can you swim at kalalau beach

Beginning at Ke`e Beach and ending at Kalalau Valley, this challenging but rewarding hike, earned the Sierra Club's rating of "9" out of "10" in degree of difficulty. Now you can sit back and enjoy yet another epic sunset. Yet, it's also among the most rewarding. You'll need to purchase a camping pass for a stay in Kalalau, and they sell out months ahead of time. ), Walk along the Na Pali Coast to the end of the beach for an amazing view.(Update 9/14/15: This area wasdestroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. And eventually, our companions returned from their adventure.(Update 9/14/15: This areawas destroyed in a massive landslide during the winter of 2014-2015. mobile app. This was my favorite part of the trip. Here are a few examples of what you can expect: Pools-There are two main pool areas for some refreshing swimming. ny = document.getElementById(image); We left our snorkel equipment in the trunk of our rental car and took a swim at the end of our hike. There is always work to be done in the garden, so if you are going to enjoy some food, lending a hand for an hour or so would be much appreciated and would go a long way for the gardens long-term vitality. Dont pack any food items. And they probably only do this in the summer, when the surf and currents are safe to swim ashore. In-order to access the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park as well as the Kalalau Trail, visitors have to go through Hena SP. function show(star_img,rnid) And then Jenelyn took it up another notch. There are permanent residents in the valley that live off the land despite the fact that it is illegal. This remote wilderness area is accessible on foot (or by boat) only. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Lumahai Beach selectedVal = '1'; Walk-ins permitted. High surf pounds the shore creating extremely turbulent waters. . Anyone proceeding beyond Hanakapiai valley must possess a valid overnight camping permit. The beach is a prime spot for swimming and snorkeling, thanks to its relatively calm waters and a coral reef that is just a few meters offshore. Kalalau Beach | Kauai Beach Scoop Before entering the water check for any warning signs indicating hazardous conditions. The lookout allows you to walk right to the valley's edge. Shipwrecks Beach, Kekaha Beach Waimea Beach. The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. [MAUI]UPDATED 1/23/23:Polipoli Spring State Recreation Area CLOSED through March 2023 (Per DOFAW). var b = document.getElementById('t0'); The falls are 300 high and hikers can swim in the large, cold pool at its base. I told Hayleen, the lady that cuts my hair, about my trip and she said that Kalalau was one of her favorite places. Down below you'll see a light and lots of limbs strewn along the . Permits are very popular and sell out well in advance, especially during summer. You definitely do not want to swim when this is the case. Though this article focuses on walking the Kalalau Trail, there are other ways to visit if you do not enjoy hiking or are short on time. But Kalalau valley and beach are not trashed, though far from totally remote and pristine. var image; Eleven miles in and eleven out. And it actually appears that theres a third part to this boulder behind it. selectedText = 'Poor'; Kalalau Beach is the huge chunk of sand that sits in front of Kalalau Valley. (Originally published in August 2011. All About The Bahamas' Swimming Pigs - Nassau Paradise Island These illegal residents and some overnight campers can sometimes leave mounds of trash behind in this otherwise beautiful and isolated area. Maybe take this into consideration before doing a double backflip off a waterfall. There is no cell reception, but there is a payphone. They are all worth exploring if you have the time. One is the outlaw pools, which is a successive series of small pools that spill into one another. Camp fires seem to be allowed (nearly every site has a pit) and there are pit toilets to use in two locations. It is protected from the deeper ocean by one one of the longest reefs in Kauai. Hanalei Pine Trees Nearby there is a waterfall, that can be used to rinse off or bathe in. } Your trip begins with a winding 2 mile trail to Hanakapi`ai Beach. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. When I got back from Kalalau I went to get a haircut. This is where you'll meet some of the permanent residents as well as other campers in the valley. Wailua Beach, Baby Beach Poipu Observe from a distance and use the zoom on your camera. We walked the beach both days we were in Kalalau. Kealia Beach The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. So if you're afraid of heights, you may not like this trail, especially around the middle of it. 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. Honopu Beach | UnrealHawaii.com While the crew . 10 Best Things to Do in Cedar Key FL You Shouldn't Miss This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. During the summer months, the water can be as calm and clear as a swimming pool. Groceries, gasoline, and stove fuel are less expensive in the larger towns. You can prepare for this by carrying a satellite beacon device which pings a distress signal if you are injured. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. Mahaulepu Beach var selectedVal = ''; The swimming at this stunning beach can be rather dangerous, too. It appears Hawaii Tourism doesn't want people to visit Kauai, Trip Report 2- Outings, Entertainment, Attractions, Kauai St regis or Big Island Four seasons. 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. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/blank.gif"; Its the part right after you come out of the valley. Park. document.getElementById('rat').value="3"; 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. It sounded amazing and the cool thing is, Cory took a risk and brought his dSLR with him in a dry bag (that orange thing hanging from his waist). function mark(star_img,rid) The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapiai and Kalalau. As you walk down the beach youll encounter several caves. These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees. Cedar Key Public Beach at Lil Shark Park. } Simply drive up to Waimea Canyon through Kokee all the way to the end of the road. Cookie Notice You need to bring all food and equipment with you. If you're staying in Nassau Paradise Island, set aside a full day to visit the swimming pigs. else if(i=='5'){ 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. Would it still be safe during the time we are going? There are no lifeguards at Kalalau Beach, and you're an 11-mile hike from help. Look closely at the textured valley walls and you'll see mountain goats precariously perched on high. Take your time and place your feet carefully and you will get through just fine. The Na Pali Coast is a jewel of not only Kauai, but the entire Pacific. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. But there are also local hunters (and I have seen them leave trash in Waimea Canyon) as well as people who come in on private boats with tons of gear, and I bet some of them leave trash too (and not all of them have permits either). After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. Doing this is dangerous so, maybe dont attempt this if you ever find yourself in front of this rock. Print your permits ahead of time and carry them with you on the trail. They were up there within a few seconds. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. 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. I think they do it on their regular tour, so the boat is full alreayd. #30. And I apologize to LosAngelosAnd, I was wrong for misinterpreting their inquiry. After exploring the cave and eating some snacks we spent an hour being extremely lazy. } Phone Number. Touching a manatee is punishable under the Manatee Sanctuary Act, with a fine of up to $500 and/or a jail term of up to 60 days. { Though exact dates vary between sources, in the past, Native Hawaiians lived and worked in the valleys, cultivating taro and harvesting fish from the sea. The Kalalau Trail is an in-and-out trail, meaning you have to return the way you came. Also, please proceed with caution this is not an easy swim nor is it safe. The rock was like a magnet for the girls. Carrying trekking poles was also immensely helpful in balancing on the more slippery portions. [HAWAII] UPDATED 1/20/23: Hapuna Beach State Recreation Area WATER OFFLINE in the park, facilities impacted. } The sunset was going to set soon so we headed back to the camp. function showform(raid){ If you visit these side trips, make sure to factor the additional miles into your hiking plan. Its really an expert swimmer only beach. }else{ You can also get to this beach via boat, which is fairly commonly done via Kayaks (with a permit). We were able to obtain a permit three months before our trip in January, however, summer permits reportedly fill up more quickly. Kalalau Beach - Wikipedia You'll peer down thousands of feet into a colorful tropical landscape that is punctuated by a beautiful beach. More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapiai valley. We tried to soak it in as much as possible knowing that it would be quite some time before we would ever return. 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. Heed these warnings! The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush tropical valleys. 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). Honopu Beach - Kauai Forum - Tripadvisor Never turn your back on the ocean, an unexpected wave can knock you down and drag you out. Makana Charters Cory and Troy picked them off the rocks in between waves. If you are stopped by a park ranger you will be asked to show the permit along with photo id. Which, in consideration, is less than you would be paying for a beach-side hotel room. The trailhead can be found at the very end of the road on the northern side of the island at Ke'e Beach. Some beaches in the city need to be swimmable due to risky conditions of intense waves and sudden descent on the depth of seabeds. 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. For more information read our privacy policy. else United States. Kalalau Beach Pics & Info, Kauai, HI (43 Photos) | UnrealHawaii.com Swimming, Snorkeling, Kids, Relaxing, Watching sunset. When you walk back to camp the sun will be starting to set and the cliff faces of the Na Pali coast turn golden. This section is a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. Maybe this site can answer your question. The trail winds through several green valleys and ends at the cliff-lined Kalalau Beach. Kee is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming. A password will be mailed to you! 