Though you may be tempted, please do not hike this trail without permission. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. She didnt do the hike but she was able to see the Na Pali Coast from a cruise ship. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. We were able to obtain a permit three months before our trip in January, however, summer permits reportedly fill up more quickly. var shows = 0; 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. 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. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. 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. These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. 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. 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). More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. else if(star_img=='3'){ selectedText = 'Very Good'; Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. Hawaii. We're not around right now. Cookie Notice ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. 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. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). Some of these year-round residents hike out of the valley every couple of months to get supplies. She said that even the babies were quiet. Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. 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. selectedVal = '5'; All rights reserved. The sea can appear calm here at times (like summer) making it seem safe to swim. In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. They told us about how amazing Honopu Beach was. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. You can also get to this beach via boat, which is fairly commonly done via Kayaks (with a permit). Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. You may find locals living near the beach, or in the adjacent valley. It is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgment by interpreting and using the information to safely enjoy any outdoor activities. After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. It is now underwater.). Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. There are no lifeguards at Kalalau Beach, and you're an 11-mile hike from help. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. And then, after a few seconds passed, all you could hear was a barrage of *click-click-clicks* from cameras. This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. While the crew was away we explored the rock garden and wet cave over here. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. Travel light. Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. Dont get caught in here. You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . 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. Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. Well worth a look (and an unforgettable fruitful smell). There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; ny = document.getElementById(image); 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. 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. Dont pack any food items. It doesnt go back too far. 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. Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. Contact the Department of State Parks, (808) 587-0300, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. } Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). Yes as daisies. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. Just remember that Kalalau Beach does not have a protective reef to break the waves. 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. 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. Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. 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. While the crew . field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. 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. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. The people come together to share meals and talk story of their days adventures. if (shows){ Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. [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. It's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. Theres one section of the beach that gets super windy. You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. Hiking to Hanakpai Valley (2 miles in from trailhead) requires Entry and Parking Reservations at Haena. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. 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. The Kalalau Valley sits roughly halfway down the coast. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. Maybe this site can answer your question. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. 2023 Kauai Beaches. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. NOTE: It is illegal for anyone to provide commercial boat transportation for drop off/pick-up at Kalalau or Milolii camping areas. document.write("
| "); 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 Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. Jen and Seth decided to swim down the coastline instead. I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. The beach is a prime spot for swimming and snorkeling, thanks to its relatively calm waters and a coral reef that is just a few meters offshore. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. 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. At the end is a pool. The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; There are even several community gardens throughout the valley, giving the people sustenance without a reliance on the outside world. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. Waipouli Beach 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. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. This was my favorite part of the trip. Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees. function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { The next day was another bright and beautiful one. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. 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[OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument IsCLOSED due to high winds and heavy rain. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; *Camping permits for Npali Coast SWP often sell-out quickly, particularly during the summer months. shows = 1; Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. 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. Two days after we finished our hike, the trail was closed for almost a week due to flash flooding and the warning was posted in a red banner at the top of the web page. The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. 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. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. Seeaosite for updates. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. 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. 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. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. A well-chosen campsite can save you from a bad night of sleep or worse. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. The faces are sheer and you can see that boulders continuously break off.(Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. About a mile up the valley, the . The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. High surf pounds the shore creating extremely turbulent waters. This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. function form_visible(){ Published on 10/07/2018 by Kauai Beach Scoop. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Doing this is dangerous so, maybe dont attempt this if you ever find yourself in front of this rock. These campsites are run by the County of Kauai and operate on a different reservation system.
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