If you are swept past the beach, there are miles of steep cliffside before you would be able to reach shore. 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. Ten lashes for me! For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. Cell phone service is limited to none on the trail. Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. Hawaii. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. Would it still be safe during the time we are going? Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. If you can't hike the trail, the kayak to the beach would be even more strenuous even if you could. 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. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; el.style.display = 'none'; The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees. Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. One of the many bountiful community gardens. else if(star_img=='3'){ If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. 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. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; Check the website here for trail updates and closures. var i; You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. 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. 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. Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. 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. Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. Yes, there are illegal campers there, some of them do leave trash. } 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. Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. Fuji Beach From here, trails lead through the rest of the valley. And then, after a few seconds passed, all you could hear was a barrage of *click-click-clicks* from cameras. 3. selectedVal = '2'; Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. Even amongst the gorgeous sights and sounds along the entire coastline, one area stands out above the rest. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; 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). Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. On the second day of the hike, you can explore some of the many attractions around Kalalau beach, such as the Hanakapi'ai waterfalls, the Hanakoa Falls, and the Kalalau Valley Trail. Hanalei Pier Walk up the short hill. Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! They are all worth exploring if you have the time. selectedText = 'Fine'; function show(star_img,rnid) Its worth while to bring a way to store water, as the water source is a good trek from the designated camp areas. Are we nuts? A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers and hikers. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. Though you may be tempted, please do not hike this trail without permission. In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. Sponsored Content >. The next day was another bright and beautiful one. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. 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. And it's absolutely wonderful to take a dip in Queen's Bath after enjoying the turtles inside Turtle Cove. We found that there were people taking naps in almost all of the caves so we didnt linger too long inside. Nonetheless, you'll find beach areas with calm waters to swim and even snorkel without any issues. They were up there within a few seconds. In Na Pali Coast, Places by Makana ChartersJuly 25, 2016. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. It is now underwater.). 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. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. Due to increasing popularity, the state limits how many permits are released every day. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. It's a surreal scene. 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. You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. During the winter months, huge waves crash against the cliffs. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. Share your great experiences with me, please? for (i=1; i<=star_img; i++) { Daily, Get in touch with us today to book your tour, The Honu (Sea Turtle) and Its Importance to Hawaii, 6 Tips for Photographing the Na Pali Coast, 5 Interesting Facts about the Na Pali Coast, View From the Top or From the Waters: Discover the Best Way to Explore the Na Pali Coast. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! 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. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. selectedText = 'Very Good'; The white sand beach is a mile long, and, in this seclusion, you'll have no problem picking out your own isolated spot. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. else if(i=='5'){ On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. If you visit these side trips, make sure to factor the additional miles into your hiking plan. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. 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. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and 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. 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. If you are lucky enough to witness this, they are not in distress, and should not be approached or bothered. Maybe dont look over the edge if you are afraid of heights. And sunglasses. 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. Isobutane fuel with a screw top for Jetboil, MSR, and other backpacking stoves is available at Kayak Kauai. NOTE: A valid camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. 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. 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. There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. Please plan accordingly. 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. 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. There are even several community gardens throughout the valley, giving the people sustenance without a reliance on the outside world. Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. The sea can appear calm here at times (like summer) making it seem safe to swim. You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; While the crew was away we explored the rock garden and wet cave over here. [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. She said that even the babies were quiet. Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. Yes as daisies. No camping is permitted there, but that is only what we read on the signage. Published on 10/07/2018 by Kauai Beach Scoop. (Originally published in August 2011. Beaches - Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. The park will REOPEN by 3:00 PM on Friday 3/3/23. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. Hours: 8:00a.m. This special spot is beautiful at sunset. Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. Hello. Mahaulepu Beach function showform(raid){ Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. Plan your trip accordingly. Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. Plan your trip accordingly. 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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. Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. Cory and Troy picked them off the rocks in between waves. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). It can be ankle deep only to plunge down to the depths with no warning. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. See all 16 reviews. (808) 338-9980 Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. Keep in mind that this portion of the trail is in the designated day-use area and can be accessed without a permit. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; The hike to the beach is two miles and takes 2 hours. All rights reserved. The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . We tried to soak it in as much as possible knowing that it would be quite some time before we would ever return. 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. selectedText = 'Good'; A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. 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. Password should be at least 8 characters. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. here. Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. } This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. A well-chosen campsite can save you from a bad night of sleep or worse. It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. Its like being in the desert. As you travel north, prices go up and options are more limited. Polihale Beach You'll also find a natural shower in the form of Ho'ole'a Falls at the western end of the beach. http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. It's better to enjoy the beach, the scenery and its caves while taking a refreshing shower in the natural waterfall. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach.