The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. } For more information, please see our Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. If you are swept past the beach, there are miles of steep cliffside before you would be able to reach shore. Permits cost $10 per person per night. Hanakapiai Beach to Hanakapiai FallsFour miles roundtrip and located at mile 2 on the main trail, this side trail hikes up a valley that ends at a waterfall. 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. Therefore, the only way to legally hike the trail in its entirety is to do so with a permit, and they can be difficult to obtain. jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. Many rare native plants grow along the trail. Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. At the end is a pool. Denny, with all due respect, "law enforcement friends with the DLNR" are not exactly objective observers. She said that even the babies were quiet. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. var i; Camping on Kauai anywhere other than designated camping areas is considered illegal. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. State. For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. 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. The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. Keep in mind that this portion of the trail is in the designated day-use area and can be accessed without a permit. The people come together to share meals and talk story of their days adventures. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. Start early as it gets warm and the trail is challenging enough without afternoon sun the entire time. Phone Number. else There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; In addition to the swimming pigs, you'll also get to observe Bahamian . Check overhanging trees for hazards from falling limbs. Plan your trip accordingly. and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. From the beach, the valley extends 2 miles inland, with the high plateau of Kokee State park looking down upon it. This section is a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. Makana Charters Tour boats do stop at Nualolo Kai on the Na Pali coast. The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. Kalalau Beach is very secluded, only with those brave and fit enough to get to the beach via man powered boat or expert hiking trails. Lydgate Beach 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 have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. - 8:00p.m. The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail. After leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters drier, more open land which offers little shade from the midday sun. From here, trails lead through the rest of the valley. When you finally get to the beach, you'll marvel at the hikers that have carried 50+ pounds of gear across the hike and over the ledge. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapiai valley must possess a valid overnight camping permit. As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! The park will REOPEN by 3:00 PM on Friday 3/3/23. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. ), Walk along the Na Pali Coast to the end of the beach for an amazing view.(Update 9/14/15: This area wasdestroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). You need to filter your water on the trail. var shows = 0; This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Register in order to post your own listings! Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. Those of us that didnt have sunglasses wore their swimming goggles to keep the sand out of their eyes. It can be ankle deep only to plunge down to the depths with no warning. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. show(star_img,rid); The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. Maybe dont look over the edge if you are afraid of heights. else if(star_img=='3'){ 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. It's a surreal scene. Is there something we should watch for? selectedText = 'Excellent'; Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Check the website here for trail updates and closures. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. Both of these excursions depart Nassau at 8:00 a.m. sharp and return from The Exumas between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Make reservations at www.gohaena.com. If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. Then make some friends with the adventurers around you while you enjoy one of the last sunsets in the United States. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. Camping in Kalalau is allowed only behind this sand beach. It is difficult, strenuous , and IMO, dangerous unless in good physical shape. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. Don't Look Down! These valleys are sacred ground to the Hawaiian people and it is our responsibility as hikers to make a conscious effort to preserve and protect the land. Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. Kalalau Beach is the huge chunk of sand that sits in front of Kalalau Valley. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. 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. There was not a peep out of the couple thousand passengers on the deck. selectedText = 'Very Good'; Campers are allowed a maximum length stay of 5 nights. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; Brenneckes Beach But this can be dangerous as the beach here features a short break, and there is unpredictable and shallow sandbar, not to mention illegal. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. You are always a wealth of hiking info. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. You definitely do not want to swim when this is the case. if (shows){ The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. 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. But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. #3. Beaches - Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. Start the hike as early as possible so you're ahead of the day hikers and have ample time to finish the hike before dark. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. Banner Ads (managed by BuySellAds) > Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. 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. [KAUAI] UPDATED 3/2/23: Polihale State Park Is CLOSED until further notice due to an electrical outage that has put the water pump out of service. Cell phone service is limited to none on the trail. It is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgment by interpreting and using the information to safely enjoy any outdoor activities. } This camp is located on a section of the trail that is densely forested, so space is limited and crowded. 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. If you follow blueflamingo's boating link, you'll find that no tour boats are allowed to land at Kalalau beach, only kayaks. For a shorter hike, the first portion of the trail up to Hanakapiaai Beach is accessible for day use and does not require a permit. It doesnt go back too far. The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. function mark(star_img,rid) There may be a boat with the Swedish Bikini Team, and they usually have the best refreshments on board. Plan your trip accordingly. #30. For treating minor injuries, carry a first-aid kit with you and learn some of the basics. This Epic Climb in the Swiss Alps Is Mostly Terrifying -- but Also WorthIt. Anini Beach. We were able to obtain a permit three months before our trip in January, however, summer permits reportedly fill up more quickly. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. This cave is no longer accessible.). document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; This was my favorite part of the trip. It is sometimes safer to trek through the mud than trying to find a less messy path around it. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the oceans edge. But remembers there is no reef to protect the shore, which leaves it vulnerable tolong shore currents. For a nonresident of Hawaii, permits at the time of writing cost $20 per person/per night. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. else if(i=='4'){ Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. As a bonus, a couple of guys were selling drinks beachside out of freshly opened coconuts. Heed these warnings! I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. } There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. *Camping permits for Npali Coast SWP often sell-out quickly, particularly during the summer months. And don't be fooled by the first Kalalau Lookout sign. The beach sits at the foot of Kalalau Valley which is the jewel of the Na Pali Coast. Published on 10/07/2018 by Kauai Beach Scoop. 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). Thanks Hiker. Kee Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. 