Fodor's Expert Review Kalalau Beach

Located at the end of the trail with the same name, Kalalau is a remote beach in spectacular Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, and reaching it requires an arduous 11-mile hike along sea cliff faces (permit required), through steaming tropical valleys, and across sometimes-raging streams. The trail has no to limited cell phone service and is recommended for experienced hikers only. Another option is to paddle a kayak to the beach—summer only, though, or else the surf is way too big. All boat and kayak tours must be through a permitted, guided company. The beach is anchored by a heiau (a stone platform used as a place of worship) on one end and a waterfall on the other.

The safest time to come is summer, when the trail is dry and the beach is wide, cupped by low, vegetated sand dunes and a large walk-in cave on the western edge. Day hikes into the valley offer waterfalls, freshwater swimming pools, and wild, tropical fruits. Though state camping permits are required, the valley often has a significant illegal crowd, which has strained park facilities and degraded much of its former peaceful solitude. Helicopter overflights are near-constant in good weather. Amenities: none. Best for: sunset; walking; solitude.