On the left, near the end of the road,before you reach the beach, you'll see the trailhead next to a large sign labeled 'Kalalau Trail.'. This adventure is the perfect chance to get away from the real world and completely unwind while meandering through hidden paths in the rainforest and relaxing oceanside sans cell phones and televisions. We woke up sometime between 7 and 8 and crawled out of our tents. Today, its designation as a state park forbids anyone from residing there. Kalalau Valley is full of climbable boulders but these boots were made for walking. 2023 Frugal Frolicker All Rights Reserved. If so, you can always book a tour by boat or helicopter and see the valley in all its glory from these two different perspectives. Anyone wishing to hike or run beyond Hanakpai valley must have a permit for staying in Kalalau Valley overnight, even if their intention is to return the same day. It definitely would not be safe. The trail from miles 2-6 runs mostly inland and can be muddy in winter or after rain. 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 you want to cross without getting your feet wet, you can sometimes skip across the rocks if you head inland a few meters; however, it is far safer to get your shoes wet (or take them off and put them back on the other side) than it is to potentially slip on a rock and fall. #3 The Kalalau Series: This is the fourth post in a five-part series on Kalalau. Several hundred are believed to have been occupying Kalalau Valley. 700 E Kalalau Dr in Oro Valley, Arizona. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. It is a moderately strenuous trail that goes along the NaPali coastline, which is a top place to visit in Kauai. No list of consummate backpacking trips would be complete without mention of the 1 N Pali Coast State Park is touted as one of the most beautiful places on earth. Caffeine: Instant coffee and 5hr Energy is good. About 2 miles in, theres a big (natural) pool ideal for swimming. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerousflash floods and falling rocks. An estimation of 50,000 visitors uses this spectacular trail annually. Sleeping bag It doesnt get too cold at night on the trail (upper-50s at the lowest), so instead of a sleeping bag consider buying a cheap sheet and fleece blanket ($20 total at Walmart) or just wear extra layers. But during off peak times, its less likely anyone will check for permits. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}221201N 1593713W / 22.20028N 159.62028W / 22.20028; -159.62028. At 4,000 feet, this is also the highest lookout on Kaua'i to which you can drive. At Kalalau Beach, there are dozens of campsites set in the trees all along the beach. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the drop-off on the ocean side is severe. And theres a grotto like area to the left where you can sit on the rocks in the shade. The Kalalau Trail is a trail along N Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. The Kalalau Trail is exhilarating, exhausting, terrifying, drop-dead stunning, and positively one of the best hikes you could ever hope to embark on. The trail takes you to a swimming hole and if you know where youre going, you can find a side trail that leads to Kalalau Falls. Of course, if you grew up hiking to Kalalau and back, then it is a nice place to take a break and have a snack (just make sure that there are no mountain goats crossing above you, as rock fall from goats can be quite dangerous). Then book a helicopter tour for a spectacular view of the lush green Garden Isle below. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. The trail has been named one of the most beautiful, and dangerous, hikes of the United States. So rather than state the obvious, let me list out the not-so-obvious items that I think you should pack and not pack for the Kalalau Trail: You dont have to bring absolutely everything from home, though: most everything you need can be bought at Walmart in Lihue for super cheap. Its not something that can be reasonably done in a day which is why people usually devote at least two nights of camping within the valley. Each place has a total for the amount of precipitation it usually receives in a year. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. Kalalau Valley is one of our most favorite an incredible sights along the Na Pali Coast. Permits for the Kalalau Trail cost $20/person per night and can be obtained up to 90 days in advance of hiking. . 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. To hike the entire trail and also spend time exploring Kalalau Beach and Valley takes 3-5 days. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. Word is that they may be more strict about it during busy times when the trail is booked out and many people who couldnt get permits risk it and hike anyway. #2 Well, it was time to explore Kalalau Valley. Camping along the Kalalau Trail is otherwise prohibited. 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. Camping is not allowed anywhere else along the trail or at the trail head. Mahalo to the dedicated trail crew who opened the Kalalau Trail after one year. While some videos appear to have been removed, the anger among locals continues. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. 9. Youll catch some distant views of the Na Pali Coast along the way. January 2020: The Npali Coast is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world and the Kalalau Trail that hugs the towering, fluted sea cliffs of the Npali wilderness, maybe on of America's best trails. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. Hawaiians valued its beauty and worth as well, as it was the most inhabited of the Na Pali Coast valleys, where a vast community once flourished, and are believed to have lived there until the 20th century. The valley is located in the N Pali Coast State Park and houses the Kalalau Beach. The trailhead is very close to the camp areas. View more property details, sales history and Zestimate data on Zillow. Kalalau Valley, Hawaii. summer). Parts of the trail here can be steep, so use caution. The Zestimate for this house is $700,900, which has increased by $7,900 in the last 30 days. Zestimate Home Value: $70,160. Tips for camping in Kalalau: Snacks and treats: It's worth the added weight on your pack. Waterfalls and swift flowing streams continue to cut these narrow valleys while the sea carves cliffs at their mouths. