driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. 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. Lydgate Beach Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. When Kalalau came into view the entire boat went silent. Polihale Beach We didnt walk go in the water so it might go back much farther actually. Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach One of the many bountiful community gardens. Salt Pond Beach After selecting the date and time of your visit, youll be able to select the number of entry or parking vouchers required. 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. Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. We're not around right now. 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 trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. The beach sits at the foot of Kalalau Valley which is the jewel of the Na Pali Coast. It's a surreal scene. Kiahuna Beach This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. And it's absolutely wonderful to take a dip in Queen's Bath after enjoying the turtles inside Turtle Cove. But remembers there is no reef to protect the shore, which leaves it vulnerable tolong shore currents. Indeed, they are living the sustainable life that many in modern society have realized we need to aim for albeit with no modern amenities such as electricity, plumbing, and mass communication. 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. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Strong winds during the day form lines in the sand. document.write(""); We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. Hanalei Pier The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. 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. 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. I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. Brenneckes Beach On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. They were up there within a few seconds. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. #30. Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. else Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. (Originally published in August 2011. There has been mention here before about companies, individuals who will pick you up from Kalalau Beach and bring you out - but I don't know if any of them are still doing that personally. 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. They are all worth exploring if you have the time. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. Kalalau beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor }, 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 Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. } if(i=='1'){ For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. . You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. No camping is permitted there, but that is only what we read on the signage. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. ny = document.getElementById(image); Theres one section of the beach that gets super windy. 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. #2. Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance. Be sure to purify your water as it most likely contains leptospirosis, a bacteria from urine. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. What are some free things to do on Kauai? But Kalalau valley and beach are not trashed, though far from totally remote and pristine. Swim to Honopu Beach from Kalalau Beach - Get Lost [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. 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 else if(i=='4'){ I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. 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. Signs warn hikers of dangerous rockfall near the falls, so this area is off limits for swimming. Na Pali Coast State Park Information & More - Hawaii GuideHonopu Beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor Thanks so much. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. The view of the valley is stunning at every point. (808) 274-3444. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). 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. The rock was like a magnet for the girls. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. Since there are no lifeguards here and drownings have happened in the past, it is recommended to avoid swimming at Kalalau. You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. You definitely do not want to swim when this is the case. In between each of the talons lies a valley, and none of them are more beautiful or abundant than Kalalau. selectedVal = '3'; Get in touch with us today to book your tour! A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. Makana Charters
It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. Kalalau Beach (see more photos) lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. 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. The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. } Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. You'll be fined if you do not have one. We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. 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. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Even with this type of device, help is most likely hours away. This is the real Kalalau Valley Lookout. 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. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. Use extreme caution when swimming atthis beach. Hawaii. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Hours: 8:00a.m. These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. show(star_img,rid); They told us about how amazing Honopu Beach was. For more information, please see our They live in simple camps with no permanent structures, with tarps as their roofs and cooking by the flame of a fire. [OAHU] UPDATED 2/28/23: Kaena Point State Park Mokuleia Section The vehicle access road will continue to beCLOSED due to heavy rains and saturated road conditions. The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); The sea can appear calm here at times (like summer) making it seem safe to swim. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. Dont get caught in here. 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. Hanakapiai Trail | Kauai.com The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. } Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. 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. The trail that leads to this beach is considered the most difficult trails on the islands. Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. } var shows = 0; All About The Bahamas' Swimming Pigs - Nassau Paradise Island Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. Walk-ins permitted. 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. You are always a wealth of hiking info. | Web usage privacy. Mahaulepu Beach Make sure to use the correct filter if you plan to drink the water. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. She said that even the babies were quiet. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. The trail to Hanakapiai falls and beyond Hanakapiai is recommended for experienced hikers only. This camp is located on a section of the trail that is densely forested, so space is limited and crowded. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. There are no lifeguards on these beaches and help is a helicopter ride away. Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. Would it still be safe during the time we are going? It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. 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. 3. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. Dont pack any food items. The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. Kee Beach At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. Most people only do the first segment of this trail, which starts on the north shore of Kauai at Kee Beach and goes to the Hanakapiai Beach. 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. We walked the beach both days we were in Kalalau. There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. We would attempt to see what was beyond the beach on the following day. document.write("
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"); You do not need to hike the entire trail to get a sense of what its about. State. So if you're afraid of heights, you may not like this trail, especially around the middle of it. You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. Queen's Bath is VERY DANGEROUS! Phone Number. The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. 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. Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Despite the fact that many would fail to understand why these people would live this way by choice, they are truly happy in their natural surroundings. var ny; You do not need to be extreme athletes, but this is not a casual stroll. Travel light. It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. 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. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. All rights reserved. Each of these offshoots has unique waterfalls and swimming spots. We were able to obtain a permit three months before our trip in January, however, summer permits reportedly fill up more quickly. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. Permits cost $10 per person per night. Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. Law enforcement often helicopter in to check permits. 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. Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. I would like to spend one night at the Kalalau beach, but honestly, I don't feel like walking the 11 mile trail, so does anyone know if I can arrange a boat there that would pick me up the next day? Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. Any advice is much appreciated. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. This beach is fairly private due to the difficult trek to it. The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! Millions of years of constant erosion from the sea and sky have formed a landscape that is hard to comprehend even photos (as beautiful as they are) do a poor job of fully encompassing the splendour of this area. Kalalau Beach is very secluded, only with those brave and fit enough to get to the beach via man powered boat or expert hiking trails. Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. Follow the tunnel until you reach the room that's lit up with a blue hue this is the one you'll need to find the rebreather. After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. 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. Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. A password will be mailed to you! In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. Honopu Beach | UnrealHawaii.com Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. Questions? Its wide and deep. Secure your car and limit the valuables left inside. As you can expect, Tunnels Beach is . How has Kauai been affected by the floods? The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. mobile app. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. The writer and/or publisher of this website is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, rescues, inconvenience, or loss of life by anyone attempting any of the hikes or activities on this website. After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. Please read. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. A hat is nice to have too. Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Those in tip top shape can do it in 8 hours, those more average take 10+. You may find locals living near the beach, or in the adjacent valley. While the crew was away we explored the rock garden and wet cave over here. The beach is a prime spot for swimming and snorkeling, thanks to its relatively calm waters and a coral reef that is just a few meters offshore. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. Since the trail is quite long, most people who visit Kalalau Beach plan to stay overnight. Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. } http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. and our Plan your trip accordingly. Just remember that Kalalau Beach does not have a protective reef to break the waves. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); After exploring the cave and eating some snacks we spent an hour being extremely lazy. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. } Fuji Beach We chose to get our permits from the office closest to the airport immediately upon arriving in Kauai. Milwkid, I don't know why you would think the OP is joking - this question does get asked occasionally (hell, I wouldn't want to hike the whole 11 miles, either). Operate by the LNT principle and leave no trace behind you. And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. 12 Best Beaches in Kauai - Which One is Your Perfect Spot? Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, and no later than the day before your visit*. The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. 10 Best Things to Do in Cedar Key FL You Shouldn't Miss 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. Its like being in the desert. The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. The area upon which the Like so many beaches on the North Shore of Kauai safety is a big issue for Ke'e Beach. For treating minor injuries, carry a first-aid kit with you and learn some of the basics. It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach.