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[13], Panoramic view from the Kalalau trail of the Kalalau Valley and beach. During summer, some people like to swim over to the secluded Honopu Beach said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii and/or the world. Well, it was time to explore Kalalau Valley. Thats not to say that everyone else feels as safe as I did, but the general consensus seems to be that safety is not an issue. So if you want to follow the trail shown in this post, just keep going straight. Many rare native plants grow on inaccessible cliffs. Why hike an extremely challenging 11 miles to rob or assault someone when you could achieve the same thing back in civilization with a lot less effort? Kalalau Lookout is also the highest elevation most people reach in Kauai by road, at 4,000 feet. But after some investigation, we realized that what seemed like trails were actually just erosion from water draining off the mountains. A vast array of verdant valleys, waterfalls, sea caves and gorgeous vistas lay ahead of you. The valley is located in the N Pali Coast State Park and houses the Kalalau Beach. They're comfortable and light to wear, and unlike spray . Na Pali means "High Cliffs". Follow the trail down to the stream. . Kalalau Trail closed due to weather/landslide, Kalalau | Hiking the Kalalau Trail | HD with Drone Footage, Top Reasons You NEED to Experience Kalalau Trail, First 2-miles of the Kalalau Trail to reopen with requirements. Foreign influences brought diseases that decimated the Hawaiian population on the Na Pali and throughout the Hawaiian islands. The valley is surrounded by cliffs more than 610 meters (2,000 feet) high. The trail traverses 5 major valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. The valley is home to many rare species, including the endangered plant Dubautia kalalauensis which was named for the valley and is found nowhere else in the world. The word "Na Pali" literally translates as "High Cliffs.". The hike out of Hanakapiai is a rather arduous climb and the views are mostly behind you (be sure to look behind you at the beach as you climb). Kalalau Valley, Hawaii. All Rights Reserved. The Hanakapiai or Kalalau Trail, beginning in Haena at Ke'e Beach, is a world renowned north shore Kauai hiking trail offering some of the best views of the scenic and dramatic northwest Na Pali Coastline that you can enjoy from land. Photos courtesy of DLNR of the effort on Kauai in early February: The following numbered photos in the dropbox . Fourteen years ago, when he graduated from Meharry Medical College at the top of his class, he was called the doctor most likely to succeed. See more from this series: This story was last modified on August 7, 2013. Today, its designation as a state park forbids anyone from residing there. Mahalo! It is bounded by the rgions of Centre and Bourgogne-Franche-Comt to the north, Nouvelle-Aquitaine to the . Mahalo to the dedicated trail crew who opened the Kalalau Trail after one year. Camping is only allowed at Hanakoa or Kalalau. The most strenuous part of the hike occurs after Hanakapiai Beach where the trail climbs from sea level to 800 feet over 1 1/4 miles. Alternatively, you can rent gear from Kayak Kauai. On April 28, 2017, Cody Safadago, a man alleged to be living in Kalalau, was charged with stealing a truck and causing an accident that killed a Kauai woman the previous day, while he was driving drunk. Violation of this rule is a petty misdemeanor under Hawaii law, and a conviction will result in a criminal record in addition to penalties. We missed this turn and kept hiking straight following a very well defined trail. Refresh the page, check Medium 's site. You can jump from either side of the hole. We were told by a creepy hermit that this is a good boulder to jump off of. By donating to our small business, you accept and acknowledge the donation terms. [4], Hanakoa Valley contains Hanakoa Falls and stream but the valley is a hanging valley with no access to the beach. The objective of this day was to hike the Kalalau Valley Trail to the back of the valley and find Kalalau Falls. 