View Full Version : Kalalau Trail
camojack
01-05-2009, 03:48
A week from now, I'm planning to be on Kauai. While I visit Hawaii every Winter, most of my time is spent on the Big Island, although I did go to Molokai for a weekend last year. Anyway, while I am on Kauai, I want to hike the Kalalau Trail (http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php)...and I was wondering if anyone here had "been there, done that". I've been checking out a number of websites on the subject, but thought that maybe someone here could provide any additional insights.
Thanks in advance for anything useful that you might be able to tell me...
I hiked it to the Hanakapai Beach then inland to the Falls this past August, truly a highlight. PM me and i can give you some more insight on this hike and some DO NOT miss things on the Island.
camojack
01-05-2009, 09:30
I hiked it to the Hanakapai Beach then inland to the Falls this past August, truly a highlight. PM me and i can give you some more insight on this hike and some DO NOT miss things on the Island.
Thanks much! Will do... :)
gravityman
01-05-2009, 10:45
We didn't hike that trail, but we did do the paddle around the Napali Coast. Definately worth every penny! They have to shuttle you around the entire island! Amazing paddle...
Also there is some great camping on Kauai. Not as 'scary' as on the big island (Kauai seemed to have mainly hippies camping, the Big Island seemed to having mainly drug users camping...)
sixhusbands
01-05-2009, 11:16
My daughter and I hiked the entire trail into Kalalau beach (about 11 miles). This trail by far is my all time favorite and I am jealous! The views from the cliffs are unmatched and the drops off will definitely get your attention! We saw several whales , lots of goats, beautiful plants and flowers, the Hawaii state bird all day ( helicopter tours) and an occasional cruise ship.
There is a part of the trail appropriately named "crawlers ledge" that will challenge most folks on their vertigo. Stay focused and you will make it through .
We did the hike in 2 days and camped at Hanakapai beach the first night and hiked int the falls (this is a must do) and then tackled the cliffs the second day. We made it back in just one day. The locals at Kalalau are very cool people and they love to catch up with visitors. We took some stuff to make pizza and they thought we were the gods!
They have had some heavy rains in the island the past few weeks so check and see if the trail is still open. The parks people will shut it down without notice if the trail errodes too much.
One caution ... leave nothing in your vehicle at either parking area. Break ins are very common.
Good luck and let us know what yoy think when you get back.
A week from now, I'm planning to be on Kauai. While I visit Hawaii every Winter, most of my time is spent on the Big Island, although I did go to Molokai for a weekend last year. Anyway, while I am on Kauai, I want to hike the Kalalau Trail (http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php)...and I was wondering if anyone here had "been there, done that". I've been checking out a number of websites on the subject, but thought that maybe someone here could provide any additional insights.
Thanks in advance for anything useful that you might be able to tell me...
Camojak, I have done the whole trail to Kalalau Beach and back with several inland side trips several times. I live not too far from there in Kapaa and work in Kileauea(near the lighthouse). Get your hiking permit in Lihue. I think it was $10/day the last time I went. Some people go without a permit but, occasionaly authorities do come in quickly by helicopter and check permits. If U don't have one U will be escorted out and possibly receive a stiff fine. DEFINITELY plan on spending a "0" day(or more) at Kalalau Beach. It's magical: beautiful Pacific Ocean front(careful of the sea here too) with sandy flat campsites with shady trees(hammocks OK), a waterfall flows onto Kalalau Beach that provides drinking water and a shower, soaring sea caves to explore(if the winter tides have not washed away the beach sand route to the largest sea cave definitely go into the largest one with the pool U will have to wade into until U get to the back of the cave onto a small sandy beach, stop at the beach inside the sea cave and look out towards the ocean with the walls of the sea cave framing the view, the sea birds may divebomb U, but don't worry I've never heard of anyone actually being struck by a bird), and soaring verdant cliffs at the base of the beach. Stop at Hanalei(say hello to Puff the Magic Dragon if U can find him) at the mid size grocery or healthfood store for last minute food and supplies. U can camp near the trailhead near/on the beach at Kee Beach before your Kalalau hike. The short side trip at Hanakapai Beach(stay out of the water here, you'll know why when U read the sign, many have drowned at this beach)to the waterfall is worth it. Not a bad place to jump in the pool at the base of the waterfall to wash off the dirt and, very often, thick mud that U can encounter at the beginning of the Kalalau Trl. Just don't linger too long because rocks do get dislodged from above and come over the falls! There is a picnic shelter and campsites near the midway pt, but the last time I was there it was rather beaten up. There is a shorter side trip to a waterfall here too. The trail is narrow and drops off steeply in several places. U will have to hike on slippery shifting lava sand, mud(if it has rained lately), and in the forest. It's not a trail where U can turn your mind off! Trail runners should be fine for most hikers. Bring bug dope, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Travel light. At any of the major bookstores on Kauaii(Borders, Barnes and Noble in Lihue) U will find books just dedicated to hiking in Kauaii, including the Kalalau Trl. Say hello to all the "clothing optional" folks at Kalalau for me!
