We did the 2-mile in, 2-mile out day hike many years ago, wearing hiking boots. On that hike, some people went by us in bare feet. So, my real question is, do we really need hiking boots, or can this part of the trail be done in sneakers?

I did Teva trail type sneakers & DS used his boots. It was dry, so it could have been done in supportive type sneakers - we saw some in thongs.
I recommend you take two extra pair of socks for the moisture build up in the shoe. I had on the wicking type socks but still had problems with the moisture.

If you look in the album dated 05/19/07 referenced on the thread 'OSB's Hawaii Pictures Up!', about half way down, you'll see pictures of our hike of the Kalalau Trail.

olesouthernbelle, your pictures are spectacular. But they don't really answer my specific question, i.e. whether we can do the trip in sneakers! Any more thoughts?

I am confused as to why you are asking. You have already done the hike once...in hiking boots. Having already done it, would you wear sneakers?

I wore my keens and was glad I didn't pack my hiking boots just for that one hike. My guess is that newish running/walking shoes with a healthy tread would be okay.

dmlove: Only you can make that call. I have given all the info I have. If you will take a second look at picture 112 of that album, you'll notice the woman with the CRUTCH and her companion are both wearing sneakers, while the gentleman meeting them is wearing thongs.
While I'd never attempt to do this hike with a crutch, to each their own, and she did garner my admiration!

I can say that the son was glad he brough his hiking boots and said as much.

... and now that I recall, two young females came whizzing by us in barefeet as well (going & coming). I got the feeling they were locals. So, wanna try it???

Thanks all. We ended up not going today because traffic around Nawiliwili was awful - turned around and went up to Waimea instead, and had a nice relaxing day.

jamg, I did it once thirty years ago. I remember we bought and wore hiking boots for this hike, but don't remember whether they were needed, or even if there were wet parts of the trail.

oldsouthernbelle, I'll go back and take closer look -- I didn't see anyone in sneakers (let alone on crutches) the first peek. Thanks for the details.

About a month ago, Kauai News ran article on the trail that you might want to read for additional insights....

http://www.kauaiworld.com/articles/2...ews/news03.txt

I did that hike in supportive sneakers with good tread. Although they were a red mud mess at the end of the hike, LOL.

OSB - I spent (too much) time (I didn't really have) looking at your pictures this morning. They were great!

Thank you for the compliment Karens. I finally got through making my snapfish album for the Big Island & received it in the mail today. I must say, I was very pleased! It's edited & organized much better than these online albums.

Will be placing the Kauai order today or tomorrow.

Some useful info and comments here....

http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_...lalau_hike.php

We've done the hike a few times with low hiking boots and walking sticks. the trail can get muddy/slippery in places.

One time we saw some local kids running the trail barefoot. Ohhhh..to be that young, again.

We just got back from Kauai. this trail was a must do for us this time around but after reading the article in the Kauai News and also speaking with some people that had done it this time and compared the conditions to when they had done it before years ago we decided against it.

I'm sorry you didn't try it for yourself. Though challenging, we did the first two miles & loved it! It was dry, and I really didn't think it any more dangerous than the lava fields and Waimea trails we walked (portions of ).

We took our hiking boots & I'm very glad we did. Some parts of the trail were pretty wet, though others completley dry (this was in early Oct 05). I think trail running shoes would work (thick treads) but I personally wouldn't do it with anything less than that. The folks we saw doing it with flip flops were definitely *not* locals, and having hiked most of my life in a variety of conditions, I thought they were foolish for taking such a risk.