Hoolulu means "the sheltering place," so named for the sea cave far below which was used to shelter voyaging canoes in ancient times. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. Other endemics include the endangered Schiedea attenuata., and previously unknown plant species have been discovered there [1]. Mahalo! ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. After leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters drier, more open land which offers little shade from the midday sun. Use extreme caution crossing the stream, and if there has been consistent heavy rain recently or the flow is high, do NOT cross at all. Do note, though, that peak time is summer (June-August), when the trail will be crowded and permits get booked out many months in advance. The trailhead is very close to the camp areas. Apermitis required to hike this part of the trail whether or not you plan to camp. We came back to camp to eat lunch and then went for a walk on the beach. We woke up sometime between 7 and 8 and crawled out of our tents. If youve been on a multi-day trek before, then you should have a good idea of what the essential gear is for this endeavor. There is also a count of the number of days with wet weather, when precipitation amounts to 0.01 inches (0.25 millimetres) or more. Because Kalalau was historically an agricultural valley, there was one experiment of allowing a caretaker to go in and replant a taro and vegetable patch, sort of as a token gesture to the Hawaiian community. If so, you can always book a tour by boat or helicopter and see the valley in all its glory from these two different perspectives. The valley is one of the earths most beautiful natural wonders, including a remote beach framed by grooved peaks. Well, it's Kauai, so expect rain everyday. Hiking The Kalalau Trail: The Ultimate Guide - Wandering Wheatleys Crawler's Ledge is often a windy place; navigating it with a full pack can be challenging if you are not used to it. Fifty-four hikers were stranded overnight. Also, Kalalau Trail permits can now only be booked up to 90 days in advance. Hikers will see a lush landscape while traveling through the valleys, as well as tall cliffs aligning the ocean. The trail takes you to a swimming hole and if you know where youre going, you can find a side trail that leads to Kalalau Falls. Once around the corner from Crawlers Ledge, the wind stops and you'll pass several beautiful valleys beforecoming up to the 8-mile bluff with a clear view of Kalalau. Waialeale: 432 inches (1,097 cm) per year Princeville: 85 inches (216 cm) per year Kapaa: 48 inches (122 cm) per year Kauai State Parks View photos, floor plans and more. If you're planning to visit this enchanting valley, you must give up your vehicles and other means of transport since it is inaccessible to any sort of . But, then again, this could just be totally man-made. If you were to head left instead, youd be going up into Kalalau Valley (which you should totally explore one day). Unfortunately, those beaches are not safe to swim in due to the surf and rip currents that are dangerous and often highly treacherous, especially in winter when high surf conditions conquer, leading to fatal accidents. A local rule of thumb is to watch the ocean for 20 minutes before going in or walking in a tidal zone. Coordinates: .mw-parser-output .geo-default,.mw-parser-output .geo-dms,.mw-parser-output .geo-dec{display:inline}.mw-parser-output .geo-nondefault,.mw-parser-output .geo-multi-punct{display:none}.mw-parser-output .longitude,.mw-parser-output .latitude{white-space:nowrap}221201N 1593713W / 22.20028N 159.62028W / 22.20028; -159.62028. It is also a major archaeological site; although many of the rock walls and intricate irrigation structures were destroyed by cattle brought in by ranchers to graze here in the first part of the 20th century. On April 28, 2017, Cody Safadago, a man alleged to be living in Kalalau, was charged with stealing a truck and causing an accident that killed a Kauai woman the previous day, while he was driving drunk. Its mostly dry with only occasional mud, and offers the most sensational coastal views of the entire trek. Backpacking Itineraries & Average Time Hiking the Kalalau Trail Along the Npali Coast, Kauai Maybe occasionally? Once we reach the lookout, thanked God, weather is cooperating. If you want to visit the Kalalau Trail in 2022, read this! We also highly recommend that you do NOT swim in the ocean at Hanakapiai Beach. So now what? And although they may be far away when you are looking at them, wave heights vary greatly between sets and getting washed off the rocks is a very common way people get injured or even drown. The Most Beautiful Valleys In The World The Discoveries Of Zestimate Home Value: $680,900. Kalalau Lookout offers a unique viewing experience overlooking the Kalalau Valley and Na Pali Coast. Azure blue waters lie beneath you to the right overlooking Kee Beach below. For the bold day hiker, you can continue to Hanakoa Falls and still make it back in the same day; however, it is a very long day. Kalalau Valley, the heaven on Earth | by Minji Kim - Medium Napali Coast State Wilderness Park - Hawaii State Parks Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. Why hike an extremely challenging 11 miles to rob or assault someone when you could achieve the same thing back in civilization with a lot less effort? In the summer months, there is plenty of sand on the beach, but in the winter you'll be surprised to see only lava boulders at times. The valley walls tower steeply more than 2,000 feet above the lush valley floor where people built magnificent, terraced gardens, and tended to fruitful taro patches, the remnants of which can still . As you begin the trail, you'll traverse through a lush jungle-like scene of pothos and another philodendron. . The Kalalau Valley is located in the Napali Coast State Park and houses the Kalalau Beach, set on the northwestern side of the Kauai Island in the US State of Hawaii. The Kalalau Valley is at mile 11, just before arriving at Kalalau Beach. You may be able to get away with parking at Haena County Park, but do so at your own risk. Coming here is breathtaking. 