To continue past Hankapiai Beach to Hanakoa Valley, hikers must obtain a camping permit from the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources.
Violation of this rule is a petty misdemeanor under Hawaii law, and a conviction will result in a criminal record in addition to penalties.
[7] The most strenuous part of the hike occurs after Hanakapiai Beach where the trail climbs from sea level to 800 feet (240 m) over 1+1⁄4 miles (2 km).
The Huffington Post named the hike "the most incredible" and "epic" trail in the United States, citing its impressive views of the Pacific Ocean, beaches, and valleys.
Police, firefighters, and officers with the Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources closed the trail and conducted a four-day search for the alleged perpetrator, Justin Wynn Klein.
[11] On April 6, 2014, the Kauai County Fire Department had to rescue 121 hikers over a two-day period when several streams became impassable because of heavy rain.
[12] In August 2014 According to the Kauai Police Department, a hiker died when he fell over the edge and landed on the rocks roughly 50 feet below.