Call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); This Epic Climb in the Swiss Alps Is Mostly Terrifying -- but Also WorthIt. Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. Campers are allowed a maximum length stay of 5 nights. You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. If you are lucky enough to witness this, they are not in distress, and should not be approached or bothered. No camping is permitted there, but that is only what we read on the signage. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. They were up there within a few seconds. From here, trails lead through the rest of the valley. Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. Hiking Kauai: The Kalalau Trail - The Trek Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. And how do I know that ? A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; The trail is one of the most difficult in the Hawaiian Islands, which limits visitors to the beach. Lawai Beach DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu } Book your permits as early as possible for the best chance of getting your preferred dates. Travel light. [Kauai] Swimming to Honopu Beach from Kalalau : r/HawaiiVisitors - reddit You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. SeeSand Island site for updates. Don't Look Down! Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. All rights reserved. She didnt do the hike but she was able to see the Na Pali Coast from a cruise ship. Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. . As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. Would it still be safe during the time we are going? #30. They told us about how amazing Honopu Beach was. Despite a Portuguese man o war sting, quite a longer swim than expected, and considerably bigger waves then anticipated we made it (just barely)! The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. 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. }, 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! #2. There are even several community gardens throughout the valley, giving the people sustenance without a reliance on the outside world. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . Allow 3 to 4 hours to complete the round-trip hike to Hanakapiai Beach. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. The Kalalau Trail on N Pali's stunning Hawaiian coast is one of the most challenging treks in the world. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument IsCLOSED due to high winds and heavy rain. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. There are lots of details to consider when planning this hike and having a strategy ahead of time will make sure you have time for everything you want to see. While the crew . The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. Kalalau Beach, Kauai Kalalau Beach | Kauai Beach Scoop 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. State. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. ny = document.getElementById(image); Yes, there are illegal campers there, some of them do leave trash. Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. Camping on Kauai anywhere other than designated camping areas is considered illegal. The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. Must climb rock . It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; It appears Hawaii Tourism doesn't want people to visit Kauai, Trip Report 2- Outings, Entertainment, Attractions, Kauai St regis or Big Island Four seasons. You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. Honopu Beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor I have no idea what they charge. You may find locals living near the beach, or in the adjacent valley. Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. The hike to the beach is two miles and takes 2 hours. But this can be dangerous as the beach here features a short break, and there is unpredictable and shallow sandbar, not to mention illegal. Shopping is limited on Kauai and it is best to bring as many specialty items as possible with you on your flight such as your tent, sleeping bag, and trekking poles. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. (808) 274-3444. The Best Secret Beaches in Kauai, Hawaii - Matador Network document.write("Please Select"); Swim to Honopu Beach from Kalalau Beach - Get Lost After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. if(star_img=='1'){ Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. When it rains, which on Kauai is all of the time, portions of the trail get muddy and sloppy. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. here. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. Get answers to your questions about Kauai. 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. Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakpai MUST possess a valid camping permit. Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. After selecting the date and time of your visit, youll be able to select the number of entry or parking vouchers required. Binoculars are helpful to see them in detail. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. function noshow(star_img,rnid) Its the part right after you come out of the valley. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. We walked the beach both days we were in Kalalau. else if(i=='5'){ As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. Kee Beach Heres the thing youre in the middle of nowhere out here. 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. Honopu Beach now requires swimming a good 300 or more yards to access the beach.). Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. } { . For all these, just ask a friendly local where to go! } These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. She said that even the babies were quiet. 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. lc=rid; } The short break makes for big waves, especially during the winter season, and the sandbar can be unpredictable. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. Our Terms and Conditions, which contain an arbitration provision, may be viewed here. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. I didn't think you camp on the beach. Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. else if(star_img=='3'){ The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. } Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. Favorite Kauai Restaurants (updated November 2017), How to Eat Vegan on the Garden Isle of Kauai. Npali Coast State Wilderness Park. Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. 6. You need to filter your water on the trail. 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. In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Plan your trip accordingly. [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. (Originally published in August 2011. Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. Observe from a distance and use the zoom on your camera. Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. Never turn your back on the ocean. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. }else{ We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. else if(i=='3'){ 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. Is there something we should watch for? 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 falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. Kalalau Beach in Kauai - Hawaiian Planner It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapiai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. 5 Days In Kauai Sample Itinerary | Hawaii Travel Guide If possible, I would recommend making the trek all the way to the beach to camp. Plan your trip accordingly. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; If you are stopped by a park ranger you will be asked to show the permit along with photo id. else *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. Queen's Bath is VERY DANGEROUS! } Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. selectedText = 'Very Good'; 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. Kalalau beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor Florida manatees: What's legal, what isn't, what to do if you see one You'll also find a natural shower in the form of Ho'ole'a Falls at the western end of the beach. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); Anini Beach. Two days after we finished our hike, the trail was closed for almost a week due to flash flooding and the warning was posted in a red banner at the top of the web page. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. This cave is no longer accessible.). If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. if (field.value.length > maxlimit) Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; show(star_img,rid); Theres no longer sand to walk on here. Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report.