function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { People have drowned here from the dangerous combination of a hidden current and the cliffside surroundings. They were up there within a few seconds. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Its large and backs up to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and classic napali coastline. The hike to the beach is two miles and takes 2 hours. Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. Contact the Department of State Parks, (808) 587-0300, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. So if you're afraid of heights, you may not like this trail, especially around the middle of it. Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. Seeaosite for updates. Make sure to use the correct filter if you plan to drink the water. You do not need to hike the entire trail to get a sense of what its about. You'll also be forced to camp in the valley as the hike is too long and dangerous for an out-and-back trip in a single day. Dont pack any food items. Not supporting camping there illegally at all - but those folks are not the big problem with opala from what I've been told. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. This is the cleanest fresh water on the island, so it's great for a shower. else There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. It doesnt go back too far. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. var image; Because I have law enforcement friends with the DLNR who fly in with helos, and clean the place up, as the permanent reisidents run off to hide in the jungle. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. Poipu Beach selectedVal = '4'; A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. It's a surreal scene. They told us about how amazing Honopu Beach was. You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. function form_visible(){ waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. List of properly permitted vacation rentals, not condos - 8/15/2017, Weather Questions start here Pls/Best Time of Year to Visit Kauai, How to make reservations at Haena State Park / Ke'e Beach. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? Not only is the trail narrow in some places, but it can also be slippery because of loose rocks or if it has recently rained. | Web usage privacy. Theres one section of the beach that gets super windy. Though you may be tempted, please do not hike this trail without permission. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali.You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured . But I will gladly be corrected if proven wrong. There are few coveted spots between the trail and the beach, but most are under the trees inland of the trail, but only about 50 feet from the sand. Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. 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. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. Since there are no lifeguards here and drownings have happened in the past, it is recommended to avoid swimming at Kalalau. 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. Plan your trip accordingly. The area upon which the Like so many beaches on the North Shore of Kauai safety is a big issue for Ke'e Beach. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. Another cave down the coast has been eroded into an arch. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. The only way to access the valley is either by boat or hiking the 11-mile Kalalau trail there are no roads or airstrips here and only government helicopters are authorized to land. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . The trail to Hanakapiai falls and beyond Hanakapiai is recommended for experienced hikers only. Carrying trekking poles was also immensely helpful in balancing on the more slippery portions. Cell phone service is limited to none on the trail. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. 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 During the winter and spring conditions are especially dangerous. The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. At the end of the beach is a point where you can swim or kayak around to Honopu another amazing beach that has been in a number of movies. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. Use extreme caution when swimming atthis beach. 3. here. selectedText = 'Excellent'; A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. Like previous poster said, unless you have rough water experience, just don't. Especially, especially right now. Strong winds during the day form lines in the sand. SeeSand Island site for updates. 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). } Drinking the Water This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. We chose to get our permits from the office closest to the airport immediately upon arriving in Kauai. These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. Please read. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. Anini Beach is an oddity on Polihale Beach is spectacular by all measures of comparison and almost every description of this beach requires the use of a superlative. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. function show(star_img,rnid) Its the part right after you come out of the valley. } Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. 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. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. There are no roads that take you to the valley. (808) 338-9980 Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; [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. A password will be mailed to you! Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Follow the tunnel until you reach the room that's lit up with a blue hue this is the one you'll need to find the rebreather. Its worth while to bring a way to store water, as the water source is a good trek from the designated camp areas. I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; Makana Charters Camping on Kauai anywhere other than designated camping areas is considered illegal. The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. Cookie Notice Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! document.write("Please Select"); We left our snorkel equipment in the trunk of our rental car and took a swim at the end of our hike. The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. mobile app. Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. I have no idea what they charge. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. Walk-ins permitted. } At Kalalau beach, you hike as far as possible on the beach, and then ideally go under a cave arch and arrive on the last beach. The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. } I didn't think you camp on the beach. Each of these offshoots has unique waterfalls and swimming spots. . This was my favorite part of the trip. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. Its like being in the desert. { else if(star_img=='5'){ It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. function mark(star_img,rid) Isobutane fuel with a screw top for Jetboil, MSR, and other backpacking stoves is available at Kayak Kauai. Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. Dont get caught in here. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. } 2023 Kauai Beaches. Is there something we should watch for? This remarkably beautiful beach has been the scene To learn about the cookies we use and information about your preferences and opt-out choices, please review our Privacy Policy document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. Despite the fact that many would fail to understand why these people would live this way by choice, they are truly happy in their natural surroundings. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Never swim in murky water and never swim in river mouths. If you get a late start or are a slower hiker, this may be a good option for you. Kalalau Beach (see more photos) lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. On our trip, we found that the first few miles, due to heavy foot traffic, were in the worst shape, and trail conditions majorly improved further down the trail. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? [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. Signs warn hikers of dangerous rockfall near the falls, so this area is off limits for swimming. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. There is always work to be done in the garden, so if you are going to enjoy some food, lending a hand for an hour or so would be much appreciated and would go a long way for the gardens long-term vitality. Keep driving until the road absolutely ends at a circular parking lot. If you've already made it this far and won't be hiking all the way to Kalalau Beach, you might as well take the 2-mile detour (each way) to Hanakapiai Falls. View of the ocean from the Kalalau Trail. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. } Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. Jen and Seth decided to swim down the coastline instead. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. This was my favorite part of the trip. Here are 21 things you should know before hiking the Kalalau Trail. 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. 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. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. [OAHU] UPDATED 2/28/23: Kaena Point State Park Mokuleia Section The vehicle access road will continue to beCLOSED due to heavy rains and saturated road conditions. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. Its wide and deep. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. There was not a peep out of the couple thousand passengers on the deck. Walk up the short hill. On the plus side, it is Anini Beach is a narrow sliver of a beach that extends along Kauai's North Shore for somewhat over two miles. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. Share your great experiences with me, please? Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. 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. We're not around right now. Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. and our Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. And sunglasses. You do not need to be extreme athletes, but this is not a casual stroll. selectedText = 'Fine'; Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. ny = document.getElementById(image); And eventually, our companions returned from their adventure.(Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Phone Number. The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. She didnt do the hike but she was able to see the Na Pali Coast from a cruise ship. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu selectedVal = '2'; When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. 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). United States. Kee Beach This Epic Climb in the Swiss Alps Is Mostly Terrifying -- but Also WorthIt. The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. selectedVal = '3'; In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Heres what they saw. ), Walk along the Na Pali Coast to the end of the beach for an amazing view.(Update 9/14/15: This area wasdestroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. High surf pounds the shore creating extremely turbulent waters. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. Adjacent is a famous valley, with vast streams, pools and trails. The next day was another bright and beautiful one. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; It is 11 miles to get to Kalalau Beach - so if you are talking about going there and having someone pick you up and bring you back You'll still have to hike 11 miles to get there - difficult trail - especially past Hanakoa, and you will need a permit from the State to camp there, even for one night. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. Kealia Beach We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. } } The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. Cross Kalalau Stream to the beach and the camping area. Hena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihue Airport. And don't be fooled by the first Kalalau Lookout sign. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. 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. function showform(raid){ 6. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. For over 20 years we have been offering tours of the Na Pali coast on custom-built touring catamarans that were designed to provide the ultimate touring experience. From here, trails lead through the rest of the valley. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. 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. Brenneckes Beach Hikers have perished on this stretch of the hike, so you should only cross if you're physically fit and there's plenty of sunlight. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. Park. Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. Privacy Policy. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! All rights reserved. Plan on spending 10 hours in hiking boots if you do this. else if(i=='4'){ 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. 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. The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail. The short break makes for big waves, especially during the winter season, and the sandbar can be unpredictable. Tunnels Beach, Anahola Beach You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. If you look closely at the photo above, you can see them in the water. Plan your trip accordingly. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. About a mile up the valley, the . This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. Are we nuts? Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag.
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