The Kalepa Ridge Trail leads to the best land-accessible views of the Na Pali Coast in all of Kauai. It is our favorite hike on the island, but not for the faint of heart!
The short but steep hike provides unbeatable vistas across the Na Pali cliffs and Kalalau Valley. For this reason, it is sometimes called the Napali Coast Lookout.
Due to evolving conditions that can be perilous, we are NOT recommending visitors attempt this hike.
We created this guide specifically so that those who do decide to hike the Kalepa Ridge Trail have as much information as possible to ensure the risks are understood and minimized.
If you hope to attempt the Kalepa Ridge Trail, there is much to consider first. We will explain everything you need to know to help ensure a safe excursion.
Kalepa Ridge Trail Overview
Kalepa Ridge Trail was considered the best hike and one of the best things to do on Kauai before it was closed due to eroding conditions.
When it comes to photographing the world-renowned Na Pali Coast by land, you will be hard-pressed to find better opportunities than those from Kalepa Ridge.
Despite the official closure, the hike remains popular for locals and tourists alike.
The Kalepa Ridge Trail is officially listed at 1.6 miles out and back. However, we tracked the distance as closer to 2 miles.
Due to mud from recent rain, we needed 45 minutes roundtrip for walking, plus another 15 for photos.
What is the Kalepa Ridge Trail?
Spanning the gap between the Kalalau Valley and Honopu Ridge, the Kalepa Ridge Trail is widely renown for providing the best land-accessible views of the impressive Na Pali Coast.
The hike requires you to hop (or duck) a metal railing before descending about 500 feet through muddy terrain.
While being an unofficial trail, this is still one of the most popular destinations for hiking in Hawaii. It is also often listed as a Kauai point of interest in official guides despite its unofficial nature.
The views are absolutely stunning throughout, offering endless opportunities for photos along the way. Even if you do not have the time or ability to walk the entire length, you will be rewarded with some epic vistas after only a short walk.
Though the Kalepa Ridge trail location begins from the Kalalau Lookout, do NOT confuse it for the Kalalau Trail.
The Kalepa Ridge Trail is a short, unofficial hike that you access from the south of Kauai after passing through the Waimea Canyon.
The Kalalau trail, meanwhile, is a state-recognized trail that begins in the north and requires a permit. You can read all about the Kalalau Trail here.
Where is the Kalepa Ridge Trail?
You will not find the trail by searching for Kalepa Ridge Trail parking. Instead, set your GPS for the Kalalau Lookout in Koke’e State Park.
You will first drive through the incredible Waimea Canyon State Park, following the Koke’e road to the end.
There is a large parking lot available at the Kalalau Lookout, as well as bathrooms and water fountains.
Once you have arrived, you will have to pay $5 for parking. From the lot, follow the main path to the Kalalau Valley overlook and find the metal railing that acts as a barrier with signs reading “trail closed.”
The trailhead of the Kalepa Ridge Trail begins here by going over or under the metal railing.
Be prepared for a slippery, muddy path and wear appropriate footwear!
How long is the Kalepa Ridge Trail?
The Kalepa Ridge Trail is officially listed at 1.6 miles out and back. However, we estimated it closer to 2 miles roundtrip.
Due to the mud and terrain, it took us about an hour to hike from beginning to end. Although we were stopping for photos along the way as well.
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What to expect on the Kalepa Ridge Trail
Land access to the Na Pali Coast is incredibly limited, which is what makes the Kalepa Ridge such a popular destination.
The only other way to photograph this stretch of dramatic coastline by land is via the Kalalau Trail to the north, which is legal but requires permits.
In addition to the unbeatable vistas, you should know by now to expect a very steep, muddy trail. Slips and falls are common but usually only result in a dirty bottom. There is nothing worse to fear as long as you take it slow and easy, and wear appropriate footwear.
To that end, do NOT attempt this hike in flip-flops! If you have no better shoes, you would honestly be better off barefoot.
One thing you may not think to expect on this part of Kauai is a high probability of mountain goat sightings! While cute, they are an invasive species and incredibly harmful to the ecosystem. Still, they are here for now, whether welcome or not.
The final thing you should expect is rapidly changing cloud systems.
Even within an hour span of walking the trail, do not be surprised to find the visibility changing drastically by the minute as low and high clouds swirl about. This constant change will reveal some amazing pockets of light, but also may completely stifle the views for spells as well.
This ever-changing weather is something to be expected seemingly anywhere on Kauai.
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Is the Kalepa Ridge Trail legal?
To the best of our knowledge, the Kalepa Ridge Trail is technically not legal, though it also is not illegal.
It is listed as an open trail. However, upon arrival, you will discover signage indicating the trail is closed… so which is it?
To be honest, finding a straight answer on this is hard. What is important is that fines and punishment are rarely, if ever, issued. The state of Hawaii has been forced to close many Kauai hikes and trails due to liability and legal issues, as well as maintenance costs, but most of these are not policed.
Like the Kalepa Ridge Trail closure, many hikes around Hawaii have “trail closed” signs for the protection of the state, yet they are still advertised locally. Meaning, they are not policed but merely signed appropriately to ensure Kauai and the state of Hawaii aren’t liable if you are injured or worse on your hike.
The question then is should you hike the Kalepa Ridge Trail? We must first mention, as always, that our goal is not to condemn or condone, but to educate.
Ethics regarding the Kalepa Ridge Trail Hike
Everyone’s ethical compass is different, and we recognize that many people follow the intent of the law more than the letter.
With that in mind, you must know that if you decide to attempt the hike, you do so at your own risk. It is not maintained nor permitted officially.
While you will undoubtedly see plenty of people, including locals, hiking this trail, fines can technically be imposed.
If you are unwilling to boldly defy the signage or concerned with the legality of the trail, we have added a section on alternative hiking trails for exploring the Na Pali coast.
While the Kalepa Ridge Trail is considered the best (and shortest!), it is better to explore alternative options than miss out or challenge your moral code.
Is the Kalepa Ridge Trail dangerous?
We know it is not technically legal to hike, but the most important question for some might be is the Kalepa Ridge Trail dangerous?
The answer is “not really,” but that answer comes with some caveats.
First, you should expect a muddy trail due to the amount of rainfall Kauai gets. This mud is likely to cause some slips and falls, which could result in an injury. However, there is nearly no risk of anything severe as long as you stick to the trail.
With that said, we do not recommend anyone with joint issues attempt this hike!
The likelihood of slipping at least once is relatively high. This will result in some laughing companions and a muddy butt for most, but it could become much worse for someone with compromised knees or ankles.
The most dangerous thing we saw on any of our visits was someone attempting to cross a narrow ridge where the trail ends. The rocks gave way and the person began sliding down the side of the ridge without being able to slow their momentum, with nearly tragic results! A human chain had to be formed to rescue them.
I mention this story because people will put themselves in danger regardless of signs, laws, or warnings. If you’re smart and stick to the trail, the Kalepa Ridge hike is not dangerous. This does not, however, mean that you cannot find danger by ignoring logic and chasing a photo.
To that end, it is also obviously not recommended to attempt this hike in adverse weather conditions. Again, this should go without saying, but we’re saying it anyway.
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When to hike the Kalepa Ridge Trail
One of the most important factors you should consider in your visit is the season and current Na Pali mountain weather system, as well as what time of day to hike the Kalepa Ridge Trail.
Kauai gets more rain than any other Hawaiian Island, and I can assure you that most of the hiking trails are not fun when the clay-like earth turns to a slimy, muddy ooze.
Accordingly, you will want to try and arrange your visit to Kauai for the dry season, if possible, which corresponds with the typical summer months. Though there is still no certainty you will elude the rain, you have a better chance of a dry trail during this time. Regardless, the more important thing to track is the daily weather pattern during your visit.
If hiking the Kalepa Ridge Trail is a priority for your visit, try to schedule your visit in the middle of a dry spell. Visiting too soon after a rain will not give the track time to dry. Visit toward the end of a dry spell, however, and you may find that storm scheduled for tomorrow was brought in a day early by the tradewinds!
As for the time of day, we strongly recommend hiking the Kalepa Ridge Trail in the late afternoon. During the morning hours, most of the Kalalau Valley and Na Pali coast will be in shadow. This creates difficult opportunities to photograph or even observe the textures of this real-world Jurassic Park. In the afternoon, however, the sun will light up the scenery spectacularly. In addition, you have the best chance of capturing one of those iconic Hawaiian rainbows over this jaw-dropping scene in the late afternoon.
Sunset can be beautiful if you get great color. However, once the sun goes toward the horizon you will once again find most of your scene hidden in shadow.
Alternatives to the Kalepa Ridge Trail
No one visiting Kauai should miss the opportunity to see the Na Pali coast; it is truly one of the most remarkable landscapes anywhere.
If, however, you are concerned with the Kalepa Ridge Trail, you do have some alternatives to consider. They are all considerably more difficult, and arguably less impressive, but they are all legal options.
Honopu Ridge Trail
At 5 miles roundtrip, the Honopu Ridge trail is considerably longer than the Kalepa Ridge Trail, but it does offer similarly majestic views of the Na Pali coast.
However, this is considered one of the roughest trails in all of Kauai. Finding the trailhead can be difficult, the terrain can be challenging, and various hunting trails also make navigating the Honopu Ridge Trail more difficult.
