Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. 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. Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; #30. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). But this can be dangerous as the beach here features a short break, and there is unpredictable and shallow sandbar, not to mention illegal. } function noshow(star_img,rnid) All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. 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. Anini Beach is an oddity on Polihale Beach is spectacular by all measures of comparison and almost every description of this beach requires the use of a superlative. Privacy Policy. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. var selectedVal = ''; There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. Well worth a look (and an unforgettable fruitful smell). Campers are allowed a maximum length stay of 5 nights. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. Kealia Beach As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. Kayak the Na Pali Coast, The Mount Everest of Sea Kayaking - Hawaii.com A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. See Hapuna site for updates. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. if(star_img=='1'){ Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. ny = document.getElementById(image); The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. ), 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. I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. 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. Another cave down the coast has been eroded into an arch. The trail to Hanakapiai falls and beyond Hanakapiai is recommended for experienced hikers only. Observe from a distance and use the zoom on your camera. var selectedText = ''; The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. } Kalalau Beach - Wikipedia PDF Kalalau Trail - Department of Land and Natural Resources Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. The Beach Within the valley itself, there are many things to see and do. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; (808) 338-9980 function show(star_img,rnid) Both of these excursions depart Nassau at 8:00 a.m. sharp and return from The Exumas between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Its wide and deep. Walk up the short hill. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. 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. Strong winds during the day form lines in the sand. selectedText = 'Fine'; Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; But Kalalau valley and beach are not trashed, though far from totally remote and pristine. Cory and Troy picked them off the rocks in between waves. From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. SeeSand Island site for updates. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. 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. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. It's a surreal scene. The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). } Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. Questions? Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. Hena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihue Airport. #2. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. If you visit these side trips, make sure to factor the additional miles into your hiking plan. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. Plan your trip accordingly. We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. ), At the end of the beach theres a massive rock that looks like it fell from high above.(Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. else We're not around right now. 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If your time on Kauai is limited you should definitely see it on one of our tours, whether you visit the valley or not. } ny = document.getElementById(image); But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? Kayak or Sail the Na Pali Coast, Kapaa, Hawaii ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. } I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. Since the trail is quite long, most people who visit Kalalau Beach plan to stay overnight. 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. Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. Na Pali Coast Guide - Hike & Boat Npali - Capt Andy's Theres no longer sand to walk on here. lc=rid; You'll peer down thousands of feet into a colorful tropical landscape that is punctuated by a beautiful beach. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. Its like being in the desert. How can I take a shelter dog on a field trip? Lawai Beach You can also get to this beach via boat, which is fairly commonly done via Kayaks (with a permit). Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. 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 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. Did you see Todays Groupon for world resorts international? } Seeaosite for updates. You can swim in Cabo San Lucas, but only on some of its beaches. The next day was another bright and beautiful one. Its the part right after you come out of the valley. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. more. Honopu Beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { 2023 Kauai Beaches. Brenneckes Beach During the winter months, huge waves crash against the cliffs. Waipouli Beach 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. The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. Kalalau Campground, Npali Coast, HI: 7 Hipcamper Reviews And 13 Photos A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. And it's absolutely wonderful to take a dip in Queen's Bath after enjoying the turtles inside Turtle Cove. selectedVal = '3'; 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. selectedVal = '4'; Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. 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. All rights reserved. Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. Shutterstock Hawaii, Island of kauai, Na Pali Cliffs How To Hike N Pali And The Kalalau Trail Where To Camp In N Pali Coast State Wilderness Park [KAUAI] UPDATED 3/2/23: Polihale State Park Is CLOSED until further notice due to an electrical outage that has put the water pump out of service. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. I have no idea what they charge. Make reservations at www.gohaena.com. Anini Beach. } { You need to filter your water on the trail. Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag. 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. She said that even the babies were quiet. Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Since there are no lifeguards here and drownings have happened in the past, it is recommended to avoid swimming at Kalalau. 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. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. Kalalau Beach Pics & Info, Kauai, HI (43 Photos) | UnrealHawaii.com Park. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. if(i<= selectedVal) The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. selectedVal = '2'; In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the round-trip hike to Hanakapiai Beach. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. 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. Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. Kalalau Beach in Kauai - Hawaiian Planner 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. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; Camping on Kauai anywhere other than designated camping areas is considered illegal. See Polipoli site for updates. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. 3. One of the many bountiful community gardens. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. } And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. You are always a wealth of hiking info. Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. Hawaii Beach Guide | Hawaii.com Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. There are no lifeguards on these beaches and help is a helicopter ride away. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; It doesnt go back too far. You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. You will find this beach after a 11 mile hike along the Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast. Heres the thing youre in the middle of nowhere out here. The most spectacular being over 1,000 feet tall! Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. 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. The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. ny = document.getElementById(image); document.write("

"); The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. Don't Look Down! document.write("

Please Select

"); There is no cell reception, but there is a payphone. This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, from ancient times until about 1920. Theres one section of the beach that gets super windy. Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; [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. [KAUAI] Kkee State Park - Beginning TUESDAY, MARCH 7, 2023, road repair work will be conducted along Kkee Road between the meadow/lodge area and the first Kalalau Lookout. else if(star_img=='2'){ Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. But if you abuse or harass the animal or your actions result in its . (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. The short break makes for big waves, especially during the winter season, and the sandbar can be unpredictable. Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); See all 16 reviews. Like previous poster said, unless you have rough water experience, just don't. Especially, especially right now. Hiking NaPali Coast If the timing is not right for you to have such an in-depth and intensive experience; there are other ways to see the NaPali Coast by land. The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. - 8:00p.m. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. Look closely at the textured valley walls and you'll see mountain goats precariously perched on high. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). 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. As you can expect, Tunnels Beach is . Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach he camping permits go fast, so its wise to get one a year or more in advance. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapiai valley must possess a valid overnight camping permit. (808) 274-3444. The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. *Camping permits for Npali Coast SWP often sell-out quickly, particularly during the summer months. }, 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! 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. High surf pounds the shore creating extremely turbulent waters. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. For a nonresident of Hawaii, permits at the time of writing cost $20 per person/per night. There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; They live in simple camps with no permanent structures, with tarps as their roofs and cooking by the flame of a fire. Those with Npali Coast SWP Camping Permits do not need to make a Hena SP park entry reservation. 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). The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. At the end is a pool. Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. The trail is one of the most difficult in the Hawaiian Islands, which limits visitors to the beach. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; While the crew . Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. Hanalei Pavilion Favorite Kauai Restaurants (updated November 2017), How to Eat Vegan on the Garden Isle of Kauai. function mark(star_img,rid) 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. You'll be fined if you do not have one. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. Heres what they saw. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. During summer, sea caves just beyond the waterfall provide popular camping shelters, but winter surf removes much of the beach and enters the caves. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. 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. It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. 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. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. The rock was like a magnet for the girls. Cross Kalalau Stream to the beach and the camping area. Plan your trip accordingly. Would it still be safe during the time we are going? Dont pack any food items. This camp is located on a section of the trail that is densely forested, so space is limited and crowded. 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. Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! 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