document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; For more information, please see our It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. 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. A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; When it rains, which on Kauai is all of the time, portions of the trail get muddy and sloppy. Anini Beach is an oddity on Polihale Beach is spectacular by all measures of comparison and almost every description of this beach requires the use of a superlative. Join our newsletter for exclusive features, tips, giveaways! Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. 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. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). Lydgate Beach Drinking the Water Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; You may find locals living near the beach, or in the adjacent valley. Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. Na Pali Coast State Park Information & More - Hawaii Guide Kayak or Sail the Na Pali Coast, Kapaa, Hawaii Hanalei Pavilion The Kalalau Valley sits roughly halfway down the coast. Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. Is there something we should watch for? *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. You are always a wealth of hiking info. Kalalau Trail (Kauai) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go - Tripadvisor Call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. Hanalei Pier else The view of the valley is stunning at every point. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. Walk-ins permitted. } The trailhead can be found at the very end of the road on the northern side of the island at Ke'e Beach. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. 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? Permit holders can choose where to spend their allotted nights on the trail. The Kalalau Valley - 5 Things To Do In The Jewel of Napali 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. 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. 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. Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. Except that theres an ocean next to you. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. Hello. They told us about how amazing Honopu Beach was. The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. Anini Beach. And sunglasses. Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. var ny; As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. 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. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. Waimea Beach. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. info@MakanaCharters.com This was my favorite part of the trip. Kalalau Beach | Kauai Beach Scoop There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. 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. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. 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. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. Please plan accordingly. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. Shutterstock Hawaii, Island of kauai, Na Pali Cliffs How To Hike N Pali And The Kalalau Trail Where To Camp In N Pali Coast State Wilderness Park 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Haena Beach Password should be at least 8 characters. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. But I will gladly be corrected if proven wrong. Kayaking from a boat tour to Kalalau Beach - Kauai Forum Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. Doing this is dangerous so, maybe dont attempt this if you ever find yourself in front of this rock. - 8:00p.m. Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. Adjacent is a famous valley, with vast streams, pools and trails. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Yes as daisies. NOTE: A valid camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. If you follow blueflamingo's boating link, you'll find that no tour boats are allowed to land at Kalalau beach, only kayaks. From the beach, the valley extends 2 miles inland, with the high plateau of Kokee State park looking down upon it. 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. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. Kalalau Beach (see more photos) lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. mobile app. | Web usage privacy. Operate by the LNT principle and leave no trace behind you. The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). show(star_img,rid); But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. While the crew . Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. milwkid9090's first answer is still the best. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. { Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. 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. In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Hanakoa campsite at mile 6 gives hikers the opportunity to spend the night at the halfway point on the trail. When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. selectedText = 'Excellent'; ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. You can swim in Cabo San Lucas, but only on some of its beaches. Kiahuna Beach If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. Please read. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Sponsored Content >. It's a surreal scene. Hiking Kauai: The Kalalau Trail - The Trek 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. Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. Questions? There may be a boat with the Swedish Bikini Team, and they usually have the best refreshments on board. This small beach is no longer accessible.). 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, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. Never turn your back on the ocean. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. function mark(star_img,rid) Ten lashes for me! To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . (808) 338-9980 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). Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. selectedVal = '4'; In Na Pali Coast, Places by Makana ChartersJuly 25, 2016. Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. State. else if(i=='4'){ More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. Kalalau Beach Pics & Info, Kauai, HI (43 Photos) | UnrealHawaii.com You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. Just remember that Kalalau Beach does not have a protective reef to break the waves. These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees. There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. Keep in mind that this portion of the trail is in the designated day-use area and can be accessed without a permit. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. 2023 Kauai Beaches. 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. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ Lumahai Beach High surf pounds the shore creating extremely turbulent waters. Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. [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. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. You must either boat, helicopter or hike to this secluded destination, but that doesn't mean you can't catch a sneak peak without all the effort. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { } Make reservations at www.gohaena.com. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. After exploring the cave and eating some snacks we spent an hour being extremely lazy. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. 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. If you google Ben Stiller on David Letterman you can see a clip of him on Dave telling about a company that took him by boat to the end of the trail and then hiking the 11 miles to Ke'e. Those of us that didnt have sunglasses wore their swimming goggles to keep the sand out of their eyes. SeeSand Island site for updates. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; [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. The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. Honopu Beach | UnrealHawaii.com Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. Even with this type of device, help is most likely hours away. Kalalau Beach - Wikipedia If you are stopped by a park ranger you will be asked to show the permit along with photo id. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. } We couldnt stay for long as youneed to get back before the waves and the current pick up. Campers are allowed a maximum length stay of 5 nights. Did you see Todays Groupon for world resorts international? ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Can You Swim in Cabo San Lucas? - All You Need to Know How to Get the Rebreather - Sons of the Forest Wiki Guide - IGN Beaches - Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. } else { And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. 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. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. Kalalau Beach, Kauai Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. 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. There are even several community gardens throughout the valley, giving the people sustenance without a reliance on the outside world. Waimea, HI 96796 It's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. And how do I know that ? The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. Plan your trip accordingly. Its wide and deep. Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. 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. Nonetheless, you'll find beach areas with calm waters to swim and even snorkel without any issues. #30. In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. function noshow(star_img,rnid) } Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. Signs warn hikers of dangerous rockfall near the falls, so this area is off limits for swimming. Brenneckes Beach 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. This was my favorite part of the trip. A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. Hike N Pali: A Guide To This 12-Hour Hike - TheTravel function form_visible(){ } But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. } 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. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. Polihale Beach The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. Hena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihue Airport. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. else if(star_img=='4'){ The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. 12 Best Beaches in Kauai - Which One is Your Perfect Spot? A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); Those with Npali Coast SWP Camping Permits do not need to make a Hena SP park entry reservation. They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. [Kauai] Swimming to Honopu Beach from Kalalau : r/HawaiiVisitors - reddit For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. Country. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. 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). Camping is allowed on the beach, but permits are required. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. 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. If you look closely at the photo above, you can see them in the water. and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. 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. selectedVal = '5'; You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. DAY-USE RESERVATIONS OR A VALID CAMPING PERMIT, AND PARKING RESERVATIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE KALALAU TRAIL. Walk up the short hill. Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. See all 16 reviews. Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); ny = document.getElementById(image); more. Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. else if(star_img=='5'){ This cave is no longer accessible.). selectedText = 'Poor'; To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. ny = document.getElementById(image); The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. Waipouli Beach You need to filter your water on the trail. Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. You definitely do not want to swim when this is the case. During the winter and spring conditions are especially dangerous. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; var selectedVal = ''; A waterfall at the western end of the beach (Ho'ole'a Falls) provides freshwater, but before drinking it, the water must be purified (bring a water filter or water treatment tablets) due to the threat of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. . There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. { The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. They were up there within a few seconds. 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. function showform(raid){ Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). } Make sure to use the correct filter if you plan to drink the water. Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag. Dont get caught in here. Carrying trekking poles was also immensely helpful in balancing on the more slippery portions. Honopu Beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. Kalalau Beach is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; 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. The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! I didn't think you camp on the beach. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. 20 Things You Should Know Before Hiking Hawaii's Kalalau Trail 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.