Would it still be safe during the time we are going? These campsites are run by the County of Kauai and operate on a different reservation system. Its large and backs up to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and classic napali coastline. The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. Privacy Policy. The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. Hanalei Pavilion 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. United States. Country. Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; On the plus side, it is Anini Beach is a narrow sliver of a beach that extends along Kauai's North Shore for somewhat over two miles. 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The rock was like a magnet for the girls. document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; There may be a boat with the Swedish Bikini Team, and they usually have the best refreshments on board. When I got back from Kalalau I went to get a haircut. Nonetheless, you'll find beach areas with calm waters to swim and even snorkel without any issues. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Those in tip top shape can do it in 8 hours, those more average take 10+. It's a surreal scene. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. 3. The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. Due to increasing popularity, the state limits how many permits are released every day. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; 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. 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 trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. 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. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) selectedVal = '5'; The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. 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. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a 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. It is now underwater.). SeeSand Island site for updates. But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. | Web usage privacy. Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers and hikers. There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). Thanks so much. else if(i=='3'){ As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. 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. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. You can swim in Cabo San Lucas, but only on some of its beaches. We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. Waimea, HI 96796 The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. Yes, there are illegal campers there, some of them do leave trash. jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Doing this is dangerous so, maybe dont attempt this if you ever find yourself in front of this rock. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. Eleven miles in and eleven out. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Dont pack any food items. There is no cell reception, but there is a payphone. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. . We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. else if(i=='4'){ } #30. 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. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods. We would attempt to see what was beyond the beach on the following day. But I will gladly be corrected if proven wrong. Password should be at least 8 characters. All rights reserved. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. Ten lashes for me! The trail begins right after Ke'e Beach and has extreme inclines and declines and narrow footpaths, especially between the dreaded 6.5 to 8 miles (10.5 to 12.9 km) into it. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. It's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. [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. } else { Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. You do not need to be extreme athletes, but this is not a casual stroll. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. Look closely at the textured valley walls and you'll see mountain goats precariously perched on high. } After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. You can see some effects from from high usage (I won't say overuse because permits are already limited), but it is still very nice there. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. else if(star_img=='3'){ The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. If your time on Kauai is limited you should definitely see it on one of our tours, whether you visit the valley or not. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Cell phone service is limited to none on the trail. The white sand beach is a mile long, and, in this seclusion, you'll have no problem picking out your own isolated spot. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . } Lydgate 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. NOTE: A valid camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. During the summer one can kayak out that way (one of our frequent contributors TravelerXYZ has done it) but again you can't land the kayaks. Drinking the Water Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. We couldnt stay for long as youneed to get back before the waves and the current pick up. function mark(star_img,rid) Kalalau Beach is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. (808) 338-9980 This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. Anini Beach. Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. 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. You can also get to this beach via boat, which is fairly commonly done via Kayaks (with a permit). Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. 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. Camping is allowed on the beach, but permits are required. As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. You'll be fined if you do not have one. 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. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. 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. 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. The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. Kalapaki Beach document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. 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. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. Plan on spending 10 hours in hiking boots if you do this. Its like being in the desert. Hikers have perished on this stretch of the hike, so you should only cross if you're physically fit and there's plenty of sunlight. In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks. #2. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. 4516 Alawai Rd. Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. var selectedText = ''; Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! } document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; Queen's Bath is VERY DANGEROUS! The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Hanalei Pine Trees The trail to Hanakapiai falls and beyond Hanakapiai is recommended for experienced hikers only. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Register in order to post your own listings! Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { The mud is slippery and may slow down your hiking time. It doesnt go back too far. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . There is always work to be done in the garden, so if you are going to enjoy some food, lending a hand for an hour or so would be much appreciated and would go a long way for the gardens long-term vitality. You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. The trail can be experienced in pieces and the most popular section of this trail is from Ke`e to Hanakapi`ai , where you will find a lush river valley. In addition, there is a shallow sand bar that runs parallel to the beach but in spots the ocean floor abruptly drops to levels above your head. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; This camp is located on a section of the trail that is densely forested, so space is limited and crowded. 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. More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. You need to bring all food and equipment with you. else if(i=='2'){ Npali Coast SWP camping permits are available here >, Overnight parking is available at Hena SP via Overnight Parking Reservation. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? 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. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. Kealia Beach Some of these year-round residents hike out of the valley every couple of months to get supplies. 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. 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. The next day was another bright and beautiful one. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. } image = 'qw'+rnid + i; shows = 1; I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. var i; 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. var shows = 0; Sponsored Content >. BEWARE of Beachfront Travel, also know as TBD (Travel By Design). For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. It's better to enjoy the beach, the scenery and its caves while taking a refreshing shower in the natural waterfall. They are all worth exploring if you have the time. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. Haena Beach and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. Dont get caught in here. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. Those with Npali Coast SWP Camping Permits do not need to make a Hena SP park entry reservation. The hike to the beach is two miles and takes 2 hours. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ 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. [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. Salt Pond Beach You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. 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.