Only strong, sensible swimmers who know how to read the water and (ideally) who have experience with the Kauai North Shore’s fickle ocean should dare it. Kalalau is a beautiful beach In Kauai, Hawaii, and many people like to explore the beach and surrounding area. Abandoned campsite overlooking the pacific and the stream. The Kalalau trail traverses 11 miles one-way across Kaua ʻi’s rugged Nā Pali coastline, from Kēʻē Beach to Kalalau Valley. It stretches 16 miles from Haena State Park on Kauai’s north shore (where the extraordinary Kalalau Trail begins tracing the coast southwest towards Honopu Beach) and continues defining the sharp edges of ancient valley forests with its towering sea cliffs — until they finally overlook Polihale State Park near the western … Most people only do the first segment of this trail, which starts on the north shore of Kauai at Keʻe Beach and goes to the Hanakapiai Beach. HANAKOA FALLS. Do not attempt to swim in the temptingly beautiful ocean off Hanakapiai Beach. We didn’t GPS it or anything but the open ocean swim along the rocky coast felt like a good 350-400 yards. The Kalalau trail is a long 11 mile hiking trail, about 18 km, linking the beaches of Ke'e beach and Kalalau beach, located along the Nā Pali coast. If you want to hike all the way to Hanakoa Falls, make sure you stop in at the government office in town to get a hiking permit. The outer reef offers snorkeling and diving. Like many beaches on the Na Pali Coast, strong rip currents, as well as high surf, dangerous shore breaks and other hazardous ocean conditions make Hanakapiai Beach extremely dangerous. However, … You can also get to this beach via boat, which is fairly commonly done via Kayaks (with a permit). The sea can appear calm here at times (like summer) making it seem safe to swim. Then you've still got to swim into the beach, and avoid getting smashed by the rollers. You can hike the first 4.5 miles to Hanakapiai Falls without a permit but any further than that you will need the permit. Kalalau beach is about … This beach also offers great snorkeling, where people will usually see turtles. My girlfriend and I paddled out with Kayak Kauai and spent the night sleeping under the stars. The classic approach to backpacking the Na Pali is to backpack to the half way point at Hanakoa Valley and decamp. Not for sissies, this unforgettable but treacherous 11-mile trek starts at Ke’e Beach, follows a rugged stretch of the Na Pali Coast and rewards you at the end by delivering you to pristine Kalalau Beach. The next day, with a lighter pack, a couple of hours brings you to the saddle of Red Hill with the paradisaical view of Kalalau Valley. -Additional permits available to walk-in applicants only, at the State Parks Office in Līhuʻe. While we would like to consider these places the best for sunset viewing on Kauai, many beaches will suffice. How we rank things to do. These words can be found written in black permanent marker outside one of the campsite restrooms at the famed Kalalau Beach. Swim with the Manta Rays. On the north end of the valley is New beach (or Summer beach) – the sand collects in the … Kalalau Beach is accessible by an 11 mile hike along the magnificent Na Pali Coast. The terrain is pretty rugged, so expect to spend the full day hiking if you are planning on getting to Kalalau Beach in one shot. Please remember that swimming or wading at Hanakapi’ai Beach is extremely dangerous, so do not enter the water. With the proper permit, you can camp at multiple spots along this famed backpacking route. Sometimes you find a tour operator willing to let you off in the water with your equipment in a dry bag. You’ll also find a sizable waterfall, ready to offer up a refreshing outdoor shower post hike. 11 reviews of Kalalau Beach State Park "What a beautiful, secluded beach! Insider Tip: There will be schools of fish congregating near the sandy entries hoping to catch the small bits of seaweed and food that’s kicked up by snorkelers entering the water.All the swirling sand here tends to make the water cloudy. For a hiking guide, reach out to Hike Kauai With Me. 5.0Value. You can order the permits Here. Ke’e Beach (pronounced Keh-AY) is located at the end of the road. Saturday July 9. From Kalalau Beach, you can swim around the corner to Honopū Beach, which is even more spectacular than Kalalau. Swimming is sketchy at Kalalau Beach. Anywhere else in between there are dangerous cliffs below the trail, and the coast inaccessible for all intents and purposes. Details: Additional Kalalau Permit Availability. Kauai Map. When hiking along the Kalalau Trail Hanakapiai Falls is found two miles passed the beach. Lush green rainforest, colorful and prominent mountain ridges, and the sound of ocean surf will accompany as you make this 11 mile coastal journey through this magnificent landscape. If you can't hike the trail, the kayak to the beach would be even more strenuous even if you could. If you google Ben Stiller on David Letterman you can see a clip of him on Dave telling about a company that took him