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. The first 2 miles of the trail, from Hena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach, make a popular day hike. We hope you will make the effort to explore Kalalau valley. You can swim in Cabo San Lucas, but only on some of its beaches. And, once you're in the valley, you're going to want to familiarize yourself with your surroundings. show(star_img,rid); Watch for the spumes of air they exhale when they surface to breathe. In the summer, the caves offer shelter from the sun and wind. How has Kauai been affected by the floods? more. This 2-mile long day hike (4 miles round trip) is moderately challenging and doesn't require extreme abilities, therefore almost anybody in a decent physical . Both of these excursions depart Nassau at 8:00 a.m. sharp and return from The Exumas between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. Listen to weather and surf forecasts on local radio or check the surf report. if(i=='1'){ 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. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakoa. Anini Beach is a gorgeous blue lagoon with golden sand and shallow water along the north shore of Kauai. var ny; 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 are always a wealth of hiking info. #2. Commercially guided camping trips are not authorized. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { There have been issues with car break-ins here in the past and authorities advise caution when leaving a car overnight. for (i=1; i<=5; i++) { waves can be dangerous - avoid swimming due to riptides and currents. Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! Camping in Kalalau is allowed only behind this sand beach. Kalalau Beach (see more photos) lies at the end of the 11-mile (17.7 km) Kalalau Trail on Kauai's north shore. Are we nuts? This beach is fairly private due to the difficult trek to it. But remembers there is no reef to protect the shore, which leaves it vulnerable tolong shore currents. } var n = document.getElementById('n'+rid); shows = 1; 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. Use good judgment regarding current ocean conditions and your own abilities. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=selectedText; The people come together to share meals and talk story of their days adventures. } Call at 888-409-2702 during business hours which are 7 AM to 7 PM HST. It is flanked by sheer canyon walls and it is illegal to boat or kayak there. Book a full-day excursion with Harbour Safaris or Exuma Escapes. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Excellent"; document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Good"; Kalalau beach is about 1 mile long with plenty of trails heading back to the valley. Isobutane fuel with a screw top for Jetboil, MSR, and other backpacking stoves is available at Kayak Kauai. We saw campers and their tents and also talked to hikers, and campers, who accomplished this feat to this beach, and I say that reverently. There is a helipad in the valley, but it is usually only used by law enforcement. Ten lashes for me! For all these, just ask a friendly local where to go! I have no idea what they charge. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML="Poor"; There are lots of details to consider when planning this hike and having a strategy ahead of time will make sure you have time for everything you want to see. Allow a full day to complete the 8 mile round trip from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Falls. There is nothing worse than getting to camp and realizing there is a hole in your tent or your water filter is not working. Upon entry to Haena SP, simply show staff your valid camping permit. Unreal Hawaii is not affiliated with the state of Hawaii. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka'a Beach at the end of the parking lot. } The sandbar is quite shallow here and in some spots the ocean bottom drops off quickly to overhead depths. This cave is no longer accessible.). Theres no longer sand to walk on here. Thanks so much. I would like to spend one night at the Kalalau beach, but honestly, I don't feel like walking the 11 mile trail, so does anyone know if I can arrange a boat there that would pick me up the next day? Beaches Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. } We planned our trip in advance and it was very beneficial. We couldnt stay for long as youneed to get back before the waves and the current pick up. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route. Poipu Beach It's a surreal scene. Heres what they saw. document.getElementById('t0').innerHTML=" "; Share your great experiences with me, please? A) no one will be there to help, b) if anyone was, you'd be taking up critical medical space. Na Pali Coast Guide - Hike & Boat Npali - Capt Andy's Likewise, commercial guided-camping trips (boat and hiking) are also illegal. The massive arch, the empty beach, a waterfall and a sun bathing monk seal. Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag. While the Kalalau Beach at the end of the trail is considered safe for swimming, the first beach you encounter on the trail, Hanakapiai Beach, is not. else if(star_img=='3'){ Kalalau Beach is about 1 mile (1.6 km) long. 