Most important of all: RESPECT, RESPECT, RESPECT THE AWESOME CULTURE, PEOPLE, AND FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT HERE!!!
If U need anymore help lemme know. Glad to help.
camojack
01-05-2009, 19:28
We didn't hike that trail, but we did do the paddle around the Napali Coast. Definately worth every penny! They have to shuttle you around the entire island! Amazing paddle...
Also there is some great camping on Kauai. Not as 'scary' as on the big island (Kauai seemed to have mainly hippies camping, the Big Island seemed to having mainly drug users camping...)
I'm also thinking about checking out the Na Pali Coast by sea while I am there, thanks. :)
My daughter and I hiked the entire trail into Kalalau beach (about 11 miles). This trail by far is my all time favorite and I am jealous! The views from the cliffs are unmatched and the drops off will definitely get your attention! We saw several whales , lots of goats, beautiful plants and flowers, the Hawaii state bird all day ( helicopter tours) and an occasional cruise ship.
There is a part of the trail appropriately named "crawlers ledge" that will challenge most folks on their vertigo. Stay focused and you will make it through .
We did the hike in 2 days and camped at Hanakapai beach the first night and hiked int the falls (this is a must do) and then tackled the cliffs the second day. We made it back in just one day. The locals at Kalalau are very cool people and they love to catch up with visitors. We took some stuff to make pizza and they thought we were the gods!
They have had some heavy rains in the island the past few weeks so check and see if the trail is still open. The parks people will shut it down without notice if the trail errodes too much.
One caution ... leave nothing in your vehicle at either parking area. Break ins are very common.
Good luck and let us know what yoy think when you get back.
What you've said confirms what I've heard (and read) about the trail...and the side trip to the falls is definitely on my agenda.
Last I checked, (yesterday) the trail was listed as open. :-?
Oh, and I intend to take a lot of pictures. :D
Camojak, I have done the whole trail to Kalalau Beach and back with several inland side trips several times. I live not too far from there in Kapaa and work in Kileauea(near the lighthouse). Get your hiking permit in Lihue. I think it was $10/day the last time I went. Some people go without a permit but, occasionaly authorities do come in quickly by helicopter and check permits. If U don't have one U will be escorted out and possibly receive a stiff fine. DEFINITELY plan on spending a "0" day(or more) at Kalalau Beach. It's magical: beautiful Pacific Ocean front(careful of the sea here too) with sandy flat campsites with shady trees(hammocks OK), a waterfall flows onto Kalalau Beach that provides drinking water and a shower, soaring sea caves to explore(if the winter tides have not washed away the beach sand route to the largest sea cave definitely go into the largest one with the pool U will have to wade into until U get to the back of the cave onto a small sandy beach, stop at the beach inside the sea cave and look out towards the ocean with the walls of the sea cave framing the view, the sea birds may divebomb U, but don't worry I've never heard of anyone actually being struck by a bird), and soaring verdant cliffs at the base of the beach. Stop at Hanalei(say hello to Puff the Magic Dragon if U can find him) at the mid size grocery or healthfood store for last minute food and supplies. U can camp near the trailhead near/on the beach at Kee Beach before your Kalalau hike. The short side trip at Hanakapai Beach(stay out of the water here, you'll know why when U read the sign, many have drowned at this beach)to the waterfall is worth it. Not a bad place to jump in the pool at the base of the waterfall to wash off the dirt and, very often, thick mud that U can encounter at the beginning of the Kalalau Trl. Just don't linger too long because rocks do get dislodged from above and come over the falls! There is a picnic shelter and campsites near the midway pt, but the last time I was there it was rather beaten up. There is a shorter side trip to a waterfall here too. The trail is narrow and drops off steeply in several places. U will have to hike on slippery shifting lava sand, mud(if it has rained lately), and in the forest. It's not a trail where U can turn your mind off! Trail runners should be fine for most hikers. Bring bug dope, sunscreen, and sunglasses. Travel light. At any of the major bookstores on Kauaii(Borders, Barnes and Noble in Lihue) U will find books just dedicated to hiking in Kauaii, including the Kalalau Trl. Say hello to all the "clothing optional" folks at Kalalau for me!
Most important of all: RESPECT, RESPECT, RESPECT THE AWESOME CULTURE, PEOPLE, AND FRAGILE ENVIRONMENT HERE!!!
If U need anymore help lemme know. Glad to help.
I already printed out my permit; I'll be flying into Lihue, and have the number and address to submit it.
As a caver (see my avatar) I was planning to check out the sea cave(s), absolutely.
I'm definitely intending to camp out while I am there, and do have "The HIKERS GUIDE to the HAWAIIAN ISLANDS", although I may pick up a copy of "Kauai Revealed" as well.
I already have "Hawaii Revealed", since I generally spend most of my time on the Big Island when I visit Hawaii.
Regarding the "clothing optional" folks, while I've not been to Kalalau yet, I have certainly seen (and been) that before. ;)
Since you live there on Kauai, maybe I can buy you a beer (or some other beverage) while I'm there... :sun
The Hiking on Kauaii guides have more specific detailed info on hiking Kauaii than the Hiking in Hawaii guides. A water trip along the NaPali Coast will probably involve a catmaran or large sailboat this time of the yr. The seas often get too rough, even for experienced paddlers, to be using sea kayaks or Zodiacs this time of the yr. It's amazing. In summer the NaPali coast can be almost as flat as a mill pond, but during the winter it can, and often is, a raging dangerous torrent. Even when the Kalalau Trl is closed it's usually not for too long. If it has rained heavily lately the start of the trail will be very muddy and slippery.These conditions start to subside after Hanakapai Beach, although U will have some muddy forest hiking further on. These conditions, flashflooding concerns(in the valleys leading to waterfalls), and washouts are what normally prompt officials to close the trail temorarily. Although, I rarely treat my drinking water on the mainland I advise U do so along the Kalalau Trl. I will be in Kauaii in 3 weeks.
camojack
01-05-2009, 21:07
The Hiking on Kauaii guides have more specific detailed info on hiking Kauaii than the Hiking in Hawaii guides. A water trip along the NaPali Coast will probably involve a catmaran or large sailboat this time of the yr. The seas often get too rough, even for experienced paddlers, to be using sea kayaks or Zodiacs this time of the yr. It's amazing. In summer the NaPali coast can be almost as flat as a mill pond, but during the winter it can, and often is, a raging dangerous torrent. Even when the Kalalau Trl is closed it's usually not for too long. If it has rained heavily lately the start of the trail will be very muddy and slippery.These conditions start to subside after Hanakapai Beach, although U will have some muddy forest hiking further on. These conditions, flashflooding concerns(in the valleys leading to waterfalls), and washouts are what normally prompt officials to close the trail temorarily. Although, I rarely treat my drinking water on the mainland I advise U do so along the Kalalau Trl. I will be in Kauaii in 3 weeks.
I remember the waves on the North Shore of Oahu in the Winters when I was stationed there; I imagine it's the same on Kauai.
As for the trip by sea along the Na Pali Coast, I was thinking about going with Blue Dolphin Charters (http://www.kauaiboats.com/).
So, you won't be on Kauai when I will? Bummer. I'll only be there for one week, next week...then I'm off to the Big Island. :sun
Exactly, most/all of the big wave surfing contests are held during/near winter. Although, I've never taken a trip on Blue Dolphin Charters I've heard some good feedback about them. There are others though. Shop around. Hawaii is a place where U definitely can save some money by shopping around! The pics of the NaPali coast on the Blue Dolphin website definitely are not shot in winter.
camojack
01-06-2009, 00:23
Exactly, most/all of the big wave surfing contests are held during/near winter. Although, I've never taken a trip on Blue Dolphin Charters I've heard some good feedback about them. There are others though. Shop around. Hawaii is a place where U definitely can save some money by shopping around! The pics of the NaPali coast on the Blue Dolphin website definitely are not shot in winter.
I remember going up to the North Shore on Oahu to look at the waves...and not to try tangling with them. Incredible. :eek:
I was looking at Blue Dolphin's prices; they're none too cheap. I'm sure you're correct about the pictures on their website... ;)
sounds like an awesome trip. bring us back some nuts
camojack
01-06-2009, 07:45
sounds like an awesome trip. bring us back some nuts
Macadamias?
Man! I am so jealous!!!
A week from now, I'm planning to be on Kauai. While I visit Hawaii every Winter, most of my time is spent on the Big Island, although I did go to Molokai for a weekend last year. Anyway, while I am on Kauai, I want to hike the Kalalau Trail (http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php)...and I was wondering if anyone here had "been there, done that". I've been checking out a number of websites on the subject, but thought that maybe someone here could provide any additional insights.
Thanks in advance for anything useful that you might be able to tell me...
Macadamias?
chocolate covered are best, bring both to the next event
I am going to hawaii in october for a honeymoon. Any and all info on the kyak or hikes is awsome. I am not sure what island I am going to stay at yet but looking for info. The wife to be already knows we will be doing some hiking and kyaking and she is cool with it. On websites I visited it shows guided hikes but I'm not into that, are there hikes where they only allow guided trips?If so I wanna make sure I dont plan on doing those.
camojack
01-06-2009, 11:10
Man! I am so jealous!!!
Get that old man of yours to take you there sometime; I go every Winter. If you can't go while I'm there, you could:
A. Camp on my land.
B. Stay next to it at a fellow hiker's cabin...that I helped wire.
C. Stay at another friend's place nearby.
D. None of the above, stay wherever you wish. ;)
chocolate covered are best, bring both to the next event
Actually, the Kona coffee-covered ones are my favorite, although I'm working on some honey-glazed now.
But what next event? I'll be at the PA Ruck; come to that why don't ya?
(I will try to remember and bring some macadamias)
I am going to hawaii in october for a honeymoon. Any and all info on the kyak or hikes is awsome. I am not sure what island I am going to stay at yet but looking for info. The wife to be already knows we will be doing some hiking and kyaking and she is cool with it. On websites I visited it shows guided hikes but I'm not into that, are there hikes where they only allow guided trips?If so I wanna make sure I dont plan on doing those.
Feel free to PM me with any questions. I've spent time on all of the major islands except Lanai.
(Well, and Niihau, but that one's by invitation only for a haole (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Haole)...)
The Solemates
01-06-2009, 12:00
been there. done that. definitely a must go.
G
Actually, the Kona coffee-covered ones are my favorite, although I'm working on some honey-glazed now.
But what next event? I'll be at the PA Ruck; come to that why don't ya?
(I will try to remember and bring some macadamias)
I got some Kona coffee beans for Christmas - good stuff. I'll check with the parole board, but I not hopeful of getting any time release anytime soon.
camojack
01-06-2009, 21:32
been there. done that. definitely a must go.
Well, it's definitely on my itinerary...thanks. :)
I got some Kona coffee beans for Christmas - good stuff. I'll check with the parole board, but I not hopeful of getting any time release anytime soon.
Kona coffee is great, IMO.
As for the "parole board", try to be on your best behavior... ;)
camojack
02-04-2009, 08:18
I've been having "confuser" issues or I'd have done this sooner, but I just posted some pictures (http://whiteblaze.net/forum/vbg/browseimages.php?do=member&imageuser=8204) from my trip to Kauai, etc.
The Solemates
02-04-2009, 12:07
looks like you had a rough time :)
Did U stay on Kalalau Beach, shower under the waterfall on Kalalau beach, visit the seacaves? I wish I would have could have been there to show U some Aloha.
What kind of time frame do I need to put aside for the round trip to Kalalau Beach. Also what kinda weather will I be looking at in early October.
camojack
02-04-2009, 18:48
looks like you had a rough time :)
Actually, I did. About 6 miles in, I took a misstep on a slippery rock, then fell and hurt my left knee...badly.
I was concerned at the time that I wouldn't be able to make it back out under my own power.
(The ACL in that knee had been replaced in 2006)
Fortunately there's a campsite about 6 miles in, so I holed up there for the night, although it was early afternoon when I got there.
The knee was much better in the morning, so I did the extra 4 mile round trip to Hanakapi'ai Falls on the way back out.
Did U stay on Kalalau Beach, shower under the waterfall on Kalalau beach, visit the seacaves? I wish I would have could have been there to show U some Aloha.
See above. I never made it all the way in. I'm hoping someday to manage it.
I think a knee brace might be in order, because I had a similar injury when I was hiking on the A.T. last September.
(Coming down Mt. Greylock)
What kind of time frame do I need to put aside for the round trip to Kalalau Beach. Also what kinda weather will I be looking at in early October.
Give yourself (at least) a day to get in and another to get out. More would be better, so you can enjoy some side trips, like to the falls in Hanakoa Valley and the beach and sea caves at Kalalau Valley (neither of which I made it to) and Hanakapi'ai Falls (which I did).
As for the weather, temperature-wise it's just about perfect all year 'round, but it also rains there a lot.
(Check the forecast before you go...)
At least U got out there, but I'll plant the seed for next time - U missed a great destination! From your pics, it looks like the mid pt. (Hanokoa Valley) has been cleaned up since last time I was there.
This hike is one of the reasons I moved to HI. I was visiting HI and knew I wanted to give the Kalalau Trail the time that it deserves. 1 day in. 1 day exploring up valleys, sea caves, and feeling "IT" on Kalalau Beach. 1 day to hike out is the minimum I would suggest. Spending any less time is just too much of a touristy whirlwind affair and is simply shortchanging yourself and the hike!
camojack
02-04-2009, 20:22
At least U got out there, but I'll plant the seed for next time - U missed a great destination! From your pics, it looks like the mid pt. (Hanokoa Valley) has been cleaned up since last time I was there.
This hike is one of the reasons I moved to HI. I was visiting HI and knew I wanted to give the Kalalau Trail the time that it deserves. 1 day in. 1 day exploring up valleys, sea caves, and feeling "IT" on Kalalau Beach. 1 day to hike out is the minimum I would suggest. Spending any less time is just too much of a touristy whirlwind affair and is simply shortchanging yourself and the hike!
I agree, the more time someone devotes to checking out the area, the better...I wish I hadn't hurt my knee.
I did manage to see the Kalalau Valley, though; I paid about $125 for an air tour.
Here's a picture:
5564
The Solemates
02-05-2009, 10:12
sorry to hear about your knee. at least you were recovering on the beach sipping mai tais i hope :)
camojack
02-06-2009, 00:19
sorry to hear about your knee. at least you were recovering on the beach sipping mai tais i hope :)
Y'know, I didn't have any Mai Tais while I was there. I usually do. :(
Anyway, my knee has (mostly) recovered, but I really ought to look into getting a knee brace. :-?
(Kind of an insurance policy, if you will...)