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted pali. Kalalau Valley is the largest, most fertile valley on the Napali Coast, and was once home to a thriving community of thousands of Native Hawaiians. Although Hanakapiai Beach is a dangerous swimming spot, most drownings and near-drownings in Hanakapiai occur in the river when people try to cross in water that is too fast and deep and they are swept away by flooding river waters. Kalalau Lookout is also the highest elevation most people reach in Kauai by road, at 4,000 feet. 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. Amazingly, it was inhabited up until 1919. The trail continues on to Kalalau Valley, a large, flat-bottomed valley almost a mile across. As a side trip (extended day hike), you can follow the unmaintainedHanakapiai Falls Trailupstream for two more miles to reach the spectacular 100-ft. high Hanakapiai Falls. Those endangered species now rely on conservation groups that help improve their population. Kalalau Lookout offers a unique viewing experience overlooking the Kalalau Valley and Na Pali Coast. Npali Coast State Wilderness Park UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. By Arius Hopman Other Voices | Sunday, August 4, 2019, 12:05 a.m. Share this story. The Rent Zestimate for this home is $3,370/mo, which has increased by $50/mo in the last 30 days. As the day got hotter we couldnt take it anymore and gave in. Had I known how dangerous and scary the Kalalau Trail gets in parts, I probably wouldnt have hiked it solo. 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. 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. If you're planning to visit this enchanting valley, you must give up your vehicles and other means of transport since it is inaccessible to any sort of . 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. 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. But, then again, this could just be totally man-made. The valley is surrounded by cliffs more than 610 meters (2,000 feet) high. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. Sleeping: A sleeping pad is must. The winters are comfortable and humid, with mostly clear conditions. You also can't help but notice how much the trail has narrowed - only a fraction as many people hike this portion of the trail as that between Hanakapiai and Kee. Extensive stone walled terraces can still be found on the valley bottoms where Hawaiians once lived and cultivated taro. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective owners. The Kalalau Trail, often referred to as the N Pali Coast Trail, is famed for being one of the most beautiful and most dangerous trails in the United States. Also, the valley hosts a trail that stretches two-mile leading to the beautiful Hanakapiai Beach. Now, only those who acquire proper permits are allowed to step foot on this unspoiled terrain. The Kalalau Trail has 3 main landmarks / stopping points / segments: A popular day hike suitable for any level hiker, this segment of the trail is slippery and muddy (particularly in winter). Well, it's Kauai, so expect rain everyday. The word "Na Pali" literally translates as "High Cliffs.". If you wish to continue on the Kalalau Valley Trail, turn right after the stream crossing and follow this stream into the valley. Visitors need a state permit obtained from the division of State Parks to pass across the Hanakapiai Stream or Hanakapiai Falls. We came back to camp to eat lunch and then went for a walk on the beach. Download your copy of our The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to the Napali Coast on Kauai. All maps, graphics, flags, photos and original descriptions 2023 worldatlas.com. Its just mini-waterfall after mini-waterfall. The popular day hike fromKee BeachtoHanakapiai Beach - approximately 2 miles along the trail (four miles round trip)- receives the bulk of hikers. [byline:] Brilliant surgeon finds peace of mind in cave He has been called a crank, a holy man, a schizophrenic and a genius. The trees then fall and topple the rock walls causing permanent damage. The N Pali Coast is rugged and is inaccessible to automobiles. 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. A vast array of verdant valleys, waterfalls, sea caves and gorgeous vistas lay ahead of you. Hotels, flights, car rentals, experiences and more! If you can't or don't want to day hike to Hanakapiai Beach, at least try to make it to this overlook (one-mile round trip). Watch how to say and pronounce "kalalau"!Listen our video to compare your pronunciation!The video is produced by yeta.io. Be warned, you must cross the Hanakapiai stream here and its a well-known spot for hikers to run into trouble due to rapidly rising waters. Follow the trail down to the stream. The trail can be steep and rocky in places, but trust us - it's the climb you'll notice most. [4], Hanakoa Valley contains Hanakoa Falls and stream but the valley is a hanging valley with no access to the beach. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. A very special place. Na Pali Coast can't be accessed through vehicles (see #5 for more . It encompasses the dpartements of Allier, Puy-de-Dme, Cantal, Haute-Loire, Loire, Rhne, Ain, Haute-Savoie, Savoie, Isre, Drme, and Ardche. The Kalalau Trail truly is a bucket list hike. During the winter months, you will be rewarded with views of outstanding waves, while in the summer you may see a group of kayakers floating along the current on the calm seas. This is because the cliffs of Na Pali along the shoreline rise as much as 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. Check the State Parks website the morning youre due to start trekking to see if the Kalalau Trail is closed due to flash flooding. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. The first section of the trail is a 2 mile (3km) stretch from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai stream and beach. The second half of the Kalalau Trail does have some positives, though. Camping is not permitted at Hanakpai. Hiking the Kalalau Trail is most certainly a bucket list adventure. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. 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. You can jump from either side of the hole. So now what? Sponsored Content >. [6], Camping permits are only issued for Kalalau Beach and are limited to 5 consecutive nights. The trail begins after the Hanakoa stream crossing, just before the covered shelter.[5]. As we crossed the stream we could see that this stream was a huge cascading waterfall. A comfortable pack and boots, layers, wool socks, rain gear, etc you know the drill. Summer is best for this hike, as Hanakapi'ai . 6. The second mile is a steep downhill walk to the beach. With 180-degrees of the electric blue Pacific, majestic ridges and unspoiled beaches, every inch of this tropical trail boasts epic views.