The Kalalau Trail in One Day - Trail Running Documentary

The Kalalau Trail leads 11 miles along the rugged Nā Pali Coast on the north shore of the island of Kauai, Hawaii. The Trail traverses 5 lush valleys, above towering cliffs, before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted pali. Most will take between 2-3 days to finish the trail. Our plan was to travel fast and light, running the entire 22 mile return trip in roughly 8 hours. Read my full trip report including map on my website at: jeffpelletier.c...
For anyone planning on visiting Kauai, I'd recommend picking up a copy of 'The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, Kauai Revealed': geni.us/wxxA
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#kalalautrail #napalicoast #kauai

[@JeffPelletier]

Planning a trip to Kauai? Definitely grab a copy of 'The Ultimate Kauai Guidebook, Kauai Revealed': geni.us/wxxA

[@komandagleby_GB]

I bought 3 of them: Big Island (where I was recently), Maui, and Kaui. But I bought them used/discounted for the last two: any way they will get somewhat outdated by the time of my actual trip (leaving alone the fact that the most updated info is in a separate phone app). On top of it, I found the info on this very trail perfectly without the guidebook you recommend. In your case, the trail looks less frightening.

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Great! Bagged it!

[@cwoulfe]

4 hours?! Wow incredible. Health & fitness goals right here.

[@raymondkerr5471]

I hiked the Kalalau trail thirty years ago. This video evokes the dizzy feeling I felt when crossing that thin slippery trail at the edge of a precipice with the vast ocean far below. The streams, the scents, the lush vegetation of that sweet, powerful and perilous land-you brought that back for me. You captured aspects of that experience beautifully. Thank you.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Raymond! Beautiful description of this incredible place.

[@goodlife336]

I did this trail from Kalalau to Keʻe Beach in mid-January 1980. First, we were dropped off on Honopu to spend one night (it is now illegal for helicopters to land on that beach and I agree with this-we were on one of the very last landings), then picked up and dropped off on Kalalau where we camped for about ten days or so. I was five months pregnant at the time and kayaking/swimming to Honopu would have been too much (no boat tours back then), hence our choice of an helicopter. It was a tough hike out of there,--we got lost on numerous goat trails along the way because the "human" trail had been washed out in many places due to a huge storm about three weeks before we hit trail. We ended up sleeping on an incline on the right side of the trail while hiking out because we had no idea how far away from Hanakapiai we were and gave up on trying to get there in the dark. Overall, I'm very happy I did this trail and I love this video which brings back memories of it for me. The views were amazing and we got to gorge on lilikoi the whole way back because--at the time--they grew wild all along the trail. My son, born end of April that year, not quite four months after this hike, is now an avid hiker and rock climber. I wonder where he got that from ? :)

[@JeffPelletier]

Amazing story! Sounds like things have changed quite a bit since then, although the trail does apparently still wash out from time to time. Hopefully your son will get a chance to do the trail himself one day :)

[@sdericmonty]

Your graphic showing the progress on the trail is awesome

[@brianmchugh3724]

My dad ran this trail when he was a kid living in the caves, I can’t wait to follow in his footsteps.

[@BirdieBaller-jl4di]

🔥 🔥 🔥!!! You guys are savages!! Incredible work!! I hate camping and this is what I want to do now! Thanks for the inspiration!

[@keithfillinger3182]

I hiked this trail when I was high school back in 1992. I did the same approach. We did the whole thing down and back in a day. This brings back memories.

[@FROGSHAIR]

I'm impressed with the way you did the Kalalau Trail. I have hiked the Trail 3 times and Hang Glided off the Kalalau Lookout(September 1978 Hang Gliding Magazine), once. To do it in one day or should I say, 8.5 hours is very impressive. For me, I really enjoyed the peace and tranqulity of the Kalalau, both the beach and jungle. When I Hang Glided, I flew down the valley at sunset, flew a mile out over the ocean and landed on the beach, near the waterfalls, at the far end of the beach. I was greeted by "Michael of the Wind," a local who was heading, i understand, to Jonestown, in just a few months. We all know wht happened at Jonestown in September of 1978. I never heard from "Michael of the Wind," again. If you're out there "Michael," please let us know. As for this video, by going in & out in only 8.5 hours, you really missed out the jungle and the food it has generated. I have found guava, lilikoi, bananas and Opihi on the rocks, near the start of Kalalau beach. I am hoping to do the Kalalau, one more time, before I die. Thumbs up to you and your physical condition, to do what you did, in 8.5 hours WOW.

