can you swim at kalalau beach

What are good threads to read to help me plan my trip? The ledge is rocky, you're up against a cliff and the ledge drops off into deep, violent ocean water. Swimming is possible on Kalalau Beach, but not without dangers. There are three river crossings on the trail that become a flash flood hazard during heavy rainfall and may be impassable. Hello. If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. Privacy Policy. Along the beach, you'll find cliff walls and even some shallow caves to explore. milwkid9090's first answer is still the best. During the winter months, huge waves crash against the cliffs. 4516 Alawai Rd. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? Feral goats have been seen roaming the beach and valley, and contribute to the leptospirosis in the streams and waterfall. A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. Anini Beach is an oddity on Polihale Beach is spectacular by all measures of comparison and almost every description of this beach requires the use of a superlative. Waterfalls-There are a number of waterfalls in the valley. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. [Kauai] Swimming to Honopu Beach from Kalalau : r/HawaiiVisitors - reddit 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. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. Kalalau beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor ny = document.getElementById(image); Never allow small children to swim or play in water unattended. There are no lifeguards on these beaches and help is a helicopter ride away. 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. No camping is permitted there, but that is only what we read on the signage. Pack a water filtration system such as those sold by Sawyer, Katadyn, or Steripen. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Very Good"; The trailhead can be found at the very end of the road on the northern side of the island at Ke'e Beach. 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. function form_visible(){ UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. var b = document.getElementById('t0'); Thanks Hiker. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. 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. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. and our Any advice is much appreciated. selectedVal = '2'; selectedText = 'Excellent'; And sunglasses. el.style.display = 'none'; Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. 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. Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapiai valley must possess a valid overnight camping permit. Yes Good For Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset 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. Makana Charters You must ascend and descend a rocky trail twice. You do not need to be extreme athletes, but this is not a casual stroll. if(star_img=='1'){ The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. mobile app. These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. Youll be on the sandy shoreline of the world famous Na Pali Coast. Maybe dont look over the edge if you are afraid of heights. There are no roads that take you to the valley. Some of these year-round residents hike out of the valley every couple of months to get supplies. ), (Update 9/14/15: This rock was pushed into the oceanin a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. } else if(i=='3'){ Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. After this walk, I believe I now know what acupuncture feels like. I suppose they woud pick you up as well, but you'd have to talk to them. Secure your car and limit the valuables left inside. field.value = field.value.substring(0, maxlimit); [OAHU] UPDATED 4/12/22: Sand Island State Recreation Area WATER OFF,camping and comfort stationsCLOSED. The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. Kalapaki Beach The view of the valley is stunning at every point. Its large and backs up to breathtaking views of rugged coastline and classic napali coastline. We came upon a young woman hiking fully nude who seemed completely at ease in her birthday suit. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. Kalalau Trail leading to the beach The trail ends at Kalalau Beach, as the ocean comes up the cliffs at the western end. There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Brenneckes Beach When we got to the end of the beach, Seth, Jen, Jen, Cory and Troy put on some fins and swam out. Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. Waiting in a short line was well worth the $6/night price tag. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. Go through an awesome archway to find a fresh waterfall and pool to bath in. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body surfing. Not supporting camping there illegally at all - but those folks are not the big problem with opala from what I've been told. The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants. There are designated camping areas, however it seems you can camp anywhere, as its not typically enforced. Checking gear ahead of time could eliminate a real hassle on the trail and is worth the effort.<. el.style.display = 'inline'; Waimea, HI 96796 Youll want a shirt or wrap to cover yourself from the stinging sand. Some dock a small boat in the town of Waimea and ride it over to Kalalau Valley to drop off passengers. Because I have law enforcement friends with the DLNR who fly in with helos, and clean the place up, as the permanent reisidents run off to hide in the jungle. function showform(raid){ Learn more >, ADVERTISE: After selecting the date and time of your visit, youll be able to select the number of entry or parking vouchers required. It can be recognized by the relatively recent landslide and house-sized boulder near the beach. All About The Bahamas' Swimming Pigs - Nassau Paradise Island You are always a wealth of hiking info. The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. Hiking Kauai: The Kalalau Trail - The Trek } if (field.value.length > maxlimit) 6. We would attempt to see what was beyond the beach on the following day. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; and when you get to the main Kalalau Beach, the wind will have died down some. 3. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. } The Best Secret Beaches in Kauai, Hawaii - Matador Network They often sell out and some people make reservations up to a year in advance. Permit holders can choose where to spend their allotted nights on the trail. The Kalalau Valley Trail is a 2-mile hike upvalley over former kalo (taro) terraces with several stream The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. For more information, please see our Kalalau Beach, though, is really worth the 11-mile hike to get there. Hanakapiai Trail | Kauai.com Its rated a 9/10 for technical difficulty, and has many shear drop offs, narrow ledges, and never ending climbs and descents. 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. The hike to the beach is two miles and takes 2 hours. Hanalei Pier This boulder is now underwatwer.). Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. Swimming is not recommended at Hanakapiai Beach due to dangerous rip currents and wave patterns. For treating minor injuries, carry a first-aid kit with you and learn some of the basics. Eleven miles in and eleven out. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; } selectedVal = '1'; More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. When I got back from Kalalau I went to get a haircut. Lumahai Beach . These campsites are run by the County of Kauai and operate on a different reservation system. Na Pali Coast Guide - Hike & Boat Npali - Capt Andy's Get answers to your questions about Kauai. If you are stopped by a park ranger you will be asked to show the permit along with photo id. Kalalau Beach is more about the journey than the destination, and it's not easy to get to this secluded, beautiful and verdant beach. The vast majority of Kalalau Beachgoers hike the Kalalau Trail 11 miles one-way to this stunning destination. Tory and Cory appeared to be tired from the swim but Seth and Jen (both swimmers in high school) looked fresh as daisies. See more from this series: This story was last modified on September 14, 2015. From what I've read the swim grows longer after summer as the current shifts and beach shrinks. } I tried hinting to Jenelyn and Reanne that it might not be safe to climb it but to no avail. This remarkably beautiful beach has been the scene To learn about the cookies we use and information about your preferences and opt-out choices, please review our Privacy Policy The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali.You may recognize the coast from the film Jurassic Park where it is featured . 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 This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, from ancient times until about 1920. document.getElementById('rat').value="1"; It is still possible to kayak into and out of the beach. } Its illegal to dock a boat or even a kayak on the beach but you can swim to it. There are even several community gardens throughout the valley, giving the people sustenance without a reliance on the outside world. There are no lifeguards at Kalalau Beach, and you're an 11-mile hike from help. Both green sea turtles and monk seals haul out on the beaches during the day to rest and warm themselves in the sun. Lydgate Beach 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. The only way to access the valley is either by boat or hiking the 11-mile Kalalau trail there are no roads or airstrips here and only government helicopters are authorized to land. The faces are sheer and you can see that boulders continuously break off.(Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. 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. } Plan on spending 10 hours in hiking boots if you do this. { Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. There is no cell reception, but there is a payphone. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. The trailhead is located in Hena State Park at the northwest end of Khi Highway (Route 56). Kee Beach is a safe snorkel spot when the water is calm because it is protected from large waves by a fringing reef. Purchase a camping permit here or in person at any State Parks district office. Heres the other thing it makes for an awesome photo. You can drink this water, but you must treat or boil the water beforehand. Did you see Todays Groupon for world resorts international? This section is a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. The cliffs of the Na Pali Coast look prehistoric in this area. That means rogue waves can crash onto the beach at any moment. Seeaosite for updates. There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. The trail is part of the N Pali Coast State Park which gets its name from the Hawaiian term for high cliff, na pali. Heres what they saw. 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. What off the beaten path activities can I do? Salt Pond Beach 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). The summer sand beach at Hanakapiai is a popular destination for day hikers. My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. Because the beach lacks a protective offshore reef to block incoming waves, high surf is common, especially during the winter months. For beach and trail access you will need to reserve a park and pass or shuttle on the website www.gohaena.com, Anini Beach Dont get caught in here. Get in touch with us today to book your tour! As we said above, one of the best Cedar Key activities is going to the beach! 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; 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. 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. The ocean engulfs the beach and carves caves into the young rock. You'll peer down thousands of feet into a colorful tropical landscape that is punctuated by a beautiful beach. The large waves at Kalalau Beach can make a landing by boat extremely treacherous. Hawaii strictly regulates food items that enter the state and you must declare all food products on a declaration form on the flight. Despite a Portuguese man o war sting, quite a longer swim than expected, and considerably bigger waves then anticipated we made it (just barely)! 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. Npali Coast State Wilderness Park. . Camping on Kauai anywhere other than designated camping areas is considered illegal. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Each of these offshoots has unique waterfalls and swimming spots. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. 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. Hiking to Hanakpai Valley (2 miles in from trailhead) requires Entry and Parking Reservations at Haena. People have drowned here from the dangerous combination of a hidden current and the cliffside surroundings. Copyright 2023, State of Hawaii. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. Just like the signs around Hawaii will advise you, when in doubt, dont go out. Its really an expert swimmer only beach. For more information read our privacy policy. The first section of the Kalalau Trail stretches from the trailhead located at Kee Beach at Haena State Park to Hanakapiai valley. You may not be able to use your cell phone to call for help in an emergency. You'll look up the giant walls of the valley, gaze upon waterfalls and you'll be greeted by abundant wild fruit trees. Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. For some people who come to Kalalau Beach, the long and difficult trail is not adventurous enough. Parking at Hena State Park is limited to 100 stalls, so we recommend taking the Kauai North Shore Shuttle. Never turn your back on the ocean. Those without camping permits for Kalalau Valley are therefore prohibited from attempting the entire 22-mile round trip hike in a day. Camping fees for Npali Coast are $25 per person per night (Hawaii residents), $35 per person per night (non-residents). Cookie Notice They live in simple camps with no permanent structures, with tarps as their roofs and cooking by the flame of a fire. And blueflamingo, I wouldn't hike it either. Be sure to purify your water as it most likely contains leptospirosis, a bacteria from urine. Here are 21 things you should know before hiking the Kalalau Trail. Plan your trip accordingly. I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. This hike is on the beginning section of the Kalalau trail, at Ke'e Beach. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY! It can be ankle deep only to plunge down to the depths with no warning. You just need to be a strong swimmer to get to it. 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. But remembers there is no reef to protect the shore, which leaves it vulnerable tolong shore currents. Well worth a look (and an unforgettable fruitful smell). Kayaking from a boat tour to Kalalau Beach - Kauai Forum At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. } Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. This small beach is no longer accessible.). Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. Kayaking and swimming (by strong swimmers with fins) from Kalalau Beach are the only ways to reach Honop Beach. This is the cleanest fresh water on the island, so it's great for a shower. Waipouli Beach Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. Hena State Park is roughly 41 miles (1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihue Airport. Can You Swim in Cabo San Lucas? - All You Need to Know selectedText = 'Poor'; Camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP (Kalalau Trail) are currently available 90-days in-advance. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; 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. 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. The Kauai beach with the unusual name, Donkey Beach, is a beach that comes with a lot of pluses and minuses. Please check the Kalalau trail safety concerns before you go hiking. Look closely at the textured valley walls and you'll see mountain goats precariously perched on high. [OAHU] UPDATED 3/2/23: Puu o Mahuka Heiau State Monument IsCLOSED due to high winds and heavy rain. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. 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. See Polipoli site for updates. And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. Having a rock roll through your tent or crack you on the noggin may negatively impact your trip. Fuji Beach If youre a good swimmer, theres a hidden beach called Honopu Beach right around that bend. } 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. Permits cost $10 per person per night. selectedVal = '3'; 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. And as koloagirl says, you still need a camping permit. show(star_img,rid); There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. var shows = 0; Apply for your permit about 6-12 months in advance. Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. The answer is, it takes more effort to find a boat to take you there than it does to hike. Kiahuna Beach 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. It's even more difficult to get on a boat to leave the valley in a surge of surf. } Hideaway Beach Makana Charters is a native Hawaiian family owned business that takes pride in providing the best possible experience for visitors to Kauai. Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. (Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. But you can send us an email and we'll get back to you, asap. 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. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Kayak the Na Pali Coast, The Mount Everest of Sea Kayaking - Hawaii.com 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. Don't Look Down! for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { If you can't hike the trail, the kayak to the beach would be even more strenuous even if you could. Pack your backpacking stove, however, stove fuel is not permitted on any airplane and will need to be purchased on the island. Ten lashes for me! Permits are obtained via an online portal on the DLNR website here. This beach is the end of the walkable coastline. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. Anini Beach. selectedText = 'Fine'; 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. 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. You can walk into them to explore and take cover from the wind. The next day was another bright and beautiful one. 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. A short swim around the bend will take you to the secluded Honopu Beach. NOTE: A valid camping permit is required for anyone hiking beyond Hanakapiai Valley. You will find this beach after a 11 mile hike along the Kalalau Trail on the Napali Coast. If you get a late start or are a slower hiker, this may be a good option for you. if(i=='1'){ A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Npali Coast State Park. Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. The sandbar is quite shallow here and in some spots the ocean bottom drops off quickly to overhead depths. Top Ten Ways to Protect Hawaiian Monk Seals/Dolphin protection, Geography, Geology, History and Culture of Kaua'i. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. image = 'qw'+rnid + i; They were up there within a few seconds. The Kalalau Trail is a 22-mile out-and-back coastal hike located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai. The trail begins right after Ke'e Beach and has extreme inclines and declines and narrow footpaths, especially between the dreaded 6.5 to 8 miles (10.5 to 12.9 km) into it. Anini Beach. Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. 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. Then they told everyone to go out on the observation deck. It is a difficult and sometimes dangerous hike. Kealia Beach This camp is located on a section of the trail that is densely forested, so space is limited and crowded. We were unaware of sharks and pretty much all the dangerous obstacles. Swim to Honopu Beach from Kalalau Beach - Get Lost How Long To Hike Kalalau Trail In Kauai, Hawaii The Grom Life But, walk down the beach a bit and youll be treated to some of the coolest looking scenery youll ever see. Maybe this site can answer your question. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Fine"; 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. Since there are no lifeguards here and drownings have happened in the past, it is recommended to avoid swimming at Kalalau. The mud is slippery and may slow down your hiking time. An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapiai Valley leads to a waterfall. 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. 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. Its wide and deep. The public beach in Cedar Key is free to use and offers a quaint spot to relax by the waves. As you walk down the beach in Kalalau you feel like youre in a different world. 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. Save yourself from a digestive nightmare and always sanitize your water sources. Haena Beach Phone Number. Operate by the LNT principle and leave no trace behind you. Free Travel Planners for Hawaii & each island, Websites & links for travel sites, attractions, restaurants, maps, lodging & more. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; Though not technically allowed, the relaxed atmosphere on the trail seems to coincide with clothing optional attire. These stacked rocks are all over the place in the cave. Ke`e Beach | Kauai.com This is strictly prohibited, however difficult to enforce.

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