Switzerland)

Quick Verdict

The Kalalau Trail is a strenuous coastal hike for experienced hikers seeking dramatic scenery, while the Tour du Mont Blanc offers a longer, less technical trek through the Alps suitable for intermediate hikers.

The Kalalau Trail is a shorter, more technically challenging hike with significant permit and parking constraints, offering dramatic coastal scenery.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a longer, less technical trek through the Alps, accessible via public transport, but also experiencing high crowd levels during peak season.

Key features – Side-by-Side

Attribute	Kalalau Trail (Kauai, Hawaii)	Tour du Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland)
Name	Kalalau Trail (Kauai, Hawaii)	Tour du Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland)
Trail Length (miles/km)	11 miles (18 km) one way, 22 miles (35 km) round trip	Approximately 165-172 km (103-112 miles)
Elevation Gain (feet/meters)	Approximately 5,000 feet (1,524 meters) to 6,000 feet (1,829 meters) total ascent	Roughly 10,000 meters (32,800-33,000 feet)
Difficulty Level (Easy, Moderate, Strenuous)	Very Strenuous/Challenging (Rated 9 out of 10 by Sierra Club)	Moderate to challenging
Typical Duration (days)	2-3 days recommended	7-11 days, though some take 9-12 days
Permit Requirements (Yes/No)	Yes, beyond Hanakapiai Valley	No
Scenery (Mountains, Coastline, Forests)	Dramatic cliffs, lush valleys, ocean vistas, waterfalls, secluded beaches	Mountains, alpine meadows, and potentially glaciers
Best Time to Hike (Season)	May to September (dry season)	Late June to September
Water Sources Availability	Freshwater streams available (treatment crucial)	Available along the trail
Camping Options (Designated sites, backcountry)	Designated campsites at Hanakoa Valley and Kalalau Beach	Developed campgrounds and designated bivouac sites
Crowd Levels (Low, Moderate, High)	High, especially in the first 2 miles	High during peak season (July and August)
Technical Difficulty (Scrambling, exposure)	Not technical, but includes stream crossings and narrow cliff-hugging paths with steep drop-offs. Crawler's Ledge is a particularly exposed section.	Generally low. Rare to non-existent technical sections on the classic route
Accessibility (Public transport, parking)	Located in Ha'ena State Park. Reservations are required for entry to the park, including parking or shuttle.	Geneva Airport is a common entry point. Public transit is available. Common start points include Les Houches, Courmayeur, and Champex-Lac
Price	Not available	Not available
Ratings	Not available	Not available

Overall Comparison

Kalalau Trail: 22 miles round trip, 5,000-6,000 feet elevation gain, requires permits. Tour du Mont Blanc: 103-112 miles, 32,800-33,000 feet elevation gain, no permits required.

Pros and Cons

Kalalau Trail (Kauai, Hawaii)

Pros:

Dramatic scenery: cliffs, valleys, ocean vistas, waterfalls, beaches
Designated campsites available
Freshwater streams available

Cons:

Very strenuous and challenging
Permit required beyond Hanakapiai Valley, difficult to obtain
High crowd levels, especially in the first 2 miles
Potential hazards: flash floods, wildlife, terrain (muddy paths, slippery terrain, narrow ridges, steep drop-offs)
Limited parking, reservations required
Trail to Hanakoa Falls is not well-maintained

Tour du Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland)

Pros:

Well waymarked with red-and-white signs
Stunning views of Mont Blanc range from Mont de la Saxe and Col de Balme
Water sources available along the trail
Accessible via public transportation from Geneva Airport
Passes through seven valleys around the Mont-Blanc massif

Cons:

High crowd levels during peak season (July and August)
Unpredictable mountain weather, including thunderstorms and temperature fluctuations
Steep ascents and descents
Potential encounters with wildlife
Requires physical fitness and mountain hiking experience

User Experiences and Feedback

Kalalau Trail (Kauai, Hawaii)

What Users Love

Rewarding for experienced hikers
Panoramic vistas of the Na Pali Coast
Best viewpoints or scenic spots along the trail: Hanakapiai Falls, narrow cliffs, panoramic vistas of the Na Pali Coast, Kalalau Valley, Ke'e Beach, Hanakapi'ai Beach.

Common Complaints

Not recommended for beginner hikers
Trail to Hanakoa Falls is not well-maintained and sometimes difficult to follow.
Flash floods, especially in Hanakapiai and Hanakoa valleys.
Sudden rain showers, strong winds, and high humidity.
Muddy paths, slippery terrain, narrow ridges with steep drop-offs, falling rocks, landslides.

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

Rated 9 out of 10 in difficulty by the Sierra Club.
Permits are limited, especially for out-of-state residents, and can be difficult to obtain.
Reservations open 90 days in advance and can get snagged quickly.
The trail is very crowded, especially the first 2 miles to Hanakapiai Beach.
Water treatment is essential.

Tour du Mont Blanc (France/Italy/Switzerland)

What Users Love

Accomplishable by intermediate to advanced hikers
Navigation is straightforward for experienced hikers due to clear markings

Common Complaints

Can be challenging for beginner backpackers, requiring planning experience for safety

Value Perception

No value feedback reported.

User Recommendations

The route is clearly marked with red-and-white signs, making navigation relatively straightforward for experienced hikers.
The Tour du Mont Blanc is a hiking trail that circumnavigates the mountain and can be accomplished by hikers with intermediate to advanced trekking experience.
Can do the Tour du Mont Blanc, but planning experience is important for safety.