2026 Permit Requirements
Kalalau Trail Permit Requirements 2026: What You Need Before You Hike
For Kalalau Trail trips beyond Hanakāpīʻai, the key requirement is a valid Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit.
Short answer
You need a valid Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit to hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai along the coast, even if you only plan to go beyond Hanakāpīʻai for the day. Hiking only to Hanakāpīʻai from Keʻe Beach is a day-use Hāʻena access trip, not a Kalalau permit trip.
Last updated: May 2026
Permit check
Do you need a Kalalau permit?
You need a valid Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit to hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai along the coast, even if you only plan to go beyond Hanakāpīʻai for the day. Hiking only to Hanakāpīʻai from Keʻe Beach is a day-use Hāʻena access trip, not a Kalalau permit trip.
2026 rules
2026 Kalalau camping permit rules
Where to get permits
Kalalau camping permits can be purchased through the State of Hawaiʻi permit system or in person at a State Parks district office.
Permit required beyond Hanakāpīʻai
Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakāpīʻai must possess a valid Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit.
Where camping is allowed
Camping is allowed at Hanakoa and Kalalau with a valid permit.
Maximum stay
Maximum stay is 5 nights in Nāpali Coast State Park, with no 2 consecutive nights at Hanakoa.
Fees
Nāpali Coast camping fees are $25 per person per night for Hawaiʻi residents and $35 per person per night for non-residents.
No commercial camping trips
Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. Commercial camping advertisements along the Nāpali Coast are likely illegal.
Fast sellouts
Nāpali Coast camping permits often sell out quickly, especially during summer.
Parking
Parking is separate
A Kalalau permit includes entry to Hāʻena State Park, but it does not include parking. If you plan to leave a vehicle near the trailhead, reserve Kalalau overnight parking separately through Go Hāʻena after your permit is secured. Regular Hāʻena Parking + Entry is day-use only and is not the same as Kalalau overnight parking. Reserve Kalalau overnight parking.
Requirements
What permit do you need?
Overnight trail access
A Kalalau camping permit is required beyond Hanakāpīʻai and for camping nights on the trail.
Release timing
Permits usually open on a rolling 90-day release. Popular dates can sell out quickly after release.
Separate from Hāʻena day use
Hāʻena day-use access and Kalalau camping permits are different systems. Make sure your access plan covers your full trip.
Sold out?
What to do if your 2026 dates are full
Watch cancellations
Kalalau Trail permit cancellations can reopen dates after the first release. Those openings can be brief.
Use flexible monitoring
If your trip has multiple possible nights, monitor the whole window so you can catch any matching camping permit that appears.
Related links
Keep planning your Kalalau trip
Kalalau permit guide
Read the main Kalalau permit guide for booking strategy and release timing.
Kalalau cancellations
Learn how reopened dates appear in the Kalalau permit cancellations guide.
Official sources
Confirm Kalalau requirements with official sources
Kalalau permit reservations
Reserve Kalalau camping permits through the State of Hawaiʻi permit system. Open Kalalau permit reservations
Kalalau trail info and rules
Review official DLNR trail information, access rules, and safety guidance for the Kalalau Trail. Read DLNR Kalalau Trail info
Kalalau overnight parking
Reserve overnight parking separately through Go Hāʻena after securing a valid Kalalau camping permit. Reserve Kalalau overnight parking
FAQ
Kalalau Trail permit requirement questions
Do I need a permit for the Kalalau Trail in 2026?
You need a valid Kalalau/Nāpali Coast camping permit to hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai, even if you only plan to continue beyond Hanakāpīʻai for the day. Day-use Hāʻena access and Kalalau camping permits are separate reservation systems.
When do Kalalau Trail permits open?
Kalalau camping permits typically open on a rolling 90-day window, usually at midnight Hawaii time.
What if Kalalau Trail permits are sold out?
Sold-out dates can reopen through cancellations. Monitor your trip window and be ready to book quickly when a matching permit appears.
Need a Kalalau Trail permit for sold-out dates?
HawaiiPass can monitor your trip window and email you when matching Kalalau permit availability reopens.