One of World's Most Dangerous Trails: Backpacking Kauai's Napali Coast

Our backpacking gear:

Kauai's Napali Coast is infamous for its rugged beauty and. seclusion. The only way to access this coastline is on the Kalalau Trail, one of the most dangerous trails in the world. I just got married. So when we picked Kauai for our honeymoon, I thought it would be a great idea to take my wife backpacking on this truly wild trail. I'm not sure if this was such a good idea.

My Other Most Commonly Used Backpacking Gear:
My Other Most Used Backpacking Gear

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[kristirauckis]

I absolutely loved this trip, filming with you, and all of the growth and connection that happened. I think I’ll have this one on loop myself 🤣 it’s just so beautiful!!

[michaelcrooks]

Thanks for taking us along Eric! Good luck and God bless the beautiful couple ❤ kudos to the both of you for having the cojones to walk on that ledge.

[DragonPilot]

My first backpack into Kaulalau was 1976 (yes, I’m an old dude), before it was designated a state park, in 1978, I believe. There were a lot of marijuana growing squatters back there. Theft was not uncommon if you were taking a day hike up the valley leaving your gear behind in camp. Probably main reason to require permits. Rangers ran most of the squatters out. That said, it was as beautiful then as it is now. Maybe more so since it’s better cared for as a state park. My now wife and I spent 8 days there in 1979. She “fondly” remembers Crawlers Ledge! 😂 She did it in tennis court shoes! In summer the ocean is flat and calm, swimmable. It can be rainy, but trail is generally drier. Thanks for the memories! ❤

[debicraddock]

Congratulations!!! My husband and I would have loved this for our honeymoon. Backpacking together strengthened our relationship (over40 years and still helping each other through the hard spots and sharing the joy and beauty of our lives.)

[martykimble]

Your wife is absolutely adorable! And what a trooper! She stuck it out and overcame her fears!
This video has inspired me and my wife of 35 years to go hiking this weekend! Thank you Eric for making these excellent videos!

[jeffsmith]

Thanks for stirring up old memories. My wife and I did this trail thirty years ago for our honeymoon. It was amazing.

[dianaolivares]

Omg thanks for make this to realistic and thanks to your wife for her honesty with the fear it’s looks amazing but it’s true it’s wild it’s nature and sometimes we have to accept that we are nothing compared with the mother of nature! Amazing video enjoy every second!!! I’m a new subscriber ❤

[bod]

Also for your viewers thinking about this trail, Hawaii has the highest instance of Leptospirosis. Most filters have a filter of 0.3 microns. You need a filter of 0.1 microns to remove lepto from your water. I noticed you were using the Grayl, that’s perfect. Also I believe the UV lamp will work and chemicals like aquatabs.

[AuRowe]

Hiked it barfeoot 5 times since 19 years old. Best trail on earth. Now a days I use shoes but surprisingly easy barefoot hiking aside from Hanakapiai-Space Rock (spikeys are everywhere). Bring extra food/water in case you need to stay longer. I got stuck with over 140 people december 21, 2014, and made it across Hanakapiai with a rope right before it was iverflowed. 121 people were flown out days later. Those rivers flood like a flash flood!!!

[grimgranite]

I deeply enjoyed this video and it lowered my blood pressure for sure! I appreciate the effort in setting up those walk-by shots. The LOTR discussion was a nice touch. :)

[billbarrett]

Beautifully shot, great video. Kristi, my anxiety soared just seeing that trail (and thats just from the video), great job conquering it!
My wife and I were married on Lumaha'i Beach, so Kauai has a special place in my heart but I've never done that hike! Great job you two, you're an awesome team!

[Mechman]

Hiking, along with riding is a lot of the time a mental game.
Most people favor a side of their body that like when up against a slope can make for an uncomfortable time in a particular direction. Most people when riding favor turning in a particular direction also. Not sure if its an inner ear thing or a RH, LH thing. Normally coming back is more familiar then initally going into or up a trail which can make it more comfortable, except climbing up rocks and difficult paths is usually easier but coming back down feels more trecherous. Hiking in and getting very tired doesnt feel as bad and coming home and feeling very tired. Same person, same trail, its all head games, Kudos to Kristi for taking on the challenge.

[krystalyndugan]

This was so peaceful to watch! What a beautiful couple you guys are. Refreshing to see the strength you gave each other through this journey. Such a great way to connect on a honeymoon!

[dylanpausic]

Thinking about Eric having to backtrack his step through the precarious trails to grab his camera on top of the backpack shuttling he did makes this so much more impressive than it looks

[paisleyfamily]

Great cinematography and story telling. And thanks for taking me on a trail I probably won’t go on. You guys look so happy. Congrats

[Noelbluesky]

I hiked this trail in 1973 with my boyfriend for my birthday. Same. I stopped and cried for a bit, thought it was the end, (He and baby) were way ahead of me) out of sight and hearing, but I gathered my courage and made it. Way back then, there were no improvements to the trail, no cameras/cellphones back then to prove it lol! Staying in Kalalau was the most wonderful experience of my entire life, especially one day there when we paddled long boards down to the end of the island.

[johnhelmuth]

Amazing 👏 ❤😊

Years ago on vaca to Kauai, I left EARLY one morning and hiked to Hanakāpīʻai Falls and back. Crossed paths with folks returning from that beach and they were all so happy.

If i ever get back to that island, this area is a must backpacking destination! WOW and what a fantastic honeymoon.

[qudjy]

Incredible. How this doesn't have a billion views, I do not know

[TimForeman]

Wow, just Wow!! best video I have ever seen of the Kalalau trail! Also, I want to congratulate you and Kristi on your marriage. I live on the Big Island and have this on my bucket list to complete. Keep the awesome content coming, love your channel!!!!

[beck]

Amazing beauty!!!! May you be blessed with many more of life's adventures together!!!