[@AuRowe]

Hey I have been in Kauai for years and it took 3 years to finally do the whole trail and 5 for it to become somewhat easy (for a backpack trail), just follow weather patterns better now is the main thing. Anyways props for hang gliding off the ridge thats mind blowing. Beach by the waterfall is my favorite place in the world

[@walkhumbly8577]

Jeff and Audree, Thank You for sharing! Wishing you a Warm Holiday Season.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! You as well.

[@jarednielsen5041]

Love this run/hike. Truly the most magical place on earth. It has turned into a tradition for us and we we do it everytime we go to Kauai. Brutally strenuous doing it in one day but thats the only way we've done it.

[@thibaultschoenfelder4962]

Is it really hardcore doing one-way in a day? Or are you talking about the round-trip in a day?

[@jarednielsen5041]

@@thibaultschoenfelder4962 Every time we do it we've gone in and out in one day. It is 22 miles, 11 miles each way, not counting any additional exploring we do in the valley or beach/caves/cliffs at the end. Last time we did it we clocked 24.9 miles on my Garmin. Ocean was too rough to swim around cliffs at the end to get to Honopu beach this year but we have done it is the past. Just doing the 11 miles in is relative cake walk compared to in and out. However, we always pack very light so we are able to run a lot of the flatter sections. I would imagine doing the 11 miles in with a heavy pack would be significantly more difficult.

[@raztafari6558]

Lovely. If you ever do this again be sure to hike up into kalalau valley for additional fun

[@zennmomma2801]

Beautiful trail and beautiful video! Thanks so much for sharing this with us 💕

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@Alpintiger]

I did the Kalalau Trail a few weeks ago. I remember how brittle the rock of Crawlers Ledge was. A hairraising experience. I saw trail runners, but I can not imagine running along there. I had to do it slow and carefully, LOL. Uploaded my own video just a few hours ago. I love your video. So well done.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks for the kind words!

[@kristianandres7647]

Glad to see a Jeff Pelletier video of Kalalau, lucked out and scored some last minute permits yesterday to run it Saturday! 🙏🏼 One of those bucket list runs. We have a doozy 64km trail in Manitoba called Mantario, if you are ever looking for something wild to fast pack that’s not in the mountains would be happy to show you some rugged Canadian Shield beauty. 1500m of climbing too, and they say Manitoba is flat! It’s a hidden gem that most outside of the province don’t know about.

[@JeffPelletier]

That trail sounds great! I’ve yet to go to Manitoba so I’ll add it to the list, sounds like a good reason to visit.

[@8bitsmynote]

119 days for a re vist. Thanks for taking the time to show what it takes to make this trip. I have wanted to swim the almost 7 miles and run the 11 back. Great video. Keep them coming.

[@CharzP9]

You guys are beasts! Crazy that you finished it so quick! Great vid :)

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Charlotte!

[@DaleHawkins]

Most excellent! Thanks for sharing. Last time I was in Kauai, I did not know about the permit process so we ran only to the first beach and then to the waterfall. We are planning our return trip now and looking forward to having an amazing time there. Thank you!

[@packmybackpack159]

Thats a beautiful video mate! I was there a couple of weeks ago. Unfortunately, couldn’t do the whole trail. Your video makes me want to go back and do it ! Great editing and well made

[@KauaiDee]

Say it with me now, Kah-la-lau (Should rhyme with the word “how”). Other than that, very nicely made video... really captured the joy and the feeling of being free when out exploring the Na Pali coast.

[@desertgirl6511]

Hawaii has some of the hardest to pronounce names. Thanks for the “how to” without being a jerk about it. Some people seem to really get offended by mispronunciations. Lol

[@brenda9990]

You two are amazing! The heights would terrify me. Loved the video.

[@tylerc8039]

Very well done! Thank you for producing a high quality, concise video highlighting this trail. Makes me want to come hike this trail!

[@kunalsharma2116]

JUST 3 WORDS FOR THIS VIDEO FABULOUS OUTSTANDING EXTRAORDINARY!!!!!!!!!! LOV THE MUSIC..

[@JeffPelletier]

Thank you so much!

[@NewMavericks]

Great to know this is doable in a day! Thanks for sharing and making it look easy lol

[@BODA-KFH]

Very nice edit Jeff!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thank you!

[@jimtaylor2836]

Great footage, Jeff, and wow, your pace was ridiculous! Thx for sharing...

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Jim!

[@DoriMuranyiArt]

I always love watching your videos. This one too is so beautiful, and also came at perfect timing to push me out of winter lazyness and get out there to run around again :) thank you - and have a nice weekend!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Dori!

