} 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. Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. After exploring the cave and eating some snacks we spent an hour being extremely lazy. 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. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ Hello. 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 first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. For more information, please see our Phone Number. I don't if that service is available for everyone, but I remember thinking what an "easy" way to hike the whole trail without going round trip. } Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers and hikers. 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. The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. Dont pack any food items. selectedVal = '3'; 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. Maybe dont look over the edge if you are afraid of heights. 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. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. 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 trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { We left our snorkel equipment in the trunk of our rental car and took a swim at the end of our hike. It is now underwater.). You are always a wealth of hiking info. During the winter months, huge waves crash against the cliffs. 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. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. var shows = 0; About a mile up the valley, the . Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. Its really an expert swimmer only beach. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. 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. So, I was wondering from someone who has perhaps done it recently, what the experience was like? Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. Npali Coast SWP camping permits are available here >, Overnight parking is available at Hena SP via Overnight Parking Reservation. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. 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). You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. 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. 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. Hanalei Pier 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. Camping in Kalalau is allowed only behind this sand beach. Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; The beach sits at the foot of Kalalau Valley which is the jewel of the Na Pali Coast. After leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters drier, more open land which offers little shade from the midday sun. Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. The white sand beach is a mile long, and, in this seclusion, you'll have no problem picking out your own isolated spot. 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 is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. 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. We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods. The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. } Take your time and place your feet carefully and you will get through just fine. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. Is there something we should watch for? Favorite Kauai Restaurants (updated November 2017), How to Eat Vegan on the Garden Isle of Kauai. Park. But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > The sandbar is quite shallow here and in some spots the ocean bottom drops off quickly to overhead depths. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. Those with Npali Coast SWP Camping Permits do not need to make a Hena SP park entry reservation. Haena Beach On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. (Originally published in August 2011. If you are swept past the beach, there are miles of steep cliffside before you would be able to reach shore. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. For more information read our privacy policy. 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. We were able to obtain a permit three months before our trip in January, however, summer permits reportedly fill up more quickly. And they probably only do this in the summer, when the surf and currents are safe to swim ashore. You can swim in Cabo San Lucas, but only on some of its beaches. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. Carrying trekking poles was also immensely helpful in balancing on the more slippery portions. We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. { Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. 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 We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. It's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. 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. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. *Camping permits for Npali Coast SWP often sell-out quickly, particularly during the summer months. The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); 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. Its like being in the desert. Signs warn hikers of dangerous rockfall near the falls, so this area is off limits for swimming. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. Permit holders can choose where to spend their allotted nights on the trail. While the crew was away we explored the rock garden and wet cave over here. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. 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. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. Cory and Troy picked them off the rocks in between waves. The hike to the beach is two miles and takes 2 hours. Honopu Beach now requires swimming a good 300 or more yards to access the beach.). document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. Maybe this site can answer your question. 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 . When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. Permits cost $10 per person per night. (808) 274-3444. 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. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. [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. Though you may be tempted, please do not hike this trail without permission. Eleven miles in and eleven out. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. Lawai Beach The last thing you'll want when going on a . The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. function showform(raid){ document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Privacy Policy. Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the round-trip hike to Hanakapiai Beach. They told us about how amazing Honopu Beach was. Ke`e Beach | Kauai.com - 8:00p.m. At the end is a pool. A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. Kalalau beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor Brenneckes Beach Kalalau Beach, Kauai if (field.value.length > maxlimit) Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. Due to increasing popularity, the state limits how many permits are released every day. Seeaosite for updates. return; 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. for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { Anini Beach. From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. Beaches - Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; 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. Waimea Beach. This small beach is no longer accessible.). A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. Travel light. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. Waimea, HI 96796 document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. Therefore, the only way to legally hike the trail in its entirety is to do so with a permit, and they can be difficult to obtain. You'll be fined if you do not have one. Dont get caught in here. Salt Pond Beach Kealia Beach The trail is one of the most difficult in the Hawaiian Islands, which limits visitors to the beach. There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. selectedText = 'Excellent'; In between each of the talons lies a valley, and none of them are more beautiful or abundant than Kalalau. more. 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. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. 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. else if(i=='2'){ var el = document.getElementById('sf'); Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! Swimming is not recommended at Hanakapiai Beach due to dangerous rip currents and wave patterns. 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. You need to bring all food and equipment with you. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? Empty, untouched beach On your mark, get set, go Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. and our var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); document.write(""); Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. I didn't think you camp on the beach. You'll also find a natural shower in the form of Ho'ole'a Falls at the western end of the beach. selectedVal = '4'; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; You'll peer down thousands of feet into a colorful tropical landscape that is punctuated by a beautiful beach. Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. See Hapuna site for updates. It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. Kalalau Beach | Kauai Beach Scoop 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. There are even several community gardens throughout the valley, giving the people sustenance without a reliance on the outside world. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. function show(star_img,rnid) Its rated a 9/10 for technical difficulty, and has many shear drop offs, narrow ledges, and never ending climbs and descents. 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. Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. Polihale Beach Its the part right after you come out of the valley. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. If you get a late start or are a slower hiker, this may be a good option for you. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. 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. I have no idea what they charge. 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 This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, from ancient times until about 1920. Did you see Todays Groupon for world resorts international? During summer, sea caves just beyond the waterfall provide popular camping shelters, but winter surf removes much of the beach and enters the caves. and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. And it's absolutely wonderful to take a dip in Queen's Bath after enjoying the turtles inside Turtle Cove. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. If you are lucky enough to witness this, they are not in distress, and should not be approached or bothered. function form_visible(){ DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapiai valley must possess a valid overnight camping permit. Hiking The Kalalau Trail: The Ultimate Guide - Wandering Wheatleys This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. } else Don't Look Down! In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . selectedVal = '5'; ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. It is difficult, strenuous , and IMO, dangerous unless in good physical shape. Its worth while to bring a way to store water, as the water source is a good trek from the designated camp areas. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! 2023 Kauai Beaches. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Register in order to post your own listings! You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. Mahaulepu Beach 10 Best Things to Do in Cedar Key FL You Shouldn't Miss The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. Florida manatees: What's legal, what isn't, what to do if you see one We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. else if(i=='4'){ During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. If possible, I would recommend making the trek all the way to the beach to camp. Operate by the LNT principle and leave no trace behind you. When I got back from Kalalau I went to get a haircut. I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. If you are stopped by a park ranger you will be asked to show the permit along with photo id. Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. The next day was another bright and beautiful one. if(i<= selectedVal) Na Pali Coast Guide - Hike & Boat Npali - Capt Andy's Division of State Parks | Kalalau Trail - Hawaii For a nonresident of Hawaii, permits at the time of writing cost $20 per person/per night. Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. [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. jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. All rights reserved. For a shorter hike, the first portion of the trail up to Hanakapiaai Beach is accessible for day use and does not require a permit. Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. he camping permits go fast, so its wise to get one a year or more in advance. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. Anini Beach. el.style.display = 'inline'; The best part is that the beach will be empty but for your fellow travelers. milwkid9090's first answer is still the best. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. After selecting the date and time of your visit, youll be able to select the number of entry or parking vouchers required. She said that even the babies were quiet. Hanalei Pavilion 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. Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. 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. More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. Honopu Beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor 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. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. Any advice is much appreciated. Kalalau Beach Pics & Info, Kauai, HI (43 Photos) | UnrealHawaii.com Kee Beach It's a surreal scene. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. 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). Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route.