115. SEE ALSO: 25 Epic Photos of Kauais Na Pali Coast & Kalalau Trail // 12 Must Dos on a Kauai Road Trip. Edited version of a high resolution USGS topographical chart of the Kalalau Trail. Another one of our top ten most beautiful valleys in the world is the Kalalau Valley found on the island of Kaua'i in Hawaii. Copyright 2023 Guide of US, LLC. Visit Rentals.com to rent today. The Kalalau Trail is a popular hiking route in Kauai as a longer scenic hike. Here at Ha'ena State Park, you can visit Hanakapi'ai Beach from this trail. A comfortable pack and boots, layers, wool socks, rain gear, etc you know the drill. It was very stunning to see the valley and also see waterfall on the backdrop. Facing these challenges might be the last thing youd want to do on your tropical vacation. From 8 mile, it is only 2 more miles to Kalalau Beach. The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail. The valley is surrounded by cliffs more than 2,000 feet (610m) high. Make sure to obtain a permit long before you decide to head out it takes about 90 days to process and you are required by law to have one. We were sore but after breakfast, coffee and a few Advils, we were good to go. The valley is a part of the N Pali Coast State Park and the DLNR is responsible for its maintenance and preservation. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. 7# Kalalau Valley - USA. Even in the summertime, when the beach is deep with white sand, people sometimes venture along the lava rock shelves on both ends of the beach. These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. The trail runs approximately 11 miles (18km) along the island's north shore from Kee Beach to the Kalalau Valley. The winters are comfortable and humid, with mostly clear conditions. Privacy Policy, Trailhead to Hanakapiai Beach (Mile 0-2), 25 Epic Photos of Kauais Na Pali Coast & Kalalau Trail, December 2016 Recap: Hawaii, NYC, Connecticut, 2016: The Year I Inadvertently Tried So Many New Things, The Best Spots For Hiking & Camping in Kosciusko National Park in Summer, Blue Waterholes: An Off-The-Grid Gem In Kosciuszko National Park. A lot of sources recommend leaving your car unlocked so that thieves wont break any windows if they want to get into your car, but if your car rental company offers coverage for break-ins theres really no reason not to lock it (note: I rented a car from Dollar and they covered break-ins). The tables below give yearly averages for rainfall at cities, towns, resorts, parks and beaches in Hawaii. Miles 7-9 in particular have several dicey segments where one misstep could send you careening off the cliff edge. The Napali Coast's Kalalau Valley at the lookout from above. single family home located at 670 E Kalalau Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85755 on sale now for $624900. . The trail is located between the ocean and the towering bluffs of the Na Pali Coast and drops to sea level at the Hanakapiai and Kalalau beaches. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. Its never a good idea to take this journey if there is any possibility of flash flooding so check the local forecast prior to heading out. We've updated both travel guides with a lot of new great information for potential visitors (and those who've been a time or two as well). After crossing the stream, to your right isHanakapiai Beach. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to the Napali Coast on Kauai. All the streams are susceptible to contamination with leptospirosis, a bacterium that is transmitted from the urine of infected rodents. As you keep going, you'll begin the hike intoHoolulu Valley, which is the first major valley after Hanakapiai Valley along the Kalalau trail. Past the waterfall, there are some caves on the beach where some people (illegally) camp. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. And although they may be far away when you are looking at them, wave heights vary greatly between sets and getting washed off the rocks is a very common way people get injured or even drown. Had I known how dangerous and scary the Kalalau Trail gets in parts, I probably wouldnt have hiked it solo. The valley is part of Na Pali Coast State Park which is an inhospitable area with rugged, unfriendly terrain. Better to wear a hat instead, if anything. It isnt as scenic as the rest of the trail, so for this reason Id say that its not worth it just to hike to Hanakoa and back. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. Before descending into Kalalau, make sure to take a moment to really consider the sign which encourages visitorsto remember that Kalalau is a sacred valley to the Hawaiiansand to departknowing that you have preserved it for future generations. Kalalau Valley is located on the Hawaiian island of Kaua'i. It is estimated that Kalalau Valley could have been home to as many as 2000 people, which is amazing considering the fact that resources were extremely limited and access to other parts of the island very hard to impossible at times. If you're hiking all the way to Kalalau Beach and want to split the hike into 2 days, Hanakoa is a good place to camp. The thing about hiking up the side of a stream passing waterfall after waterfall is that each swimming hole tempts you to jump in. And it looked like this clearing was a junction for about 5 trails. There is a nice 2-tier waterfall about 1/2 way to Kalalau - it is a good place to rest before your final push to the top of Red Hill. There is often strong undertow, rip currents, a dangerous shore break, and the reflection of the surf off the rock walls of the shoreline creates irregular and unpredictable waves. Accessing Na Pali Much of Na Pali is inaccessible due to its characteristic sheer cliffs that drop straight down, thousands of feet into the ocean. Space Rock is 3.25 miles from the trailhead. Permits can be reserved online here. Wepersonally prefer the campsites on the Kalalau side of the river. The Huffington Post named the hike "the most incredible" and "epic" trail in the United States, citing its impressive views of the Pacific Ocean, beaches, and valleys. 619 E Kalalau Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85755 is a 0 bath home sold in 2022. Think about it: this is not a trail that a casual outsider looking to cause trouble would decide to tackle on a whim. I heard that thieves are rare in these parts. Camping is not permitted at Hanakpai. Several hundred are believed to have been occupying Kalalau Valley. Because Kalalau was historically an agricultural valley, there was one experiment of allowing a caretaker to go in and replant a taro and vegetable patch, sort of as a token gesture to the Hawaiian community. Those endangered species now rely on conservation groups that help improve their population. The short portion of the trail to this point can be a lot of work, but this is one of the most gorgeous views of the hike. Crawler's Ledge is often a windy place; navigating it with a full pack can be challenging if you are not used to it. The only legal ways to access the valley are by kayak or by hiking the Kalalau Trail. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com. The valley is located in the N Pali Coast State Park and houses the Kalalau Beach. Use extreme caution crossing the stream, and if there has been consistent heavy rain recently or the flow is high, do NOT cross at all. This makes it one of the greatest natural barriers on Earth. Labeled the hike on Kauai, the Kalalau Trail isan 11-miletrek into paradise. Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, weary backpackers may stop over for the night going to, or returning from Kalalau with a campingpermit. Some ideas: Sour Patch Kids, hot cocoa, marsh mellows, chips, dried fruit and nuts. The Kalalau Trail has 3 main landmarks / stopping points / segments: Trailhead to Hanakapi'ai Beach (Mile 0-2) A popular day hike suitable for any level hiker, this segment of the trail is slippery and muddy (particularly in winter). (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. Youll find clusters of hippie encampments with gardens and intricate tarp-homes along the stream and its tributaries. The terraced gardens in the Kalalau Valley are threatened by the introduced, invasive trees which create underground root networks invading the rock walls. The trail from miles 2-6 runs mostly inland and can be muddy in winter or after rain. The only legal ways to access the valley are by kayak or by hiking the Kalalau Trail. The pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea. The main trail that takes you to the back of the valley is called the Kalalau Valley Trail. There is one last stream to cross once you make it down to Kalalau Beach. As you approach Kalalau, there will be steep downward decent along Red Hill that will lead down closer to sea level. Kalalau Valleys ground is wide and relatively flat, framed by cliffs reaching more than 2,000 feet high. Kauai Island, which is the home of the valley, is considered to be the oldest inhabited of the main Hawaiian Islands and the only island that King Kamehameha did not occupy to unite all the Hawaiian Islands. Permits for the Kalalau Trail cost $20/person per night and can be obtained up to 90 days in advance of hiking. Plus, there will likely be several other trekkers or day hikers on the trail with you, so if in doubt watch them cross first and then follow. [10], In February 2013 a woman drowned while trying to cross Hanakapiai stream during a flash flood. Even with all my research, I had some serious concerns about tackling the Kalalau Trail in Kauai. Mahalo! Summer is best for this hike, as Hanakapi'ai . If youre up for chancing it, leave no valuables