if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',130,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4-0_1'); .medrectangle-4-multi-130{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:5px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:5px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: } var ny; They are all worth exploring if you have the time. 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? Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. Not supporting camping there illegally at all - but those folks are not the big problem with opala from what I've been told. Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. document.write(""); This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. Honopu Beach now requires swimming a good 300 or more yards to access the beach.). Kalalau Beach in Kauai - Hawaiian Planner 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. Kalalau Beach | Kauai Beach Scoop } Lumahai Beach The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. } Sponsored Content >. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. And eventually, our companions returned from their adventure.(Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. Plan your trip accordingly. 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. Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Within the valley itself, there are many things to see and do. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. 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. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; It's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. Did you see Todays Groupon for world resorts international? But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. } As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. I have no idea what they charge. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. Is there something we should watch for? No camping is permitted there, but that is only what we read on the signage. We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. 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. Park. Call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. Signs warn hikers of dangerous rockfall near the falls, so this area is off limits for swimming. Kalalau Campground, Npali Coast, HI: 7 Hipcamper Reviews And 13 Photos mobile app. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. Maybe dont look over the edge if you are afraid of heights. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. selectedVal = '4'; To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. The Kalalau Trail on N Pali's stunning Hawaiian coast is one of the most challenging treks in the world. Hanakoa campsite at mile 6 gives hikers the opportunity to spend the night at the halfway point on the trail. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. Hiking to Hanakpai Valley (2 miles in from trailhead) requires Entry and Parking Reservations at Haena. We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. 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. My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. Kalalau Trail Kauai - Hiking to the Hanakapiai Beach and Back Ten lashes for me! 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. If possible, I would recommend making the trek all the way to the beach to camp. Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. ny = document.getElementById(image); They told us about how amazing Honopu Beach was. Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. 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. During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. Must climb rock . The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. } Hanalei Pier I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. function form_visible(){ 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. and our Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. 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). 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. Fuji Beach 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. Hiking NaPali Coast If the timing is not right for you to have such an in-depth and intensive experience; there are other ways to see the NaPali Coast by land. The last thing you'll want when going on a . If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. function mark(star_img,rid) If you google Ben Stiller on David Letterman you can see a clip of him on Dave telling about a company that took him by boat to the end of the trail and then hiking the 11 miles to Ke'e. Its like being in the desert. Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. Heed these warnings! el.style.display = 'inline'; image = 'qw'+rnid + i; There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). If you get a late start or are a slower hiker, this may be a good option for you. This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. 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. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. 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. If you look closely at the photo above, you can see them in the water. Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. But I will gladly be corrected if proven wrong. We chose to get our permits from the office closest to the airport immediately upon arriving in Kauai. These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. If you are stopped by a park ranger you will be asked to show the permit along with photo id. Make sure to use the correct filter if you plan to drink the water. Would it still be safe during the time we are going? I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. Many rare native plants grow along the trail. 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. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. 20 Things You Should Know Before Hiking Hawaii's Kalalau Trail [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. Those in tip top shape can do it in 8 hours, those more average take 10+. The best part is that the beach will be empty but for your fellow travelers. 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. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. Camping is allowed on the beach, but permits are required. 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. Seeaosite for updates. One of the many bountiful community gardens. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? Its rated a 9/10 for technical difficulty, and has many shear drop offs, narrow ledges, and never ending climbs and descents. and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. The next day was another bright and beautiful one. The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. If you visit these side trips, make sure to factor the additional miles into your hiking plan. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. | Web usage privacy. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast.