Blog 7: Hiking along the Na Pali Coast to Kalalau

We are starting this year off strong with a blog written by one of our families very own Juliana. Juliana is the eldest Granddaughter/Daughter of the family and she was also quite the surf instructor back in her day. These days Juliana is pursuing her PhD in Environmental Engineering while working and living in Southern California. We miss having her around on Kauai and every once in a while she misses us enough to find her way back on the Island exploring, relaxing and picking up a shift or two at the family business.

Since Juliana has done such a great job of exploring the island we asked her to share one of her experiences through our blog. This story is about Juliana and her younger sister Koi embarking on a backpacking trip along the beautiful Nā Pali coast to Kalalau.

We hope you enjoy it and start planning your next adventure!

**About a third of Kauaʻi is inaccessible by car.**

The Nā Pali Coast stretches 17 miles and is characterized by deep valleys etched and carved by ocean swells and waterfalls. Many people experience the Nā Pali Coast from above—via helicopter rides or from the stunning lookouts in Kōkeʻe. But to really experience this breathtaking coastline, your boots need to be on the ground… literally.

I lived on Kauaʻi for 17 years before moving away for college. During one break, when I was home for my little brother’s high school graduation, I convinced my little sister to hike Kalalau with me. It felt silly to have been born and raised on the island, to have hiked through many of California’s National Parks, and yet never experienced this legendary trail.

After securing permits, it was time to map out the hike. The Nā Pali Coast Trail stretches 11 miles to Kalalau, the end of the trail. Many hikers turn around at Hā‘ena, Hanakāpī‘ai Beach, or Hanakāpī‘ai Falls—but for the real rough and tough, you keep going. Some people choose to break up the mileage by staying a night at Hanakoa. We did not. We pushed for the entire length in one day.

For dinner, we somehow thought it was reasonable to bring a cooked Ziploc bag of noodles, an entire jar of pesto (a terrible decision for weight, but delicious), and a can of chicken. This meal was fantastic and absolutely something you only make when you don’t have to carry multiple days’ worth of food… or when you don’t mind a heavier pack.

It took us about seven hours to hike out. We took our time and felt the weight of our very overpacked backpacks (mostly on my mom’s worried accord). After all, we were only staying one night—we definitely did not need that much. We packed sandwiches for lunch, plus plenty of snacks along the way. For dinner, we somehow thought it was reasonable to bring a cooked Ziploc bag of noodles, an entire jar of pesto (a terrible decision for weight, but delicious), and a can of chicken. This meal was fantastic and absolutely something you only make when you don’t have to carry multiple days’ worth of food… or when you don’t mind a heavier pack.

Water is plentiful along the trail, even in summer, so a water filter is essential. There are plenty of running streams—probably best to avoid the stagnant swampy ones. Electrolytes are also key. Between the humidity and the beating summer sun, it feels much hotter than it actually is, and dehydration sneaks up quickly. And finally—pack a hat.

We arrived at Kalalau in the mid-afternoon and set up camp with two hammocks, which was absolutely the way to go. We had bug nets and a rain tarp as well. The tarp wasn’t necessary this time, but on Kauaʻi, you never really know when rain is coming.

Waking up the next day, we felt every uphill and downhill from the day before. We spent the morning enjoying the beach, which was nearly empty. The water was stunning, and leaving was genuinely painful. Still, we had a long hike back ahead of us.

On the return, we got some quality sister time, and I had the opportunity to pull out all my motivational and inspirational quips. About 90% of the hike, we had the trail to ourselves. When we stopped at Hanakāpī‘ai Beach, it was glorious to kick off our boots, swim, and even sprawl out in the sunshine.

The trip was peaceful and grounding—humbling, even—to walk between the power of the ocean and the spirit of the valley.

Instructor Highlight

**Jack Peacock**

Known by a handful of nicknames Peacock, Shack, Sparrow—Jack has been surfing since his teens and brings a unique mix of experience, curiosity, and calm energy to every surf lesson.

Meet Jack:

Age: 38
From: All over
Surfing Since: His teens
Spirit Animal: Cat
Vibe in Three Words: Analytical, chill, volcanic

Why He Loves Teaching Surf Lessons in Kauai

For Jack, teaching surf lessons is about more than just standing up on a board—it’s about raising people’s spirits. He loves helping students build confidence in themselves and their abilities, both in the water and beyond. His patient approach makes learning to surf in Hanalei Bay a positive, empowering experience.

Life Beyond the Lineup

When he’s not in the ocean, Jack spends his time in nature with his girls—Jen, Kinley, and Koa—exploring the island through hikes and outdoor adventures. A fun fact most people don’t expect? Jack is a mix of eight different nationalities, which adds to his wide-ranging perspective and laid-back style.

Local Wisdom & Inspiration

Jack’s advice for anyone visiting Kauai is simple: slow down, don’t rush, and take your time. It’s a mindset that fits island life perfectly. His surf style is inspired by a blend of local legends and global icons, including Michelle Alapa, Bill Bryan (Beaker), Brad Domke, and Dave Rastovich.

What Jack loves most about living on Kauai is knowing there’s always a wave somewhere, along with endless hiking and stunning scenery. He sums up the island with this thought: “Those who talk don’t know, those who know don’t talk.”

A Few Wild Stories

With music ranging from hip hop to orchestral and funk playing in his head while he surfs, Jack has collected more than a few unforgettable stories along the way— when asked about his craziest surf memory, he simply said “Concussions, 8 staples, banshee bungee, grinch winching…”, I guess it's up to use to decipher.

Want to surf with Jack? Book your next lesson with us by visiting the surf lessons page or click book a lesson at the top of your screen!

With Love From Hanalei