Many of the unforgettable sights on the Na Pali coast are only viewable from the sea, so it is well worth a look. Please read. 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. jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. While the crew . See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. (Originally published in August 2011. A password will be mailed to you! In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. The Kalalau Trail on N Pali's stunning Hawaiian coast is one of the most challenging treks in the world. Jen and Seth decided to swim down the coastline instead. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? Though exact dates vary between sources, in the past, Native Hawaiians lived and worked in the valleys, cultivating taro and harvesting fish from the sea. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. Hours: 8:00a.m. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. 4516 Alawai Rd. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. 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. Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. Just remember that Kalalau Beach does not have a protective reef to break the waves. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. Camping on Kauai anywhere other than designated camping areas is considered illegal. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. 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. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. } The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. 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. Anini Beach. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. And they probably only do this in the summer, when the surf and currents are safe to swim ashore. Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. Sponsored Content >. If your time on Kauai is limited you should definitely see it on one of our tours, whether you visit the valley or not. and our There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream Did you see Todays Groupon for world resorts international? Makana Charters A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. } else { Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, and no later than the day before your visit*. Maybe dont look over the edge if you are afraid of heights. Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. There are no lifeguards on these beaches and help is a helicopter ride away. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. 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. What off the beaten path activities can I do? If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. There was not a peep out of the couple thousand passengers on the deck. You'll also find a natural shower in the form of Ho'ole'a Falls at the western end of the beach. 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. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. function noshow(star_img,rnid) Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? 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. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). 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. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. The trail that leads to this beach is considered the most difficult trails on the islands. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. Kalalau Beach (see more photos) lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. return; Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. el.style.display = 'none'; Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. 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. If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapiai valley must possess a valid overnight camping permit. Kee Beach Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. Make reservations at www.gohaena.com. Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. function showform(raid){ } 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 winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. For more information, please see our There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. What are some free things to do on Kauai? 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. Any advice is much appreciated. } Since there are no lifeguards here and drownings have happened in the past, it is recommended to avoid swimming at Kalalau. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Milwkid, I don't know why you would think the OP is joking - this question does get asked occasionally (hell, I wouldn't want to hike the whole 11 miles, either). *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! 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 short break makes for big waves, especially during the winter season, and the sandbar can be unpredictable. Use extreme caution when swimming atthis beach. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. This cave is no longer accessible.). var shows = 0; Drinking the Water It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. Privacy Policy. For over 20 years we have been offering tours of the Na Pali coast on custom-built touring catamarans that were designed to provide the ultimate touring experience. For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. All rights reserved. Published on 10/07/2018 by Kauai Beach Scoop. Camping is allowed on the beach, but permits are required. Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. Dont get caught in here. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach 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. Poipu Beach But if you abuse or harass the animal or your actions result in its . These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees. And don't be fooled by the first Kalalau Lookout sign. Phone Number. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. The poorly marked 1/2-mile trail up the east fork of the stream to Hanakoa falls has hazardous, eroded sections but affords a spectacular view of the falls. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. } See all 16 reviews. The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. 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. Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the round-trip hike to Hanakapiai Beach. Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset. Honopu Beach now requires swimming a good 300 or more yards to access the beach.). The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. Cross Kalalau Stream to the beach and the camping area. A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; image = 'qw'+rnid + i; This boulder is now underwatwer.). It's a surreal scene. And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. This beach is fairly private due to the difficult trek to it. Park. There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. he camping permits go fast, so its wise to get one a year or more in advance. The area upon which the Like so many beaches on the North Shore of Kauai safety is a big issue for Ke'e Beach. The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. Walk up the short hill. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; } Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. 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. Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. if(i=='1'){ What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. Contact the Department of State Parks, (808) 587-0300, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. 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. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. I didn't think you camp on the beach. { The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; 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. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag. They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. 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. We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Its wide and deep. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. This special spot is beautiful at sunset. Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance.
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