I have long wanted to hike this unofficial trail. For now, it’s on my bucket list, and I’m excited to share the inside scoop!

What I love about nature isn’t always the view or photos. It’s just the sheer ability to move my body through time and space while appreciating our earth. However, to make the most of this hike requires some intentionality.

The Kalepa Ridge Trail in Kauai offers the best land accessible views of the breathtaking Nā Pali Coast, standing 4,000 feet above the Pacific.

The trail is short but steep, spanning about 1.6 miles roundtrip. Despite being currently closed due to eroding conditions, it remains popular among locals and tourists. The legal status is ambiguous, though fines are rarely issued.

For those interested, this guide provides tips to make the most of your hike. Beginners may want to avoid it due to the evolving, unstable cliff conditions. If you have experience but prefer to stick to official trails, I’ve included alternative options at the end.

Directions

The Kalepa Ridge Trail starts from the Kalalau Lookout in Koke’e State Park. From the $5 parking lot, follow the main path to the Kalalau Valley overlook. At the trailhead, you’ll find signage indicating it’s “closed” – go past the railing and descend about 500 feet.

Awareness

Parts of the ridge expose you to steep, vertical cliffs on both sides – only a narrow path for one person. The breathtaking views and thrilling edge make it an unforgettable adventure. If you fear heights like I do, it will be a great opportunity to test your limits.

As with any travel, let’s practice leaving no trace by picking up after ourselves to protect wildlife.

Timing

Weather can vary greatly, with rapidly changing cloud cover affecting visibility. Your best bets are to hike in the dry season or late afternoon/sunset for the optimal lighting and views.

If you have the opportunity to visit more than once, I highly recommend going during the morning hours. When the sun breaks through the trees along the path, the morning haze creates a beautiful sunrise. It will feel like you are ascending into heaven!

Most nature lovers have a good attitude, are flexible about rainy experiences, practice teamwork skills, and are prepared for the unexpected. You may not elude the rain and the clay earth turning to ooze. However, that’s what makes this land so beautiful. Kauai gets more rain than any other Hawaiian Island.

There are no dinosaurs in this real world Jurassic Park, but cute brown anole lizards and mountain goat sightings en route are common. You may even capture a stunning Hawaiian rainbow as the sun lights up the jaw dropping scenery!

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Alternatives

For those preferring official trails, the Honopu Ridge, Awapuhi, Nualolo, and Alakai Swamp trails offer different views of Nā Pali vistas, though with varying lengths and difficulty levels.

Following that inner voice to someplace else often leads to an even better adventure than the “famous best” spot we were obsessed with visiting. It’s so funny how often that happens. I keep my eyes and mind open to the possibilities.