Hilina Pali Trail to Halapē

From Hilina Pali Overlook, the trail drops about 1,200 feet down the face of the pali, then makes a gentler descent across the broad bench below. Expect uneven ʻaʻā lava, loose clinker that can roll underfoot, occasional stone paving, and grass that can hide the tread. The initial drop is the hardest part. Trekking poles can help on that loose slope, but the route still asks for careful footing.

Below the cliff, the country opens into a wide, grassy shelf with low shrubs and long views across the coast. It’s less steep, but there’s little shade and the heat can wear you down. Cairns (ahu) mark the line; they can disappear in mist or rain and are hard to follow in poor light. Start with enough daylight to find them, especially where the track approaches the shore.

The trail ends at a small sandy beach beside coconut trees, tide pools, and a three-walled shelter. There’s also a composting toilet and roof-fed catchment tanks. The tanks may be empty, and there’s no stream nearby, so don’t count on water being there. If you’re camping, reserve the permit before setting out; the site allows up to 16 hikers a night and three consecutive nights per party. There’s no food listed along the route. At the shore, tide pools with the palms behind them make the most distinctive view.

This is an exposed coastal hike with a long climb back out. Carry at least four quarts of water per person per day; treat any water collected from the tanks. Strong sun and heat are the main sustained hardship, so avoid the hottest part of the day where possible. Dogs are not allowed on park trails, except service animals.

Halapē’s quiet beach has a serious history. In 1975, a magnitude 7.2 earthquake triggered a tsunami that killed two campers here and dropped parts of this coast by as much as 3.5 meters. A strong earthquake can still generate a local tsunami: move to high ground immediately. Hawksbill turtles nest and green turtles rest on park beaches, so keep clear of any posted nesting areas.