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. Personally, I like the idea of the bikini clad sweet hearts, free drinks, and calm seas. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . Doing this is dangerous so, maybe dont attempt this if you ever find yourself in front of this rock. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. info@MakanaCharters.com Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. 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. Hours: 8:00a.m. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! { Hiking The Kalalau Trail: The Ultimate Guide - Wandering Wheatleys 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 . On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Honopu Beach | UnrealHawaii.com 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. Waipouli Beach Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. #2. 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. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. 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. No camping is permitted there, but that is only what we read on the signage. We walked back to the end of Kalalau Beach. 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. If you are swept past the beach, there are miles of steep cliffside before you would be able to reach shore. 4516 Alawai Rd. Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. For more information, please see our Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. This cave is no longer accessible.). In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. 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. 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. ny = document.getElementById(image); Kayaking from a boat tour to Kalalau Beach - Kauai Forum It's better to enjoy the beach, the scenery and its caves while taking a refreshing shower in the natural waterfall. Plan your trip accordingly. 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Isobutane fuel with a screw top for Jetboil, MSR, and other backpacking stoves is available at Kayak Kauai. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. Within the valley itself, there are many things to see and do. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. There are falling rock hazards at the Kalalau Beach campsites along the cliff walls. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. ny = document.getElementById(image); But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. 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 . A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. var selectedText = ''; This special spot is beautiful at sunset. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. While the crew . Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. 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. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. What are some free things to do on Kauai? Heed these warnings! Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. } return; 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. All About The Bahamas' Swimming Pigs - Nassau Paradise Island Kalalau Trail Kauai - Hiking to the Hanakapiai Beach and Back The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. else The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. 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. 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. 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. Anini Beach is an oddity on Polihale Beach is spectacular by all measures of comparison and almost every description of this beach requires the use of a superlative. Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. 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. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. Start the hike as early as possible so you're ahead of the day hikers and have ample time to finish the hike before dark. Observe from a distance and use the zoom on your camera. This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, from ancient times until about 1920. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. 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. Be sure to purify your water as it most likely contains leptospirosis, a bacteria from urine. Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; [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. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). During the winter and spring conditions are especially dangerous. document.write(""); Npali Coast State Wilderness Park. Please plan accordingly. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. They live in simple camps with no permanent structures, with tarps as their roofs and cooking by the flame of a fire. What off the beaten path activities can I do? I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. Sponsored Content >. The next day was another bright and beautiful one. This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. Kalalau Campground, Npali Coast, HI: 7 Hipcamper Reviews And 13 Photos } ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. You will find this beach after a 11 mile hike along the Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast. document.write("

"); This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. And they probably only do this in the summer, when the surf and currents are safe to swim ashore. Yes as daisies. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. [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. Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. Those of us that didnt have sunglasses wore their swimming goggles to keep the sand out of their eyes. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. var shows = 0; For a nonresident of Hawaii, permits at the time of writing cost $20 per person/per night. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. Kalalau Beach - Wikipedia Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. 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. Anini Beach. Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. Npali Coast SWP camping permits are available here >, Overnight parking is available at Hena SP via Overnight Parking Reservation. 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. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. ), 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. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. 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. They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. 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). Its large and backs up to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and classic napali coastline. var ny; Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). Walk-ins permitted. 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. Drinking the Water Lawai Beach Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. The trailhead can be found at the very end of the road on the northern side of the island at Ke'e Beach. Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. selectedText = 'Very Good'; ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); 3. In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. NOTE: A valid camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. 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. Shopping is limited on Kauai and it is best to bring as many specialty items as possible with you on your flight such as your tent, sleeping bag, and trekking poles. The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. var selectedVal = ''; Kayak the Na Pali Coast, The Mount Everest of Sea Kayaking - Hawaii.com Poipu Beach During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. Any advice is much appreciated. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. else if(star_img=='3'){ But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. And sunglasses. I didn't think you camp on the beach. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. Signs warn hikers of dangerous rockfall near the falls, so this area is off limits for swimming. This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. Operate by the LNT principle and leave no trace behind you. If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! 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. Lansing Police Department, What Happened To Kellie And Henri Aussie Gold Hunters, Wigan Week In Court July 2020, Articles C