Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. var image; Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. 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. For more information read our privacy policy. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. ), 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. Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. Hawaii. And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. See all 16 reviews. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu We're not around right now. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. (808) 338-9980 From the beach, the valley extends 2 miles inland, with the high plateau of Kokee State park looking down upon it. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. This is the cleanest fresh water on the island, so it's great for a shower. 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. Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. This section is a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. If you are swept past the beach, there are miles of steep cliffside before you would be able to reach shore. We chose to get our permits from the office closest to the airport immediately upon arriving in Kauai. selectedVal = '5'; A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. 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('t0').innerHTML=" "; We walked back to the end of Kalalau Beach. Lumahai Beach Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Its large and backs up to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and classic napali coastline. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; Use extreme caution when swimming atthis beach. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. 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. Brenneckes Beach The mud is slippery and may slow down your hiking time. more. } What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? } 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); for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Lawai Beach Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. Heres what they saw. 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. mobile app. 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. and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. Walk up the short hill. selectedVal = '1'; Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. 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. It's a surreal scene. el.style.display = 'inline'; Npali Coast SWP camping permits are available here >, Overnight parking is available at Hena SP via Overnight Parking Reservation. Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. Please read. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. All rights reserved. } Keep in mind that this portion of the trail is in the designated day-use area and can be accessed without a permit. You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. There are even several community gardens throughout the valley, giving the people sustenance without a reliance on the outside world. Waipouli Beach Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. When you come out of the arch you see what looks like an alien planet.(Update 9/14/15: Thisarea was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015.). [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. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. When I got back from Kalalau I went to get a haircut. Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. Kalalau Trail leading to the beach The trail ends at Kalalau Beach, as the ocean comes up the cliffs at the western end. } Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Park. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. else if(star_img=='5'){ 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. See Hapuna site for updates. Maybe dont look over the edge if you are afraid of heights. else if(star_img=='4'){ Its the part right after you come out of the valley. Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. Waimea, HI 96796 There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. 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. Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. function noshow(star_img,rnid) 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. 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. List of properly permitted vacation rentals, not condos - 8/15/2017, Weather Questions start here Pls/Best Time of Year to Visit Kauai, How to make reservations at Haena State Park / Ke'e Beach. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. Plan your trip accordingly. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapiai valley must possess a valid overnight camping permit. 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. In Na Pali Coast, Places by Makana ChartersJuly 25, 2016. Seeaosite for updates. Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. Despite a Portuguese man o war sting, quite a longer swim than expected, and considerably bigger waves then anticipated we made it (just barely)! Then make some friends with the adventurers around you while you enjoy one of the last sunsets in the United States. The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. } It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. It doesnt go back too far. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. If you are stopped by a park ranger you will be asked to show the permit along with photo id. Permits cost $10 per person per night. Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. There are no lifeguards on these beaches and help is a helicopter ride away. 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. 2023 Kauai Beaches. Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. Doing this is dangerous so, maybe dont attempt this if you ever find yourself in front of this rock. document.write(""); In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim, http://goingtogetlost.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/going-to-get-lost_black-logo-e1472512038874.png, http://goingtogetlost.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/commando-climb-7.jpg. But remembers there is no reef to protect the shore, which leaves it vulnerable tolong shore currents. More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Register in order to post your own listings! The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. ny = document.getElementById(image); *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. You'll also find a natural shower in the form of Ho'ole'a Falls at the western end of the beach. The trail to Hanakapiai falls and beyond Hanakapiai is recommended for experienced hikers only. You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. Another cave down the coast has been eroded into an arch. You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; 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. The Kalalau Valley sits roughly halfway down the coast. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. Campers are allowed a maximum length stay of 5 nights. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. This cave is no longer accessible.). But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. Privacy Policy. Cell phone service is limited to none on the trail. 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. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. . Kalalau Beach is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. And sunglasses. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach Look closely at the textured valley walls and you'll see mountain goats precariously perched on high. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. Are we nuts? She said that even the babies were quiet. Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. Hena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihue Airport. Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. show(star_img,rid); You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. United States. else It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. When you finally get to the beach, you'll marvel at the hikers that have carried 50+ pounds of gear across the hike and over the ledge. During the winter months, huge waves crash against the cliffs. You are always a wealth of hiking info. You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. return; 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. My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. Share your great experiences with me, please? It is now underwater.). Kealia Beach Many rare native plants grow along the trail. } function mark(star_img,rid) There is no cell reception, but there is a payphone. It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. . 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. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Never turn your back on the ocean. var shows = 0; Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Composting toilets are available at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. Phone Number. You need to filter your water on the trail. Operate by the LNT principle and leave no trace behind you. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. We tried to soak it in as much as possible knowing that it would be quite some time before we would ever return. else if(i=='4'){ Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. | Web usage privacy. else if(star_img=='3'){ There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream 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. Those with Npali Coast SWP Camping Permits do not need to make a Hena SP park entry reservation. 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. The people come together to share meals and talk story of their days adventures. 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. The short break makes for big waves, especially during the winter season, and the sandbar can be unpredictable. 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. Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. selectedVal = '4'; It's better to enjoy the beach, the scenery and its caves while taking a refreshing shower in the natural waterfall. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. Yes as daisies. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. 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. As you can expect, Tunnels Beach is . The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. 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. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. The poorly marked 1/2-mile trail up the east fork of the stream to Hanakoa falls has hazardous, eroded sections but affords a spectacular view of the falls. In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. 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. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. Please plan accordingly. A hat is nice to have too. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. he camping permits go fast, so its wise to get one a year or more in advance. 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). 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. function showform(raid){ } Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. The white sand beach is a mile long, and, in this seclusion, you'll have no problem picking out your own isolated spot. Camping gear should include a lightweight sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad, tent with rainfly, cooking stove and fuel, water purification tablets or filter, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, and biodegradable soap. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. Hanalei Pine Trees If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. ny = document.getElementById(image); Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. } From here, trails lead through the rest of the valley. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. 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.