| "); This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. Hawaii Beach Guide | Hawaii.com 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). The Kalalau Trail on N Pali's stunning Hawaiian coast is one of the most challenging treks in the world. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. When it rains, which on Kauai is all of the time, portions of the trail get muddy and sloppy. Na Pali Coast State Park Information & More - Hawaii Guide The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). Plan your trip accordingly. As you can expect, Tunnels Beach is . Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. No camping is permitted there, but that is only what we read on the signage. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. And don't be fooled by the first Kalalau Lookout sign. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. Anini Beach. Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. Phone Number. The trail narrows to a couple of feet in some sections with a sheer cliff on one side and a steep drop to the Pacific on the other. Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. Hello. For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. } The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. In between each of the talons lies a valley, and none of them are more beautiful or abundant than Kalalau. There may be a boat with the Swedish Bikini Team, and they usually have the best refreshments on board. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. 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. The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail. Makana Charters Kiahuna Beach Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. Kalalau Beach is the huge chunk of sand that sits in front of Kalalau Valley. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. mobile app. (Originally published in August 2011. } The white sand beach is a mile long, and, in this seclusion, you'll have no problem picking out your own isolated spot. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. They are all worth exploring if you have the time. I have no idea what they charge. Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset. 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. There are falling rock hazards at the Kalalau Beach campsites along the cliff walls. } The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. Privacy Policy. These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. lc=rid; It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. And then, after a few seconds passed, all you could hear was a barrage of *click-click-clicks* from cameras. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. Hanalei Pine Trees Though you may be tempted, please do not hike this trail without permission. #3. It can be ankle deep only to plunge down to the depths with no warning. } And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. See all 16 reviews. After exploring the cave and eating some snacks we spent an hour being extremely lazy. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. ny = document.getElementById(image); These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. As you travel north, prices go up and options are more limited. { They live in simple camps with no permanent structures, with tarps as their roofs and cooking by the flame of a fire. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. 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. It doesnt go back too far. How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. Keep driving until the road absolutely ends at a circular parking lot. function form_visible(){ While the crew . Heed these warnings! Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. 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. | Web usage privacy. On the plus side, it is Anini Beach is a narrow sliver of a beach that extends along Kauai's North Shore for somewhat over two miles. All rights reserved. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). 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. 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. At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. 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. 2023 Kauai Beaches. Plan on spending 10 hours in hiking boots if you do this. State. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. If your time on Kauai is limited you should definitely see it on one of our tours, whether you visit the valley or not. Plan your trip accordingly. 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 traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. 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Composting toilets are available at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. show(star_img,rid); 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. This section is a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. and our else if(star_img=='2'){ Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. PDF Kalalau Trail - Department of Land and Natural Resources NOTE: It is illegal for anyone to provide commercial boat transportation for drop off/pick-up at Kalalau or Milolii camping areas. Its large and backs up to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and classic napali coastline. ny = document.getElementById(image); 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. The view of the valley is stunning at every point. function mark(star_img,rid) [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. var i; She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. } for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { } Kalalau Beach | Kauai Beach Scoop he camping permits go fast, so its wise to get one a year or more in advance. 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. Walk up the short hill. You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. Yes, there are illegal campers there, some of them do leave trash. Keep in mind that this portion of the trail is in the designated day-use area and can be accessed without a permit. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Camping is allowed on the beach, but permits are required. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. 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. 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. We are interested in making the ~1/4mi swim to Honopu Beach. She said that even the babies were quiet. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. } Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. |