can you swim at kalalau beach

Kalalau Beach into Kalalau ValleyLocated near the end of the main trail, this valley trail passes through stone terraces that were used in the agriculture of taro and ends at a series of small waterfalls with swimming holes complete with a rope swing. This cave is no longer accessible.). It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. Camping on Kauai anywhere other than designated camping areas is considered illegal. countfield.value = maxlimit - field.value.length; Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. 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. Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. They live in simple camps with no permanent structures, with tarps as their roofs and cooking by the flame of a fire. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. State. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. You do not need to hike the entire trail to get a sense of what its about. But, that doesnt mean you need to stop here. 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. To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. Swim to Honopu Beach from Kalalau Beach - Get Lost image = 'qw'+rnid + i; It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. We didn't GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. Is there something we should watch for? ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Contact the Department of State Parks, (808) 587-0300, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Jenelyn, Reanne and I are not strong swimmers so we stayed back. 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. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. else if(star_img=='2'){ Though this article focuses on walking the Kalalau Trail, there are other ways to visit if you do not enjoy hiking or are short on time. The trail traverses five valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted cliffs. else if(i=='3'){ var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); This system helps protect the land from overuse and degradation. The hike to the beach is two miles and takes 2 hours. 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. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. There are even several community gardens throughout the valley, giving the people sustenance without a reliance on the outside world. Plan on spending 10 hours in hiking boots if you do this. 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. var el = document.getElementById('sf'); The trail to Hanakapiai falls and beyond Hanakapiai is recommended for experienced hikers only. #3. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. Na Pali Coast Guide - Hike & Boat Npali - Capt Andy's Makana Charters 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. Country. All About The Bahamas' Swimming Pigs - Nassau Paradise Island Most we spoke with ourselves included, recommend hiking all 11 miles in one day. The stream at the beach can be crossed relatively easily by going bouldering down to the coast depending on the tide and water flow on the stream. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website, Parking vouchers and entrance to the park can be purchased by clicking the link below. For those with camping permits, get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. Poke may be delicious, but raw fish does not keep well in a backpack. The rugged, inaccessible coast is made up of a series of green cathedral cliffs that reach out into the ocean like the talons of an island-sized dragon. else if(star_img=='5'){ Hanakoa campsite at mile 6 gives hikers the opportunity to spend the night at the halfway point on the trail. In the early morning wedecided to go for a nice open water swim,fins are an absolute must! el.style.display = 'none'; Kayaking from a boat tour to Kalalau Beach - Kauai Forum There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. While the crew . From the beach, the valley extends 2 miles inland, with the high plateau of Kokee State park looking down upon it. 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. *Clicking this link will redirect you to another website. In the early days, a similar foot trail linked traditional Hawaiian settlements along the rugged coastline. 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. Queen's Bath is VERY DANGEROUS! Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. The stories on this website are provided for entertainment and informational purposes only. You can also get to this beach via boat, which is fairly commonly done via Kayaks (with a permit). Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; But I will gladly be corrected if proven wrong. Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. 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. If you are swept past the beach, there are miles of steep cliffside before you would be able to reach shore. The last thing you'll want when going on a . Many rare native plants grow along the trail. Kalalau Beach - Wikipedia Florida manatees: What's legal, what isn't, what to do if you see one This is the real Kalalau Valley Lookout. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. The trail takes hikers up, over and down the cathedral cliffs of the Na Pali Coast. Click the link below to buy a transportation ticket which also includes your entry into the park. There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. 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[Kauai] Swimming to Honopu Beach from Kalalau : r/HawaiiVisitors - reddit These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. Never turn your back on the ocean. It is a minimum 3-day round-trip journey for most people to hike all the way to Kalalau and back, which means that you have to be well outfitted and prepared for the journey. We use cookies for analytics tracking and advertising from our partners. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; We tried to soak it in as much as possible knowing that it would be quite some time before we would ever return. 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. 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 She didnt do the hike but she was able to see the Na Pali Coast from a cruise ship. 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. Brenneckes Beach Tunnels Beach, Anahola Beach else if(i=='5'){ if(el.style.display == 'inline'){ } Other waterfalls will be along the journey, offering a much appreciated cold shower. jebett, this isn't Hanakapae Beach the OP is talking about. People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. Most prefer life in the valley to the busy day-to-day life on the outside where the simple pleasures of living off the land are nearly impossible. You can see some effects from from high usage (I won't say overuse because permits are already limited), but it is still very nice there. Doing this is dangerous so, maybe dont attempt this if you ever find yourself in front of this rock. And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. Hawaii. Camping is allowed on the beach, but permits are required. It is 11 miles to get to Kalalau Beach - so if you are talking about going there and having someone pick you up and bring you back You'll still have to hike 11 miles to get there - difficult trail - especially past Hanakoa, and you will need a permit from the State to camp there, even for one night. Even with this type of device, help is most likely hours away. