image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Park. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. We left our snorkel equipment in the trunk of our rental car and took a swim at the end of our hike. The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. selectedVal = '1'; Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. selectedVal = '2'; 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. } #30. Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. Phone Number. It doesnt go back too far. Kee Beach State. 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. The Beach Waipouli Beach But remembers there is no reef to protect the shore, which leaves it vulnerable tolong shore currents. 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The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. See Hapuna site for updates. We walked the beach both days we were in Kalalau. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. else Mahaulepu Beach The rock was like a magnet for the girls. And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. See Polipoli site for updates. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. [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. She said that even the babies were quiet. 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. Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. 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. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. Lydgate Beach For a shorter hike, the first portion of the trail up to Hanakapiaai Beach is accessible for day use and does not require a permit. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. lc=rid; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. We would attempt to see what was beyond the beach on the following day. 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. For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach 6. The beach is a beautiful place to hang out and relax, there's a stream where you can take a dip, and bathrooms if you need to stop. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. We are interested in making the ~1/4mi swim to Honopu Beach. And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. Kalapaki Beach document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; (808) 274-3444. Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. Kealia Beach Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail. 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 . If you follow blueflamingo's boating link, you'll find that no tour boats are allowed to land at Kalalau beach, only kayaks. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, and no later than the day before your visit*. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. 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. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. 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. Maybe dont look over the edge if you are afraid of heights. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. selectedText = 'Excellent'; Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. Npali Coast State Wilderness Park. Fuji Beach The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream We tried to soak it in as much as possible knowing that it would be quite some time before we would ever return. In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. The people come together to share meals and talk story of their days adventures. Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. The view of the valley is stunning at every point. You will find this beach after a 11 mile hike along the Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. SeeSand Island site for updates. I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Privacy Policy. else if(i=='3'){ Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. Though exact dates vary between sources, in the past, Native Hawaiians lived and worked in the valleys, cultivating taro and harvesting fish from the sea. 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. else if(i=='2'){ Those of us that didnt have sunglasses wore their swimming goggles to keep the sand out of their eyes. 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[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. The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. This was my favorite part of the trip. The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. 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. Ten lashes for me! Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. It's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? Please plan accordingly. #2. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. During summer, sea caves just beyond the waterfall provide popular camping shelters, but winter surf removes much of the beach and enters the caves. 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. Beaches - Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. 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. At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! Strong winds during the day form lines in the sand. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. Here are 21 things you should know before hiking the Kalalau Trail. 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. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? #3. Never turn your back on the ocean. It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. This special spot is beautiful at sunset. There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. 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. Secure your car and limit the valuables left inside. Isobutane fuel with a screw top for Jetboil, MSR, and other backpacking stoves is available at Kayak Kauai. She didnt do the hike but she was able to see the Na Pali Coast from a cruise ship. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? From here, trails lead through the rest of the valley. Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); Must climb rock . Cookie Notice Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. 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. All rights reserved. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. The trail to Hanakapiai falls and beyond Hanakapiai is recommended for experienced hikers only. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. selectedText = 'Very Good'; Did you see Todays Groupon for world resorts international? Its really an expert swimmer only beach. We're not around right now. Tunnels Beach, Anahola Beach Its like being in the desert. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. Within the valley itself, there are many things to see and do. Heed these warnings! Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. { Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. 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. Most prefer life in the valley to the busy day-to-day life on the outside where the simple pleasures of living off the land are nearly impossible. The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. Hiking to Hanakpai Valley (2 miles in from trailhead) requires Entry and Parking Reservations at Haena. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; Npali Coast SWP camping permits are available here >, Overnight parking is available at Hena SP via Overnight Parking Reservation. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. Guava Forest-An entire grove of trees that provides an abundance of wild guava. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. Though this article focuses on walking the Kalalau Trail, there are other ways to visit if you do not enjoy hiking or are short on time. Any advice is much appreciated. Waimea Beach. 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. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. Hanakoa campsite at mile 6 gives hikers the opportunity to spend the night at the halfway point on the trail. 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. And then, after a few seconds passed, all you could hear was a barrage of *click-click-clicks* from cameras. selectedText = 'Poor'; Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument IsCLOSED due to high winds and heavy rain. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. else if(star_img=='3'){ Make reservations at www.gohaena.com. [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. This cave is no longer accessible.). } else { Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. 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). Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. In Na Pali Coast, Places by Makana ChartersJuly 25, 2016. Lawai Beach Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; 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.