We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. { info@MakanaCharters.com A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. 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 first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. document.write(""); What off the beaten path activities can I do? There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. The next day was another bright and beautiful one. See all 16 reviews. Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. This section is a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; } }else{ Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. document.write("
"); We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. } The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. About a mile up the valley, the . 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. else if(i=='3'){ Travel light. Tunnels Beach, Anahola Beach function mark(star_img,rid) Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. The view of the valley is stunning at every point. Plan your trip accordingly. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). 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 = 'Excellent'; } Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. Hanakoa Campground to Hanakoa FallsThis campground is a quick extra mile located at the halfway point of the main trail up a valley that ends at a waterfall. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. If you visit these side trips, make sure to factor the additional miles into your hiking plan. Book your permits as early as possible for the best chance of getting your preferred dates. Waimea Beach. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? if(i=='1'){ This small beach is no longer accessible.). Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. } You need to bring all food and equipment with you. And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. On the plus side, it is Anini Beach is a narrow sliver of a beach that extends along Kauai's North Shore for somewhat over two miles. Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught. Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset. After exploring the cave and eating some snacks we spent an hour being extremely lazy. 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. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. Then make some friends with the adventurers around you while you enjoy one of the last sunsets in the United States. If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. A password will be mailed to you! Another cave down the coast has been eroded into an arch. }, 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! Learn more >, ADVERTISE: if(star_img=='1'){ Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. 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. milwkid9090's first answer is still the best. You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail. There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. 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. She said that even the babies were quiet. 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). 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. Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. But remembers there is no reef to protect the shore, which leaves it vulnerable tolong shore currents. Sponsored Content >. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. } This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. Be sure to purify your water as it most likely contains leptospirosis, a bacteria from urine. Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. The sea can appear calm here at times (like summer) making it seem safe to swim. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . 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). ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. While the crew was away we explored the rock garden and wet cave over here. Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. Heres what they saw. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > ny = document.getElementById(image); Kalalau Beach is the huge chunk of sand that sits in front of Kalalau Valley. Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. var selectedText = ''; Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. 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. 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. Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. Like previous poster said, unless you have rough water experience, just don't. Especially, especially right now. } mobile app. Yes Good For Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset 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. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. NOTE: It is illegal for anyone to provide commercial boat transportation for drop off/pick-up at Kalalau or Milolii camping areas. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. DAY-USE RESERVATIONS OR A VALID CAMPING PERMIT, AND PARKING RESERVATIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE KALALAU TRAIL. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. Lumahai Beach Thanks so much. In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . lc=rid; There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. Just remember that Kalalau Beach does not have a protective reef to break the waves. } 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. State. Hiking to Hanakpai Valley (2 miles in from trailhead) requires Entry and Parking Reservations at Haena. If you are swept past the beach, there are miles of steep cliffside before you would be able to reach shore. shows = 1; [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. var lc; Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges.