This photo is a view southwest, about 3-4 miles from the trailhead. The trail heads around each of the many cliffsides ahead.
The trail starts near Ke'e Beach, and dips down to Hanakapi'ai beach at the 2 mile mark. Many people visit this beach as a dayhike, and go another 2 miles inland to Hanakapi'ai Falls. From Hanakapi'ai beach, the trail doesn't come down to the ocean again until the end at Kalalau Beach. Along the way, the trail is frequently overgrown, sometimes eroded, often muddy, and almost never level.
Another side hike at the 5 mile point leads to another waterfall - Hanakoa Falls.
Near the end of the trail, one final side hike heads up the Kalalau Valley to some large pools in the main stream.