can you swim at kalalau beach

The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. 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. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. Milwkid, I don't know why you would think the OP is joking - this question does get asked occasionally (hell, I wouldn't want to hike the whole 11 miles, either). After selecting your trip dates, you may experience a bit of sticker shock during the payment portion of the permit process. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. Don't Look Down! 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. Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. During the summer one can kayak out that way (one of our frequent contributors TravelerXYZ has done it) but again you can't land the kayaks. The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. The trail that leads to this beach is considered the most difficult trails on the islands. Hena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihue Airport. This special spot is beautiful at sunset. And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. If you google Ben Stiller on David Letterman you can see a clip of him on Dave telling about a company that took him by boat to the end of the trail and then hiking the 11 miles to Ke'e. Each of these offshoots has unique waterfalls and swimming spots. All rights reserved. United States. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. selectedVal = '3'; waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. 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. 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. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. selectedText = 'Very Good'; Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. var ny; If you are stopped by a park ranger you will be asked to show the permit along with photo id. Any advice is much appreciated. But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. Get answers to your questions about Kauai. Side note, if you are not a member you can still eat at their outdoor walk-up food counter and it is probably the cheapest meal on the island. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Hoolulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. Kalalau Beach Pics & Info, Kauai, HI (43 Photos) | UnrealHawaii.com In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. ny = document.getElementById(image); You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. Members who are knowledgeable about this destination and volunteer their time to answer travelers' questions. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. This small beach is no longer accessible.). 4516 Alawai Rd. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; 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. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . Cell phone service is limited to none on the trail. Though exact dates vary between sources, in the past, Native Hawaiians lived and worked in the valleys, cultivating taro and harvesting fish from the sea. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. 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. A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. The beach is a beautiful place to hang out and relax, there's a stream where you can take a dip, and bathrooms if you need to stop. document.getElementById('rat').value="4"; Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. Na Pali Coast Guide - Hike & Boat Npali - Capt Andy's Hawaii Beach Guide | Hawaii.com The trail and activity descriptions are given to give the reader a better understanding of what to expect while hiking and participating in activities in Hawaii. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. It can be ankle deep only to plunge down to the depths with no warning. This is the final post in a 5-part series on Kalalau. } 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). View of the ocean from the Kalalau Trail. Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. Year-round residents like green sea turtles, dolphin, albatross birds, and endangered Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; During the winter and spring conditions are especially dangerous. We watched goats kick rocks down onto campsites near these signs. 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. How Long To Hike Kalalau Trail In Kauai, Hawaii The Grom Life ny = document.getElementById(image); Password should be at least 8 characters. Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! 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). See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. If your time on Kauai is limited you should definitely see it on one of our tours, whether you visit the valley or not. In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. Hideaway Beach 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. What are some free things to do on Kauai? The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. Walk-ins permitted. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! Kalalau Beach, Kauai In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. 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. The park will REOPEN by 3:00 PM on Friday 3/3/23. It doesnt go back too far. Florida manatees: What's legal, what isn't, what to do if you see one You do not need to hike the entire trail to get a sense of what its about. There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. else if(i=='4'){ Secure your car and limit the valuables left inside. Eleven miles in and eleven out. Due to increasing popularity, the state limits how many permits are released every day. Despite a Portuguese man o war sting, quite a longer swim than expected, and considerably bigger waves then anticipated we made it (just barely)! Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. Another cave down the coast has been eroded into an arch. Ten lashes for me! Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. Subscribe for exclusive city guides, travel videos, trip giveaways and more! And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. NOTE: A valid camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. When I got back from Kalalau I went to get a haircut. 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. Most of the year the high surf prevents boats from accessing the shore, which means the only way in is to make the trek by foot. There is always work to be done in the garden, so if you are going to enjoy some food, lending a hand for an hour or so would be much appreciated and would go a long way for the gardens long-term vitality. We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. The view of the valley is stunning at every point. You will find this beach after a 11 mile hike along the Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. 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. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. If you are swept past the beach, there are miles of steep cliffside before you would be able to reach shore. I would pass on the pakalolo tent living homesteaders in the Kalalau Valley who deposit huge tall piles of trash throughout the area. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Kalalau Beach is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. } State. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > And then, after a few seconds passed, all you could hear was a barrage of *click-click-clicks* from cameras. 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. Travel light. - 8:00p.m. Within the valley itself, there are many things to see and do. and our Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; Kalalau Beach Na Pali Coast. About a mile up the valley, the . All rights reserved. The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. Despite the fact that many would fail to understand why these people would live this way by choice, they are truly happy in their natural surroundings. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. The next day was another bright and beautiful one. You are always a wealth of hiking info. I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. Kalalau Beach (see more photos) lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. The writer and/or publisher of this website is not responsible for any accidents, injuries, rescues, inconvenience, or loss of life by anyone attempting any of the hikes or activities on this website. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. #3. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { selectedVal = '4'; Today the land is under the protection of the state of Hawaii and all forms of tourism in the area are carefully monitored. You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured during the opening helicopter scene. Kalalau Beach - Wikipedia Its rated a 9/10 for technical difficulty, and has many shear drop offs, narrow ledges, and never ending climbs and descents. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. 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. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. 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. See all 16 reviews. Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. Hello. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. We are interested in making the ~1/4mi swim to Honopu Beach. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. #30. 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. jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. There may be a boat with the Swedish Bikini Team, and they usually have the best refreshments on board. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. The best part is that the beach will be empty but for your fellow travelers. else if(star_img=='2'){ A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. One of the many bountiful community gardens. Shutterstock Hawaii, Island of kauai, Na Pali Cliffs How To Hike N Pali And The Kalalau Trail Where To Camp In N Pali Coast State Wilderness Park For more information, please see our There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. What off the beaten path activities can I do? for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { This is the real Kalalau Valley Lookout. Campers are allowed a maximum length stay of 5 nights. 10 Best Things to Do in Cedar Key FL You Shouldn't Miss You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. Plan your trip accordingly. When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. See Hapuna site for updates. The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, and no later than the day before your visit*. Never turn your back on the ocean. For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach Shipwrecks Beach, Kekaha Beach When it rains, which on Kauai is all of the time, portions of the trail get muddy and sloppy. This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, from ancient times until about 1920. The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. } Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valleys fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. You can also get to this beach via boat, which is fairly commonly done via Kayaks (with a permit). There are no trash receptacles in the park, and everything you take in, you will need to carry out. For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like you're in a different world. document.write(""); (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015.

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