If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. else if(i=='4'){ Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. } After leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters drier, more open land which offers little shade from the midday sun. Nobody seems to mind, though trading modern creature comforts for a deeper connection to the land around by learning how to coexist with nature instead of profiting off it. I have no idea what they charge. They often sell out and some people make reservations up to a year in advance. This small beach is no longer accessible.). Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. When it rains, which on Kauai is all of the time, portions of the trail get muddy and sloppy. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. Dont get caught in here. But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. The Beach It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. There are falling rock hazards at the Kalalau Beach campsites along the cliff walls. We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. Polihale Beach Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. We would attempt to see what was beyond the beach on the following day. This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. 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. } Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. Share your great experiences with me, please? 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. And don't be fooled by the first Kalalau Lookout sign. You will find this beach after a 11 mile hike along the Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast. The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. 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. Hanalei Pier Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers and hikers. selectedVal = '4'; One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. This boulder is now underwatwer.). You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. You need to bring all food and equipment with you. milwkid9090's first answer is still the best. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. Permits cost $10 per person per night. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. } function mark(star_img,rid) *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. United States. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { } if (field.value.length > maxlimit) The rock was like a magnet for the girls. Now you can sit back and enjoy yet another epic sunset. Adjacent is a famous valley, with vast streams, pools and trails. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. NOTE: It is illegal for anyone to provide commercial boat transportation for drop off/pick-up at Kalalau or Milolii camping areas. Password should be at least 8 characters. selectedText = 'Poor'; People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. he camping permits go fast, so its wise to get one a year or more in advance. Cross Kalalau Stream to the beach and the camping area. Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). Privacy Policy. 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). So, I was wondering from someone who has perhaps done it recently, what the experience was like? You may find locals living near the beach, or in the adjacent valley. As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. If you can't hike the trail, the kayak to the beach would be even more strenuous even if you could. Personally, I like the idea of the bikini clad sweet hearts, free drinks, and calm seas. 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. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. else 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. Nonetheless, you'll find beach areas with calm waters to swim and even snorkel without any issues. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. document.write("
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"); } They are all worth exploring if you have the time. The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. This beach is fairly private due to the difficult trek to it. mobile app. Published on 10/07/2018 by Kauai Beach Scoop. }, Private and Quiet Luxury Beach House 3 minute walk to beach TVNC#5151, Hale Kahakai: Beachfront home on the Magical North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii Life Rentals presents Modern beach style vacation house, with A/C, Affordable Beach House Just Steps to the Beach Children Welcome! Poipu Beach The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. Travel light. She didnt do the hike but she was able to see the Na Pali Coast from a cruise ship. This was my favorite part of the trip. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. What are some free things to do on Kauai? var i; Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? Some of these year-round residents hike out of the valley every couple of months to get supplies. You can swim in Cabo San Lucas, but only on some of its beaches. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. 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. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Register in order to post your own listings! We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. One of the many bountiful community gardens. 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. For a nonresident of Hawaii, permits at the time of writing cost $20 per person/per night. For more information, please see our Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. 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. Look closely at the textured valley walls and you'll see mountain goats precariously perched on high. Strong winds during the day form lines in the sand. There are no roads that take you to the valley. selectedVal = '2'; Kalalau Beach (see more photos) lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. Those of us that didnt have sunglasses wore their swimming goggles to keep the sand out of their eyes. All rights reserved. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. About a mile up the valley, the . (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. 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. var ny; It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. } field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); 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 . Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. var lc; My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. 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. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. 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. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. 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. Would it still be safe during the time we are going? From here, trails lead through the rest of the valley. Please plan accordingly. Yes Good For Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset 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. Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. These valleys are sacred ground to the Hawaiian people and it is our responsibility as hikers to make a conscious effort to preserve and protect the land. 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. Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. ny = document.getElementById(image); 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;}. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks. For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. 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. Walk up the short hill. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. Eleven miles in and eleven out. And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. You can also get to this beach via boat, which is fairly commonly done via Kayaks (with a permit). The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. 3. Contact the Department of State Parks, (808) 587-0300, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. 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. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. The sandbar is quite shallow here and in some spots the ocean bottom drops off quickly to overhead depths. if(i=='1'){ In between each of the talons lies a valley, and none of them are more beautiful or abundant than Kalalau. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. 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. Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. Hiking to Hanakpai Valley (2 miles in from trailhead) requires Entry and Parking Reservations at Haena. Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. It's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. What off the beaten path activities can I do? Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. If you look closely at the photo above, you can see them in the water. 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. Hanalei Pine Trees More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. The park will REOPEN by 3:00 PM on Friday 3/3/23. It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. 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. else if(i=='2'){ if(star_img=='1'){ image = 'qw'+rnid + i; After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. function noshow(star_img,rnid) The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. It's a surreal scene. The trail is one of the most difficult in the Hawaiian Islands, which limits visitors to the beach. selectedText = 'Very Good'; Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. (808) 274-3444. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. 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. function form_visible(){ Permit holders can choose where to spend their allotted nights on the trail. Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. You'll be fined if you do not have one. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. Maybe this site can answer your question. Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. } 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. return; And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? Guava Forest-An entire grove of trees that provides an abundance of wild guava. There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. They were up there within a few seconds. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. Is there something we should watch for? [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. This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo.