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. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. Plan your trip accordingly. 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. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. 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 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. 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. Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. On the plus side, it is Anini Beach is a narrow sliver of a beach that extends along Kauai's North Shore for somewhat over two miles. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. Hanakoa campsite at mile 6 gives hikers the opportunity to spend the night at the halfway point on the trail. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. This cave is no longer accessible.). Country. We walked the beach both days we were in Kalalau. The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream This boulder is now underwatwer.). Don't Look Down! Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers and hikers. Makana Charters return; Salt Pond Beach Would it still be safe during the time we are going? Each of these offshoots has unique waterfalls and swimming spots. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. selectedVal = '3'; document.write("

"); Like previous poster said, unless you have rough water experience, just don't. Especially, especially right now. var selectedVal = ''; image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. Any advice is much appreciated. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Polihale Beach While the crew . This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. (808) 338-9980 DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. A hat is nice to have too. They were up there within a few seconds. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Its wide and deep. (Originally published in August 2011. There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. For all these, just ask a friendly local where to go! Heed these warnings! You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. Hena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihue Airport. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); show(star_img,rid); }else{ What are some free things to do on Kauai? Hanalei Pavilion Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. They are all worth exploring if you have the time. Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. 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. This was my favorite part of the trip. Phone Number. Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. Jen and Seth decided to swim down the coastline instead. Dont get caught in here. Make sure to use the correct filter if you plan to drink the water. But I will gladly be corrected if proven wrong. function showform(raid){ The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. if(i<= selectedVal) Share your great experiences with me, please? Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. Get answers to your questions about Kauai. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. function noshow(star_img,rnid) document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. selectedVal = '4'; So, I was wondering from someone who has perhaps done it recently, what the experience was like? Except that theres an ocean next to you. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. if(i=='1'){ See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. By using our application you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence (if different). document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; Check the website here for trail updates and closures. 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. Tunnels Beach, Anahola Beach There are no roads that take you to the valley. else (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. You do not need to be extreme athletes, but this is not a casual stroll. SeeSand Island site for updates. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. This is the real Kalalau Valley Lookout. For over 20 years we have been offering tours of the Na Pali coast on custom-built touring catamarans that were designed to provide the ultimate touring experience. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. During the winter and spring conditions are especially dangerous. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. 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. This beach is fairly private due to the difficult trek to it. This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. Published on 10/07/2018 by Kauai Beach Scoop. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. Kee Beach Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. Take your time and place your feet carefully and you will get through just fine. Since the trail is quite long, most people who visit Kalalau Beach plan to stay overnight. The Kalalau Trail on N Pali's stunning Hawaiian coast is one of the most challenging treks in the world. A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. If you can't hike the trail, the kayak to the beach would be even more strenuous even if you could. There is always work to be done in the garden, so if you are going to enjoy some food, lending a hand for an hour or so would be much appreciated and would go a long way for the gardens long-term vitality. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. Queen's Bath is VERY DANGEROUS! These campsites are run by the County of Kauai and operate on a different reservation system. Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. For a nonresident of Hawaii, permits at the time of writing cost $20 per person/per night. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. } The people come together to share meals and talk story of their days adventures. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. We chose to get our permits from the office closest to the airport immediately upon arriving in Kauai. } Anini Beach. You'll peer down thousands of feet into a colorful tropical landscape that is punctuated by a beautiful beach. Keep driving until the road absolutely ends at a circular parking lot. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. While the crew was away we explored the rock garden and wet cave over here. We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. The Beach If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. Thanks Hiker. } Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Ten lashes for me! Brenneckes Beach We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Permit holders can choose where to spend their allotted nights on the trail. 2023 Kauai Beaches. 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. Another cave down the coast has been eroded into an arch. var i; When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. } Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, and no later than the day before your visit*. #2. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. It is now underwater.). document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. lc=rid; Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. This camp is located on a section of the trail that is densely forested, so space is limited and crowded. 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. Sponsored Content >. From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. You'll also be forced to camp in the valley as the hike is too long and dangerous for an out-and-back trip in a single day. They often sell out and some people make reservations up to a year in advance. Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? 3. Observe from a distance and use the zoom on your camera. Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the round-trip hike to Hanakapiai Beach. Haena Beach Questions? And how do I know that ? Since there are no lifeguards here and drownings have happened in the past, it is recommended to avoid swimming at Kalalau. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. ), 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. This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. There has been mention here before about companies, individuals who will pick you up from Kalalau Beach and bring you out - but I don't know if any of them are still doing that personally. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . We saw campers and their tents and also talked to hikers, and campers, who accomplished this feat to this beach, and I say that reverently. I also can't imagine a boat company traveling the coast to land there and retrieve campers and do it safely and at a profit. At the end is a pool. Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. 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 Npali Coast SWP camping permits are available here >, Overnight parking is available at Hena SP via Overnight Parking Reservation. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. selectedVal = '5'; Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. Not supporting camping there illegally at all - but those folks are not the big problem with opala from what I've been told. shows = 1; 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. These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees. Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. 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. Many rare native plants grow along the trail. The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. If you look closely at the photo above, you can see them in the water. There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. It is difficult, strenuous , and IMO, dangerous unless in good physical shape. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. 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. The beach sits at the foot of Kalalau Valley which is the jewel of the Na Pali Coast. If you are stopped by a park ranger you will be asked to show the permit along with photo id. The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. In Na Pali Coast, Places by Makana ChartersJuly 25, 2016. We left our snorkel equipment in the trunk of our rental car and took a swim at the end of our hike. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. 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. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods. Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. Personally, I like the idea of the bikini clad sweet hearts, free drinks, and calm seas. It is 11 miles to get to Kalalau Beach - so if you are talking about going there and having someone pick you up and bring you back.. You'll still have to hike 11 miles to get there - difficult trail - especially past Hanakoa, and you will need a permit from the State to camp there, even for one night. 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. When you come out of the arch you see what looks like an alien planet.(Update 9/14/15: Thisarea was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015.). var image; ny = document.getElementById(image); The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. Plan on spending 10 hours in hiking boots if you do this. Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. All rights reserved. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. And sunglasses. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. 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. 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. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. The rugged, inaccessible coast is made up of a series of green cathedral cliffs that reach out into the ocean like the talons of an island-sized dragon. If possible, I would recommend making the trek all the way to the beach to camp. Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. } High surf pounds the shore creating extremely turbulent waters. There are no lifeguards at Kalalau Beach, and you're an 11-mile hike from help. 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. 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 last thing you'll want when going on a . ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. Did you see Todays Groupon for world resorts international? Kalalau Beach is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. We would attempt to see what was beyond the beach on the following day. You definitely do not want to swim when this is the case. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: 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. Its rated a 9/10 for technical difficulty, and has many shear drop offs, narrow ledges, and never ending climbs and descents. 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. Never turn your back on the ocean. Kalalau Beach is the huge chunk of sand that sits in front of Kalalau Valley. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. Nobody seems to mind, though trading modern creature comforts for a deeper connection to the land around by learning how to coexist with nature instead of profiting off it. Kalapaki Beach They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. else if(i=='2'){ You can swim in Cabo San Lucas, but only on some of its beaches. This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. It can be ankle deep only to plunge down to the depths with no warning. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. Lawai Beach Those of us that didnt have sunglasses wore their swimming goggles to keep the sand out of their eyes. Adjacent is a famous valley, with vast streams, pools and trails. These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. The area upon which the Like so many beaches on the North Shore of Kauai safety is a big issue for Ke'e Beach. This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. She said that even the babies were quiet. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. Fuji Beach Walk-ins permitted. The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. Heres the thing youre in the middle of nowhere out here. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. 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. The short break makes for big waves, especially during the winter season, and the sandbar can be unpredictable. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. selectedText = 'Good'; Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. Guava Forest-An entire grove of trees that provides an abundance of wild guava. Cory and Troy picked them off the rocks in between waves. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. See Polipoli site for updates. Camping is allowed on the beach, but permits are required. Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. 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.

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