Home»Light Source Photography by Lee Scott»The Kalalau Trail

Do a Google search of the best hikes in the world and 8 out of 10 results will include the Kalalau Trail. And most lists will have it at or near the top. For me, I rank it right up there with The Teton Crest Trail in Wyoming and The Santa Cruz Trek with Laguna 69 in Peru as the best hikes/ overnight treks that I have ever done.
I have hiked the full Kalalau Trail three times now-- once in 2013 and again this past July and August 2020. In 2013-- my first full trek to Kalalau Valley-- I hiked all 11 miles each way and camped two nights at Kalalau Beach. After I returned home, painfully sore and hurting, I said that if I were to hike it again, I would break it up and stop in Hanakoa-- at least on the way in. This past July and August, that's exactly what I did. In fact, I camped in Hanakoa both on the way in and on the way out. I found this itinerary to be much more enjoyable-- especially since I carried two cameras, tripod, filters, tabis, all of our camping gear, and half of our food. :-)
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Over the years I have hiked to Hanakapi'ai Falls and Hanakapi'ai Beach numerous times, and decided to include a few photos from these separate day hikes just to round out the collection of images. I find all of these images of Kauai's rugged Na Pali Coast to be full of energy, dynamism, wildness and adventure. If you ever get the chance, I encourage you to reserve your permit and go. Hiking The Kalalau Trail is truly a life changing experience.
I hope you enjoy the images.
Lee