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. You could take a boat tour down the coastline, a guided kayak excursion, or a helicopter tour. From here, trails lead through the rest of the valley. Some pre-planning is necessary to hike the entire trail. 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. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended. Ben Stiller did make fun of himself for taking the easy route. Hiking past the first major landmark on the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiaai Beach at mile two, requires a permit. She told me that when the ship got to Kalalau it slowed down and did a U-turn. What off the beaten path activities can I do? During the winter and spring conditions are especially dangerous. Anini Beach. Florida manatees: What's legal, what isn't, what to do if you see one Contact the Department of State Parks, (808) 587-0300, weekdays 8 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. } The rest of us, Reanne, Cory, Troy, Jenelyn and I walked it back to the cracked boulder. Those who make the journey are rewarded by blissful solitude. Therefore, the only way to legally hike the trail in its entirety is to do so with a permit, and they can be difficult to obtain. The facilities at the beach include restrooms and showers. To prevent overpopulation, the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) allows hunting on weekends in August and September. Polihale Beach 3. Hiking The Kalalau Trail: The Ultimate Guide - Wandering Wheatleys else if(i=='2'){ Please plan accordingly. for (var i=1; i<=5; i++) { The mud is slippery and may slow down your hiking time. It can be ankle deep only to plunge down to the depths with no warning. You can see some effects from from high usage (I won't say overuse because permits are already limited), but it is still very nice there. No camping is permitted there, but that is only what we read on the signage. Tucked a few hundred yards down the coast is one of the more inaccessible beaches in Hawaii, known as Honopu beach. For a nonresident of Hawaii, permits at the time of writing cost $20 per person/per night. Swim to Honopu Beach from Kalalau Beach - Get Lost They told us about how amazing Honopu Beach was. ny.src="../../../reviews/images/star.gif"; Salt Pond Beach My husband and I recently got passes to camp on Kalalau Beach the second weekend in October. There are falling rock hazards at the Kalalau Beach campsites along the cliff walls. } Beware of this fact when exploring the caves. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. Camping at Kalalau: Permits from the Department of State Parks are required to camp anywhere on the Na Pali Coast, including Kalalau, and space is limited, so apply far in advance. Plan your trip accordingly. Though you may be tempted, please do not hike this trail without permission. 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. Seeaosite for updates. The sand at Cedar Key Beach is soft and the water is shallow, so it's safe for the whole family. This stretch of sand extends well over a mile down the coast, with a number of caves along the way to explore. There is no reef to break the waves, so this beach nearly always has high surf year round. Many of the months during the year, beach landings there would be dangerous due to rough surf . selectedVal = '5'; Money is irrelevant, instead people rely on the barter system and gifting one another for their exchanges. Thus, the only way to reach it is to swim. There are some companies that offer landing services, meaning they will shuttle you to and from this beach. A valid Npali Coast SWP camping permit grants access to Hena SP. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks. The 5-6 feet of warm water make Anini the best swimming location on the island. Should I split my stay between 2 locations on Kauai? By using our application you agree to our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy, including the transfer of your personal data to the United States from your country of residence (if different). This is because the valley and beach are literally surrounded by steep rock walls, so unless you feel inspired to do some lead climbing, or swim back (not recommended- see the hazards section), you pretty much have to enter and leave the way you came. We pulled in around 7 AM the morning of our hike and were rewarded with a good parking spot close to the trailhead. var selectedText = ''; This camp is located on a section of the trail that is densely forested, so space is limited and crowded. Kalalau Trail Kauai - Hiking to the Hanakapiai Beach and Back Maybe dont look over the edge if you are afraid of heights. I didn't think you camp on the beach. Hena SP now requires advanced reservations for entry except for those with valid camping permits for the Npali Coast SWP. I was so happy I brought my sunglasses on this day. There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. At the beach, you may see topless sunbathers or a naked surfer. } This gap forms a channel that gets filled with water as the waves rush in. You do not need to be extreme athletes, but this is not a casual stroll. All rights reserved. 20 Things You Should Know Before Hiking Hawaii's Kalalau Trail Another cave down the coast has been eroded into an arch. You can walk to the end of the cave but youll want a flashlight if you do. Signs warn hikers of dangerous rockfall near the falls, so this area is off limits for swimming.