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. else if(i=='3'){ To get a camping permit, visit http://www.hawaiistateparks.org/camping/permit_napali.cfm . http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php. I didn't think you camp on the beach. A 1.8-mile trail into the valley leads to a spectacular 300-foot waterfall. As you travel north, prices go up and options are more limited. There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. Nonetheless, you'll find beach areas with calm waters to swim and even snorkel without any issues. document.getElementById('rat').value="5"; Its really an expert swimmer only beach. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. Expect delays in reaching the upper areas of the park, including Awaawapuhi Trail, Kalalau Lookout, and Pihea Lookout and Trailhead. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; People hear about the difficult hike to a beautiful beach, and ask how to get to that place without all the effort. When you come out of the arch you see what looks like an alien planet.(Update 9/14/15: Thisarea was destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015.). 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. But I will gladly be corrected if proven wrong. 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. You won't find any facilities down here, but you will find composting toilets. List of properly permitted vacation rentals, not condos - 8/15/2017, Weather Questions start here Pls/Best Time of Year to Visit Kauai, How to make reservations at Haena State Park / Ke'e Beach. selectedText = 'Excellent'; After all, Kalalau Valley opens west to give you stunning views of the orange tropical sun dipping into the vast Pacific Ocean. Hanakoa campsite at mile 6 gives hikers the opportunity to spend the night at the halfway point on the trail. We couldnt stay for long as youneed to get back before the waves and the current pick up. Dont pack any food items. Reddit and its partners use cookies and similar technologies to provide you with a better experience. We are interested in making the ~1/4mi swim to Honopu Beach. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. Keep driving until the road absolutely ends at a circular parking lot. A few people have made Kalalau Valley their permanent home, even though it is not legal. selectedText = 'Fine'; For most backpackers in good condition, hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. 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. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! The strong current would help by pushing them the whole way. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). if (field.value.length > maxlimit) If you are a member, the Costco in Lihue sells both food and gas. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. Isobutane fuel with a screw top for Jetboil, MSR, and other backpacking stoves is available at Kayak Kauai. document.write("Please Select"); Hawaii. 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. 6. I have a good friend who camps at Kalalau every Christmastime for many, many years. A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. Haena Beach Swimming is not recommended at Hanakapiai Beach due to dangerous rip currents and wave patterns. There may be a boat with the Swedish Bikini Team, and they usually have the best refreshments on board. Hawaiian monk seals also live off the coast. But, dont do what Corys doing here youll give your friends a heart attack. There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. Each of these offshoots has unique waterfalls and swimming spots. Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. High surf pounds the shore creating extremely turbulent waters. If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. Thanks Hiker. Your feet will be sore, but beachside camping with ample space makes it worth the extra walking. Even if there was an unautthorized boat, or raft, the OP did not happen to mention the time of year that they were planning on camping at the Kalalau Valley. Please plan accordingly. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. In addition, there is a shallow sand bar that runs parallel to the beach but in spots the ocean floor abruptly drops to levels above your head. 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. And then Cory slipped on his grippy aqua-socks and climbed straight up the crack. Gardens-As stated earlier, there are several gardens in the valley that are a source of food for those staying there. } Shipwrecks Beach, Kekaha Beach Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapiai valley must possess a valid overnight camping permit. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. Drinking the Water There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. Be sure to purify your water as it most likely contains leptospirosis, a bacteria from urine. selectedVal = '3'; Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. 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. Thanks so much. info@MakanaCharters.com It is well worth the jungle hike to get there. People have drowned here from the dangerous combination of a hidden current and the cliffside surroundings. Just know that some of the campers down in Kalalau live free and believe that clothing is optional. A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. A waterfall at the western end of the beach (Ho'ole'a Falls) provides freshwater, but before drinking it, the water must be purified (bring a water filter or water treatment tablets) due to the threat of leptospirosis, a bacterial disease. They live here because the valley is difficult to access and offers solitude and isolation. Would it still be safe during the time we are going? Those that did not have goggles are Asian so they were okay (on account of the squinty eyes). Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. If you get a late start or are a slower hiker, this may be a good option for you. The area upon which the Like so many beaches on the North Shore of Kauai safety is a big issue for Ke'e Beach. Though you may be tempted, please do not hike this trail without permission. Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! ny = document.getElementById(image); You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. We're not around right now. 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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. Guava Forest-An entire grove of trees that provides an abundance of wild guava. But because there is no legal camping in Kalalau valley, people usually say they camped "at" Kalalau beach to make the distinction. We were pretty flippin excited to be the only people there! Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. The sea can appear calm here at times (like summer) making it seem safe to swim. You'll also have to pay for the expensive helicopter ride if you need to be rescued. 4516 Alawai Rd. Aside from environmental concerns, you will face a court date and heavy fines if you get caught.