Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. more. ny = document.getElementById(image); The poorly marked 1/2-mile trail up the east fork of the stream to Hanakoa falls has hazardous, eroded sections but affords a spectacular view of the falls. You can see some effects from from high usage (I won't say overuse because permits are already limited), but it is still very nice there. } Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. Two days after we finished our hike, the trail was closed for almost a week due to flash flooding and the warning was posted in a red banner at the top of the web page. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. } More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. Privacy Policy. You do not need to be extreme athletes, but this is not a casual stroll. Swimming is not recommended at Hanakapiai Beach due to dangerous rip currents and wave patterns. Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. It's a surreal scene. } There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. } In Na Pali Coast, Places by Makana ChartersJuly 25, 2016. function form_visible(){ We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. The trail begins right after Ke'e Beach and has extreme inclines and declines and narrow footpaths, especially between the dreaded 6.5 to 8 miles (10.5 to 12.9 km) into it. From the beach, the valley extends 2 miles inland, with the high plateau of Kokee State park looking down upon it. Yes as daisies. Kalalau Beach, Kauai Shopping is limited on Kauai and it is best to bring as many specialty items as possible with you on your flight such as your tent, sleeping bag, and trekking poles. At the end is a pool. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. For more information, please see our jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. Even if there was an unautthorized boat, or raft, the OP did not happen to mention the time of year that they were planning on camping at the Kalalau Valley. And don't be fooled by the first Kalalau Lookout sign. Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. It is now underwater.). Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. There are no roads that take you to the valley. If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. and our This section is a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Keawa Heiau State Recreation Area Aiea Loop Trail isCLOSEDdue to high winds and heavy rain, the heiau area is OPEN. There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Take your time and place your feet carefully and you will get through just fine. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. Doing this is dangerous so, maybe dont attempt this if you ever find yourself in front of this rock. var selectedText = ''; There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. selectedText = 'Very Good'; The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. Sponsored Content >. { Florida manatees: What's legal, what isn't, what to do if you see one What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers and hikers. Most of the year the high surf prevents boats from accessing the shore, which means the only way in is to make the trek by foot. info@MakanaCharters.com countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. My husband and I are both in shape and good swimmers, and would be making the attempt very early morning with fins and a snorkel. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. View of the ocean from the Kalalau Trail. } We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! The Best Family Friendly Things To Do in LasVegas, Where To Spend Nine Perfect Days in Croatia, New Zealands South Island Is Pure Magic: 6 Natural Wonders You Need ToSee, How To Experience The Rich Black History of Montgomery, Alabama, 11 Things To See, Do, and Eat in Bratislava, Slovakia, How To Experience Undeveloped Beaches and Fresh Seafood In Panama CityBeach, How To Explore Savannah Through the City's New Electric, Open-Roof Cruisers, From Sparkles To Champagne Elevator Rides: What You Need To Know Before Visiting the Eiffel Tower, 10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Angkor Wat, Winter Is Actually a Great Time To Visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Download the Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). There has been mention here before about companies, individuals who will pick you up from Kalalau Beach and bring you out - but I don't know if any of them are still doing that personally. In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods. The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim, http://goingtogetlost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/going-to-get-lost_black-logo-e1472512038874.png, http://goingtogetlost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/commando-climb-7.jpg. Shutterstock Hawaii, Island of kauai, Na Pali Cliffs How To Hike N Pali And The Kalalau Trail Where To Camp In N Pali Coast State Wilderness Park We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. if(star_img=='1'){ A well-chosen campsite can save you from a bad night of sleep or worse. By using our application you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence (if different). for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. Nobody seems to mind, though trading modern creature comforts for a deeper connection to the land around by learning how to coexist with nature instead of profiting off it. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. Advance reservations are now required for all vehicles, walk-in entry, and shuttle riders visiting Hena State Park, as well as for day hikers accessing the Kalalau Trail. If possible, I would recommend making the trek all the way to the beach to camp. The faces are sheer and you can see that boulders continuously break off.(Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. } The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. Plan your trip accordingly. I don't if that service is available for everyone, but I remember thinking what an "easy" way to hike the whole trail without going round trip. Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. ny = document.getElementById(image); It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. The Beach Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. } There is no cell reception, but there is a payphone. Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. But there are also local hunters (and I have seen them leave trash in Waimea Canyon) as well as people who come in on private boats with tons of gear, and I bet some of them leave trash too (and not all of them have permits either). The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. It is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgment by interpreting and using the information to safely enjoy any outdoor activities. Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. } Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. You must either boat, helicopter or hike to this secluded destination, but that doesn't mean you can't catch a sneak peak without all the effort. Npali Coast SWP camping permits are available here >, Overnight parking is available at Hena SP via Overnight Parking Reservation. If you can't hike the trail, the kayak to the beach would be even more strenuous even if you could. Use extreme caution when swimming atthis beach. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; selectedVal = '2'; We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. Walk up the short hill. Is there something we should watch for? Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. Mahaulepu Beach else if(star_img=='2'){ Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. Milwkid, I don't know why you would think the OP is joking - this question does get asked occasionally (hell, I wouldn't want to hike the whole 11 miles, either). Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. else if(i=='2'){ The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. There are no lifeguards at Kalalau Beach, and you're an 11-mile hike from help. Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? Thanks so much. Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. Empty, untouched beach On your mark, get set, go Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. Camping is allowed on the beach, but permits are required. We left our snorkel equipment in the trunk of our rental car and took a swim at the end of our hike. The Kalalau Valley sits roughly halfway down the coast. