Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. If you can't hike the trail, the kayak to the beach would be even more strenuous even if you could. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. Never swim in murky water and never swim in river mouths. Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Heres what they saw. Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. If you are lucky enough to witness this, they are not in distress, and should not be approached or bothered. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. here. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. Npali Coast State Wilderness Park. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. 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. SeeSand Island site for updates. 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. Guava Forest-An entire grove of trees that provides an abundance of wild guava. Tunnels Beach, Anahola Beach The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. This special spot is beautiful at sunset. var selectedText = ''; 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. We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. 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. Plan on spending 10 hours in hiking boots if you do this. 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. Camping in Kalalau is allowed only behind this sand beach. } Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. 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. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. That means rogue waves can crash onto the beach at any moment. The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. But I will gladly be corrected if proven wrong. 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. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. If you follow blueflamingo's boating link, you'll find that no tour boats are allowed to land at Kalalau beach, only kayaks. } You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. They told us about how amazing Honopu Beach was. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). document.write("
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"); In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. Call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. 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. You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. 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. You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. Anini Beach. ny = document.getElementById(image); A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. And they probably only do this in the summer, when the surf and currents are safe to swim ashore. 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. } Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. else if(i=='2'){ It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. See Hapuna site for updates. Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. }else{ When I got back from Kalalau I went to get a haircut. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. 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's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. You definitely do not want to swim when this is the case. Waimea Beach. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. Heed these warnings! A well-chosen campsite can save you from a bad night of sleep or worse. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. Dont get caught in here. The trail begins right after Ke'e Beach and has extreme inclines and declines and narrow footpaths, especially between the dreaded 6.5 to 8 miles (10.5 to 12.9 km) into it. The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream else if(i=='3'){ This cave is no longer accessible.). Waimea, HI 96796
As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. They often sell out and some people make reservations up to a year in advance. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. Hena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihue Airport. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. As you travel north, prices go up and options are more limited. Salt Pond Beach We are interested in making the ~1/4mi swim to Honopu Beach. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. return; Kee Beach It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. el.style.display = 'inline'; selectedVal = '2'; Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. Thanks Hiker. There are falling rock hazards at the Kalalau Beach campsites along the cliff walls. There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. These campsites are run by the County of Kauai and operate on a different reservation system. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; 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. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. Keep driving until the road absolutely ends at a circular parking lot. 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 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. We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; The trail is one of the most difficult in the Hawaiian Islands, which limits visitors to the beach. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. Please read. Makana Charters
If you visit these side trips, make sure to factor the additional miles into your hiking plan. We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. Click on the Boating Na Pali link to see a list of boating companies that have permits to land - perhaps they would do a private charter: http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/kauai/napali_boating.cfm. 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. 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). The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. } Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { You are always a wealth of hiking info. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. The sandbar is quite shallow here and in some spots the ocean bottom drops off quickly to overhead depths. Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, and no later than the day before your visit*. The short break makes for big waves, especially during the winter season, and the sandbar can be unpredictable. Camping at Kalalau: Permits from the Department of State Parks are required to camp anywhere on the Na Pali Coast, including Kalalau, and space is limited, so apply far in advance. Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. Is there something we should watch for? 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? Thanks so much. 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. Hanalei Pavilion Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. I didn't think you camp on the beach. Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. 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.). There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. Adjacent is a famous valley, with vast streams, pools and trails. There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. 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. Brenneckes Beach Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. The trailhead can be found at the very end of the road on the northern side of the island at Ke'e Beach. selectedText = 'Fine'; 6. else if(star_img=='4'){ Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. The Kalalau Trail on N Pali's stunning Hawaiian coast is one of the most challenging treks in the world. So, I was wondering from someone who has perhaps done it recently, what the experience was like? ), At the end of the beach theres a massive rock that looks like it fell from high above.(Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. Questions? The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. Polihale Beach Isobutane fuel with a screw top for Jetboil, MSR, and other backpacking stoves is available at Kayak Kauai. [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. Since the trail is quite long, most people who visit Kalalau Beach plan to stay overnight. else Its worth while to bring a way to store water, as the water source is a good trek from the designated camp areas. There are even several community gardens throughout the valley, giving the people sustenance without a reliance on the outside world. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. 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. lc=rid; 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Favorite Kauai Restaurants (updated November 2017), How to Eat Vegan on the Garden Isle of Kauai. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. Use extreme caution when swimming atthis beach. 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;}. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. ny = document.getElementById(image); The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. Observe from a distance and use the zoom on your camera. 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. Nonetheless, you'll find beach areas with calm waters to swim and even snorkel without any issues. The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. They were up there within a few seconds. Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. Walk-ins permitted. The Kalalau Valley sits roughly halfway down the coast. There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. After exploring the cave and eating some snacks we spent an hour being extremely lazy. 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 valley is a group of people who have discarded the creature comforts of modern society in favor of a lifestyle based on the land. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. Kalapaki Beach These Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park Basecamps, 8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, Orlando, 8 La Condesa Airbnbs To Settle Into Mexico Citys Coolest Neighborhood, The 16 Most Stunning Hotel Pools Around theWorld, 12 Dreamy Airbnbs in Hawaii That Are Right on theBeach, Escape To a Luxury Waikiki Resort This Winter for 50% Off With This Exclusive Deal, The Waves in Hawaii Are so Big Right Now They're Taking Out Weddings and Restaurants, 5 States With the Most Scenic and Laid-Back Nude Beaches, These Airbnbs Have Epic Waterslides To Keep Your Crew Refreshed, King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel Offers Adventures and History on Hawaii's BigIsland, These Are the Most Over-the-Top Spa Destinations in theWorld, The 17 Most Underrated Honeymoon Destinations in theUS. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). The sea can appear calm here at times (like summer) making it seem safe to swim. var ny; Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. info@MakanaCharters.com
A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. Password should be at least 8 characters. milwkid9090's first answer is still the best. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. } Get answers to your questions about Kauai. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. Yes, there are illegal campers there, some of them do leave trash. A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. You do not need to hike the entire trail to get a sense of what its about. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. Haena Beach Theres no longer sand to walk on here. 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. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Then make some friends with the adventurers around you while you enjoy one of the last sunsets in the United States. This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. Seeaosite for updates. On the north end of the valley is New beach (or Summer beach) the sand collects in the summer to make a nice stretch of beach, but in the winter the swell washes it all away. This is the real Kalalau Valley Lookout. All rights reserved. This boulder is now underwatwer.). To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September.
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