by boat to the end of the trai... Strong waves and powerful alongshore and rip currents can make for very dangerous conditions. While you can’t really go wrong on the shores of any Hawaiian island, there are a handful of beaches that stand out for a variety of reasons. Wildlife watching. If you’ll be swimming from Kalalau Beach, walk to the Southwestern-most edge of the beach, then start swimming Southwest, along the shore. The 411 on Hiking the Kalalau Trail on Kauai. -AM Poipu Beach-1:00 Brenneke’s beach broiler lunch-PM Salt Pond Beach-Hanapepe Art walk-dinner at food trucks. The Kalalau Trail, often referred to as the Nā Pali Coast Trail, is famed for being one of the most beautiful and most dangerous trails in the United States. ... Only hike the trail when you know the weather forecast. The best part is that the beach will be empty but for your fellow travelers. The surf here is calm and good for children, but you might run into some sharp volcanic rocks on the bottom. In 2008, Backpacker Magazine listed it as one of the “10 Most Dangerous Hikes” in the US. 6 minutes of reading / Hiking / Hawaii. Bobo waited for a big wave to bash her into the cliff, where, on her first try, she grabbed the rock, taking the highest grip she could reach. You cannot land at the beach along the trail. The first 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach can be accessed without a permit but require day passes. How do I prepare for the Kalalau Trail? Mesh water shoes are fantastic for exploring the valley and swimming in the Kalalau river. More like this. Meanwhile, for Kalalau beach, women should have a swimsuit, swim shorts, and a beach cover-up. Kalalau Campground in Nāpali Coast, Hawaii | Kalalau Beach in the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park is one of the best places in the whole world! We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. That was where the first person on our boat lost their lunch. *. Think about it. Makua, aka Tunnels, is known for its incredible mountain scenery. 1. Nā Pali means cliffs or high cliffs in Hawaiin. 1 The Kalalau trail: 18 km along the Nā Pali coast. Tunnels Beach offers a great inner reef area with calmer waters for swimming and kids. The trail continues along the coast and you get great views of the Napali Coastline. It’s always good to pack a pair of water shoes to protect your feet. Accidents, Falls, and Deaths. and the farthest you can drive on the north shore. You can hike in it to the beach too ( I did) if you want. You have to get out in the water quite a way, around the outcropping cliff, before you can see Honopu Beach. 3. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka’a Beach at the end of the parking lot. The Kalalau trail is a long 11 mile hiking trail, about 18 km, linking the beaches of Ke'e beach and Kalalau beach, located along the Nā Pali coast. 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. Once you reach the falls feel free to reward yourself with a dip in the pool and a swim behind the waterfall, just watch out for any falling rocks. Day 2: Kalalau Beach and swimming in the ocean. It is not legal to get out of or land a motorized boat on the beach, however, it is done illegally. The DLNR website also has a ton of great information on how to prepare and what to expect on the hike. If you’ve already made it this far and won’t be hiking all the way to Kalalau Beach, you might as well take the 2-mile detour (each way) to Hanakapiai Falls. Beaches – Kalalau beach is the obvious highlight. Beach. A: Again, the trail reaches sea level only at Hanakapiai beach and Kalalau Beach. After you go through five valleys the path will end at the sands of Kalalau Beach, a welcome ending to your adventure. The Kalalau Trail truly is a bucket list hike. Also, there is a small waterfall which is good for taking a quick shower in. Natural features you'll find at Kalalau Campground. Features. As mentioned above drive as far up Waimea Canyon as you can and there are some cool trails. So we typically had the whole place to ourselves. Once at Kalalau Beach, some choose to strap on their fins, grab a snorkel, and make the 400-yard swim to Honopu. There is a natural stone arch that you can walk beneath and another waterfall that you can stand under. Getting Hiking Permits. You can also take a boat to Kalalau Beach, but those are the only two options for getting here. The surf is strong, but the water is shallow enough that you can wade out a bit and swim before the point where the waves crash. As many as 6 000 native Hawaiians used to live near the Kalalau beach, adding to the historical value of this trip. This offers a welcome break for sore muscles and from a heavy pack. 2. There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii - Powerful Rip Currents Nestled in the Napali Coast of Kauai and only accessible by the Kalalau Trail, Hanakapiai Beach is one of the most dangerous places in the world to go swimming due to powerful rip currents and waves that are known to sweep people out to sea. During the summer, it’s also popular to kayak the 11 mile coastline to Kalalau Beach instead of doing the hike. There may be a boat with the Swedish Bikini Team, and they usually have the best refreshments on board. Now seriously, are you joking? Another adventure I had my eyes on for sometime now was to swim to the next beach west of Kalalau. 