For a nonresident of Hawaii, permits at the time of writing cost $20 per person/per night. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. Touching a manatee is punishable under the Manatee Sanctuary Act, with a fine of up to $500 and/or a jail term of up to 60 days. 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 . more. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. Indeed, they are living the sustainable life that many in modern society have realized we need to aim for albeit with no modern amenities such as electricity, plumbing, and mass communication. }, Private and Quiet Luxury Beach House 3 minute walk to beach TVNC#5151, Hale Kahakai: Beachfront home on the Magical North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii Life Rentals presents Modern beach style vacation house, with A/C, Affordable Beach House Just Steps to the Beach Children Welcome! There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). 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. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. This Epic Climb in the Swiss Alps Is Mostly Terrifying -- but Also WorthIt. We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. selectedVal = '5'; You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. 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. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. Heres what they saw. else if(i=='3'){ There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. There are people who dump their opala (rubbish) back there and don't take it out - but the vast majority of them are not the illegal campers who "live" out there - but as "KauaiHiker" mentions - hunters and other folks who don't take care of the land they supposedly love. Though this article focuses on walking the Kalalau Trail, there are other ways to visit if you do not enjoy hiking or are short on time. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. else if(star_img=='3'){ 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. 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. Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. This beach is fairly private due to the difficult trek to it. For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. What are some free things to do on Kauai? 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. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. The area upon which the Like so many beaches on the North Shore of Kauai safety is a big issue for Ke'e Beach. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees. 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. Now you can sit back and enjoy yet another epic sunset. Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. Ten lashes for me! Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. You definitely do not want to swim when this is the case. 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. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. Don't Look Down! Waimea, HI 96796 We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. . Here are 21 things you should know before hiking the Kalalau Trail. 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 addition, there is a shallow sand bar that runs parallel to the beach but in spots the ocean floor abruptly drops to levels above your head. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. 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. When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. ny = document.getElementById(image); The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. You do not need to hike the entire trail to get a sense of what its about. You may find locals living near the beach, or in the adjacent valley. Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. Parking is limited to two parking lots and you will not want to park streetside if you are leaving your car overnight, as you may receive a ticket. Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. Look closely at the textured valley walls and you'll see mountain goats precariously perched on high. In Na Pali Coast, Places by Makana ChartersJuly 25, 2016. Seeaosite for updates. Hawaii. Walk up the short hill. You do not need to be extreme athletes, but this is not a casual stroll. 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. This is the real Kalalau Valley Lookout. Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. Plan on spending 10 hours in hiking boots if you do this. } ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. 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. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Those of us that didnt have sunglasses wore their swimming goggles to keep the sand out of their eyes. var shows = 0; [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. This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. Lydgate Beach function showform(raid){ The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. It's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. Though exact dates vary between sources, in the past, Native Hawaiians lived and worked in the valleys, cultivating taro and harvesting fish from the sea. Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. And it's absolutely wonderful to take a dip in Queen's Bath after enjoying the turtles inside Turtle Cove. } United States. var selectedText = ''; 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 found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. Must climb rock . There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. It's a surreal scene. Keep in mind that this portion of the trail is in the designated day-use area and can be accessed without a permit. Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. The sea can appear calm here at times (like summer) making it seem safe to swim. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. See Polipoli site for updates. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, from ancient times until about 1920. 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. Kalalau Beach is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. { Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. The mud is slippery and may slow down your hiking time. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. This special spot is beautiful at sunset. here. If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. else if(i=='4'){ The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. Since the trail is quite long, most people who visit Kalalau Beach plan to stay overnight. At the end is a pool. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. 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. This small beach is no longer accessible.). This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. If you are swept past the beach, there are miles of steep cliffside before you would be able to reach shore. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. [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. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. Never swim in murky water and never swim in river mouths. 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. Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. 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. Permit holders can choose where to spend their allotted nights on the trail. else (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. 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 are lots of details to consider when planning this hike and having a strategy ahead of time will make sure you have time for everything you want to see. 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. It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. The park will REOPEN by 3:00 PM on Friday 3/3/23. ), 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. These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! But this can be dangerous as the beach here features a short break, and there is unpredictable and shallow sandbar, not to mention illegal. } Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? As you travel north, prices go up and options are more limited. Plan your trip accordingly. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. ny = document.getElementById(image); In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. Most prefer life in the valley to the busy day-to-day life on the outside where the simple pleasures of living off the land are nearly impossible. The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. It appears Hawaii Tourism doesn't want people to visit Kauai, Trip Report 2- Outings, Entertainment, Attractions, Kauai St regis or Big Island Four seasons. This boulder is now underwatwer.). } Many of the unforgettable sights on the Na Pali coast are only viewable from the sea, so it is well worth a look. Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. Be sure to purify your water as it most likely contains leptospirosis, a bacteria from urine. Hanalei Pine Trees if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. mobile app. Did you see Todays Groupon for world resorts international? 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. During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. The Beach Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. 4516 Alawai Rd. Many rare native plants grow along the trail. The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { It is now underwater.). Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. Any advice is much appreciated. Strong winds during the day form lines in the sand. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. 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. You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. When it rains, which on Kauai is all of the time, portions of the trail get muddy and sloppy. (808) 338-9980 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. #30. Though you may be tempted, please do not hike this trail without permission. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. Hours: 8:00a.m. selectedText = 'Excellent'; Privacy Policy. Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. 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 A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. If you are lucky enough to witness this, they are not in distress, and should not be approached or bothered. Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. } Is there something we should watch for? We tried to soak it in as much as possible knowing that it would be quite some time before we would ever return. The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. You can also get to this beach via boat, which is fairly commonly done via Kayaks (with a permit). (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. 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. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. var lc; Keep driving until the road absolutely ends at a circular parking lot. document.write("

"); The beach sits at the foot of Kalalau Valley which is the jewel of the Na Pali Coast. And don't be fooled by the first Kalalau Lookout sign. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. It doesnt go back too far. Theres one section of the beach that gets super windy. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; } The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. Those with Npali Coast SWP Camping Permits do not need to make a Hena SP park entry reservation. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. Plan your trip accordingly. var ny; 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. I didn't think you camp on the beach. Heres the thing youre in the middle of nowhere out here. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. 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 Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. } The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. We're not around right now. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. Swimming is not recommended at Hanakapiai Beach due to dangerous rip currents and wave patterns.