Three more hikers were airlifted from the Kalalau Trail last week, adding to a growing list of rescues on what’s often called Hawaii’s most dangerous hike. This time, it wasn’t flash flooding or bad weather. It was exhaustion, injury, and overconfidence. The risks rise quickly as more visitors hit the trail and peak season ramps up.
This recent rescue happened on June 5. Firefighters from the Hanalei Station, Rescue 3 aboard Air 1, and medics from American Medical Response were dispatched. Upon arrival, crews located two hikers with leg injuries and one experiencing severe fatigue. All three were flown to Princeville Airport and transferred to awaiting paramedics. The rescue mission concluded by 12:15 p.m.
A second Kalalau rescue in weeks.
In early April, about 50 hikers were stranded overnight after flash flooding blocked their path. That incident brought national attention to trail safety. But unlike the April event, Thursday’s rescue happened under clear conditions. This time, the threat was physical exhaustion—an increasingly common issue on a trail that offers no margin for error.
Here’s what keeps going wrong and what it takes to hike Kalalau safely.
What makes this hike so dangerous.
The Kalalau Trail follows 11 miles of cliffside terrain along the Napali Coast. With steep drop-offs, narrow switchbacks, minimal cell service, and dozens of one-lane sections, the trail is as remote as it is scenic. There are no roads to Kalalau Beach. Rescue access is by helicopter only—and from some points, by boat.
Permits are required to pass Hanakapiai, but they don’t guarantee preparedness. Thursday’s hikers included visitors and residents, underscoring that even experienced or returning hikers can get into trouble. Overconfidence and under-training amidst rapidly changing conditions remain among the top reasons for mid-trail distress.
Why rescues like this keep happening.
Many hikers underestimate the physical toll of Kalalau, influenced by social media posts that showcase the beach, but not the effort required to get there. Others confuse shorter hikes like Hanakapiai with the whole trail, only to realize they’re over their heads too late.
Lack of preparation is another major factor: Some head out without enough water, wear unstable footwear, or rely on cell phones in areas without reception. Even more experienced hikers may push too far in high heat or slippery conditions. There’s no quick way out when things go wrong, and hesitation often worsens the situation.
How to train for a hike like Kalalau.
Officials say rescues could rise as the trail gets busier in peak season. Kalalau is jaw-droppingly beautiful for visitors and residents thinking about heading out. But it’s also a place where small mistakes turn serious fast.
Kalalau isn’t just long—it’s relentless. Training should mimic the real thing. If possible, start with 6–10 mile hikes that include elevation gain, uneven terrain, and mud. Gradually add a loaded backpack to simulate trail conditions, and aim to carry 20–30 pounds comfortably.
Work in heat or humidity if you can, and don’t forget downhill endurance—quads take a beating on the return. If you live in a flat area, stair workouts with weights are better than treadmills.
Most injuries come from fatigue, not terrain, so focus on recovery time and multi-day hiking readiness. Acclimating for a few days before hiking can make a big difference for visitors arriving from sea level or colder climates.
Check out the Kalalau Trail Facebook page for hiker photos and tips before you go. If you have hiked on this infamous trail, please add your thoughts in the comment section. Mahalo!
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This article has excellent advice and everyone should take heed. I successfully hiked this trail in the 70’s and was very dehydrated on return and still can remember being so darn thirsty, having to wait on the beach until my ride came to get me and then to go get water for a drink closeby. I was young and foolish, but just lucky. Most are not so lucky if not prepared.
I have hiked this trail 4 times. The first was a solo adventure in 1966. I have also hiked on every continent. I am an original member of the Maui Council of Na Ala Hele. I helped start the Maui Group of the Sierra Club of Hawaii and am the last surviving founding member.
This has always been an exciting trail that has been mismanaged by the Department of Land and Natural Resources. If this trail was in New Zealand the two major stream crossings would have been bridged about 1900. There are well known land slide areas. The streams and land slide areas kill people. Trail users must go through a short orientation program to check their abilities like the National Park has for Haleakala and Volcanos National Parks.
Did it when we were young and in top shape (we wear scout leaders for 10 years and took many backpacking trips on Mainland. I know it’s too much for us now. How to get the endurance required for the trail understood by novice hikers is always a problem. Some sort of fee to cover rescues should be put in place,
Keep advertising this death trap hike trail as Kauai’s most dangerous hike and People will come. It’s the bragging accomplishment status of conquering like MT. Everest. Do the deed, take a selfie, show your friends you made the hike. Hotels should inform guests not to hike this hike with pamphlets explaining the dangers. You can’t blame the tourist until the state mandates this trail as a guide required hike. If no guides available then close the trail indefinitely. This stupid trail isn’t worth anybody’s life.
We recently met a couple who had gone on the Napali hike. They love Kaua’i, but was surprised with the lack of warnings regarding the hike. They felt what warnings were there didn’t convey the inherent dangers of the hike. They knew their limitations and turned around as they perceived what could be dangerous situations ahead. Just had a short conversation with them, but this warning is what they chose to focus on and encouraged us to share their perspective.
P.S. he is an ER trauma doctor and sees lots of trauma situations.
Your mana’o is absolutely accurate. Here’s the problem – You can’t fix stupid. I realize that’s harsh (not Aloha), but each year people get seriously hurt (some die) and the scores of rescues require Air 1. What’s infuriating is when tourists treat Air 1 as an Uber helicopter. “I’m tired.” “It hurts.” Then when they get airlifted to Princeville they Decline medical attention. That is insulting. It absolutely is the entitled mentality. If you’re going to trek the Kalalau Trail each hiker should be required to provide proof of insurance and their insurance should be charged. If that message got out, I suspect the air rescues would drop dramatically.
I used to day hike out to Kalalau and back several times a year. I used to call it a “pounder” because I would burn about 3500 calories in the effort. Leave at sunrise, and hope to back back to Kee before dark. Was much easier if the first half of the trail was dry. Day hiking has the advantage that the only thing you carry is water and some snacks. I have not gone all the way out to the Valley since the 2018 flood (older age and out of hiking shape), but I still know almost every foot of those 10 miles to Kalalau stream. What makes the trail extra hard is that you can never relax or just stroll. You have to pay constant attention to your footing. If you want to check out the spectacular views (especially between mile 7-8 markers), you need to stop walking. Otherwise, that next step may be your last one.
We have “hiked” the trail many times but we stop at the “windy corner turn” about 3/4 of a mile in. A beautiful spot to stop and soak it all in without the risk the trail presents beyond this point. So …”A man (and a woman) has to know his (her) limitations.” Plus, a nicer way to see the full trail is from a tourist boat that takes you along the whole trail.
The “windy spot” is exactly 0.5 mile of straight uphill from Ke’e parking lot. There used to be a mile marker sign, but people steal those.