in your car and lock it. The rest of your gear youll just leave at camp. Its mostly dry with only occasional mud, and offers the most sensational coastal views of the entire trek. The natural environment and relative isolation, despite the noise of constant helicopter traffic, are the major attractions of the valley. Fifty-four hikers were stranded overnight. Head right after crossing and follow the path to the beach. [3], The narrow trail, three major stream crossings that can rapidly rise when raining, and falling rock have been cited as reasons for why the trail is one of the most dangerous in the world. Caffeine: Instant coffee and 5hr Energy is good. You may be able to get away with parking at Haena County Park, but do so at your own risk. The trail to Hanakoa Falls is not well maintained and sometimes difficult to follow. The Kalalau trail traverses 11 miles one way across Kaua i's rugged N Pali coastline, from K Beach to Kalalau Valley. Instead, parking is now an exclusive privilege for day users of Haena State Park, where the Kalalau trail head is located, and permitted Kalalau campers are provided no overnight parking whatsoever. Visitorsplanning to make theKalalau trail hike must now makeonline reservations; which will currently be limited to 900 a day, according to the state DLNR. Youll immediately be surrounded by forest. summer). This is the stream everyone says not to cross if the water is too high or flowing too fast (seriously, people have died here it can be dangerous!). If the rocks are wet, stay off! For the bold day hiker, you can continue to Hanakoa Falls and still make it back in the same day; however, it is a very long day. The trail begins with a two-mile hike to the beautiful Hanakapiai Beach. This is NOT the trek for you if youve never carried a heavy pack for multiple days on challenging terrain, or are scared of heights. But if it looks like a muddy, raging torrent DO NOT attempt to cross! Kalalau Valley By David Chatsuthiphan #1 On the second day of our trip the weather was perfect. Lots of water You dont need to pack much water, as there are plenty of streams and waterfalls from which to refill your bottle or bladder along the way. We also highly recommend that you do NOT swim in the ocean at Hanakapiai Beach. It can take up to two hours just to reach the falls and requires numerous stream crossings. 6# Valley of Flowers - India. The Kalalau Valley is located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. On the second day of our trip the weather was perfect. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerousflash floods and falling rocks. The trek itself is not easy-- you will be required to cross rivers, contend with muddy conditions, and traverse . A local rule of thumb is to watch the ocean for 20 minutes before going in or walking in a tidal zone. The N Pali Coast is rugged and is inaccessible to automobiles. Its not a designated campsite, but people do (illegally) camp here. It is also a major archaeological site; although many of the rock walls and intricate irrigation structures were destroyed by cattle brought in by ranchers to graze here in the first part of the 20th century. The N Pali Coast is rugged and is inaccessible to automobiles. Bathing suit Why bother when you can just wear your sweaty hiking outfit and rinse it off in the sea or stream, or go skinnydipping as all the hippies there do? HNN Summer Intern. The N Pali Coast is rugged and is inaccessible to automobiles. The pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea. An un-maintained 2-mile trail from HanakpaiBeach up into Hanakpai Valley leads to a beautiful waterfall. This section offers a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. The Kalalau Trail offers the only land access to this part of the uneven coast and is usually presented in guide books, on travel websites, and on travelers blogs. After you finish your first mile you'll really start to be rewarded with astunning view of the NaPali Coast. Get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. Story on a recent joint enforcement and cleanup effort at Kalalau Valley on Kauai. The Kalalau Valley is about 2 miles deep and half a mile wide (I looked it up on Wikipedia). Total elevation gain to the falls from Hanakapiai beach is 760 ft. Permits are required to camp. Water purification system The water from all the streams and waterfalls on the trail is not safe to drink unless you sterilize it: try. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: Ask to store your belongings at whatever hotel you stay at before starting the trek so that theyre safe.