It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. Two days after we finished our hike, the trail was closed for almost a week due to flash flooding and the warning was posted in a red banner at the top of the web page. While the crew was away we explored the rock garden and wet cave over here. But there are also local hunters (and I have seen them leave trash in Waimea Canyon) as well as people who come in on private boats with tons of gear, and I bet some of them leave trash too (and not all of them have permits either). Npali Coast State Wilderness Park. Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. document.write("![](\"../../../reviews/images/blank.gif\"){kind=spacer}
"); Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. Don't Look Down! Thanks so much. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. Operate by the LNT principle and leave no trace behind you. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. Make sure to use the correct filter if you plan to drink the water. Kalalau Trail leading to the beach The trail ends at Kalalau Beach, as the ocean comes up the cliffs at the western end. Waimea Beach. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. This Epic Climb in the Swiss Alps Is Mostly Terrifying -- but Also WorthIt. You need to bring all food and equipment with you. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! else if(i=='2'){ You need to filter your water on the trail. Permits cost $10 per person per night. - 8:00p.m. Doing this is dangerous so, maybe dont attempt this if you ever find yourself in front of this rock. function form_visible(){ Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. Now you can sit back and enjoy yet another epic sunset. The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. Honopu Beach now requires swimming a good 300 or more yards to access the beach.). If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. And it's absolutely wonderful to take a dip in Queen's Bath after enjoying the turtles inside Turtle Cove. 2023 Kauai Beaches. They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. 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. Heed these warnings! It's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. One of the many bountiful community gardens. Carrying trekking poles was also immensely helpful in balancing on the more slippery portions. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; The mud is slippery and may slow down your hiking time. It doesnt go back too far. Milwkid, I don't know why you would think the OP is joking - this question does get asked occasionally (hell, I wouldn't want to hike the whole 11 miles, either). There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. 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. Walk-ins permitted. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. Look closely at the textured valley walls and you'll see mountain goats precariously perched on high. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. else A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. 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. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. } I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. selectedText = 'Good'; 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. selectedVal = '5'; Many rare native plants grow along the trail. Kee Beach Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. You'll peer down thousands of feet into a colorful tropical landscape that is punctuated by a beautiful beach. Please read. The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. ), Walk along the Na Pali Coast to the end of the beach for an amazing view.(Update 9/14/15: This area wasdestroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. } This was my favorite part of the trip. 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. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. ), 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. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. 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. Yes Good For Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset Advance reservations are now required for all vehicles, walk-in entry, and shuttle riders visiting Hena State Park, as well as for day hikers accessing the Kalalau Trail. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. During summer, sea caves just beyond the waterfall provide popular camping shelters, but winter surf removes much of the beach and enters the caves. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. . Just remember that Kalalau Beach does not have a protective reef to break the waves. This boulder is now underwatwer.). DAY-USE RESERVATIONS OR A VALID CAMPING PERMIT, AND PARKING RESERVATIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE KALALAU TRAIL. As you can expect, Tunnels Beach is . Its large and backs up to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and classic napali coastline. The beach is a prime spot for swimming and snorkeling, thanks to its relatively calm waters and a coral reef that is just a few meters offshore. We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. 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. We tried to soak it in as much as possible knowing that it would be quite some time before we would ever return. lc=rid; for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Theres no longer sand to walk on here. Heres what they saw. Yes as daisies. Kealia Beach and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. Waimea, HI 96796
The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. } There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. [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. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; But this can be dangerous as the beach here features a short break, and there is unpredictable and shallow sandbar, not to mention illegal. This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. else if(star_img=='5'){ You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. It is now underwater.). ny = document.getElementById(image); Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). var selectedVal = ''; Each of these offshoots has unique waterfalls and swimming spots. Hello. We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Since there are no lifeguards here and drownings have happened in the past, it is recommended to avoid swimming at Kalalau. The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. [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. 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. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. Share your great experiences with me, please? Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. The area upon which the Like so many beaches on the North Shore of Kauai safety is a big issue for Ke'e Beach. A well-chosen campsite can save you from a bad night of sleep or worse. These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. if(i<= selectedVal) 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; There are no roads that take you to the valley. { This camp is located on a section of the trail that is densely forested, so space is limited and crowded. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. In Na Pali Coast, Places by Makana ChartersJuly 25, 2016. Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, and no later than the day before your visit*. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. 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. Take your time and place your feet carefully and you will get through just fine. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees. Its wide and deep. Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. She didnt do the hike but she was able to see the Na Pali Coast from a cruise ship. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. 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. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. 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. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. (808) 338-9980
