterfall. Another incident occurred in December 2012 when a 31-year-old Japanese national was pushed from a cliff along the trail and was critically injured.

How do you camp on NaPali Coast?

The only way to camp on the coast is by backpacking or boating in. The hike along the 11-mile Kalalau trail takes a lot of effort through narrow valleys and sometimes nerve-wracking cliffside terrain. It’s not for the acrophobic! Kayaking in may be easier but presents its own set of challenges.

How long does it take to backpack NaPali Coast?

Trail Times: Ke’e to Hanakapi’ai Beach: 1.5 to 2 hours. Ke’e to Hanakoa Valley: 3 to 4 hours. Ke‘e to Kalalau Valley: 6 to 8 hours.

Is Stairway to Heaven in Hawaii Open?

Hawaii’s famous Haiku Stairs, known as the “Stairway to Heaven,” will be removed due to illegal trespassing and injuries at the site that have led to hefty costs. The stairs, built by the U.S. Navy in the 1940s, are now known to lead the best views in Hawaii, despite being closed to the public for over 30 years.

How long does it take to hike the first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail?

The first 2 miles of the Kalalau Trail are strenuous and tricky. You’ll probably want a 1/2 day to do this hike. That will allow time for breaks and photo stops. And that’s if the weather cooperates!

How long does an 11 mile hike take?

Naismith’s Rule estimates hiking time on reasonably easy ground based on 19½ minutes for every mile, plus 30 minutes for every 1,000 feet of ascent.

Can you do the Kalalau Trail in two days?

Hiking the Kalalau Trail I ended up doing the trail in two days, which is quite quick, too quick for many people, but we didn’t want to carry too much on our backs. Let’s face it, I am a glamper. … When that happens, its another reason why its considered one of the most dangerous hikes in the world.

Do you need a reservation to hike Kalalau trail?

For any of the questions above, the answer is no, you don’t need a permit, but you do need to make a reservation. Reservations are made at You can make them up to 30 days in advance but must make it at least 1 day before you visit.

Do you need a permit for Kualoa Beach Park?

About this Park A printed permit is required to camp in this park. All fees are non-refundable.

Do you need a permit for Ala Moana Beach Park?

–Authorization is noted on the Park Use Permit. … (1) The picnic areas in the Ala Moana and Kapiolani Beach Parks are the only areas in the City park system where reservations may be made in advance for specific picnic sites during the summer season.

How do I get a beach permit in Oahu?

  1. First, call the park you wish to inquire about for availability. …
  2. Next, complete and submit an Application for Use of Park Facilities form NO LATER THAN three weeks prior to the date you wish to use the facility. …
  3. Park authorized requests requiring payment are processed by the Parks Permit Office.

Do you need a permit to elope in Hawaii?

One thing couples must do is get a marriage license. Fortunately, Hawaii makes the process very easy. All that’s needed is a quick trip to the Hawaii State Department of Health. Start by filling out the application online, and then head together to their office with a form of ID.

Can you get married on a beach in Hawaii?

You’ll need a Hawaii beach permit (usually obtained from a Hawaii wedding planner), and sometimes also a photography permit (depending on the beach location chosen). It is illegal to get married on a Hawaii beach without a permit and you could get fined.

What requires a permit in Hawaii?

In general a permit is required for all building, electrical, and plumbing work on or to a building or structure. This is includes the following: New Constructions.

How big can you build without a permit in Hawaii?

You can build a shed of up to 1,000 ft. ² on agriculturally zoned properties in Hawaii without obtaining a building permit.

Do you need a permit to replace windows in Hawaii?

Another reason why you need a permit for window replacement is the location of your building. If the building lies in one of Hawaii’s hurricane zones then you’ll need to have special windows installed. To get a permit for your window, it’s mandatory that you choose impact resistant windows for replacement.

Is the Kalalau Trail closed?

It is open from sunrise to sunset. The Kapalua Coastal Trail runs alongside the ocean through the Kapalua Resort. You will see great ocean views, spectacular waves crashing into lava rocks, natural greenery, fields of lava, beautiful beaches, and luxurious hotels and condos.