| "); ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. It sounded amazing and the cool thing is, Cory took a risk and brought his dSLR with him in a dry bag (that orange thing hanging from his waist). The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! 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. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. It is difficult, strenuous , and IMO, dangerous unless in good physical shape. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. Heed these warnings! For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. This cave is no longer accessible.). 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. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . The next day was another bright and beautiful one. Swim to Honopu Beach from Kalalau Beach - Get Lost The park will REOPEN by 3:00 PM on Friday 3/3/23. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. Hanalei Pine Trees SeeSand Island site for updates. My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. Even with this type of device, help is most likely hours away. I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. Permit holders can choose where to spend their allotted nights on the trail. Some of these year-round residents hike out of the valley every couple of months to get supplies. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. selectedVal = '4'; Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. 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. 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. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. } The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. They often sell out and some people make reservations up to a year in advance. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. The Best Secret Beaches in Kauai, Hawaii - Matador Network ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. 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. Kalalau Beach into Kalalau ValleyLocated near the end of the main trail, this valley trail passes through stone terraces that were used in the agriculture of taro and ends at a series of small waterfalls with swimming holes complete with a rope swing. Heres what they saw. Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. Kayak or Sail the Na Pali Coast, Kapaa, Hawaii Lawai Beach You need to filter your water on the trail. Waimea, HI 96796 Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. [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. 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. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. Maybe this site can answer your question. And it's absolutely wonderful to take a dip in Queen's Bath after enjoying the turtles inside Turtle Cove. 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. We were able to obtain a permit three months before our trip in January, however, summer permits reportedly fill up more quickly. And they probably only do this in the summer, when the surf and currents are safe to swim ashore. One of the many bountiful community gardens. 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). (808) 338-9980 more. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. They were up there within a few seconds. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. selectedVal = '5'; 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. Cell phone service is limited to none on the trail. Not supporting camping there illegally at all - but those folks are not the big problem with opala from what I've been told. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. Heres the thing youre in the middle of nowhere out here. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. else if(i=='5'){ People have drowned here from the dangerous combination of a hidden current and the cliffside surroundings. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. I didn't think you camp on the beach. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. The view of the valley is stunning at every point. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. What are some free things to do on Kauai? Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the round-trip hike to Hanakapiai Beach. And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. The best part is that the beach will be empty but for your fellow travelers. Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. } 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. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. 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 Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. 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. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. So if you're afraid of heights, you may not like this trail, especially around the middle of it. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. Strong winds during the day form lines in the sand. How Long To Hike Kalalau Trail In Kauai, Hawaii The Grom Life Please read. From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. } There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. Camping is allowed on the beach, but permits are required. 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. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! ny = document.getElementById(image); And how do I know that ? document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; selectedText = 'Very Good'; When you finally get to the beach, you'll marvel at the hikers that have carried 50+ pounds of gear across the hike and over the ledge. Hanakapiai Trail | Kauai.com var selectedVal = ''; Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. if(i=='1'){ The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. 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. If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. 2023 Kauai Beaches. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. DAY-USE RESERVATIONS OR A VALID CAMPING PERMIT, AND PARKING RESERVATIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE KALALAU TRAIL. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; PDF Kalalau Trail - Department of Land and Natural Resources Many of the unforgettable sights on the Na Pali coast are only viewable from the sea, so it is well worth a look. Plan your trip accordingly. Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Park. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. See Hapuna site for updates. The trailhead can be found at the very end of the road on the northern side of the island at Ke'e Beach. Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. 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. If you google Ben Stiller on David Letterman you can see a clip of him on Dave telling about a company that took him by boat to the end of the trail and then hiking the 11 miles to Ke'e. There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. About a mile up the valley, the . Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. This section is a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance. If you follow blueflamingo's boating link, you'll find that no tour boats are allowed to land at Kalalau beach, only kayaks. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. Permits cost $10 per person per night. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. Keep in mind that this portion of the trail is in the designated day-use area and can be accessed without a permit. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. I also can't imagine a boat company traveling the coast to land there and retrieve campers and do it safely and at a profit. 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. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: image = 'qw'+rnid + i; 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. At the end is a pool. 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. Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. Here are 21 things you should know before hiking the Kalalau Trail. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Hiking The Kalalau Trail: The Ultimate Guide - Wandering Wheatleys 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. 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 trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. el.style.display = 'inline'; A waterfall at the western end of the beach (Ho'ole'a Falls) provides freshwater, but before drinking it, the water must be purified (bring a water filter or water treatment tablets) due to the threat of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease. } Are we nuts? The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. Hanalei Pavilion If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. } Anini Beach. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. Make reservations at www.gohaena.com. 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? if(i<= selectedVal) Take your time and place your feet carefully and you will get through just fine. Haena Beach Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Shipwrecks Beach, Kekaha Beach There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. 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. It doesnt go back too far. Seeaosite for updates. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. 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. Now you can sit back and enjoy yet another epic sunset. 5 Days In Kauai Sample Itinerary | Hawaii Travel Guide It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. Makana Charters The last thing you'll want when going on a . Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, and no later than the day before your visit*. Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. Poipu Beach The trail is one of the most difficult in the Hawaiian Islands, which limits visitors to the beach. 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. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. Hanakapiai Beach to Hanakapiai FallsFour miles roundtrip and located at mile 2 on the main trail, this side trail hikes up a valley that ends at a waterfall. The sandbar is quite shallow here and in some spots the ocean bottom drops off quickly to overhead depths. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. Both of these excursions depart Nassau at 8:00 a.m. sharp and return from The Exumas between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Ten lashes for me! 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. Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. selectedText = 'Poor'; She said that even the babies were quiet. 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. In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. 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. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. function show(star_img,rnid) Kalalau Trail leading to the beach The trail ends at Kalalau Beach, as the ocean comes up the cliffs at the western end. A hat is nice to have too. } Theres one section of the beach that gets super windy. Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. } There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. They told us about how amazing Honopu Beach was. |