Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. Kee Beach Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. This is the cleanest fresh water on the island, so it's great for a shower. The beach sits at the foot of Kalalau Valley which is the jewel of the Na Pali Coast. The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. Kiahuna Beach 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;}. Heres the thing youre in the middle of nowhere out here. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. You will find this beach after a 11 mile hike along the Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast. 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. else if(i=='3'){ Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapiai valley must possess a valid overnight camping permit. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. All rights reserved. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. Be sure to purify your water as it most likely contains leptospirosis, a bacteria from urine. Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. if(star_img=='1'){ After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. Two days after we finished our hike, the trail was closed for almost a week due to flash flooding and the warning was posted in a red banner at the top of the web page. We tried to soak it in as much as possible knowing that it would be quite some time before we would ever return. Hiking to Hanakpai Valley (2 miles in from trailhead) requires Entry and Parking Reservations at Haena. There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. 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. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. You'll be fined if you do not have one. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Thanks Hiker. } Must climb rock . Privacy Policy. This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. Its the part right after you come out of the valley. If possible, I would recommend making the trek all the way to the beach to camp. Jen and Seth decided to swim down the coastline instead. Walk up the short hill. We chose to get our permits from the office closest to the airport immediately upon arriving in Kauai. See Hapuna site for updates. If you get a late start or are a slower hiker, this may be a good option for you. Hanakoa campsite at mile 6 gives hikers the opportunity to spend the night at the halfway point on the trail. This was my favorite part of the trip. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. After selecting the date and time of your visit, youll be able to select the number of entry or parking vouchers required. Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. 2023 Kauai Beaches. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. Thanks so much. But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! It can be ankle deep only to plunge down to the depths with no warning. The rugged, inaccessible coast is made up of a series of green cathedral cliffs that reach out into the ocean like the talons of an island-sized dragon. Swimming is not recommended at Hanakapiai Beach due to dangerous rip currents and wave patterns. It doesnt go back too far. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. 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. Park. The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. Make reservations at www.gohaena.com. There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ This boulder is now underwatwer.). Plan your trip accordingly. Its wide and deep. She didnt do the hike but she was able to see the Na Pali Coast from a cruise ship. function noshow(star_img,rnid) The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. Heres what they saw. | Web usage privacy. Carrying trekking poles was also immensely helpful in balancing on the more slippery portions. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. } If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. 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. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. You'll peer down thousands of feet into a colorful tropical landscape that is punctuated by a beautiful beach. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. The park will REOPEN by 3:00 PM on Friday 3/3/23. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. Despite the fact that many would fail to understand why these people would live this way by choice, they are truly happy in their natural surroundings. Touching a manatee is punishable under the Manatee Sanctuary Act, with a fine of up to $500 and/or a jail term of up to 60 days. Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. selectedVal = '1'; Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. Use extreme caution when swimming atthis beach. While the Kalalau Beach at the end of the trail is considered safe for swimming, the first beach you encounter on the trail, Hanakapiai Beach, is not. Nonetheless, you'll find beach areas with calm waters to swim and even snorkel without any issues. Camping in Kalalau is allowed only behind this sand beach. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim, http://goingtogetlost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/going-to-get-lost_black-logo-e1472512038874.png, http://goingtogetlost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/commando-climb-7.jpg. The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. Permits cost $10 per person per night. function show(star_img,rnid) Camping on Kauai anywhere other than designated camping areas is considered illegal. if (shows){ *Camping permits for Npali Coast SWP often sell-out quickly, particularly during the summer months. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. We left our snorkel equipment in the trunk of our rental car and took a swim at the end of our hike. } else { The next day was another bright and beautiful one. The people come together to share meals and talk story of their days adventures. 6. From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. else if(star_img=='4'){ So if you're afraid of heights, you may not like this trail, especially around the middle of it. 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 Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. 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. But if you abuse or harass the animal or your actions result in its . Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). Then make some friends with the adventurers around you while you enjoy one of the last sunsets in the United States. Beaches - Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. [OAHU] UPDATED 2/28/23: Kaena Point State Park Mokuleia Section The vehicle access road will continue to beCLOSED due to heavy rains and saturated road conditions. Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. function mark(star_img,rid) The Kalalau Valley sits roughly halfway down the coast. For treating minor injuries, carry a first-aid kit with you and learn some of the basics. } Both of these excursions depart Nassau at 8:00 a.m. sharp and return from The Exumas between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Drinking the Water Any advice is much appreciated. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. I have no idea what they charge. The only way to access the valley is either by boat or hiking the 11-mile Kalalau trail there are no roads or airstrips here and only government helicopters are authorized to land. There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). Adjacent is a famous valley, with vast streams, pools and trails. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > Plan your trip accordingly. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. All rights reserved. Hanalei Pavilion } Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. { DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! Phone Number. This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. 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. SeeSand Island site for updates. The Kalalau Trail on N Pali's stunning Hawaiian coast is one of the most challenging treks in the world. Hello. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. selectedVal = '3'; This section is a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. 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. 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. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. } The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. 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. http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. As you can expect, Tunnels Beach is . 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. We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. Lumahai Beach Click on the Boating Na Pali link to see a list of boating companies that have permits to land - perhaps they would do a private charter: http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/kauai/napali_boating.cfm. You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. There has been mention here before about companies, individuals who will pick you up from Kalalau Beach and bring you out - but I don't know if any of them are still doing that personally. 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. 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. If you visit these side trips, make sure to factor the additional miles into your hiking plan. During the winter months, huge waves crash against the cliffs. And how do I know that ? And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. There was not a peep out of the couple thousand passengers on the deck. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. Waipouli Beach For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. State. Lic# TVNC1058, Secluded and difficult to access beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast, You should be in good physical condition to hike to the beach and not afraid of heights (the trail is narrow in some areas and involves several stream crossings), Beware of flash floods when crossing streams (don't cross if the water is too high), Kalalau Beach has rip tides, strong currents and a dangerous shorebreak, especially in the winter months, Bring all needed supplies and food with you, Mosquito repellent is a good idea to bring too. Travel light. Salt Pond Beach These campsites are run by the County of Kauai and operate on a different reservation system. I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. Lawai Beach Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. What are some free things to do on Kauai? Theres one section of the beach that gets super windy. There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. Parking is limited to two parking lots and you will not want to park streetside if you are leaving your car overnight, as you may receive a ticket. Though you may be tempted, please do not hike this trail without permission. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; 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. The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. Waimea Beach. Even if there was an unautthorized boat, or raft, the OP did not happen to mention the time of year that they were planning on camping at the Kalalau Valley. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Like previous poster said, unless you have rough water experience, just don't. Especially, especially right now. . You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. Polihale Beach 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. jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; The trail is one of the most difficult in the Hawaiian Islands, which limits visitors to the beach. Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Hawaii. The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. The Beach Doing this is dangerous so, maybe dont attempt this if you ever find yourself in front of this rock. They are all worth exploring if you have the time. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. document.write("

"); The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. 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. During the summer one can kayak out that way (one of our frequent contributors TravelerXYZ has done it) but again you can't land the kayaks. Cory and Troy picked them off the rocks in between waves. else if(i=='2'){ Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. Hanalei Pine Trees [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument IsCLOSED due to high winds and heavy rain. About a mile up the valley, the . Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. You'll also find a natural shower in the form of Ho'ole'a Falls at the western end of the beach. 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. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. 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. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! mobile app. Heed these warnings! Is there something we should watch for? Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. We're not around right now. Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck.