| "); if(i<= selectedVal) Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. It's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. One of the many bountiful community gardens. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. It's a surreal scene. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. Poipu Beach There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. It is difficult, strenuous , and IMO, dangerous unless in good physical shape. Despite a Portuguese man o war sting, quite a longer swim than expected, and considerably bigger waves then anticipated we made it (just barely)! Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. If you get a late start or are a slower hiker, this may be a good option for you. If you follow blueflamingo's boating link, you'll find that no tour boats are allowed to land at Kalalau beach, only kayaks. Kalalau Beach - Wikipedia document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. 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. For a shorter hike, the first portion of the trail up to Hanakapiaai Beach is accessible for day use and does not require a permit. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. Hello. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). #30. 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. Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. Sponsored Content >. 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. We tried to soak it in as much as possible knowing that it would be quite some time before we would ever return. These campsites are run by the County of Kauai and operate on a different reservation system. This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. 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. selectedVal = '2'; The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. Must climb rock . It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. lc=rid; 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). Side note, if you are not a member you can still eat at their outdoor walk-up food counter and it is probably the cheapest meal on the island. Ke`e Beach | Kauai.com Kayak or Sail the Na Pali Coast, Kapaa, Hawaii These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. Queen's Bath is VERY DANGEROUS! Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . Mahaulepu Beach For all these, just ask a friendly local where to go! 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. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Video Shows Tourists Almost Lose Kids To Huge Waves at The Eddie While Ignoring Lifeguard Pleas To Get Back, Heres How To Visit Niihau, Hawaiis Forbidden Island, The 17 Most Underrated Honeymoon Destinations in the US, The 13 Best Places To Go Hiking in Hawaii, The Worlds Most Dangerous Footpath Is Now Totally Safe To Hike, Abiqua Falls Is a Secret Waterfall Hidden Deep in the Oregon Forest, Best Hikes With Stunning Views in the Ozark Mountains, 7 Easy Hikes on Oahu, Hawaii, That Are Perfect for Kids. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. 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. Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. Isobutane fuel with a screw top for Jetboil, MSR, and other backpacking stoves is available at Kayak Kauai. Kalalau beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor Fuji Beach Division of State Parks | Kalalau Trail - Hawaii Heres what they saw. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! 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. Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. Brenneckes Beach The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance. 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. var lc; You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. else } 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. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. If possible, I would recommend making the trek all the way to the beach to camp. How Long To Hike Kalalau Trail In Kauai, Hawaii The Grom Life document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream Make sure to use the correct filter if you plan to drink the water. Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. The Kalalau Valley sits roughly halfway down the coast. Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. . There are no lifeguards on these beaches and help is a helicopter ride away. These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. 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. You'll peer down thousands of feet into a colorful tropical landscape that is punctuated by a beautiful beach. Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. } The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. When you come out of the arch you see what looks like an alien planet.(Update 9/14/15: Thisarea was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015.). } image = 'qw'+rnid + i; } During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. Hiking The Kalalau Trail: The Ultimate Guide - Wandering Wheatleys Swimming is not recommended at Hanakapiai Beach due to dangerous rip currents and wave patterns. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. 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. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . View of the ocean from the Kalalau Trail. { The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. The beach is a beautiful place to hang out and relax, there's a stream where you can take a dip, and bathrooms if you need to stop. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. Walk-ins permitted. } Therefore, the only way to legally hike the trail in its entirety is to do so with a permit, and they can be difficult to obtain. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. The trail that leads to this beach is considered the most difficult trails on the islands. We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. Within the valley is a group of people who have discarded the creature comforts of modern society in favor of a lifestyle based on the land. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. Adjacent is a famous valley, with vast streams, pools and trails. From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. Secure your car and limit the valuables left inside. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. Those in tip top shape can do it in 8 hours, those more average take 10+. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. else if(i=='5'){ We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Check the website here for trail updates and closures. Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. Hanakoa campsite at mile 6 gives hikers the opportunity to spend the night at the halfway point on the trail. The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. PDF Kalalau Trail - Department of Land and Natural Resources DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. [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. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. 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. Dont get caught in here. This small beach is no longer accessible.). From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. Camping in Kalalau is allowed only behind this sand beach. State. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. Start the hike as early as possible so you're ahead of the day hikers and have ample time to finish the hike before dark. In between each of the talons lies a valley, and none of them are more beautiful or abundant than Kalalau. Hawaii. Each of these offshoots has unique waterfalls and swimming spots. 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. This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. She said that even the babies were quiet. Country. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? Like previous poster said, unless you have rough water experience, just don't. Especially, especially right now. After leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters drier, more open land which offers little shade from the midday sun. else if(star_img=='3'){ Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. } Phone Number. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: She didnt do the hike but she was able to see the Na Pali Coast from a cruise ship. Walk up the short hill. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. Kalalau Trail leading to the beach The trail ends at Kalalau Beach, as the ocean comes up the cliffs at the western end. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. Shipwrecks Beach, Kekaha Beach Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. show(star_img,rid); Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. here. And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. } if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',130,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4-0_1'); .medrectangle-4-multi-130{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:5px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:5px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. DAY-USE RESERVATIONS OR A VALID CAMPING PERMIT, AND PARKING RESERVATIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE KALALAU TRAIL. This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, from ancient times until about 1920. 5 Days In Kauai Sample Itinerary | Hawaii Travel Guide Kee Beach Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers and hikers. This was my favorite part of the trip. When I got back from Kalalau I went to get a haircut. This was my favorite part of the trip. They are all worth exploring if you have the time. What off the beaten path activities can I do? Hike N Pali: A Guide To This 12-Hour Hike - TheTravel These valleys are sacred ground to the Hawaiian people and it is our responsibility as hikers to make a conscious effort to preserve and protect the land. BEWARE of Beachfront Travel, also know as TBD (Travel By Design). I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. Kalalau Beach, Kauai This cave is no longer accessible.). Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. Make reservations at www.gohaena.com. } 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. function form_visible(){ During the winter months, huge waves crash against the cliffs. Hiking NaPali Coast If the timing is not right for you to have such an in-depth and intensive experience; there are other ways to see the NaPali Coast by land. 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. It's better to enjoy the beach, the scenery and its caves while taking a refreshing shower in the natural waterfall. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. 20 Things You Should Know Before Hiking Hawaii's Kalalau Trail How has Kauai been affected by the floods? The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. During the winter and spring conditions are especially dangerous. | Web usage privacy. Privacy Policy. Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. Kayak the Na Pali Coast, The Mount Everest of Sea Kayaking - Hawaii.com |