Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. Country. 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). Honopu Beach now requires swimming a good 300 or more yards to access the beach.). We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. 4516 Alawai Rd. Thanks so much. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. 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. Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. #2. Plan your trip accordingly. Cory and Troy picked them off the rocks in between waves. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. 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;}. Npali Coast State Wilderness Park. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. And it's absolutely wonderful to take a dip in Queen's Bath after enjoying the turtles inside Turtle Cove. Hello. (808) 338-9980
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. 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. [KAUAI] UPDATED 3/2/23: Polihale State Park Is CLOSED until further notice due to an electrical outage that has put the water pump out of service. As you travel north, prices go up and options are more limited. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { 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? Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. 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. milwkid9090's first answer is still the best. } Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. Sponsored Content >. The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. For more information, please see our Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. All rights reserved. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. We chose to get our permits from the office closest to the airport immediately upon arriving in Kauai. A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. }else{ What are some free things to do on Kauai? And how do I know that ? Many of the unforgettable sights on the Na Pali coast are only viewable from the sea, so it is well worth a look. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. Cookie Notice DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! Yes as daisies. 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. } Walk up the short hill. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. 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. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. selectedText = 'Good'; 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. 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. As you can expect, Tunnels Beach is . if (field.value.length > maxlimit) Never swim in murky water and never swim in river mouths. The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. selectedText = 'Very Good'; Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. The rock was like a magnet for the girls. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. It doesnt go back too far. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. Its like being in the desert. [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. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Questions? Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. 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. Despite a Portuguese man o war sting, quite a longer swim than expected, and considerably bigger waves then anticipated we made it (just barely)! It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. The faces are sheer and you can see that boulders continuously break off.(Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Hideaway Beach 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. The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). Permit holders can choose where to spend their allotted nights on the trail. Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. } From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. 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 We tried to soak it in as much as possible knowing that it would be quite some time before we would ever return. 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. #3. A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. 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. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. { The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. selectedVal = '2'; 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. jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. 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. selectedVal = '4'; Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. selectedVal = '1'; The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. 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. Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. if(i=='1'){ An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. 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. For a nonresident of Hawaii, permits at the time of writing cost $20 per person/per night. and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. Shipwrecks Beach, Kekaha Beach The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. } No camping is permitted there, but that is only what we read on the signage. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. The mud is slippery and may slow down your hiking time. Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. But I will gladly be corrected if proven wrong. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. In between each of the talons lies a valley, and none of them are more beautiful or abundant than Kalalau. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. You do not need to hike the entire trail to get a sense of what its about. We walked the beach both days we were in Kalalau. I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. When I got back from Kalalau I went to get a haircut. { Heres the thing youre in the middle of nowhere out here. Use extreme caution when swimming atthis beach. Never turn your back on the ocean. 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. Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. Kalalau Beach is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. For treating minor injuries, carry a first-aid kit with you and learn some of the basics. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. 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. Its the part right after you come out of the valley. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. The hike to the beach is two miles and takes 2 hours. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. You may find locals living near the beach, or in the adjacent valley. . Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef.