more. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. The white sand beach is a mile long, and, in this seclusion, you'll have no problem picking out your own isolated spot. Kalalau Beach is the huge chunk of sand that sits in front of Kalalau Valley. We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Walk-ins permitted. We saw campers and their tents and also talked to hikers, and campers, who accomplished this feat to this beach, and I say that reverently. milwkid9090's first answer is still the best. Camping is allowed on the beach, but permits are required. Honopu Beach now requires swimming a good 300 or more yards to access the beach.). It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. function showform(raid){ At Kalalau beach, you hike as far as possible on the beach, and then ideally go under a cave arch and arrive on the last beach. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. We walked back to the end of Kalalau Beach. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. 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. Kalapaki Beach The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. You'll also be forced to camp in the valley as the hike is too long and dangerous for an out-and-back trip in a single day. { So if you're afraid of heights, you may not like this trail, especially around the middle of it. Are we nuts? 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. If you can't hike the trail, the kayak to the beach would be even more strenuous even if you could. . To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . 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. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! We were advised by a local that staying in the shallows where your feet can touch is a good precaution. These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees. Haena Beach Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. Walk up the short hill. Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. ny = document.getElementById(image); 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. Operate by the LNT principle and leave no trace behind you. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. For a nonresident of Hawaii, permits at the time of writing cost $20 per person/per night. Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. 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. Beginning at Ke`e Beach and ending at Kalalau Valley, this challenging but rewarding hike, earned the Sierra Club's rating of "9" out of "10" in degree of difficulty. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. It's better to enjoy the beach, the scenery and its caves while taking a refreshing shower in the natural waterfall. The short break makes for big waves, especially during the winter season, and the sandbar can be unpredictable. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. 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. Shipwrecks Beach, Kekaha Beach A hat is nice to have too. The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. 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. Except that theres an ocean next to you. Since there are no lifeguards here and drownings have happened in the past, it is recommended to avoid swimming at Kalalau. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. 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. They were up there within a few seconds. Even with this type of device, help is most likely hours away. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. Salt Pond Beach Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. 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 . Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. The sea can appear calm here at times (like summer) making it seem safe to swim. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. 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. 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. Those of us that didnt have sunglasses wore their swimming goggles to keep the sand out of their eyes. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. 3. Camping in Kalalau is allowed only behind this sand beach. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. 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). Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! You may find locals living near the beach, or in the adjacent valley. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_2',130,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4-0');if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[300,250],'to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4','ezslot_3',130,'0','1'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-to_hawaii_com-medrectangle-4-0_1'); .medrectangle-4-multi-130{border:none !important;display:block !important;float:none !important;line-height:0px;margin-bottom:5px !important;margin-left:auto !important;margin-right:auto !important;margin-top:5px !important;max-width:100% !important;min-height:250px;padding:0;text-align:center !important;}. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. Share your great experiences with me, please? Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. Seeaosite for updates. 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.). Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. Hideaway Beach } SeeSand Island site for updates. Hanalei Pier We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. When it rains, which on Kauai is all of the time, portions of the trail get muddy and sloppy. During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. return; You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. Its rated a 9/10 for technical difficulty, and has many shear drop offs, narrow ledges, and never ending climbs and descents. Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; . While the crew . image = 'qw'+rnid + i; A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. } Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance. 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. else if(star_img=='4'){ BEWARE of Beachfront Travel, also know as TBD (Travel By Design). This special spot is beautiful at sunset. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. For over 20 years we have been offering tours of the Na Pali coast on custom-built touring catamarans that were designed to provide the ultimate touring experience. Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. var selectedVal = ''; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; } 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. Nobody seems to mind, though trading modern creature comforts for a deeper connection to the land around by learning how to coexist with nature instead of profiting off it. There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. Eleven miles in and eleven out. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. This cave is no longer accessible.). There was not a peep out of the couple thousand passengers on the deck. In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Any advice is much appreciated. 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. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. 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. Anini Beach. If possible, I would recommend making the trek all the way to the beach to camp. ny = document.getElementById(image); Kalalau Beach (see more photos) lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. Now you can sit back and enjoy yet another epic sunset. If your time on Kauai is limited you should definitely see it on one of our tours, whether you visit the valley or not. selectedText = 'Poor'; 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="Excellent"; Its worth while to bring a way to store water, as the water source is a good trek from the designated camp areas. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. 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. 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. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) Heres what they saw. 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. 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. The park will REOPEN by 3:00 PM on Friday 3/3/23. Keep in mind that this portion of the trail is in the designated day-use area and can be accessed without a permit. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. } (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Kiahuna Beach The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail. Park. 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. 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. Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. Mahaulepu Beach But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. var lc; Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. 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. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. For more information read our privacy policy. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. Theres no longer sand to walk on here. They live in simple camps with no permanent structures, with tarps as their roofs and cooking by the flame of a fire. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. 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 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. The trail to Hanakapiai falls and beyond Hanakapiai is recommended for experienced hikers only. The Kalalau Valley sits roughly halfway down the coast. } Since the trail is quite long, most people who visit Kalalau Beach plan to stay overnight. Another cave down the coast has been eroded into an arch. Permits cost $10 per person per night. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. show(star_img,rid); 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. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. Here are 21 things you should know before hiking the Kalalau Trail. If you visit these side trips, make sure to factor the additional miles into your hiking plan. Then make some friends with the adventurers around you while you enjoy one of the last sunsets in the United States. Cookie Notice document.getElementById('rat').value=selectedVal; Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers and hikers. Anini Beach. This small beach is no longer accessible.). You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. 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 The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. So, I was wondering from someone who has perhaps done it recently, what the experience was like? 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. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. Due to increasing popularity, the state limits how many permits are released every day. This was my favorite part of the trip. The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! The sandbar is quite shallow here and in some spots the ocean bottom drops off quickly to overhead depths. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. Some of these year-round residents hike out of the valley every couple of months to get supplies. Theres one section of the beach that gets super windy. selectedText = 'Very Good'; The faces are sheer and you can see that boulders continuously break off.(Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. (808) 338-9980 Book your permits as early as possible for the best chance of getting your preferred dates. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. It's illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. 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. Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; All rights reserved. Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. People have drowned here from the dangerous combination of a hidden current and the cliffside surroundings. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. High surf pounds the shore creating extremely turbulent waters. } They often sell out and some people make reservations up to a year in advance. A well-chosen campsite can save you from a bad night of sleep or worse. ), 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. } As you can expect, Tunnels Beach is . Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. Empty, untouched beach On your mark, get set, go Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. Contact the Department of State Parks, (808) 587-0300, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. But Kalalau valley and beach are not trashed, though far from totally remote and pristine. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Those in tip top shape can do it in 8 hours, those more average take 10+. The trail and activity descriptions are given to give the reader a better understanding of what to expect while hiking and participating in activities in Hawaii. I didn't think you camp on the beach. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. 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). How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. Its large and backs up to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and classic napali coastline. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; And how do I know that ? Carrying trekking poles was also immensely helpful in balancing on the more slippery portions. You are always a wealth of hiking info. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. 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. You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. After exploring the cave and eating some snacks we spent an hour being extremely lazy. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. Guava Forest-An entire grove of trees that provides an abundance of wild guava. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. It is now underwater.). After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. Jen and Seth decided to swim down the coastline instead. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! Plan your trip accordingly. Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. The beach sits at the foot of Kalalau Valley which is the jewel of the Na Pali Coast.
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