After the first leg of the climb you emerge on a red dirt path that borders the cliffside overlooking the gorgeous Na Pali coastline. Azure blue waters lie beneath you to the right. During the winter months you will be rewarded with views of outstanding waves, while in the summer you may see a group of kayakers floating along the current on the calm seas.

Just shy of two miles, the trail begins to dip downward again and you find yourself on Hanakapia beach. In the summer months, there is plenty of sand, but in the winter you'll be surprised to see only lava boulders. Every year the current carries the sand into the ocean only to return it in the spring! Hanakapia stream empties into the ocean creating scenic photo opportunities.

Continue along the cliffs for two more miles up and down again to Hanakoa beach. I've heard this is a rather arduous climb. After Hanakoa you climb up and do not return to sea level until about five miles later when you reach Kalalau beach. Expect to traverse narrow pathways that at times seem precariously close to the cliffside. This can be a nail-biting hike in some spots I've been told, but thousands of people have made it so I'm sure you can too!

Hikers have told me that the descent into Kalalau is like a trip into Eden. Fruits and vegetables grow on terraces. There is a natural waterfall and plenty of places to camp under the stars. I'm dreaming of taking this trip someday, and would love to hear from you if you've done it!