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This remarkably beautiful beach has been the scene To learn about the cookies we use and information about your preferences and opt-out choices, please review our Privacy Policy After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; The view of the valley is stunning at every point. Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. Lydgate Beach Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. All rights reserved. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. A well-chosen campsite can save you from a bad night of sleep or worse. el.style.display = 'none'; This special spot is beautiful at sunset. Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. For more information read our privacy policy. This was my favorite part of the trip. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. } (808) 338-9980 document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; image = 'qw'+rnid + i; There are falling rock hazards at the Kalalau Beach campsites along the cliff walls. While the crew . DAY-USE RESERVATIONS OR A VALID CAMPING PERMIT, AND PARKING RESERVATIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE KALALAU TRAIL. } Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. } 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. The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. Well worth a look (and an unforgettable fruitful smell). Kealia Beach There are no roads that take you to the valley. The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. So, I was wondering from someone who has perhaps done it recently, what the experience was like? This was my favorite part of the trip. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. View of the ocean from the Kalalau Trail. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. 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. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. Though this article focuses on walking the Kalalau Trail, there are other ways to visit if you do not enjoy hiking or are short on time. Hours: 8:00a.m. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. } In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. Lawai Beach 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. #3. document.write("![](\"../../../reviews/images/blank.gif\")
"); Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. If you follow blueflamingo's boating link, you'll find that no tour boats are allowed to land at Kalalau beach, only kayaks. But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance. Anini Beach. } The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; See Polipoli site for updates. Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; This small beach is no longer accessible.). 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. Please plan accordingly. 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. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. NOTE: It is illegal for anyone to provide commercial boat transportation for drop off/pick-up at Kalalau or Milolii camping areas. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. It doesnt go back too far. If you are lucky enough to witness this, they are not in distress, and should not be approached or bothered. A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Its worth while to bring a way to store water, as the water source is a good trek from the designated camp areas. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . Seeaosite for updates. Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. Its like being in the desert. The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. 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). Ten lashes for me! Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. Signs warn hikers of dangerous rockfall near the falls, so this area is off limits for swimming. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! { Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. selectedVal = '5'; Not supporting camping there illegally at all - but those folks are not the big problem with opala from what I've been told. After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. } They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. And they probably only do this in the summer, when the surf and currents are safe to swim ashore. Plan on spending 10 hours in hiking boots if you do this. 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. The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. Just remember that Kalalau Beach does not have a protective reef to break the waves. We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. It's better to enjoy the beach, the scenery and its caves while taking a refreshing shower in the natural waterfall. Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. 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. 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. el.style.display = 'inline'; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; I didn't think you camp on the beach. From the beach, the valley extends 2 miles inland, with the high plateau of Kokee State park looking down upon it. If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Some of these year-round residents hike out of the valley every couple of months to get supplies. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. if(star_img=='1'){ NOTE: A valid camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. 4516 Alawai Rd. 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. There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. selectedVal = '4'; The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. 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 . You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. (808) 274-3444. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). This camp is located on a section of the trail that is densely forested, so space is limited and crowded. 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. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. 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. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. We're not around right now. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. What are some free things to do on Kauai? Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. document.write("
This remarkably beautiful beach has been the scene To learn about the cookies we use and information about your preferences and opt-out choices, please review our Privacy Policy After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; The view of the valley is stunning at every point. Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. Lydgate Beach Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. All rights reserved. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. A well-chosen campsite can save you from a bad night of sleep or worse. el.style.display = 'none'; This special spot is beautiful at sunset. Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. For more information read our privacy policy. This was my favorite part of the trip. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. } (808) 338-9980 document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; image = 'qw'+rnid + i; There are falling rock hazards at the Kalalau Beach campsites along the cliff walls. While the crew . DAY-USE RESERVATIONS OR A VALID CAMPING PERMIT, AND PARKING RESERVATIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE KALALAU TRAIL. } Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. } 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. The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. Well worth a look (and an unforgettable fruitful smell). Kealia Beach There are no roads that take you to the valley. The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. So, I was wondering from someone who has perhaps done it recently, what the experience was like? This was my favorite part of the trip. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. View of the ocean from the Kalalau Trail. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. 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. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. Though this article focuses on walking the Kalalau Trail, there are other ways to visit if you do not enjoy hiking or are short on time. Hours: 8:00a.m. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. } In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. Lawai Beach 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. #3. document.write("
"); Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. If you follow blueflamingo's boating link, you'll find that no tour boats are allowed to land at Kalalau beach, only kayaks. But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance. Anini Beach. } The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; See Polipoli site for updates. Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; This small beach is no longer accessible.). 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. Please plan accordingly. 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. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. NOTE: It is illegal for anyone to provide commercial boat transportation for drop off/pick-up at Kalalau or Milolii camping areas. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. It doesnt go back too far. If you are lucky enough to witness this, they are not in distress, and should not be approached or bothered. A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Its worth while to bring a way to store water, as the water source is a good trek from the designated camp areas. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . Seeaosite for updates. Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. Its like being in the desert. The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. 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). Ten lashes for me! Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. Signs warn hikers of dangerous rockfall near the falls, so this area is off limits for swimming. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! { Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. selectedVal = '5'; Not supporting camping there illegally at all - but those folks are not the big problem with opala from what I've been told. After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. } They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. And they probably only do this in the summer, when the surf and currents are safe to swim ashore. Plan on spending 10 hours in hiking boots if you do this. 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. The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. Just remember that Kalalau Beach does not have a protective reef to break the waves. We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. It's better to enjoy the beach, the scenery and its caves while taking a refreshing shower in the natural waterfall. Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. 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. 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. el.style.display = 'inline'; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; I didn't think you camp on the beach. From the beach, the valley extends 2 miles inland, with the high plateau of Kokee State park looking down upon it. If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Some of these year-round residents hike out of the valley every couple of months to get supplies. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. if(star_img=='1'){ NOTE: A valid camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. 4516 Alawai Rd. 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. There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. selectedVal = '4'; The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. 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 . You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. (808) 274-3444. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). This camp is located on a section of the trail that is densely forested, so space is limited and crowded. 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. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. 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. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. We're not around right now. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. What are some free things to do on Kauai? Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. document.write("| "); The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. } We were able to obtain a permit three months before our trip in January, however, summer permits reportedly fill up more quickly. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. For more information, please see our But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. They were up there within a few seconds. Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. 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. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. lc=rid; We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. Due to increasing popularity, the state limits how many permits are released every day. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); There are even several community gardens throughout the valley, giving the people sustenance without a reliance on the outside world. Its the part right after you come out of the valley. Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. Tunnels Beach, Anahola Beach Plan your trip accordingly. } In between each of the talons lies a valley, and none of them are more beautiful or abundant than Kalalau. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. and our *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. if(i=='1'){ Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. Its rated a 9/10 for technical difficulty, and has many shear drop offs, narrow ledges, and never ending climbs and descents. They are all worth exploring if you have the time. Theres one section of the beach that gets super windy. function show(star_img,rnid) See all 16 reviews. You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. This boulder is now underwatwer.). Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. 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. ), Walk along the Na Pali Coast to the end of the beach for an amazing view.(Update 9/14/15: This area wasdestroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). info@MakanaCharters.com This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { Permits cost $10 per person per night. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. } here. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? 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. And how do I know that ? Privacy Policy. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. Waipouli Beach for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { selectedVal = '1'; Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. Call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. 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. 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. 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. Country. 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. ), 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. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); 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. Within the valley is a group of people who have discarded the creature comforts of modern society in favor of a lifestyle based on the land. We couldnt stay for long as youneed to get back before the waves and the current pick up. There was not a peep out of the couple thousand passengers on the deck. We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Keawa Heiau State Recreation Area Aiea Loop Trail isCLOSEDdue to high winds and heavy rain, the heiau area is OPEN. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; 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. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). var i; Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. 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. The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). } The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. If you get a late start or are a slower hiker, this may be a good option for you. [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. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. Observe from a distance and use the zoom on your camera. You do not need to be extreme athletes, but this is not a casual stroll. 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). A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. if (shows){ document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. 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. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. } You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. Haena Beach Get answers to your questions about Kauai. Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. 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. } 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. United States. Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. Never swim in murky water and never swim in river mouths. Don't Look Down! { SeeSand Island site for updates. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. 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. There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. A password will be mailed to you! But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. That means rogue waves can crash onto the beach at any moment. Nonetheless, you'll find beach areas with calm waters to swim and even snorkel without any issues. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! ny = document.getElementById(image); You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. Heres the thing youre in the middle of nowhere out here. Plan your trip accordingly. #2. Please read. This is the cleanest fresh water on the island, so it's great for a shower. My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. - 8:00p.m. 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. BEWARE of Beachfront Travel, also know as TBD (Travel By Design). It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. #30. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. Would it still be safe during the time we are going? The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. 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. More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. Heed these warnings! Because I have law enforcement friends with the DLNR who fly in with helos, and clean the place up, as the permanent reisidents run off to hide in the jungle. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. You definitely do not want to swim when this is the case. 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. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. Contact the Department of State Parks, (808) 587-0300, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; Jen and Seth decided to swim down the coastline instead. Hanalei Pavilion 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. 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. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. Dont pack any food items. Queen's Bath is VERY DANGEROUS! Plan your trip accordingly. 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. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks. About a mile up the valley, the . jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. ny = document.getElementById(image); The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. 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. Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. Fuji Beach Make reservations at www.gohaena.com. 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. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ } Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. You will find this beach after a 11 mile hike along the Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast. 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Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. Sponsored Content >. Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. Walk up the short hill. High surf pounds the shore creating extremely turbulent waters. |