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. The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. selectedText = 'Good'; The Best Family Friendly Things To Do in LasVegas, Where To Spend Nine Perfect Days in Croatia, New Zealands South Island Is Pure Magic: 6 Natural Wonders You Need ToSee, How To Experience The Rich Black History of Montgomery, Alabama, 11 Things To See, Do, and Eat in Bratislava, Slovakia, How To Experience Undeveloped Beaches and Fresh Seafood In Panama CityBeach, How To Explore Savannah Through the City's New Electric, Open-Roof Cruisers, From Sparkles To Champagne Elevator Rides: What You Need To Know Before Visiting the Eiffel Tower, 10 Things You Need To Know Before Visiting Angkor Wat, Winter Is Actually a Great Time To Visit Michigan's Upper Peninsula, Download the Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. 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. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. More vegetation and another beach on the other side of the arch. What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset. he camping permits go fast, so its wise to get one a year or more in advance. There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. Sometimes they even rise completely out of the water in a jump known as a breach. selectedVal = '4'; This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. The last thing you'll want when going on a . We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. Be sure to purify your water as it most likely contains leptospirosis, a bacteria from urine. Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. Hanalei Bay is by far the largest bay on Kauai and is the heart and soul of all the beaches on the North Shore. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu Weather Report says Rain, Should I panic? Book your permits as early as possible for the best chance of getting your preferred dates. The sea can appear calm here at times (like summer) making it seem safe to swim. Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. Not only is the trail narrow in some places, but it can also be slippery because of loose rocks or if it has recently rained. selectedVal = '5'; Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. By accepting all cookies, you agree to our use of cookies to deliver and maintain our services and site, improve the quality of Reddit, personalize Reddit content and advertising, and measure the effectiveness of advertising. Pack foods that cook easily in boiling water and store well unrefrigerated. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; See all 16 reviews. ny = document.getElementById(image); The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. During winter months, dangerous conditions include high surf and strong currents. A well-marked 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the stream. This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. Waipouli Beach } In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! The other is the Big Pool, which isnt exactly that big, but still provides enough room for swimming around and diving in. Queen's Bath is VERY DANGEROUS! 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. ny = document.getElementById(image); The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. return; For all these, just ask a friendly local where to go! The area upon which the Like so many beaches on the North Shore of Kauai safety is a big issue for Ke'e Beach. I would like to spend one night at the Kalalau beach, but honestly, I don't feel like walking the 11 mile trail, so does anyone know if I can arrange a boat there that would pick me up the next day? Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Keawa Heiau State Recreation Area Aiea Loop Trail isCLOSEDdue to high winds and heavy rain, the heiau area is OPEN. driving distance from Poipu to North Shore, The Westin Princeville Ocean Resort Villas. if(i<= selectedVal) The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. Dont pack any food items. Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Haena Beach It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. I also can't imagine a boat company traveling the coast to land there and retrieve campers and do it safely and at a profit. You can swim in Cabo San Lucas, but only on some of its beaches. Hanalei Pier The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. } I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. Many of the unforgettable sights on the Na Pali coast are only viewable from the sea, so it is well worth a look. Empty, untouched beach On your mark, get set, go Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. This was my favorite part of the trip. Plan your trip accordingly. Would it still be safe during the time we are going? ny = document.getElementById(image); Hanakoa campsite at mile 6 gives hikers the opportunity to spend the night at the halfway point on the trail. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? 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. Lumahai Beach and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. During summer, sea caves just beyond the waterfall provide popular camping shelters, but winter surf removes much of the beach and enters the caves. Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. Kee Beach Its a wonderful place to hang out a night, but during the day its actually too hot and windy. There are no facilities on the beach, except for composting toilets. } We are interested in making the ~1/4mi swim to Honopu Beach. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. They often sell out and some people make reservations up to a year in advance. Call ahead to make sure they have them in stock. Hanalei Pavilion Hawaii. Each of these offshoots has unique waterfalls and swimming spots. Like previous poster said, unless you have rough water experience, just don't. Especially, especially right now. (808) 338-9980 The poorly marked 1/2-mile trail up the east fork of the stream to Hanakoa falls has hazardous, eroded sections but affords a spectacular view of the falls. Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). 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. Also, there are strong rip and alongshore currents, which may be difficult to spot, even if the ocean appears calm. el.style.display = 'inline'; { 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. The trail narrows to a couple of feet in some sections with a sheer cliff on one side and a steep drop to the Pacific on the other. 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. selectedText = 'Poor'; Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. The view of the valley is stunning at every point. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. Seeaosite for updates. Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. (Update 9/14/15: This sea cave was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. 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. Heres what they saw. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; [MAUI] UPDATED 1/26/23:Iao Valley State Monument CLOSED August 2022through April 15, 2023. function noshow(star_img,rnid) Questions? 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. And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. | Web usage privacy. If your time on Kauai is limited you should definitely see it on one of our tours, whether you visit the valley or not. Cory and Troy picked them off the rocks in between waves. Waimea Beach. Its rated a 9/10 for technical difficulty, and has many shear drop offs, narrow ledges, and never ending climbs and descents. 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. Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. You'll also be forced to camp in the valley as the hike is too long and dangerous for an out-and-back trip in a single day. ny = document.getElementById(image); . A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. . Kiahuna Beach We will use this opportunity to perform road grading, back filling, downed tree removal, and sand removal from the shower. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. Unfortunately, there's no swimming at the beach, due to strong currents. You'll be fined if you do not have one. Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; }, 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! jebett, the designated campsites are right behind Kalalau beach. Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. The hike to the beach is two miles and takes 2 hours. You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. Strong winds during the day form lines in the sand. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. 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. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. What are some free things to do on Kauai? var selectedText = ''; 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). If you can't hike the trail, the kayak to the beach would be even more strenuous even if you could. Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit.
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