Though most of us were exhausted from arduous hike into Blue Hole the day prior, we summoned the energy to drive up to the north shore to hike the Na Pali coastline to Hanakapiai beach and waterfall.

Although, I haven’t hiked along the Na Pali coast for some time, the hike was still fresh in my memory from when we backpacked it in the Summer 2011.

The 2-mile coastal trail to Hanakapiai beach was well kept, and for most of the way, wide enough for two-way hiker traffic.

Just before dropping to sea level, this notorious sign warns people of the dangerous undertows and rip-tides, which are present year round.

Not to mention the winter swells which are common on most north-facing shores in Hawaii.

The beach here is actually pretty large in other times of year… But the sand was nowhere in sight today. The waves were washing up all the way to the rocks.

After making the Hanakapiai stream crossing and watching the waves for a bit, we quickly got onto the Hanakapiai Falls trail.

Though not as wide as the trail along the coastline, it was still very distinct and easy to follow.

About 10 minutes into the valley, there are large groves of non-native bamboo that people carve their names on.

There are at least 3 stream crossings, if following the most distinct route in. Many of us were using the same cleated-felt tabis from the day prior, so the rock-hopping wasn’t a problem.

We reached the falls fairly quickly, and so did everyone else who was on the trail… meaning, it was packed, at least on the left side of the pool. It looked like most of the tourists didn’t want to make another stream crossing to the far side, where there were less people.

We didn’t mind going a little further to have more space to ourselves… as we probably needed it to goof around in. haha. We blew up some inner tubes and popped some Boddingtons Pub Ale, and made for the center of the pool.

And let me tell you… THIS WATER IS COLD!!! I was wondering why no one else was really going in. A few of the out-of-town visitors made it hip deep, but immediately evacuated.

With all the stream surveys and hiking I’ve done throughout Hawaii, this is one of the coldest pools I have swam in (without a wetsuit) to date. With the pool not getting any direct sunlight at any part of the day (at least in winter, I’m guessing it was in the low 50s when we were there. There were many others taking photos of us and laughing. I’m sure they were just jealous cause they didn’t have innertubes and couldn’t handle the chill. lol. More good times for us, less for others! haha.

Hanakapiai Beach is 2 miles from the Kalalau trail / Na Pali Coast trailhead. Once at Hanakapiai, it is another 2 miles to the waterfall, on a somewhat intermediate trail. I only say this because of the stream crossings and some scrambling on slick footing. Hiking time will vary, depending on the person and the type of footwear worn. If Hanakapiai Stream is experiencing a flash flood (most of the rocks/boulders are hidden by fast flowing water, or the water is murky) when descending the coastal trail to the beach, DO NOT CROSS. A number of people have died here and many more have been seriously injured doing this; it is not worth risking your life or the life of a family member/friend. If anything, wait it out… Though flash floods are a regular occurrence in Hawaii, they don’t typically last too long… and waters can recede fairly quickly. If it doesn’t, turn around. Trying to cross during such events will result in getting slammed into rocks and boulders and swept into the ocean… which can also vary in danger, depending on the time of year visiting. If further up the falls trail and a flood occurs, also, wait it out. DO NOT CROSS the stream. It doesn’t matter if you are going to miss a flight… wait for the water to go down. To minimize risk while doing this type of hike, check the weather forecast first or try asking others who are on the coastal trail about the trail conditions. I’m sure they will help to the best of their knowledge. Have fun, and please remember to be responsible and hike safely while on the trail.

Make sure to check out the other write-ups from this trip, including an adventure to “Blue Hole” in Wailua, and Kalepa Ridge in Kokee!

Aloha and mahalo nui for visiting… Come back again soon!

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