635 E Kalalau Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85755 | Zillow All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. Permits can be reserved online here. For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, near-shore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and body-surfing. The valley is located in the N Pali Coast State Park and houses the Kalalau Beach. Think about it: this is not a trail that a casual outsider looking to cause trouble would decide to tackle on a whim. This fifteen-mile stretch of rugged coastline on the northwest shore of Kauai literally means "the Cliffs." A must-do activity on any Kauai vacation. This parking lot is about a half hour walk from the trailhead (or a mile). Then after mile 7, a whole new party begins one youll probably wish you hadnt gone to. The thing about hiking up the side of a stream passing waterfall after waterfall is that each swimming hole tempts you to jump in. It is a very challenging hike-round trip being 22 miles through 5 valleys and an elevation gain of 10,000 feet. 4 miles round trip to Hanakapiai Beach; 22 miles round trip to Kalalau Beach, Kauai's Top Hotels, Resorts, B&Bs, & Vacation Rentals, Kauai's Best Tours, Excursions, & Adventures. Red Hill is the gateway to Kalalau, a large cinder cone guarding the entrance. This 8-mile trek is tough - not for beginners - and follows the famed Kalalau Trail along the coast to Hanakapi'ai Beach. As we mentioned, exploring the trail safely is of the utmost importance. Kauai's Kalalau Trail one of Hawaii's best, hardest on Na Pali Coast The abundant sun and rain provides an ideal environment for flora and fauna. Interesting facts about valleys | Just Fun Facts Surrounded by cliffs measuring more than 610 meters high, this natural hideaway is often referred to as Kaua'i's Cathedral and is only accessible by foot, kayak, or helicopter. The Npali Coast is a very special place. #3 The Kalalau Series: This is the fourth post in a five-part series on Kalalau. Visitors need a state permit obtained from the division of State Parks to pass across the Hanakapiai Stream or Hanakapiai Falls. This is the ultimate way to sit back and relax while you soak in the majestic view. Having a hiking buddy there to spot you and/or calm you down in case of a freakout is invaluable. 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. Kalalau Trail "Crawler's Ledge & Naked Hikers - YouTube The tables below give yearly averages for rainfall at cities, towns, resorts, parks and beaches in Hawaii. Even if it doesnt rain during your trek, youll experience mud in every possible consistency, which can really slow you down. Npali Coast State Wilderness Park UPDATED 2/22/23: Kalalau Trail has REOPENED. Kalalau Valley is full of climbable boulders but these boots were made for walking. We ended up crossing a second stream and ended up at this huge clearing. For example, as an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Any time! Hikers are allowed to camp at Hanakoa Valley one night with a valid Kalalau permit.[7]. Today, its designation as a state park forbids anyone from residing there. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. Still, campers and hikers can enjoy the scenery of Hawaiian beaches. It was very stunning to see the valley and also see waterfall on the backdrop. Well, it was time to explore Kalalau Valley. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. You can jump from either side of the hole. After Hanakoa Valley, you climb up and then descend a series of switchbacks onto what is affectionately known as Crawlers Ledge because people who are scared by the narrow and exposed ledge have been known to crawl across on hands and knees. Trail Information - Kalalau Trail For most backpackers in good condition hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. Now, only those who acquire proper permits are allowed to step foot on this unspoiled terrain. Haena State Park including theKalalauTrail, which hadbeen closed due to the flooding that occurred in the Spring of 2018, re-opened on Monday, June 17, 2019. A total of sixty overnight permits are issued for each night. It is up to each individual to know their limits, abilities and level of expertise before attempting any outdoor activity. Some pit toilets, that leave much to be desired, are also to your left (near where the trail continues and/or heads back to Hanakapiai Falls). The sun came out and gave us a phenomenal panoramic view of Kalalau lookout. There are several water sources along the trail which allow hikers to refill and hydrate, but stream water is generally not safe to drink and requires treatment. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. Past the waterfall, there are some caves on the beach where some people (illegally) camp. Sleeping: A sleeping pad is must. Check the State Parks website the morning youre due to start trekking to see if the Kalalau Trail is closed due to flash flooding. Kalalau Valley: Waterfalls, Rainbows and a Remote Beach Kalalau Valley from the Puu o Kila lookout accessed through Waimea Canyon State Park. If the water is over waist high, do not try to cross the river under any circumstances just wait; eventually, the flood waters will subside. Even with all my research, I had some serious concerns about tackling the Kalalau Trail in Kauai.