It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. Many of the unforgettable sights on the Na Pali coast are only viewable from the sea, so it is well worth a look. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > You can swim in Cabo San Lucas, but only on some of its beaches. 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. function showform(raid){ Honopu Beach now requires swimming a good 300 or more yards to access the beach.). Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; 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. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; 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. Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. } As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Register in order to post your own listings! document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; show(star_img,rid); Heres the thing youre in the middle of nowhere out here. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. It doesnt go back too far. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. } Walk up the short hill. We tried to soak it in as much as possible knowing that it would be quite some time before we would ever return. Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. Lic# TVNC1058, Secluded and difficult to access beach on Kauai's Na Pali Coast, You should be in good physical condition to hike to the beach and not afraid of heights (the trail is narrow in some areas and involves several stream crossings), Beware of flash floods when crossing streams (don't cross if the water is too high), Kalalau Beach has rip tides, strong currents and a dangerous shorebreak, especially in the winter months, Bring all needed supplies and food with you, Mosquito repellent is a good idea to bring too. Kalapaki Beach Now you can sit back and enjoy yet another epic sunset. Phone Number. There are no lifeguards at Kalalau Beach, and you're an 11-mile hike from help. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. 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. 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 trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali.You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured . The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { And how do I know that ? The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. The view of the valley is stunning at every point. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Its worth while to bring a way to store water, as the water source is a good trek from the designated camp areas. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. We walked back to the end of Kalalau Beach. Those in tip top shape can do it in 8 hours, those more average take 10+. These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees. } And sunglasses. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. Contact the Department of State Parks, (808) 587-0300, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. When I got back from Kalalau I went to get a haircut. They live in simple camps with no permanent structures, with tarps as their roofs and cooking by the flame of a fire. It is a minimum 3-day round-trip journey for most people to hike all the way to Kalalau and back, which means that you have to be well outfitted and prepared for the journey. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Camping on Kauai anywhere other than designated camping areas is considered illegal. Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. #2. Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. The rock was like a magnet for the girls. The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. 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. On the north end of the valley is New beach (or Summer beach) the sand collects in the summer to make a nice stretch of beach, but in the winter the swell washes it all away. You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. Therefore, the only way to legally hike the trail in its entirety is to do so with a permit, and they can be difficult to obtain. There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. Would it still be safe during the time we are going? var ny; You will find this beach after a 11 mile hike along the Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast. } Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. Video Shows Tourists Almost Lose Kids To Huge Waves at The Eddie While Ignoring Lifeguard Pleas To Get Back, Heres How To Visit Niihau, Hawaiis Forbidden Island, The 17 Most Underrated Honeymoon Destinations in the US, The 13 Best Places To Go Hiking in Hawaii, The Worlds Most Dangerous Footpath Is Now Totally Safe To Hike, Abiqua Falls Is a Secret Waterfall Hidden Deep in the Oregon Forest, Best Hikes With Stunning Views in the Ozark Mountains, 7 Easy Hikes on Oahu, Hawaii, That Are Perfect for Kids. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. Get answers to your questions about Kauai. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. } Side note, if you are not a member you can still eat at their outdoor walk-up food counter and it is probably the cheapest meal on the island. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. Personally, I like the idea of the bikini clad sweet hearts, free drinks, and calm seas. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. High surf pounds the shore creating extremely turbulent waters. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. You need to bring all food and equipment with you. 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. #30. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? One of the many bountiful community gardens. Each of these offshoots has unique waterfalls and swimming spots. 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. Carrying trekking poles was also immensely helpful in balancing on the more slippery portions. Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. We were able to obtain a permit three months before our trip in January, however, summer permits reportedly fill up more quickly. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. You'll be fined if you do not have one. Hanalei Pine Trees For more information read our privacy policy. else if(i=='2'){ If you can't hike the trail, the kayak to the beach would be even more strenuous even if you could. Its like being in the desert. else if(star_img=='3'){ After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. } jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. Plan your trip accordingly. Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset. } Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. 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.). Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. Then make some friends with the adventurers around you while you enjoy one of the last sunsets in the United States. if(i<= selectedVal) The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. 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. Its wide and deep. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods. 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. } It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. After leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters drier, more open land which offers little shade from the midday sun. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . Npali Coast State Wilderness Park. By rejecting non-essential cookies, Reddit may still use certain cookies to ensure the proper functionality of our platform. In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . If you look closely at the photo above, you can see them in the water. And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. This was my favorite part of the trip. The area upon which the Like so many beaches on the North Shore of Kauai safety is a big issue for Ke'e Beach. The Beach For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. Heed these warnings! Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. function mark(star_img,rid) } lc=rid; Country. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. And eventually, our companions returned from their adventure.(Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honop Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. Plan your trip accordingly. 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. The rugged, inaccessible coast is made up of a series of green cathedral cliffs that reach out into the ocean like the talons of an island-sized dragon. http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. Kealia Beach Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. 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. This 2-mile long day hike (4 miles round trip) is moderately challenging and doesn't require extreme abilities, therefore almost anybody in a decent physical . } Share your great experiences with me, please? The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. If you get a late start or are a slower hiker, this may be a good option for you. info@MakanaCharters.com If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. Start the hike as early as possible so you're ahead of the day hikers and have ample time to finish the hike before dark. If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. var shows = 0; It's a surreal scene. There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this 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. 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. } 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. In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. ny = document.getElementById(image); Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). var lc; There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. After selecting the date and time of your visit, youll be able to select the number of entry or parking vouchers required. else Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. document.getElementById('rat').value="2"; The Best Family Friendly Things To Do in LasVegas, Where To Spend Nine Perfect Days in Croatia, New Zealands South Island Is Pure Magic: 6 Natural Wonders You Need ToSee, How To Experience The Rich Black History of Montgomery, Alabama, 11 Things To See, Do, and Eat in Bratislava, Slovakia, How To Experience Undeveloped Beaches and Fresh Seafood In Panama CityBeach, How To Explore Savannah Through the City's New Electric, Open-Roof Cruisers, From Sparkles To Champagne Elevator Rides: What You Need To Know Before Visiting the Eiffel Tower, 10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Angkor Wat, Winter Is Actually a Great Time To Visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Download the As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! Well worth a look (and an unforgettable fruitful smell). if(star_img=='1'){ Makana Charters Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. 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). Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. See all 16 reviews. You do not need to hike the entire trail to get a sense of what its about. } Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. The Kalalau Valley sits roughly halfway down the coast. *Camping permits for Npali Coast SWP often sell-out quickly, particularly during the summer months. If you visit these side trips, make sure to factor the additional miles into your hiking plan. Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. Hideaway Beach All rights reserved. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; 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. Keep in mind that this portion of the trail is in the designated day-use area and can be accessed without a permit. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. We couldnt stay for long as youneed to get back before the waves and the current pick up. For more information, please see our Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. But this can be dangerous as the beach here features a short break, and there is unpredictable and shallow sandbar, not to mention illegal. 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. United States. Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. Dont pack any food items. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. Despite a Portuguese man o war sting, quite a longer swim than expected, and considerably bigger waves then anticipated we made it (just barely)! Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. 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. If you've already made it this far and won't be hiking all the way to Kalalau Beach, you might as well take the 2-mile detour (each way) to Hanakapiai Falls. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. NOTE: A valid camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. Privacy Policy. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. Salt Pond Beach } 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. Observe from a distance and use the zoom on your camera. Queen's Bath is VERY DANGEROUS! Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. }, Private and Quiet Luxury Beach House 3 minute walk to beach TVNC#5151, Hale Kahakai: Beachfront home on the Magical North Shore of Kauai, Hawaii Life Rentals presents Modern beach style vacation house, with A/C, Affordable Beach House Just Steps to the Beach Children Welcome! 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. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience.

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