It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. Please read. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. var lc; Hours: 8:00a.m. There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. Don't Look Down! 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. Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. Brenneckes Beach 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). To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. You'll peer down thousands of feet into a colorful tropical landscape that is punctuated by a beautiful beach. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; 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. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. It is a minimum 3-day round-trip journey for most people to hike all the way to Kalalau and back, which means that you have to be well outfitted and prepared for the journey. There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { Eleven miles in and eleven out. 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 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. 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. 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. Its wide and deep. selectedText = 'Poor'; Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. Book your permits as early as possible for the best chance of getting your preferred dates. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; 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. Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers and hikers. On the second day of the hike, you can explore some of the many attractions around Kalalau beach, such as the Hanakapi'ai waterfalls, the Hanakoa Falls, and the Kalalau Valley Trail. 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. 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. All About The Bahamas' Swimming Pigs - Nassau Paradise Island No camping is permitted there, but that is only what we read on the signage. Never turn your back on the ocean. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; Hanakapiai Trail | Kauai.com The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! The next day was another bright and beautiful one. [Kauai] Swimming to Honopu Beach from Kalalau : r/HawaiiVisitors - reddit As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. ), 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. We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. selectedVal = '5'; } A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. There are no lifeguards at Kalalau Beach, and you're an 11-mile hike from help. This special spot is beautiful at sunset. Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. else if(i=='4'){ el.style.display = 'none'; [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. Plan your trip accordingly. At the end is a pool. } By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. If you are stopped by a park ranger you will be asked to show the permit along with photo id. You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. Kealia Beach There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. Anini Beach. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. } The mud is slippery and may slow down your hiking time. 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. selectedVal = '2'; Strong winds during the day form lines in the sand. Kalalau Beach in Kauai - Hawaiian Planner You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. Mahaulepu Beach Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . We walked back to the end of Kalalau Beach. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. Many of the unforgettable sights on the Na Pali coast are only viewable from the sea, so it is well worth a look. While the crew . Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. In between each of the talons lies a valley, and none of them are more beautiful or abundant than Kalalau. Its worth while to bring a way to store water, as the water source is a good trek from the designated camp areas. A password will be mailed to you! Millions of years of constant erosion from the sea and sky have formed a landscape that is hard to comprehend even photos (as beautiful as they are) do a poor job of fully encompassing the splendour of this area. It's a surreal scene. Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. } That means rogue waves can crash onto the beach at any moment. There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. } When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. document.write(""); } Yes as daisies. Poipu Beach With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. So, I was wondering from someone who has perhaps done it recently, what the experience was like? After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. function show(star_img,rnid) Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. else if(star_img=='4'){ You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? 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. 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. Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. You'll also find a natural shower in the form of Ho'ole'a Falls at the western end of the beach. There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. and our There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. var i; if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. Published on 10/07/2018 by Kauai Beach Scoop. The best part is that the beach will be empty but for your fellow travelers. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, and no later than the day before your visit*. Beaches - Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. function showform(raid){ Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. Salt Pond Beach This was my favorite part of the trip. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. Hanakoa campsite at mile 6 gives hikers the opportunity to spend the night at the halfway point on the trail. After selecting the date and time of your visit, youll be able to select the number of entry or parking vouchers required. 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 upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Nonetheless, you'll find beach areas with calm waters to swim and even snorkel without any issues. Kayak the Na Pali Coast, The Mount Everest of Sea Kayaking - Hawaii.com But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The short break makes for big waves, especially during the winter season, and the sandbar can be unpredictable. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. And sunglasses. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! Its the part right after you come out of the valley. selectedText = 'Very Good'; BEWARE of Beachfront Travel, also know as TBD (Travel By Design). The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. Each of these offshoots has unique waterfalls and swimming spots. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Register in order to post your own listings! You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. #3. Its rated a 9/10 for technical difficulty, and has many shear drop offs, narrow ledges, and never ending climbs and descents. Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. 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. 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. For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. Hanalei Pine Trees The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. Waipouli Beach Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; 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. This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. Florida manatees: What's legal, what isn't, what to do if you see one | Web usage privacy. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. Isobutane fuel with a screw top for Jetboil, MSR, and other backpacking stoves is available at Kayak Kauai. else if(i=='3'){ Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. Tunnels Beach, Anahola Beach Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. 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. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. } 10 Best Things to Do in Cedar Key FL You Shouldn't Miss The people come together to share meals and talk story of their days adventures. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. 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. Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. You definitely do not want to swim when this is the case. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. The view of the valley is stunning at every point. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. All rights reserved. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. Kayaking from a boat tour to Kalalau Beach - Kauai Forum You do not need to hike the entire trail to get a sense of what its about. If your time on Kauai is limited you should definitely see it on one of our tours, whether you visit the valley or not. Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. Kalalau Campground, Npali Coast, HI: 7 Hipcamper Reviews And 13 Photos The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. You need to bring all food and equipment with you. This section is a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. 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. 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. My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. var selectedVal = ''; We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. . 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. One of the many bountiful community gardens. Sponsored Content >. The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. Thanks Hiker. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. Yes, there are illegal campers there, some of them do leave trash. 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. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. 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). The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. ny = document.getElementById(image); The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. I don't know if there are companies regularly drop people off, but start at the state parks website: Here's the specific link for camping along the trail: http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/kauai/napali.cfm. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. 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. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. Cookie Notice During summer, sea caves just beyond the waterfall provide popular camping shelters, but winter surf removes much of the beach and enters the caves. ), 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. NOTE: A valid camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. During the winter months, huge waves crash against the cliffs. if(i=='1'){ After exploring the cave and eating some snacks we spent an hour being extremely lazy. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. 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. We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd.
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