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. #30. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. This was my favorite part of the trip. Hena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihue Airport. This boulder is now underwatwer.). We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. [KAUAI] UPDATED 3/2/23: Polihale State Park Is CLOSED until further notice due to an electrical outage that has put the water pump out of service. One of the many bountiful community gardens. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. Keep driving until the road absolutely ends at a circular parking lot. A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. The stream at the beach can be crossed relatively easily by going bouldering down to the coast depending on the tide and water flow on the stream. Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Lawai Beach Get answers to your questions about Kauai. Lic# TVNC1058, Secluded and difficult to access beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast, You should be in good physical condition to hike to the beach and not afraid of heights (the trail is narrow in some areas and involves several stream crossings), Beware of flash floods when crossing streams (don't cross if the water is too high), Kalalau Beach has rip tides, strong currents and a dangerous shorebreak, especially in the winter months, Bring all needed supplies and food with you, Mosquito repellent is a good idea to bring too. The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. We saw campers and their tents and also talked to hikers, and campers, who accomplished this feat to this beach, and I say that reverently. Like previous poster said, unless you have rough water experience, just don't. Especially, especially right now. Another cave down the coast has been eroded into an arch. This beach is fairly private due to the difficult trek to it. Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. Camping gear should include a lightweight sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad, tent with rainfly, cooking stove and fuel, water purification tablets or filter, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, and biodegradable soap. You need to bring all food and equipment with you. The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. [KAUAI] Kkee State Park - Beginning TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2023, road repair work will be conducted along Kkee Road between the meadow/lodge area and the first Kalalau Lookout. A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. Equipped with fins, they enter the water at Kalalau and swim over to the even more isolated Honopu Beach, which can only be accessed this way. You'll be fined if you do not have one. The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. } The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. While the Kalalau Beach at the end of the trail is considered safe for swimming, the first beach you encounter on the trail, Hanakapiai Beach, is not. This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, from ancient times until about 1920. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. Waimea Beach. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. The Best Secret Beaches in Kauai, Hawaii - Matador Network shows = 1; Hideaway Beach Beginning at Ke`e Beach and ending at Kalalau Valley, this challenging but rewarding hike, earned the Sierra Club's rating of "9" out of "10" in degree of difficulty. Anini Beach. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. Polihale Beach Phone Number. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. Don't Look Down! 10 Best Things to Do in Cedar Key FL You Shouldn't Miss Kiahuna Beach The trailhead can be found at the very end of the road on the northern side of the island at Ke'e Beach. Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. selectedText = 'Poor'; With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. Isobutane fuel with a screw top for Jetboil, MSR, and other backpacking stoves is available at Kayak Kauai. 6. This is because the valley and beach are literally surrounded by steep rock walls, so unless you feel inspired to do some lead climbing, or swim back (not recommended- see the hazards section), you pretty much have to enter and leave the way you came. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Beaches - Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. The beach sits at the foot of Kalalau Valley which is the jewel of the Na Pali Coast. They live in simple camps with no permanent structures, with tarps as their roofs and cooking by the flame of a fire. Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. The trail and activity descriptions are given to give the reader a better understanding of what to expect while hiking and participating in activities in Hawaii. Hello. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. How Long To Hike Kalalau Trail In Kauai, Hawaii The Grom Life As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. Thanks Hiker. Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. Makana Charters In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. The writer and/or publisher of this website is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, rescues, inconvenience, or loss of life by anyone attempting any of the hikes or activities on this website. Maybe this site can answer your question. } ny = document.getElementById(image); See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. The trail can be experienced in pieces and the most popular section of this trail is from Ke`e to Hanakapi`ai , where you will find a lush river valley. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. They were up there within a few seconds. Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. Questions? A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. Plan your trip accordingly. During the summer one can kayak out that way (one of our frequent contributors TravelerXYZ has done it) but again you can't land the kayaks. How to Get the Rebreather - Sons of the Forest Wiki Guide - IGN Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapiai valley must possess a valid overnight camping permit. DAY-USE RESERVATIONS OR A VALID CAMPING PERMIT, AND PARKING RESERVATIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE KALALAU TRAIL. Salt Pond Beach The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Hanakoa Campground to Hanakoa FallsThis campground is a quick extra mile located at the halfway point of the main trail up a valley that ends at a waterfall. The trail narrows to a couple of feet in some sections with a sheer cliff on one side and a steep drop to the Pacific on the other. We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. All About The Bahamas' Swimming Pigs - Nassau Paradise Island Kalalau Beach is very secluded, only with those brave and fit enough to get to the beach via man powered boat or expert hiking trails. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. Its like being in the desert. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. I would like to spend one night at the Kalalau beach, but honestly, I don't feel like walking the 11 mile trail, so does anyone know if I can arrange a boat there that would pick me up the next day? I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. Now you can sit back and enjoy yet another epic sunset. Daily, Get in touch with us today to book your tour, The Honu (Sea Turtle) and Its Importance to Hawaii, 6 Tips for Photographing the Na Pali Coast, 5 Interesting Facts about the Na Pali Coast, View From the Top or From the Waters: Discover the Best Way to Explore the Na Pali Coast. Nonetheless, you'll find beach areas with calm waters to swim and even snorkel without any issues. and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; You'll also find a natural shower in the form of Ho'ole'a Falls at the western end of the beach. The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. } else { The rock was like a magnet for the girls. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. Dont pack any food items. return; I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. Password should be at least 8 characters.