Awapuhi Trail
Also known as the Awaawapuhi Trail, this 6.5 mile roundtrip hike requires you to descend from 4,120 feet at the top down to 2,500 feet at the trail’s end. This also means that you will then have to ascend that 1600+ foot elevation change… not an easy task!
Accordingly, the Awapuhi Trail is not the most popular or recommended, except for locals and visitors with experience. The hike is listed as moderate, but if hiking 1600 feet up over a 3.2 mile stretch is moderate, then you’re in much better shape than us!
Nu’ alolo Trail
If you thought those other trails sounded fun, then you’ll love this 7.5 mile option through shin-deep mud! The Nu’ alolo Trail is a challenging one, though you get the added benefit of seeing one of the best 19 waterfalls in Kauai, in addition to the Na Pali coast. For that privilege, you will have to overcome the mud, distance, and a meager 2,500 foot elevation gain! This one is not for the weary.
Alaka’i Swamp Trail
The Alaka’i Swamp Trail is a 7-mile roundtrip hike with a more moderate 1,300 foot elevation gain. If you are graced with good weather, you are sure to get some great views throughout the ridge hike.
The footing can be quite slippery, of course, and you should expect some mud; especially in the Alakai Swamp section.
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More Kauai Travel Guides
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You may want to browse our Kauai guides to help you plan your visit and ensure you see the best of what the Garden Isle has to offer:
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- Kauai WATERFALL Guide: 19 of the Most Stunning Waterfalls on Kauai
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Final thoughts on the Kalepa Ridge Trail Hike
The two of us work very hard to create these free travel guides to help you plan your dream vacation. If you think we’ve done a good job and would like to say thanks, please consider clicking the donate button below 🙂
Whether you decide to partake in the hike or not, we truly hope you have found this guide to the Kalepa Ridge Trail informative and helpful.
Those who do endure the climb will discover some of the most magnificent views available in all of Hawaii. Just remember that you are a visitor and it is important to minimize your impact; be courteous, respectful, and SAFE.
Now we’d like to hear from YOU!
Was there any information that you found confusing, inaccurate, outdated, or missing?
Or perhaps this is the best guide you’ve found on the topic and had all of your questions answered?
Regardless of your thoughts, we want to hear them! Help us to help future readers like yourself by providing your feedback in the comments below.
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Beautiful trail! We’d love to check it out next time we’re visiting Kauai. Great photos and thanks for sharing!
It’s a really beautiful hike! We did it so many times as we just loved it 🙂
Woow that is such an epic hike! I adore those views and the mountains are out-of-this-world!! I cant wait to visit Hawaii for all the epic hikes!
Hawaii sure has its fair share of incredible hikes. I’m sure you won’t be disappointed 🙂
Thank you for this guide. This is the most comprehensive one I really found online. What do you think about hiking this trail with two teenagers 13 and 16 with hiking/backpacking experience?
Thank you for taking the time to read and leave such a nice comment Kathryn! Your question is a tricky one and we can only offer our experience based on the condition of the trail when we were last there. That said, the Kalepa Ridge Trail has a high risk of slip and falls, which will just mean a muddy butt for teens, but could mean a broken bone for someone with a few extra years. However, teenagers are also more likely to be just too “brave”, and the Kalepa Ridge Trail is NOT the place for that. A situation can become tragic very quickly and easily when someone leaves the trail to get a “better view.”
In short, IF the trail hasn’t changed dramatically or been washed out since we last visited, you all should be ok if you are mindful & careful. Just do not detour from the trail and especially do not try to make that final ridge crossing at the trail’s end!! We came way too close to seeing tragedy here once already!
Hi! Thanks for the helpful tips! We’re heading to Kauai at the end of June/beginning of July and I’m just starting to plan our itinerary. Do you think the Kalepa Ridge Trail would be appropriate for younger kids (ages 9 and 10)?
Firstly, have the most amazing time in Kauai – we’re not at all jealous 😉
As for whether or not to take young kids, that’s not something we can give advice on… What we can provide is our personal experience as 30 year olds who are fit with no mobility issues, and that is that we found it pretty easy. You should absolutely not let them go off on their own as there are a few unofficial trails made by other hikers that end at steep cliffs which pose a true threat. If you stay on the main trail, there is little risk of more than a slip and fall for anyone, but only you know whether or not your kids are disciplined enough for that.
You may also want to consider that the trail technically is not open, so you have to be comfortable passing trail closure signs with your kids. Again, a very personal decision.
The short version is this: most 9-10 year olds would be easily capable of walking this trail in terms of physical capability, but there are risks and ethical questions that only you can decide your comfort level on.
I was there today and the trail has been completely barricaded with construction fencing just after the green barrier gate.
Mostly due to weather damage and erosion due to foot traffic, since it’s never been maintained.
This is very good to know Melissa – did you happen to take any photos? It would be great to have one to update this guide; you can email us at info@wedreamoftravel.com