i think you're referring to the utterly incredible and world renowned kalalau trail. i've seen people wearing everything on it from hiking boots to flip-flops, high heels, and bare feet. and i'm not kidding! best would be lightweight hiking boots that provide ankle support, as there's alot of uneven terrain, walking on loose rocks on streambeds, muddy areas, guava-caked slippery tracks, and lots of ups and downs. if hiking boots are too much 2 pack, good trail shoes or tennis shoes would be fine - make sure that you're shoes are broken in - and take water, alot of water, with you. enjoy the hike - you'll expect to see tarzan swinging out of the vines any minute.

I wouldn't suggest a heavy hiking boot. I made the mistake of wearing a pair of Nike ACG light trail hikers with a very aggresive cleated sole. After about my third step the lugs in the soles filled up with that wonderful Kauai red mud and I slipped and slid the entire way to Hanakapi'ai Falls and back. There are several small stream crossings and depending on recent rainfall there's a good chance you'll end up with very wet feet. After several failed rock balancing attempts my wife finally gave in and just waded across the streams. I would suggest any shoe that you don't mind getting completely wet and covered with red mud that will probably never come completely off. Same goes for socks. Ours were so bad at the end of the hike we just tossed them in a garbage can before we got back in the car. It's a wonderful, amazing hike that you'll never forget but expect to be red mud from one end to the other. And if you see some very deep butt cheek impressions in the mud along the way....they're probably mine!

I did it with trail sandals (Teva style) and had no problem. Like the previous posts state, they will get wet, muddy and very dirty!! BRING A LOT OF WATER. MORE THAN YOU EXPECT TO NEED!! You will use it all!

westcoast...where did you buy your trail sandals?

Wear something that you wouldn't mind throwing away after the trip. I've hiked it when it's been very dry, and I've hike it when it's been a mud bog. Once I hike it with water shoes, but the rocks kill your feet. So you'll want something with a good sole. Take lots of water... It can be very hot and humid... but the views are out of this world. Take a dip a Ke'e Beach when you return to the trailhead.

Missweb-

You can get them at Chick's or Sport Chalet or any nicer sporting goods store. Check out www.teva.com too.

Hi, just a good pair of running shoes will do. Go all the way into Hanakapi'ai Falls. Four miles one way. It's great!Aloha!

i wore trail running sneakers and made it okay. as everyone says, it is very muddy and quite challenging but standing at the foot of a 400 foot waterfall makes it all worth while!

we did that hike last year in our sneakers, but when we got to the stream, we took off our socks and shoes (cuz there's nothing like walking in wet, squishy shoes.)

we actually saw a lot of people wearing the hydros. do you know if they are pretty sturdy?