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? In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. if(i=='1'){ Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. If you get a late start or are a slower hiker, this may be a good option for you. el.style.display = 'none'; I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. Any advice is much appreciated. Anini Beach. You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. SeeSand Island site for updates. } We are interested in making the ~1/4mi swim to Honopu Beach. Hanalei Pier See Hapuna site for updates. Camping on Kauai anywhere other than designated camping areas is considered illegal. There is no cell reception, but there is a payphone. #2. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Then make some friends with the adventurers around you while you enjoy one of the last sunsets in the United States. var selectedText = ''; These Stunning Cabins Are the Ultimate Zion National Park Basecamps, 8 of the Coolest Airbnbs Near Disney World, Orlando, 8 La Condesa Airbnbs To Settle Into Mexico Citys Coolest Neighborhood, The 16 Most Stunning Hotel Pools Around theWorld, 12 Dreamy Airbnbs in Hawaii That Are Right on theBeach, Escape To a Luxury Waikiki Resort This Winter for 50% Off With This Exclusive Deal, The Waves in Hawaii Are so Big Right Now They're Taking Out Weddings and Restaurants, 5 States With the Most Scenic and Laid-Back Nude Beaches, These Airbnbs Have Epic Waterslides To Keep Your Crew Refreshed, King Kamehameha's Kona Beach Hotel Offers Adventures and History on Hawaii's BigIsland, These Are the Most Over-the-Top Spa Destinations in theWorld, The 17 Most Underrated Honeymoon Destinations in theUS. While the Kalalau Beach at the end of the trail is considered safe for swimming, the first beach you encounter on the trail, Hanakapiai Beach, is not. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. Haena Beach We left our snorkel equipment in the trunk of our rental car and took a swim at the end of our hike. Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. and our We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. Are we nuts? Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. When it rains, which on Kauai is all of the time, portions of the trail get muddy and sloppy. 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. Hanakoa Campground to Hanakoa FallsThis campground is a quick extra mile located at the halfway point of the main trail up a valley that ends at a waterfall. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. Hawaii. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. We walked back to the end of Kalalau Beach. At the end is a pool. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu The view of the valley is stunning at every point. Seeaosite for updates. Swimming is not recommended at Hanakapiai Beach due to dangerous rip currents and wave patterns. Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. Queen's Bath is VERY DANGEROUS! The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. 3. We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. Jen and Seth decided to swim down the coastline instead. } This is the cleanest fresh water on the island, so it's great for a shower. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. The writer and/or publisher of this website is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, rescues, inconvenience, or loss of life by anyone attempting any of the hikes or activities on this website. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. The white sand beach is a mile long, and, in this seclusion, you'll have no problem picking out your own isolated spot. Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. var lc; There are no lifeguards at Kalalau Beach, and you're an 11-mile hike from help. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. What off the beaten path activities can I do? } document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). Password should be at least 8 characters. A password will be mailed to you! } document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; Mahaulepu Beach { But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. For treating minor injuries, carry a first-aid kit with you and learn some of the basics. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. Phone Number. At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. selectedVal = '2'; It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. } else { During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. 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. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. Personally, I like the idea of the bikini clad sweet hearts, free drinks, and calm seas. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. Poipu Beach The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; If you follow blueflamingo's boating link, you'll find that no tour boats are allowed to land at Kalalau beach, only kayaks. 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. 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. else if(i=='3'){ selectedVal = '1'; Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. Never swim in murky water and never swim in river mouths. But if you abuse or harass the animal or your actions result in its . The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. For more information, please see our Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. 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. Plan your trip accordingly. Not only is the trail narrow in some places, but it can also be slippery because of loose rocks or if it has recently rained. ny = document.getElementById(image); Eleven miles in and eleven out. Yes, there are illegal campers there, some of them do leave trash. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Register in order to post your own listings! The people come together to share meals and talk story of their days adventures. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. 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. A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. Never turn your back on the ocean. Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. A hat is nice to have too. After selecting the date and time of your visit, youll be able to select the number of entry or parking vouchers required. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. Sponsored Content >. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. 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The sea can appear calm here at times (like summer) making it seem safe to swim. Secure your car and limit the valuables left inside. Questions? Beaches - Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. Favorite Kauai Restaurants (updated November 2017), How to Eat Vegan on the Garden Isle of Kauai. 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. We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument IsCLOSED due to high winds and heavy rain. Tunnels Beach, Anahola Beach document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks.
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