Published on 10/07/2018 by Kauai Beach Scoop. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; 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. There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. return; A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. ny = document.getElementById(image); Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). 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. } NOTE: A valid camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. 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. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. We were able to obtain a permit three months before our trip in January, however, summer permits reportedly fill up more quickly. Park. From here, trails lead through the rest of the valley. selectedText = 'Good'; 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 Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. It doesnt go back too far. We chose to get our permits from the office closest to the airport immediately upon arriving in Kauai. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. 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. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. It is now underwater.). NOTE: It is illegal for anyone to provide commercial boat transportation for drop off/pick-up at Kalalau or Milolii camping areas. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. Well worth a look (and an unforgettable fruitful smell). selectedText = 'Poor'; You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. Privacy Policy. After leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters drier, more open land which offers little shade from the midday sun. Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. Most people only do the first segment of this trail, which starts on the north shore of Kauai at Kee Beach and goes to the Hanakapiai Beach. The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. But Kalalau valley and beach are not trashed, though far from totally remote and pristine. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. In between each of the talons lies a valley, and none of them are more beautiful or abundant than Kalalau. Yes as daisies. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. he camping permits go fast, so its wise to get one a year or more in advance. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. Country. 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;}. here. It can be ankle deep only to plunge down to the depths with no warning. This small beach is no longer accessible.). Composting toilets are available at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. Adjacent is a famous valley, with vast streams, pools and trails. This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. } The best part is that the beach will be empty but for your fellow travelers. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks. During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. Thanks so much. Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. Guava Forest-An entire grove of trees that provides an abundance of wild guava. The Kalalau Trail on N Pali's stunning Hawaiian coast is one of the most challenging treks in the world. Waipouli Beach The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. } Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Another cave down the coast has been eroded into an arch. 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 . 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. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. 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). We saw campers and their tents and also talked to hikers, and campers, who accomplished this feat to this beach, and I say that reverently. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. var selectedText = ''; I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. Lumahai Beach 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. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . 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. There are plenty of other tucked-away beaches in Kauai that are not quite as hard to get to as this one, which we didn't list here because the effort-reward quotient isn't quite right. Except that theres an ocean next to you. 6. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. 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. Must climb rock . 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 large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. Maybe this site can answer your question. Walk-ins permitted. else if(i=='4'){ ), 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. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! 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. While the crew . Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. } Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. This 2-mile long day hike (4 miles round trip) is moderately challenging and doesn't require extreme abilities, therefore almost anybody in a decent physical . During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. ny = document.getElementById(image); 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. Hideaway Beach [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . 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). Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. 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. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; } And they probably only do this in the summer, when the surf and currents are safe to swim ashore. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. 4516 Alawai Rd. If you are lucky enough to witness this, they are not in distress, and should not be approached or bothered. [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. el.style.display = 'none'; function noshow(star_img,rnid) Despite a Portuguese man o war sting, quite a longer swim than expected, and considerably bigger waves then anticipated we made it (just barely)! ny = document.getElementById(image); 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. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. 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? The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. You need to bring all food and equipment with you. Dont get caught in here. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. United States. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; 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. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. The Kalalau Valley sits roughly halfway down the coast. Camping gear should include a lightweight sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad, tent with rainfly, cooking stove and fuel, water purification tablets or filter, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, and biodegradable soap. 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. } Within the valley itself, there are many things to see and do. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. (808) 274-3444. The next day was another bright and beautiful one. In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Check the website here for trail updates and closures. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. Beaches - Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. Plan your trip accordingly. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { Waimea, HI 96796 We couldnt stay for long as youneed to get back before the waves and the current pick up. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. There are no lifeguards on these beaches and help is a helicopter ride away. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. 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. 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Some of these year-round residents hike out of the valley every couple of months to get supplies. selectedVal = '3'; selectedText = 'Very Good'; Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. 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. Since there are no lifeguards here and drownings have happened in the past, it is recommended to avoid swimming at Kalalau. Please read. And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. This is the real Kalalau Valley Lookout. more. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Lydgate Beach Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. For all these, just ask a friendly local where to go! These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. For more information, please see our In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > } var lc; #2. As you travel north, prices go up and options are more limited. 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. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. Get answers to your questions about Kauai. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. Permits cost $10 per person per night. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. 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