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. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; var ny; We are interested in making the ~1/4mi swim to Honopu Beach. As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. You are always a wealth of hiking info. [KAUAI] Kkee State Park - Beginning TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2023, road repair work will be conducted along Kkee Road between the meadow/lodge area and the first Kalalau Lookout. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Those with Npali Coast SWP Camping Permits do not need to make a Hena SP park entry reservation. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. Npali Coast SWP camping permits are available here >, Overnight parking is available at Hena SP via Overnight Parking Reservation. Kalapaki Beach 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. 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. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). And it's absolutely wonderful to take a dip in Queen's Bath after enjoying the turtles inside Turtle Cove. Hanakapiai Beach to Hanakapiai FallsFour miles roundtrip and located at mile 2 on the main trail, this side trail hikes up a valley that ends at a waterfall. milwkid9090's first answer is still the best. Not supporting camping there illegally at all - but those folks are not the big problem with opala from what I've been told. This boulder is now underwatwer.). Hiking Kauai: The Kalalau Trail - The Trek It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); Daily, Get in touch with us today to book your tour, The Honu (Sea Turtle) and Its Importance to Hawaii, 6 Tips for Photographing the Na Pali Coast, 5 Interesting Facts about the Na Pali Coast, View From the Top or From the Waters: Discover the Best Way to Explore the Na Pali Coast. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. The Beach The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. Anini Beach. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument IsCLOSED due to high winds and heavy rain. }else{ We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. The park will REOPEN by 3:00 PM on Friday 3/3/23. If you follow blueflamingo's boating link, you'll find that no tour boats are allowed to land at Kalalau beach, only kayaks. 6. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. Its worth while to bring a way to store water, as the water source is a good trek from the designated camp areas. Kalalau Beach (see more photos) lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. Heres the thing youre in the middle of nowhere out here. 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. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. You need to filter your water on the trail. lc=rid; Would it still be safe during the time we are going? Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. 5 Days In Kauai Sample Itinerary | Hawaii Travel Guide Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. Hanalei Pier That means rogue waves can crash onto the beach at any moment. Get answers to your questions about Kauai. 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. 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. While the crew was away we explored the rock garden and wet cave over here. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. Dont get caught in here. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). Cory and Troy picked them off the rocks in between waves. [Kauai] Swimming to Honopu Beach from Kalalau : r/HawaiiVisitors - reddit selectedText = 'Fine'; and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. #2. Fuji Beach Hanalei Pine Trees Heed these warnings! http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. High surf pounds the shore creating extremely turbulent waters. . We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; This is because the valley and beach are literally surrounded by steep rock walls, so unless you feel inspired to do some lead climbing, or swim back (not recommended- see the hazards section), you pretty much have to enter and leave the way you came. Favorite Kauai Restaurants (updated November 2017), How to Eat Vegan on the Garden Isle of Kauai. There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. When you finally get to the beach, you'll marvel at the hikers that have carried 50+ pounds of gear across the hike and over the ledge. Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. else if(star_img=='4'){ Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. A well-chosen campsite can save you from a bad night of sleep or worse. | Web usage privacy. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. They live in simple camps with no permanent structures, with tarps as their roofs and cooking by the flame of a fire. How Long To Hike Kalalau Trail In Kauai, Hawaii The Grom Life This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! 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. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . 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. About a mile up the valley, the . Share your great experiences with me, please? There may be a boat with the Swedish Bikini Team, and they usually have the best refreshments on board. I would like to spend one night at the Kalalau beach, but honestly, I don't feel like walking the 11 mile trail, so does anyone know if I can arrange a boat there that would pick me up the next day? Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail. If you are stopped by a park ranger you will be asked to show the permit along with photo id. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. Plan your trip accordingly. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. var i; But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. Kiahuna Beach Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. Most of the year the high surf prevents boats from accessing the shore, which means the only way in is to make the trek by foot. Kalalau Beach is the huge chunk of sand that sits in front of Kalalau Valley. 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. 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. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Maybe this site can answer your question. There are lots of details to consider when planning this hike and having a strategy ahead of time will make sure you have time for everything you want to see. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. 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. The rock was like a magnet for the girls. 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. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. The beach sits at the foot of Kalalau Valley which is the jewel of the Na Pali Coast. This 2-mile long day hike (4 miles round trip) is moderately challenging and doesn't require extreme abilities, therefore almost anybody in a decent physical . Florida manatees: What's legal, what isn't, what to do if you see one } el.style.display = 'none'; We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. 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. 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. In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. It is now underwater.). 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. 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. There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. Permits cost $10 per person per night. We would attempt to see what was beyond the beach on the following day. List of properly permitted vacation rentals, not condos - 8/15/2017, Weather Questions start here Pls/Best Time of Year to Visit Kauai, How to make reservations at Haena State Park / Ke'e Beach. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. The Kalalau Valley - 5 Things To Do In The Jewel of Napali and our You need to bring all food and equipment with you. shows = 1; The trail is one of the most difficult in the Hawaiian Islands, which limits visitors to the beach. Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. Travel light. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. Well worth a look (and an unforgettable fruitful smell). function noshow(star_img,rnid) Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. If you are swept past the beach, there are miles of steep cliffside before you would be able to reach shore. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. Eleven miles in and eleven out. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. 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. Kalalau Beach - Wikipedia Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). Though you may be tempted, please do not hike this trail without permission. Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. *Camping permits for Npali Coast SWP often sell-out quickly, particularly during the summer months. There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). 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. Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. Questions? Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. 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. A password will be mailed to you! On the north end of the valley is New beach (or Summer beach) the sand collects in the summer to make a nice stretch of beach, but in the winter the swell washes it all away. DAY-USE RESERVATIONS OR A VALID CAMPING PERMIT, AND PARKING RESERVATIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE KALALAU TRAIL. Jen and Seth decided to swim down the coastline instead. We were able to obtain a permit three months before our trip in January, however, summer permits reportedly fill up more quickly. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. function showform(raid){ DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! But remembers there is no reef to protect the shore, which leaves it vulnerable tolong shore currents. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. Can You Swim in Cabo San Lucas? - All You Need to Know Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. Side note, if you are not a member you can still eat at their outdoor walk-up food counter and it is probably the cheapest meal on the island. There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. Now you can sit back and enjoy yet another epic sunset. Kealia Beach Look closely at the textured valley walls and you'll see mountain goats precariously perched on high. Kalalau Beach in Kauai - Hawaiian Planner Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. Ke`e Beach | Kauai.com After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. Don't Look Down! document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. var image; As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. Is there something we should watch for? (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. 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. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. } Please read. Follow the tunnel until you reach the room that's lit up with a blue hue this is the one you'll need to find the rebreather. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Kayak the Na Pali Coast, The Mount Everest of Sea Kayaking - Hawaii.com } 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. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; See Polipoli site for updates. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. You'll be fined if you do not have one. All About The Bahamas' Swimming Pigs - Nassau Paradise Island { During the winter and spring conditions are especially dangerous. 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. 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. 4516 Alawai Rd. 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. When it rains, which on Kauai is all of the time, portions of the trail get muddy and sloppy. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. Lawai Beach 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. 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 . Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. Privacy Policy. It appears Hawaii Tourism doesn't want people to visit Kauai, Trip Report 2- Outings, Entertainment, Attractions, Kauai St regis or Big Island Four seasons. 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). Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. Book your permits as early as possible for the best chance of getting your preferred dates. For all these, just ask a friendly local where to go! The Best Family Friendly Things To Do in LasVegas, Where To Spend Nine Perfect Days in Croatia, New Zealands South Island Is Pure Magic: 6 Natural Wonders You Need ToSee, How To Experience The Rich Black History of Montgomery, Alabama, 11 Things To See, Do, and Eat in Bratislava, Slovakia, How To Experience Undeveloped Beaches and Fresh Seafood In Panama CityBeach, How To Explore Savannah Through the City's New Electric, Open-Roof Cruisers, From Sparkles To Champagne Elevator Rides: What You Need To Know Before Visiting the Eiffel Tower, 10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Angkor Wat, Winter Is Actually a Great Time To Visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Download the Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. Honopu Beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor info@MakanaCharters.com This was my favorite part of the trip. Na Pali Coast State Park Information & More - Hawaii Guide Cookie Notice How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? } Here are 21 things you should know before hiking the Kalalau Trail. Call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. We chose to get our permits from the office closest to the airport immediately upon arriving in Kauai. At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. Start the hike as early as possible so you're ahead of the day hikers and have ample time to finish the hike before dark. The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. I have no idea what they charge. No camping is permitted there, but that is only what we read on the signage. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. You can see some effects from from high usage (I won't say overuse because permits are already limited), but it is still very nice there. #30. Yes, there are illegal campers there, some of them do leave trash. 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. Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. This small beach is no longer accessible.). Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. ), 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. 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. 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. You definitely do not want to swim when this is the case. Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. You'll also find a natural shower in the form of Ho'ole'a Falls at the western end of the beach. Like previous poster said, unless you have rough water experience, just don't. Especially, especially right now. They are all worth exploring if you have the time. A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; It is a minimum 3-day round-trip journey for most people to hike all the way to Kalalau and back, which means that you have to be well outfitted and prepared for the journey. A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. Honopu Beach now requires swimming a good 300 or more yards to access the beach.).
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