In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Published on 10/07/2018 by Kauai Beach Scoop. } Kalalau Beach, Kauai See all 16 reviews. Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. 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. Heres what they saw. This remarkably beautiful beach has been the scene To learn about the cookies we use and information about your preferences and opt-out choices, please review our Privacy Policy This Epic Climb in the Swiss Alps Is Mostly Terrifying -- but Also WorthIt. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. 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. { These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. NOTE: It is illegal for anyone to provide commercial boat transportation for drop off/pick-up at Kalalau or Milolii camping areas. But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. In Na Pali Coast, Places by Makana ChartersJuly 25, 2016. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; 10 Best Things to Do in Cedar Key FL You Shouldn't Miss There are no lifeguards at Kalalau Beach, and you're an 11-mile hike from help. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! For treating minor injuries, carry a first-aid kit with you and learn some of the basics. else else if(star_img=='5'){ Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. Book your permits as early as possible for the best chance of getting your preferred dates. Keep driving until the road absolutely ends at a circular parking lot. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: If you are swept past the beach, there are miles of steep cliffside before you would be able to reach shore. Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. Hours: 8:00a.m. 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. } Then make some friends with the adventurers around you while you enjoy one of the last sunsets in the United States. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); #2. State. Yes as daisies. The rock was like a magnet for the girls. In between each of the talons lies a valley, and none of them are more beautiful or abundant than Kalalau. 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. (808) 338-9980 Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. After leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters drier, more open land which offers little shade from the midday sun. They often sell out and some people make reservations up to a year in advance. About a mile up the valley, the . Kalalau Beach is the huge chunk of sand that sits in front of Kalalau Valley. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! Hiking Kauai: The Kalalau Trail - The Trek } From the beach, the valley extends 2 miles inland, with the high plateau of Kokee State park looking down upon it. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; Honopu Beach now requires swimming a good 300 or more yards to access the beach.). Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. There are falling rock hazards at the Kalalau Beach campsites along the cliff walls. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. Thanks so much. From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. Shipwrecks Beach, Kekaha Beach Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. info@MakanaCharters.com Kalalau Trail Kauai - Hiking to the Hanakapiai Beach and Back Its like being in the desert. The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. 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. Thanks Hiker. BEWARE of Beachfront Travel, also know as TBD (Travel By Design). In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. Kalalau Beach into Kalalau ValleyLocated near the end of the main trail, this valley trail passes through stone terraces that were used in the agriculture of taro and ends at a series of small waterfalls with swimming holes complete with a rope swing. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) 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). Ke`e Beach | Kauai.com One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; 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. But Kalalau valley and beach are not trashed, though far from totally remote and pristine. And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. var selectedText = ''; } At the end is a pool. She said that even the babies were quiet. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. Salt Pond Beach The best part is that the beach will be empty but for your fellow travelers. Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. I didn't think you camp on the beach. (808) 274-3444. You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. 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. This small beach is no longer accessible.). Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag. Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. Take your time and place your feet carefully and you will get through just fine. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, from ancient times until about 1920. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. So, I was wondering from someone who has perhaps done it recently, what the experience was like? Hawaii Beach Guide | Hawaii.com We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. Kayaking from a boat tour to Kalalau Beach - Kauai Forum 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. You do not need to be extreme athletes, but this is not a casual stroll. Cookie Notice Would it still be safe during the time we are going? It can be ankle deep only to plunge down to the depths with no warning. Yes, there are illegal campers there, some of them do leave trash. We left our snorkel equipment in the trunk of our rental car and took a swim at the end of our hike. 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. Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). Make reservations at www.gohaena.com. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. There are few coveted spots between the trail and the beach, but most are under the trees inland of the trail, but only about 50 feet from the sand. document.write(""); We are interested in making the ~1/4mi swim to Honopu Beach. Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the 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. Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. Waipouli Beach If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. 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 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. The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. Travel light. You may find locals living near the beach, or in the adjacent valley. But remembers there is no reef to protect the shore, which leaves it vulnerable tolong shore currents. Camping in Kalalau is allowed only behind this sand beach. Ten lashes for me! This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. On our trip, we found that the first few miles, due to heavy foot traffic, were in the worst shape, and trail conditions majorly improved further down the trail. It's better to enjoy the beach, the scenery and its caves while taking a refreshing shower in the natural waterfall. This cave is no longer accessible.). The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. As you can expect, Tunnels Beach is . Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. ny = document.getElementById(image); Npali Coast State Wilderness Park. Hena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihue Airport. ny = document.getElementById(image); Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. Walk-ins permitted. Hanalei Pavilion 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. Hawaii. The trail to Hanakapiai falls and beyond Hanakapiai is recommended for experienced hikers only. } Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. ny = document.getElementById(image); selectedVal = '5'; and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. Heres the thing youre in the middle of nowhere out here. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. Since the trail is quite long, most people who visit Kalalau Beach plan to stay overnight. 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. show(star_img,rid); These campsites are run by the County of Kauai and operate on a different reservation system. } Dont pack any food items. selectedVal = '3'; Follow the tunnel until you reach the room that's lit up with a blue hue this is the one you'll need to find the rebreather. function show(star_img,rnid) Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. | Web usage privacy. Password should be at least 8 characters. function showform(raid){ The view of the valley is stunning at every point. function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. The only way to access the valley is either by boat or hiking the 11-mile Kalalau trail there are no roads or airstrips here and only government helicopters are authorized to land. There are no lifeguards on these beaches and help is a helicopter ride away. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. 2023 Kauai Beaches. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. Not supporting camping there illegally at all - but those folks are not the big problem with opala from what I've been told. 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. Kayak the Na Pali Coast, The Mount Everest of Sea Kayaking - Hawaii.com It sounded amazing and the cool thing is, Cory took a risk and brought his dSLR with him in a dry bag (that orange thing hanging from his waist). I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. 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). Makana Charters It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. 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.