So if you're afraid of heights, you may not like this trail, especially around the middle of it. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. It is 11 miles to get to Kalalau Beach - so if you are talking about going there and having someone pick you up and bring you back.. You'll still have to hike 11 miles to get there - difficult trail - especially past Hanakoa, and you will need a permit from the State to camp there, even for one night. Are we nuts? else if(i=='5'){ There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. There is no cell reception, but there is a payphone. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; ), 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. Anini Beach. We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! 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. I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. } 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. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. But if you abuse or harass the animal or your actions result in its . selectedText = 'Poor'; 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. When it rains, which on Kauai is all of the time, portions of the trail get muddy and sloppy. Swimming is not recommended at Hanakapiai Beach due to dangerous rip currents and wave patterns. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. Keep in mind that this portion of the trail is in the designated day-use area and can be accessed without a permit. These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: This beach is fairly private due to the difficult trek to it. 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. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag. 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. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. 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. 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. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. [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. var lc; else if(star_img=='4'){ Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. She didnt do the hike but she was able to see the Na Pali Coast from a cruise ship. 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. 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. We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. 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. Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. Kealia Beach We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. ), 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. Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. 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. Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. 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). 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. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. Privacy Policy. Haena Beach var el = document.getElementById('sf'); Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. For all these, just ask a friendly local where to go! 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. Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. 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. Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. If you visit these side trips, make sure to factor the additional miles into your hiking plan. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; BEWARE of Beachfront Travel, also know as TBD (Travel By Design). This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; During the winter and spring conditions are especially dangerous. Questions? There was not a peep out of the couple thousand passengers on the deck. 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. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! They often sell out and some people make reservations up to a year in advance. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. See all 16 reviews. See Polipoli site for updates. Just remember that Kalalau Beach does not have a protective reef to break the waves. This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. The hike to the beach is two miles and takes 2 hours. Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers and hikers. Npali Coast State Wilderness Park. el.style.display = 'none'; ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. You need to filter your water on the trail. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. The people come together to share meals and talk story of their days adventures. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . From the beach, the valley extends 2 miles inland, with the high plateau of Kokee State park looking down upon it. The trail that leads to this beach is considered the most difficult trails on the islands. } Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. You'll also find a natural shower in the form of Ho'ole'a Falls at the western end of the beach. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. We couldnt stay for long as youneed to get back before the waves and the current pick up. If you get a late start or are a slower hiker, this may be a good option for you. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. 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. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. 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 . The last thing you'll want when going on a . The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; Except that theres an ocean next to you. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. 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 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. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. 6. Camping gear should include a lightweight sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad, tent with rainfly, cooking stove and fuel, water purification tablets or filter, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, and biodegradable soap. Salt Pond Beach Be sure to purify your water as it most likely contains leptospirosis, a bacteria from urine. 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. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). ny = document.getElementById(image);