[@rimasmeleshyus9486]

Great hiking 🚶‍♀️ trails 👣 beautiful views .I m from Europe Hiking two times already in 1990 and last time in 2019 ,superb memories forever.

[@MrVigorbrasil]

Golly -- you are both very athletic and brave! Great photography and images -- thanks for sharing this.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Darren, glad you enjoyed it.

[@SticksAndStonePercussion]

This looks like a trail runner's paradise.

[@Foxr6]

All I can say is wow! Stunning!

[@johngorveatte9272]

Best video yet! Some of your shots were insane. Definitely adding this run to my bucket list.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks John! This is definitely a bucket list run.

[@SteezyMcDude]

This brought back so many memories! Probably a smart thing not to record your run (or hopefully walk) through Crawler's Ledge! And in 8 1/2 hours!? You guys are BEASTS!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Shane! When did you hike the trail?

[@HungaroExplorer]

That is one amazing adventure! Running the trails in Hawaii such a different experience! Great video by the way!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! We were lucky to have the chance to run almost all of the trails in Kauai.

[@charlespatterson8457]

It’s awesome in every way back there

[@michaelcrabtree2939]

Sweet scenery !! Good video...glad u didnt fall off the cliff.

[@mjmcg73]

I spent 6 nights on the beach. Best trip of my life

[@desertgirl6511]

You guys are such a cute couple, out exploring the world together. I loved the video and the music was perfect! And the goats! Omg I loved the goats 🤣 🐐🐐🐐

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Barbara! Glad you enjoyed it 😎

[@michellefroh4183]

Great video!! Just starting our trip planning to Kauai. Looks like a great run!

[@NathanShehadeh]

Just came back from Kaua'i, and we were able to visit Ke'e Beach. Now I'll have to plan on coming back to do this...

[@JeffPelletier]

Definitely do, and be sure to book your permit well in advance as I mentioned in the video :)

[@bubbabigmin]

Round trip in a day is brutal! My PB is 3Hr 25min for the full 12 miles from the beach waterfall to Ke'e, with a back pack, speargun and bare feet! Couldn't walk for a week after that one lol

[@Nowt2seehere]

Aah well i was late to the party when i found your youtube ( i avoided tech for so many years ) but .. boy oh boy if all mainstream TV was as good as this i would never have flung my own TV in the Trash 😂 ... aah well better late than Never .. awesome catalogue of videos jeff pelletier 😊

[@lagaman11]

Well, there's one more thing to add to my bucket list! Thanks for sharing!

[@rafaelhidalgo]

Awesome film. I’m going to Kauai next tear so might just do this one!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks, and you definitely should!

[@francosalinas4459]

Beautiful. Cant wait to go bak there agin. Seeing all those familiar places in this video. Great job!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! Can't wait to go back myself.

[@TheGingerRunner]

Beautiful, dude!!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Ethan!

[@ChuckieIllinois]

Captivating ... an eight minute video never went by so fast! I'm older and I know I'll never take that trail, but this gives a great feeling of what it's like. I would have liked to see more scenery shots, as well as "reaction shots" of the two of you.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks for the kind words, and for the constructive feedback!

[@jeaniebarocio2979]

My goodness, what an incredible adventure you had! The Garden Isle is just beyond breathtaking and I cannot wait until I visit it my first time in Feb '19 for my birthday! This will be my 3rd Hawaiian Island. Each time I visit, it's harder to leave & I feel a truly genuine pull here on such a soulful level - my heart's home! Thank you for uploading such amazing footage - I wish I was in as good shape as you and your friend so I could brave the trek, think I'll stick to a chopper! LOL - Aloha!

[@JeffPelletier]

You're welcome, glad you enjoyed it. Definitely do spring the helicopter ride, it's well worth it. Have a great time!

[@jasonpaz]

Talented runners and film makers

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks for the kind words Jason 🙏

[@MercilessHurricane]

Awesome film yet again bro, keep it up! Giving me some great ideas for my 2018 North America holiday.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! Great to hear - definitely add Kauai to your list if you can. I've got a few more videos coming from other hikes around the island as well.

[@ShuKatashSam]

We did the similar thing from Yosemite Tuolumne meadow to Hetchy Hetchy, mostly down hill, about the same distance. Not as muddy and slippery though, that's the toughest issue, and the heat(94F)/humidity(close to 100%)! Good video. Got to out run the mosquitoes(Same issue in Yosemite)!

[@JeffPelletier]

The humidity was the worst for sure, and very difficult to keep the lens clean! Everything I had on me was damp so I wasn't able to wipe it off very well.