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu Kalalau Campground, Npali Coast, HI: 7 Hipcamper Reviews And 13 Photos This was my favorite part of the trip. From here, trails lead through the rest of the valley. 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Reservations may be made up to 30 days in advance, and no later than the day before your visit*. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). What off the beaten path activities can I do? There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. Law enforcement also drops in to clean the valley up a bit. Those with Npali Coast SWP Camping Permits do not need to make a Hena SP park entry reservation. But if you abuse or harass the animal or your actions result in its . For treating minor injuries, carry a first-aid kit with you and learn some of the basics. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. These campsites are run by the County of Kauai and operate on a different reservation system. Camping gear should include a lightweight sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad, tent with rainfly, cooking stove and fuel, water purification tablets or filter, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, and biodegradable soap. Book your permits as early as possible for the best chance of getting your preferred dates. (808) 338-9980 20 Things You Should Know Before Hiking Hawaii's Kalalau Trail Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. 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. var i; } The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. For over 20 years we have been offering tours of the Na Pali coast on custom-built touring catamarans that were designed to provide the ultimate touring experience. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; My husband and I are both in shape and good swimmers, and would be making the attempt very early morning with fins and a snorkel. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; 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. Despite a Portuguese man o war sting, quite a longer swim than expected, and considerably bigger waves then anticipated we made it (just barely)! There are two inexpensive campsites near the trailhead, Haena Beach Park (closed Monday nights) and Hanalei Beach Park (open Friday and Saturday only). Hours: 8:00a.m. Hikers have perished on this stretch of the hike, so you should only cross if you're physically fit and there's plenty of sunlight. Plan your trip accordingly. Many hikers turn back when they reach Crawler's Ledge -- a narrow path carved into a cliff that runs for nearly a quarter-mile. If you see an advertisement for commercial camping along the Npali Coast, it is likely illegal. BEWARE of Beachfront Travel, also know as TBD (Travel By Design). More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. } The DLNR personnel have to haul the garbage out of there. Kee Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. } This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. If you look on Nate Yuens blog post on the cave, you can see that sometimes people make more elaborate designs with the rocks. Drinking the Water On the north end of the valley is New beach (or Summer beach) the sand collects in the summer to make a nice stretch of beach, but in the winter the swell washes it all away. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? Can You Swim in Cabo San Lucas? - All You Need to Know SeeSand Island site for updates. Equipped with fins, they enter the water at Kalalau and swim over to the even more isolated Honopu Beach, which can only be accessed this way. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. During the winter and spring conditions are especially dangerous. Permits cost $10 per person per night. Permits can only be picked up in person at several locations listed on their site. Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. Please plan accordingly. Hanakapiai Trail | Kauai.com They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. It is difficult, strenuous , and IMO, dangerous unless in good physical shape. Waimea, HI 96796 Not supporting camping there illegally at all - but those folks are not the big problem with opala from what I've been told. For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Hena State Park to Hanakoa. function form_visible(){ Honopu Beach | UnrealHawaii.com For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach function textCounter(field, countfield, maxlimit) { Use extreme caution when swimming atthis beach. Anini Beach. Other inhabitants of the valley include feral goats. Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. See all 16 reviews. Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. Humpback whales pass by Kauai in the winter time and we were able to see several on our hike. Kiahuna Beach We saw campers and their tents and also talked to hikers, and campers, who accomplished this feat to this beach, and I say that reverently. Those in tip top shape can do it in 8 hours, those more average take 10+. 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. Lumahai Beach It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. 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. . We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. ), 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. Operate by the LNT principle and leave no trace behind you. During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. You can camp on the Kalaau Beach. Heed these warnings! 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. The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. Kalapaki Beach 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. On the final day of the Kalalau Trail, you . Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Register in order to post your own listings! The Beach And then, after a few seconds passed, all you could hear was a barrage of *click-click-clicks* from cameras. Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. 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. The area upon which the Like so many beaches on the North Shore of Kauai safety is a big issue for Ke'e Beach. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. Swimming is not recommended at Hanakapiai Beach due to dangerous rip currents and wave patterns. Kealia Beach Shipwrecks Beach, Kekaha Beach There are also wild goats, pigs, deer, fish, lobster, and shellfish for people to eat as local as it gets. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. Ke`e Beach | Kauai.com Would it still be safe during the time we are going? Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. shows = 1; DAY-USE RESERVATIONS OR A VALID CAMPING PERMIT, AND PARKING RESERVATIONS ARE NOW REQUIRED TO ACCESS THE KALALAU TRAIL. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. Division of State Parks | Kalalau Trail - Hawaii At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP.