Both the Inca Trail and the Kalalau Trail offer incredible hiking experiences, but they cater to different preferences. The Inca Trail provides a culturally rich journey through diverse mountain landscapes, while the Kalalau Trail offers a more challenging coastal hike with stunning ocean views. The choice depends on your desired scenery, difficulty level, and time commitment.
| Attribute | Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru | Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii |
|---|---|---|
| Name | Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru | Kalalau Trail, Kauai, Hawaii |
| Trail Length (miles) | 26 miles (classic), 5.81 miles (one-day) | 11 miles one way, 22 miles round trip |
| Elevation Gain (feet) | 3,280 feet (average), maximum 13,828 feet at Dead Woman's Pass | Roughly 5,000 feet each way, totaling about 10,000 feet round trip. Another source says 6,000 feet. |
| Difficulty (Easy, Moderate, Strenuous) | Moderate to Strenuous | Very challenging/strenuous. The Sierra Club rates it a 9 out of 10 in difficulty. |
| Permit Required (Yes/No) | Yes | Yes. Permits are required for hiking beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley, whether or not you plan to camp. |
| Best Time to Hike (Month/Season) | Late April/May to September/October (dry season) | May to September for drier weather. |
| Average Completion Time (Days) | 4 days (classic), 1 day (shorter trek) | Minimum of two days to complete the round trip. Can take 2 to 3 days of walking to complete the trail. Some may take 3-5 days to explore Kalalau Beach and Valley. |
| Scenery (Mountains, Coastline, Jungle) | Mountains, cloud forests, semi-tropical valleys | Combines ocean and mountain landscapes, including dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, and waterfalls. |
| Typical Weather Conditions | Subtropical highland climate with distinct wet and dry seasons. Dry Season (May-September): Sunny days, cold nights, minimal rainfall. Rainy Season (November-April): More rain, cloudy skies, higher humidity. | Temperatures seldom drop below 60 F. Summer (May to October) brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers. Winter (October to May) is less predictable with more frequent tradewind showers, especially at night and early morning. |
| Water Sources Availability | Streams and rivers along the trail. Tour companies usually provide purified water. | Available at Hanakapi'ai Stream (mile 2), Hanakoa Stream (mile 6), and other frequent streams roughly every mile in the second half of the trail. |
| Camping Options (Designated Sites, Backcountry) | Designated campsites | Designated campsites are available at Hanakoa Valley (mile 6) and Kalalau Beach (mile 11). Camping is not allowed along streams, in caves, or by cliffs. |
| Crowd Levels (Low, Moderate, High) | High during peak dry season (June-August), lower in April, May, September/October | The first 2 miles of the trail are highly trafficked. It can be crowded, especially during peak season. |
| Technical Difficulty (e.g., rock scrambling, river crossings) | Steep ascents and descents, uneven paths, stone steps | Includes steep climbs, river crossings, and narrow cliff sections. There are some cliff edges and steep drops. "Crawler's Ledge" at mile 7 has a narrow section of rock. |
| Price | Not available | Not available |
| Ratings | Not available | Not available |