[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. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; 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. Secure your car and limit the valuables left inside. They are all worth exploring if you have the time. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali.You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured . The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. We chose to get our permits from the office closest to the airport immediately upon arriving in Kauai. Since there are no lifeguards here and drownings have happened in the past, it is recommended to avoid swimming at Kalalau. This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. You may find locals living near the beach, or in the adjacent valley. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. #3. The trail is one of the most difficult in the Hawaiian Islands, which limits visitors to the beach. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Take your time and place your feet carefully and you will get through just fine. 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. Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. 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. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. Dont get caught in here. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Lumahai Beach I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. Walk up the short hill. Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. Swimming is not recommended at Hanakapiai Beach due to dangerous rip currents and wave patterns. 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. Eleven miles in and eleven out. There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. 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 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. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. { 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. else if(i=='4'){ When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. else if(star_img=='5'){ Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. if(i=='1'){ And don't be fooled by the first Kalalau Lookout sign. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. This special spot is beautiful at sunset. Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; Salt Pond Beach It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. el.style.display = 'inline'; 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. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) While the crew . Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . About a mile up the valley, the . Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! Please plan accordingly. Share your great experiences with me, please? This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. else if(i=='3'){ When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. My husband and I are both in shape and good swimmers, and would be making the attempt very early morning with fins and a snorkel. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. 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. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . That means rogue waves can crash onto the beach at any moment. Kalalau Beach (see more photos) lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. The Kalalau Trail on N Pali's stunning Hawaiian coast is one of the most challenging treks in the world. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; NOTE: It is illegal for anyone to provide commercial boat transportation for drop off/pick-up at Kalalau or Milolii camping areas. 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. Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. el.style.display = 'none'; She said that even the babies were quiet. We walked the beach both days we were in Kalalau. } You can swim in Cabo San Lucas, but only on some of its beaches. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. You can also get to this beach via boat, which is fairly commonly done via Kayaks (with a permit). We couldnt stay for long as youneed to get back before the waves and the current pick up. There are lots of details to consider when planning this hike and having a strategy ahead of time will make sure you have time for everything you want to see. Despite the fact that many would fail to understand why these people would live this way by choice, they are truly happy in their natural surroundings. Use extreme caution when swimming atthis beach. Lawai Beach List of properly permitted vacation rentals, not condos - 8/15/2017, Weather Questions start here Pls/Best Time of Year to Visit Kauai, How to make reservations at Haena State Park / Ke'e Beach. Doing this is dangerous so, maybe dont attempt this if you ever find yourself in front of this rock. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. Seeaosite for updates. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. Kalalau Beach is the huge chunk of sand that sits in front of Kalalau Valley. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Within the valley itself, there are many things to see and do. Camping on Kauai anywhere other than designated camping areas is considered illegal. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? 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. Fuji Beach Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. Favorite Kauai Restaurants (updated November 2017), How to Eat Vegan on the Garden Isle of Kauai. } 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. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. Plan your trip accordingly. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; . A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. Click on the Boating Na Pali link to see a list of boating companies that have permits to land - perhaps they would do a private charter: http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/parks/kauai/napali_boating.cfm. 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. Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. Maybe this site can answer your question. | Web usage privacy. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. shows = 1; 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. Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. Honopu Beach now requires swimming a good 300 or more yards to access the beach.). Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. [OAHU] UPDATED 2/28/23: Kaena Point State Park Mokuleia Section The vehicle access road will continue to beCLOSED due to heavy rains and saturated road conditions. 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. You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. 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. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. It's a surreal scene. Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. Anini Beach. The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. Signs warn hikers of dangerous rockfall near the falls, so this area is off limits for swimming. Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. 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. We are interested in making the ~1/4mi swim to Honopu Beach. 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. How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? The rock was like a magnet for the girls. Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. Don't Look Down! Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. Many rare native plants grow along the trail. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Permit holders can choose where to spend their allotted nights on the trail. Walk-ins permitted. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. 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Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. We're not around right now. Permits cost $10 per person per night. Since the trail is quite long, most people who visit Kalalau Beach plan to stay overnight. 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. for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. Lydgate Beach Shopping is limited on Kauai and it is best to bring as many specialty items as possible with you on your flight such as your tent, sleeping bag, and trekking poles. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. 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. I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. Park. Guava Forest-An entire grove of trees that provides an abundance of wild guava. You need to bring all food and equipment with you. info@MakanaCharters.com There are even several community gardens throughout the valley, giving the people sustenance without a reliance on the outside world. Never swim in murky water and never swim in river mouths. Country. 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. The trail to Hanakapiai falls and beyond Hanakapiai is recommended for experienced hikers only. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods. You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. The area upon which the Like so many beaches on the North Shore of Kauai safety is a big issue for Ke'e Beach. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. 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. Its large and backs up to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and classic napali coastline. 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. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). Waimea Beach. Cell phone service is limited to none on the trail. The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. 3. Contact the Department of State Parks, (808) 587-0300, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. Phone Number. Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. document.write("

"); People have drowned here from the dangerous combination of a hidden current and the cliffside surroundings. Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. var selectedVal = ''; 4516 Alawai Rd. Is there something we should watch for? Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. You do not need to hike the entire trail to get a sense of what its about. 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. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. 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. During summer, sea caves just beyond the waterfall provide popular camping shelters, but winter surf removes much of the beach and enters the caves. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. 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. Makana Charters View of the ocean from the Kalalau Trail. It is difficult, strenuous , and IMO, dangerous unless in good physical shape. United States. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. We were able to obtain a permit three months before our trip in January, however, summer permits reportedly fill up more quickly. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. She didnt do the hike but she was able to see the Na Pali Coast from a cruise ship. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! Book your permits as early as possible for the best chance of getting your preferred dates. Look closely at the textured valley walls and you'll see mountain goats precariously perched on high. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. Adjacent is a famous valley, with vast streams, pools and trails. } driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. If you can't hike the trail, the kayak to the beach would be even more strenuous even if you could. } Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the round-trip hike to Hanakapiai Beach. Personally, I like the idea of the bikini clad sweet hearts, free drinks, and calm seas. 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. I have no idea what they charge. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers and hikers. function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { } document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Beginning at Ke`e Beach and ending at Kalalau Valley, this challenging but rewarding hike, earned the Sierra Club's rating of "9" out of "10" in degree of difficulty. But Kalalau valley and beach are not trashed, though far from totally remote and pristine. Maybe dont look over the edge if you are afraid of heights. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; The Beach Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. selectedVal = '3'; Side note, if you are not a member you can still eat at their outdoor walk-up food counter and it is probably the cheapest meal on the island. Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. Kalapaki Beach } Haena Beach