[@FantineT]

Incredible places! Beutiful!

[@GeorgeStClair-kx6fj]

thanks for the post. Miss this place

[@valentinamberg7137]

Great work. Inspiring movie! Beautiful island! Wow.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks, it definitely is a beautiful island - can't wait to go back.

[@Somecooltech1]

Wow epic videos guys. I can't believe you captured the sights of the trip so well while running that crazy trail. Keep up the good work. Subbed.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! Stay tuned for more.

[@Joe-mz6dc]

What an awesome hike.

[@ultrajakejackson]

Awesome video!! Definitely a bucket list trail to run someday :)

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks. It's definitely one for the bucket list!

[@estebanmandado3099]

After this video I will love to go there!!! Right now!

[@JeffPelletier]

Glad to hear! It's an amazing place.

[@NourLababidi]

Good job guys. Great filming and great idea. I'll do this soon. currently covering Oahu

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! Enjoy, you'll love Kauai.

[@sarahcv289]

Amazing video, i'm heading to Kauai jan 16th and you guys got me very excited to hike the trail

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks, and have a great time!

[@TeamPowellSailing]

Very nice video! Loved the footage and narrative.

[@rozaizes357]

Absolutely stunning, thanks for sharing😃

[@JeffPelletier]

You bet, glad you enjoyed.

[@zzirvingj]

Beautiful footage. This looks tough and dangerous. I'm not a hiker and would love to try it but some of the shots look like my clumsy non-swimming self could too easily slip, fall and forever be lost in the ocean lol O.O

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks for the kind words! There are definitely a few spots that could be sketchy with a large pack :)

[@DebbieBrown]

Great vid...you animals.....and always fun to have the front seat in the helicopter....great day for video that day too!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! The helicopter was definitely the highlight, and we got pretty luck with the weather for sure.

[@PregoGB135]

Beautiful!

[@mikebast]

wow, great video! I have always wanted to do that trail and wondered what it really looked like and how scary it could be. your video really captured that for me! A bucket list item for sure!

[@JeffPelletier]

Definitely one for the list!

[@suekanoho]

Nicely done!

[@ranradd]

I like how you seemed to just run around Crawlers Ledge.

[@JeffPelletier]

Hah, to be honest, we didn’t realize we had even crossed it until after. I guess we’re just used to running on exposed ridges 😉

[@rjbrown585]

Incredible Video Jeff, You went fast and head with a DSLR... well done. I love your style of story telling. Im headed out there to do a rescue run. How fast can i get out there and bring out the weight of a injured person. You never know when you might need to do that

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Robert! I'm curious, are you a search and rescue volunteer?

[@akfasso]

Wow nice work! Can’t believe you were running on those cliffs. Looks beautiful, though! We saw this trail from way up above. :)

[@madalenacaldas7666]

Kauai looks like one of the most beautiful places on Earth! Definitely on the bucket list! Would love to do this hike with a loved one some day! And a helicopter ride over that scenery wow ! I’d die happy haha,,Very well shot and edited ☺️

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! Definitely one for the bucket list. The helicopter was a little pricey but I'm glad we did it while we were there.

[@madalenacaldas7666]

Jeff Pelletier some experiences are worth the price tag! It’s definitely something I would budget for it I ever got the chance to go to Kauai :)

[@nayelip2388]

Fantastic editing!!

[@cooperativecleaning1019]

From Mike. You will love this, even if you only go a mile or two. Take boots! Or at least good shoes with support that you don’t care if they get really bad red mud stains.

[@MOON-pe4jm]

I love love this video!!!!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks!

[@QuietLightPhoto]

Awesome video, Jeff! Say hi to Audree for me.

[@sowminichari8760]

Amazing video. I got to watch it without going. Who took the video while you were hiking?

[@JeffPelletier]

I filmed most of it 'hand held', and set the camera down for the occasional shot. No film crew ;)

[@musarra195]

Such a great video

[@kevinhale4921]

Awesome video.

[@Barley_runner]

Beautiful video!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks Barley!

[@davidhunternyc1]

This is simply the most beautiful place on Earth. (Antartica a close second.)

[@johnkirk7934]

Well done!

[@NeoViny]

I read a lot Of times, that this hike is one of the most beautifully hikes in the world. I am honest when I say: after watching this short video I have to admit that I ain’t saw a trail that I would instantly think of being one the most beautiful hikes. What in your oppinion are the nicest sections of this trail?

[@JeffPelletier]

I think the most beautiful part is towards the end, with the towering red cliffs and waterfalls overhead. But I agree, there may be other trails equally as beautiful. We have one here in Vancouver that runs alongside the ocean from 1,500 metres above that is hard to beat.

[@NeoViny]

Jeff Pelletier. Damn, I should I‘ve known this before my trip to Vancouver last year :-D but we have been lucky enough to get the bus permits to Lake O‘Hara in the Rocky Mountains.

[@SymbioticSolutions]

Really nice video, guys!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks!

[@nathanielnguyen8595]

Wow you guys did amazing job - I couldnt never able to do something like that - what kind of shoes did you guys wear to avoid slippery on that trail ?!

[@jarednielsen5041]

I've ran/hiked it six different times and I always wear trail runners or Brooks, always something with good tread and lightweight. When conditions are bad it doesn't really matter what you wear, you cannot run for most parts of the first half or so of the trail.

[@gracieanne1994]

You are so brave

[@mitchellquartero]

Nice video

[@melodyharwell5487]

Miss so much going so fast

[@erikwaldorff]

Fantastic movie of the trail! great job! Am headed there myself in 7 weeks, can't wait! Which Salomons did you wear to navigate the soft trail? Was gonna bring my Speedcross 4 but it seems that you managed well without the extra grip.

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! I used the Salomon S-Lab 5 Ultra SG (soft ground). They're similar to the Speedcross 4, but with a new 'stickier' compound in the outsole. They're also much lighter and have a lower heel drop. My shoe of choice for most runs :). Have fun!

[@chongolongos]

Nice footage. Slow down and enjoy it though bruddah!

[@JeffPelletier]

I wish we had more time in Kauai to spend on the trail, but we'll be back :)

[@conracewhatever5224]

I'll be there on June

[@JeffPelletier]

Nice! Be sure to book your permit in advance, if you haven't already.

[@kevinfangomango]

Great work! Nice video :)

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks!

[@TheNinjaEveryDay]

awesome video!

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks!

[@BMG060981]

It's a bummer that the permits are so hard to get without waiting 2-6 months. I live here on Kauai and can think of no better place to enjoy this running art.

[@gigiskywalker76]

Awesome video! What helicopter tour did you use?

[@JeffPelletier]

We used Jack Harter “Doors Off” Helicopters.

[@spaceoddity2485]

wow there and back in 8 1/2 hrs

[@DualPixelCreative]

Amazing work Jeff.. what a place to run in! Please check out my travel pieces when you've got a minute!

[@FlambeauxLaveau]

Hopefully next time you go you can cut that time in half. Here's some suggestions in improving your "time" : Run-punching. Run-punching is something I invented a few years ago while watching a movie about prison breaks..talk about ignoring your environment and focusing on covering ground..nothing says stabbing your way over long distances and terrain like a freed felon with bloodhounds on their trail!! ..but I digress. Run-punching is the practice of passing fellow hikers on trails at a dead run and punching them out of the way with whatever fist is appropriate for the side of the trail they're on. This is extremely effective when hikers, walkers and lollygaggers are stopping incessantly on trails to take pictures and observe things, talk or..God forbid..reminisce on the beauty of something blah blah blah.. you get the point. I reccomend aiming for the neck or kidneys. This action also pairs well with Scream-Pic'ing. Scream-Pic'ing is kind of a happy offshoot or spinoff of Run-punching. I, sadly, had a twinge of emotion last year while BLAZING down the Grand Canyon and decided to take a few obligatory pics. I discovered that if you held out your camera or phone while running, holding down the shutter button...all while screaming like one of those goats on KZbin.. the "slow pokes" as I call them really get out of your way and you can effectively shorten your time by a full meaure!! Good luck! I hope this helps and remember.. the slower you are the weaker you are!!!!

[@musarra195]

Awesome video. Can you tell me the song starting around 4 minutes. ( banjo song )? Thank you

[@musarra195]

And the last song too please. Thank you

[@JeffPelletier]

Thanks! These are unfortunately all stock music tracks licensed royalty free, so I'm not sure on the titles.

[@ambergracejones]

Which website did you get them from?

[@JeffPelletier]

Likely would have been from PremiumBeat.com

[@ambergracejones]

Thank you!

[@annitherainbow]

If packing light, could a "normal" person only usually jogging twice a week do this in a day do you think? Or are the two of you some kind of amazing creatures?

[@JeffPelletier]

I always recommend having a healthy buffer when travelling backcountry. So to tackle a 30km trail like this in a day, you should be comfortable in terms of both fitness and experience to handle closer to 50km on similar terrain.

[@arnoldstollar5375]

Great