Kalalau Trail

Hike Name: Kalalau Trail Location: northwest HI Length: 23 Submitted by: Mario Date Submitted: 0/0/00 Rating:	more Hawaii trail reviews Hawaii national parks Hawaii state parks
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Description
Kaua'i is the oldest island in the Hawaiian chain, the first one to be claimed back by the sea. At its Northwestern side is the famed Na Pali Coast, the fastest eroding coastline in the world. Erosion brings about many natural wonders: hanging valleys, lush tropical forest, steep plunging sea-cliffs, towering pinnacles, walled beaches, and waterfalls cascading into the clear-blue Pacific. It is true paradise to behold.

Some tips:

1. The first 2 mi to Hanakapiai Beach is quite muddy, since it's a popular day-hike destination. Prepare for very slippery terrain. Bring a hiking pole. DON'T SWIM IN THE BEACH.

2. A permit is required to hike further in. The trail winds up and down, >5000 ft elevation gain and loss, but it's difficult to get lost; just remember to always keep the Pacific Ocean to your right.

3. There are 3 major stream crossings where you could filter water.

4. Be prepared for the precipitous mile 7-8 section. It is a sheer thousand-foot drop to the ocean; rain (and hence a muddy terrain) probably won't help in that situation. When we kayaked the 17-mi coast, we saw a goat floating dead on the ocean.

5. There are numerous caves (I counted at least 8 last August) along Kalalau Beach, thus, you could get by WITHOUT A TENT.

6. Spend at least a day in Kalalau Beach. If the surf is not too high, Honopu Beach is accessible by swimming ... so bring your snorkelling gear if you could.

7. There are toilets in Kalalau Beach, so you don't have to bring that shovel.

8. On the way back, the first and last 2 miles are killer uphill sections. Some people hike the first two miles up to Red Hill, camp there at night, then continue their hike back the following day.

9. DON'T MISS the steep Hanakoa Falls (6 mi marker) on the way back. It's a short hike (0.5 mi) but difficult to find. However, the reward is just fantastic. Follow the pink ribbons, for it is not a very well-defined trail. Under the falls is a big pool where you could linger (against State recommendations) and glimpse at native bird species hovering above. I found myself there alone last AUGUST (in Hawaii!) ... it was total paradise.

Some pics we got from our recent trip:

http://community.webshots.com/album/48033217XyGLjl

Directions to Hike
Fly to Lihue, and take the left-seat to view the 'Jurassic Park' scenery. From there, drive North then West towards Highway 560 to Haena.

Break-ins have been noted to occur in the Ke'e Beach parking lot. We left our car in the more lighted, and busy, Haena Beach park, around a mile from the trailhead. It will therefore add another 2 miles to the entire trek. If you're lucky, you could hitchhike (legal in Kauai).

Contact Information
You need to reserve a YEAR in advance to camp in Kalalau Beach. Call the Division of State Parks at 1-808-587-0300. It's $10/person, maximum of 5 days. It is a TEDIOUS process -- when you reserve, you have to send the photocopies of ID's of EVERY MEMBER of the group to them, which they would return to you BY MAIL for you to sign and send back to the Police department. BUT BELIEVE ME, it's WORTH IT!

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