This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. 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. You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. Cell phone service is limited to none on the trail. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. And then, after a few seconds passed, all you could hear was a barrage of *click-click-clicks* from cameras. el.style.display = 'inline'; UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. The beach sits at the foot of Kalalau Valley which is the jewel of the Na Pali Coast. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. This camp is located on a section of the trail that is densely forested, so space is limited and crowded. These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. Country. This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. Can You Swim in Cabo San Lucas? - All You Need to Know For all these, just ask a friendly local where to go! Kee Beach Indeed, they are living the sustainable life that many in modern society have realized we need to aim for albeit with no modern amenities such as electricity, plumbing, and mass communication. Kalalau beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor mobile app. Hike N Pali: A Guide To This 12-Hour Hike - TheTravel United States. 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. 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. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. else if(star_img=='2'){ document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. Anini Beach. This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, from ancient times until about 1920. 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Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; selectedText = 'Good'; After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. We're not around right now. [KAUAI] UPDATED 3/2/23: Polihale State Park Is CLOSED until further notice due to an electrical outage that has put the water pump out of service. Polihale Beach Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. Even with this type of device, help is most likely hours away. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. Contact the Department of State Parks, (808) 587-0300, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. You may find locals living near the beach, or in the adjacent valley. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. These campsites are run by the County of Kauai and operate on a different reservation system. 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. I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. The white sand beach is a mile long, and, in this seclusion, you'll have no problem picking out your own isolated spot. These valleys are sacred ground to the Hawaiian people and it is our responsibility as hikers to make a conscious effort to preserve and protect the land. http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. If you look closely at the photo above, you can see them in the water. The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. After leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters drier, more open land which offers little shade from the midday sun. }, Private and Quiet Luxury Beach House 3 minute walk to beach TVNC#5151, Hale Kahakai: Beachfront home on the Magical North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii Life Rentals presents Modern beach style vacation house, with A/C, Affordable Beach House Just Steps to the Beach Children Welcome! Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument IsCLOSED due to high winds and heavy rain. While the crew was away we explored the rock garden and wet cave over here. I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. Password should be at least 8 characters. For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. On the second day of the hike, you can explore some of the many attractions around Kalalau beach, such as the Hanakapi'ai waterfalls, the Hanakoa Falls, and the Kalalau Valley Trail. function mark(star_img,rid) It's better to enjoy the beach, the scenery and its caves while taking a refreshing shower in the natural waterfall. As you can expect, Tunnels Beach is . The hike to the beach is two miles and takes 2 hours. 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. But I will gladly be corrected if proven wrong. The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. Maybe dont look over the edge if you are afraid of heights. Npali Coast State Wilderness Park. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. else if(i=='3'){ selectedVal = '4'; Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. | Web usage privacy. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu info@MakanaCharters.com Hanakoa campsite at mile 6 gives hikers the opportunity to spend the night at the halfway point on the trail. The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset. Operate by the LNT principle and leave no trace behind you. Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. The trail begins right after Ke'e Beach and has extreme inclines and declines and narrow footpaths, especially between the dreaded 6.5 to 8 miles (10.5 to 12.9 km) into it. The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. You'll peer down thousands of feet into a colorful tropical landscape that is punctuated by a beautiful beach. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. document.write("
"); Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. [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. 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. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. This special spot is beautiful at sunset. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. Cross Kalalau Stream to the beach and the camping area. Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. Thanks so much. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. Travel light. A well-chosen campsite can save you from a bad night of sleep or worse. Kalalau Beach - Wikipedia (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Would it still be safe during the time we are going? function form_visible(){ But if you abuse or harass the animal or your actions result in its . We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. People have drowned here from the dangerous combination of a hidden current and the cliffside surroundings. SeeSand Island site for updates. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. 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. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. 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. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. The Kalalau Valley - 5 Things To Do In The Jewel of Napali State. Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Not supporting camping there illegally at all - but those folks are not the big problem with opala from what I've been told. Its large and backs up to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and classic napali coastline. show(star_img,rid); 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. The trail and activity descriptions are given to give the reader a better understanding of what to expect while hiking and participating in activities in Hawaii. Many of the unforgettable sights on the Na Pali coast are only viewable from the sea, so it is well worth a look. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. 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? Hena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihue Airport. . The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. During summer, sea caves just beyond the waterfall provide popular camping shelters, but winter surf removes much of the beach and enters the caves. Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Park. Guava Forest-An entire grove of trees that provides an abundance of wild guava. selectedText = 'Excellent'; } else { Privacy Policy. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? This cave is no longer accessible.). I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. 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. Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! You need to filter your water on the trail. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. It can be ankle deep only to plunge down to the depths with no warning. Kiahuna Beach I don't know if there are companies regularly drop people off, but start at the state parks website: Here's the specific link for camping along the trail: http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/kauai/napali.cfm. and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. As you travel north, prices go up and options are more limited. Swim to Honopu Beach from Kalalau Beach - Get Lost There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. 5 Days In Kauai Sample Itinerary | Hawaii Travel Guide We couldnt stay for long as youneed to get back before the waves and the current pick up. { We chose to get our permits from the office closest to the airport immediately upon arriving in Kauai. Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. Kalalau Beach in Kauai - Hawaiian Planner They often sell out and some people make reservations up to a year in advance. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Kalalau Beach Pics & Info, Kauai, HI (43 Photos) | UnrealHawaii.com Observe from a distance and use the zoom on your camera. Hanakoa Campground to Hanakoa FallsThis campground is a quick extra mile located at the halfway point of the main trail up a valley that ends at a waterfall. Favorite Kauai Restaurants (updated November 2017), How to Eat Vegan on the Garden Isle of Kauai. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . if (field.value.length > maxlimit) 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. 20 Things You Should Know Before Hiking Hawaii's Kalalau Trail Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. Then make some friends with the adventurers around you while you enjoy one of the last sunsets in the United States. It sounded amazing and the cool thing is, Cory took a risk and brought his dSLR with him in a dry bag (that orange thing hanging from his waist). She said that even the babies were quiet. Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. The rock was like a magnet for the girls. A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. 12 Best Beaches in Kauai - Which One is Your Perfect Spot? else if(star_img=='3'){ Call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. Dont get caught in here. ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. document.write(""); On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. In Na Pali Coast, Places by Makana ChartersJuly 25, 2016.