Hiking the Kalalau Valley Trail (Big Pool) on Kauaʻi’s Nāpali Coast
Distance (One Way): 2.0 miles / 3.2 km
The Kalalau Valley Trail on the Nāpali Coast of Kauaʻi is often regarded as an adventure separate from that of the Kalalau Trail, in that the valley trail is most commonly hiked over the course of a couple of nights at Kalalau Beach.
By this, I mean that since the Kalalau Trail is such a long and tiring adventure, hiking the Kalalau Valley Trail most commonly makes sense when you have at least two nights planned at Kalalau Beach—not just the trail in general, meaning some hikers choose to break up the long hike with a night in Hānakoa Valley each way.
Therefore, if you want to explore Kalalau Valley, I highly recommend at least two to three nights at Kalalau Beach, regardless of whether you plan to spend more nights spread across the entire trail.
Hiking the Kalalau Valley Trail
Unlike the Kalalau Trail, the Kalalau Valley Trail is, by and large, less trafficked.
It’s very clear that few hikers spending one or a few nights in Kalalau venture up the valley, which is why the Kalalau Valley Trail is more challenging than it may seem, at only 2.0 miles (3.2 km) each way.
For this reason, I strongly advise coming prepared with a downloaded map that highlights the trail because there will more than likely be a number of instances where you’ll question the correct route.
Almost immediately, the Kalalau Valley Trail begins climbing, as the whole trail gains about 900 ft. (274 m) of elevation over the course of 2.0 miles (3.2 km).
The Kalalau Valley Trail has a number of unmarked forks, just like the one in the photo below.
At this one specifically, stay straight (right) to remain on the correct trail.
There was more than a few Mango trees to be found in Kalalau Valley.
That being said, we climbed up to this viewpoint above the canopy, which the valley trail can be seen directly below.
As one can see from the photo below, the Kalalau Valley Trail will make you very familiar with Hau, a native bushy tree that’s sometimes referred to as Hau bush.
Kalahū Stream
The first stream crossing is where both of valley trails come together to make one trail that continues further up Kalalau Valley.
That being said, I don’t recommend taking the east trail into Kalalau Valley, as the trail is even less trafficked than the Nā Ala Hele Kalalau Valley Trail shown here.
It’s nice to see that Kalalau Valley is covered in native Alaheʻe trees, as well as a handful of beautiful Wiliwili trees.
This second small stream crossing is a good indicator that you’re on the correct trail.
Kalalau Stream
The third stream crossing on the Kalalau Valley Trail is the Kalalau Stream, which the trail should parallel for the remainder of the hike.
This turn in the Kalalau Valley Trail was one of the most tricky to figure out, which is exactly why I recommend following a GPS application of some sort.
That being said, go right to continue through the Hau trees on the Kalalau Valley Trail.
Just prior to the Big Pool, the Kalalau Valley Trail crosses over this unnamed stream on the right-hand side.
After the above crossing, the Kalalau Valley Trail will end shortly after.
Big Pool
The end of the Kalalau Valley Trail is the Big Pool, located almost exactly 2.0 miles (3.2 km) away from the original Kalalau Trail junction.
That being said, Big Pool is not the end of the trail according to certain apps, like AllTrails, but after exploring extensively further up the valley, I recommend turning back here.
There are no more waterfalls to find unless Kalalau has seen a significant amount of rain, which would not be good a time to hike the valley trail, given the number of stream crossings that could become dangerous.
All in all, Big Pool is a great place to jump in and swim, but be sure to check the depth before jumping, as not all parts of the pool are as deep as others.
Native Plants on the Kalalau Valley Trail
Compared to the pristine native forest located high in the upper elevations of Kalalau Valley, the lower parts of the valley are predominantly non-native/ invasive species.
Non-natives like Java plum, Mango, and the Downy Wood Fern dominate the lower valley, but there are a number of native plants that can be found on the Kalalau Valley Trail, such as ʻAʻaliʻi, Alaheʻe, Hau, Wiliwili, Kāwelu, and ʻĀkia, to truly only name a few.
If you would like to know more about these and tons of other native Hawaiian plants from across the islands, I encourage you to check out my separate post linked below.
Read My Separate Post: Native Hawaiian Plant Guide
