It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. Kalalau Beach (see more photos) lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. Though you may be tempted, please do not hike this trail without permission. and our There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. So if you're afraid of heights, you may not like this trail, especially around the middle of it. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). Jen and Seth decided to swim down the coastline instead. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. } Many of the unforgettable sights on the Na Pali coast are only viewable from the sea, so it is well worth a look. Be sure to purify your water as it most likely contains leptospirosis, a bacteria from urine. A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. You can swim in Cabo San Lucas, but only on some of its beaches. Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. There was not a peep out of the couple thousand passengers on the deck. During the winter and spring conditions are especially dangerous. The white sand beach is a mile long, and, in this seclusion, you'll have no problem picking out your own isolated spot. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. . This was my favorite part of the trip. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. You do not need to be extreme athletes, but this is not a casual stroll. 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 You definitely do not want to swim when this is the case. Anini Beach. The Beach Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. All rights reserved. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. Personally, I like the idea of the bikini clad sweet hearts, free drinks, and calm seas. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. As you can expect, Tunnels Beach is . 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). 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. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. var i; if (shows){ This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. The last thing you'll want when going on a . In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ var shows = 0; Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. Heed these warnings! (808) 338-9980 #3. Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. } It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. else var selectedVal = ''; And they probably only do this in the summer, when the surf and currents are safe to swim ashore. Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. var ny; Take your time and place your feet carefully and you will get through just fine. 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.). document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. function mark(star_img,rid) The Kalalau Trail on N Pali's stunning Hawaiian coast is one of the most challenging treks in the world. 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 . The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the round-trip hike to Hanakapiai Beach. For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. 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. There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. We're not around right now. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. 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. Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. function noshow(star_img,rnid) document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; 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. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; Hanalei Pine Trees Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. Thanks Hiker. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { } We walked the beach both days we were in Kalalau. They often sell out and some people make reservations up to a year in advance. 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. el.style.display = 'none'; The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks. There are falling rock hazards at the Kalalau Beach campsites along the cliff walls. This cave is no longer accessible.). function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. Except that theres an ocean next to you. 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. A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. Even with this type of device, help is most likely hours away. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. else The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. 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. I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. If you've already made it this far and won't be hiking all the way to Kalalau Beach, you might as well take the 2-mile detour (each way) to Hanakapiai Falls. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Strong winds during the day form lines in the sand. This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, from ancient times until about 1920. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Guava Forest-An entire grove of trees that provides an abundance of wild guava. selectedVal = '3'; The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. This beach is fairly private due to the difficult trek to it. 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. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. You can also get to this beach via boat, which is fairly commonly done via Kayaks (with a permit). And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). Never swim in murky water and never swim in river mouths. The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. When it rains, which on Kauai is all of the time, portions of the trail get muddy and sloppy. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Nonetheless, you'll find beach areas with calm waters to swim and even snorkel without any issues. selectedVal = '5'; shows = 1; Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. But I will gladly be corrected if proven wrong. ny = document.getElementById(image); Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. The view of the valley is stunning at every point. Permits cost $10 per person per night. Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. #30. The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. And sunglasses. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . 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. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! Kalalau Trail leading to the beach The trail ends at Kalalau Beach, as the ocean comes up the cliffs at the western end. (808) 274-3444. 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. See Hapuna site for updates. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. Keep in mind that this portion of the trail is in the designated day-use area and can be accessed without a permit. } One of the many bountiful community gardens. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; Observe from a distance and use the zoom on your camera. The best part is that the beach will be empty but for your fellow travelers. Its large and backs up to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and classic napali coastline. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. Privacy Policy. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. he camping permits go fast, so its wise to get one a year or more in advance. Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Are we nuts? For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. If your time on Kauai is limited you should definitely see it on one of our tours, whether you visit the valley or not. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. 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. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. 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. if(star_img=='1'){ Theres one section of the beach that gets super windy. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! selectedText = 'Fine'; 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). This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. There are people who dump their opala (rubbish) back there and don't take it out - but the vast majority of them are not the illegal campers who "live" out there - but as "KauaiHiker" mentions - hunters and other folks who don't take care of the land they supposedly love. This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. ny = document.getElementById(image); Kealia Beach The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. Drinking the Water Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset. 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. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. When I got back from Kalalau I went to get a haircut. Within the valley itself, there are many things to see and do. 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. The short break makes for big waves, especially during the winter season, and the sandbar can be unpredictable. return; Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? Keep driving until the road absolutely ends at a circular parking lot. 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. Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. We walked back to the end of Kalalau Beach. The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. Like previous poster said, unless you have rough water experience, just don't. Especially, especially right now. The people come together to share meals and talk story of their days adventures. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. else if(star_img=='2'){ Kee Beach #2. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. Lumahai Beach Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. Any advice is much appreciated. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Tunnels Beach, Anahola Beach All rights reserved. Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. Those with Npali Coast SWP Camping Permits do not need to make a Hena SP park entry reservation. The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. If you visit these side trips, make sure to factor the additional miles into your hiking plan.