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. 6 minutes of reading / Hiking / Hawaii. Access to Kalalau Beach is either by boat or an 11 mile hike on one of the most difficult trails on the Hawaiian Islands. There are no facilities except composting toilets. Ho'ole'a Falls at the western end of the beach provides fresh water, but needs to be purified before drinking. The beach itself is long, sand and amazingly gorgeous. Swimwear- swimming in the ocean on Kalalau Beach is considered a risky endeavor at all but calmest days, nevertheless you can stay by the shore and have some fun under the waterfall, so unless you prefer the clothes-off option (like many do in Kalalau), a swim wear is good to have. The Kalalau Trail begins at the end of Highway 560 where most people make the two mile hike to Hanakapiai Beach. 2.0Facilities. Apparently boats are legally allowed to visit Kalalau Beach and people are allowed to camp as long as they have a camping permit. Very strong current and clashing waves at the point. The eastern side is shallow, but you can still swim into a turtle as they like to munch on the mossy rocks. The Na Pali coast is truly a sight to behold. It’s illegal and shouldn’t be encouraged — no matter how tempting. 1 The Kalalau trail: 18 km along the Nā Pali coast. ... Josh describes jumping into the water as pure bliss and I can’t disagree! Hanakapiaai Beach to Hanakapiai Falls: 2-mile side hike (4 roundtrip) As a side trip (extended day hike), you can follow the unmaintained Hanakapiai Falls Trail upstream for two more miles to reach the spectacular 100-ft. high Hanakapiai Falls. Sights: Napali Coast, Hanakoa Falls, Kalalau Beach. Swimming. Kalalau Beach at the 11-mile point. Once you find the main trailhead sign start following the trail as all the way back as far as you like. This hike is 11-miles and I would not consider it a day hike. That’s right folks, if you can... Recreate responsibly during COVID-19. The trail is a challenging 11-mile (one-way), coastal trail along the Na Pali Coast. Details: Additional Kalalau Permit Availability. The Kalalau trail is an 11-mile trail that leads to the Kalalau beach. -Overnight capacity for Kalalau between May 15-September 7, 2022 will be increased from 60 to 80 persons/night (+20). View of the ocean from the Kalalau Trail. Kalalau is a beautiful beach In Kauai, Hawaii, and many people like to explore the beach and surrounding area. Here it is, the end of Kalalau Beach - jumping off point to start and end the swim to Honopu: Standing at the end of Kalalau Beach you cannot see the other shore. +/- ~5,000 feet of elevation with a starting elevation of ~20 feet and a peak elevation of ~800 feet. To reach this stunning masterpiece, take the Kalalau Trail where … On the third day of a recent camping trip in Kalalau, Kauai, we woke up early and walked to the end of Kalalau Beach. Permits cost $10 per person per night. We recommend using the buddy system. One of the most amazing places in the world. Walking or boating is the only way to reach the small beach of Kalalau Beach. Terrain. The most noticeable difference is in the seas. Trip overview: ~24 mile out and back backpacking trip starting/ending at Ha’ena Beach Park with a midpoint destination of Kalalau Beach. Walking or boating is the only way to reach the small beach of Kalalau Beach. Many drownings and many more rescues have occurred at both Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach so it is best to avoid swimming at these beaches. ... You can camp here and enjoy all that nature has to offer, including sleeping under a jungle canopy. Thanks Hiker. I knew you could camp close to the beach but I didn't think on the beach. You are always a wealth of hiking info. Thanks so much. Ke’e is protected by a reef that makes it a safe place for snorkeling and swimming.Ke’e Beach is also the beginning of the Napali Coast and the Kalalau trail that leads to Hanakapiai and Kalalau Beach. Walking or boating is the only way to reach the small beach of Kalalau Beach. An unofficial sign near Hanakapi’ai Beach records almost 85 deaths, as seen in 2014. Trip overview: ~24 mile out and back backpacking trip starting/ending at Ha’ena Beach Park with a midpoint destination of Kalalau Beach. The Kalalau Trail is located in Haena State Park. OPEN … Aside from being a slightly comical location for such advice, the words do Be aware that especially during the winter months, swimming can be very hazardous. +/- ~5,000 feet of elevation with a starting elevation of ~20 feet and a peak elevation of ~800 feet. 1. Swimming at Kalalau beach is possible but dangerous due to strong waves and rip currents. Natives were driven out under the guise of accused leprosy, and eventually outlaw settlers took up a bare-bones residence. 1960s hippies discovered Kalalau, and its attraction to transients endures. The state of Hawaii took possession of the Napali Coast in 1974, and created the state park in 1979. The heritage trail at Shipwreck Beach is a nice, relatively easy hike that runs along the southeast coast. The Kalalau trail hike begins at Ka’a Beach at the end of the parking lot. 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. Queen’s Bath. Welcome to the Travel Blog where you can learn about the ethics and basics of traveling. 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... Once you reach the point where the Kalalau stream meets the pacific ocean take a right a follow the stream back up to the main trail. The Kalalau Trail is a tough 22-mile hike (11 miles each way) with lots of elevation change. Swimming at Kalalau beach is possible but dangerous due to strong waves and rip currents. When you’re done saying hello to the fish near the shore, be sure to swim out towards the center of the bay for the clearest water and great … To reach Secrets Beach, turn on Kalihiwai Road and take the first right onto the dirt road. Aloha from Kaua'i! 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 ba... 2. The only legal way to access it is to swim here (either from neighboring Kalalau Beach or from an offshore boat) Vacation Rentals near Honopu Beach Private and Quiet Luxury Beach House 3 minute walk to beach TVNC#5151 $ 421 Hale Kahakai: Beachfront home on the Magical North Shore of Kauai $ 875 Beachfront near Tunnels TVNC-1016 $ 1750 There are a lot of boats and helicopters that pass by, but the only way to enjoy the beach is if you actually do the hike! Kalalau means “fluted leaves” referring to the folded curtain of green cliffs along the coast. #3. The Kalalau Trail is located in Haena State Park. The Kalalau trail is a long 11 mile hiking trail, about 18 km, linking the beaches of Ke'e beach and Kalalau beach, located along the Nā Pali coast. Save your knees and keep your backpack as light as possible! Kalalau Beach is a stunner. UPDATE: Since the Kalalau Trail has reopened in June 2019, overnight parking is no longer allowed at the trailhead or along the road. All hikers must either be dropped off, or book onto the shuttle bus which runs from Princeville to Ha’ena State Park. It is one of the most special spots on Kauai. The trail continues along the coast and you get great views of the Napali Coastline. OPEN (will try to get 6:30 am permit to hike Kalalau with DH)-dinner at Hukilau Lanai 7pm. On a map, the swim to Honopu Beach is not far at all, maybe a quarter-mile from shoreline to shoreline… However, the summer westward current is often strong, and the trip swim back can be difficult even for stronger swimmers. "Please note: It is not legal for anyone to provide commercial boat transport to drop off passengers at Kalalau or Milolii camping areas. The one way price from Hanalei Bay is usually $75-100 and requires swimming a short distance to the boat. Only the strongest, most ocean-hardened swimmers should attempt a swim to Honopu, with fins highly recommended. I didn't think you camp on the beach. Maybe this site can answer your question. http://www.kauaiexplorer.com/hiking_kauai/kalalau_hike.php Secret Beach — North Shore ... Also note that if a boat operator offers to drop you off at Kalalau Beach, turn them down. 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. The trail ends at the secluded Kalalau Beach, which sits below Kalalau Valley. #2. Mike wasn’t so lucky. Aloha from Kaua'i! Well, if you are Ben Stiller, I'd imagine it would be pretty easy to find someone to pick you up out there! I have a good friend... 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. More recently, an article published by The Daily Beast website in … Cave. With swim fins and snorkels in hand, we prepared for a long swim to a secluded beach. This special spot is beautiful at sunset. We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. The western side of the sand bar is much deeper. Swimming is sketchy at Kalalau Beach. The Kalalau Trail extends for roughly 11 miles along the Nā Pali Coast. Forest. The Trail Winter’s surging waters should be avoided entirely. The classic approach to backpacking the Na Pali is to backpack to the half way point at Hanakoa Valley and decamp. If you follow blueflamingo's boating link, you'll find that no tour boats are allowed to land at Kalalau beach, only kayaks. This is a great introduction to the Kalalau Trail and is a popular activity for the more casual visitor. -Additional permits available to walk-in applicants only, at the State Parks Office in Līhuʻe. And a great place to swim when you are done with the hike. A bunch of cool spots around here! Swimming on Kauai’s Na Pali Coast can be treacherous, with huge waves and rip currents. 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 Kalal... The Kalalau Trail, often referred to as the Nā Pali Coast Trail, is famed for being one of the most beautiful and most dangerous trails in the United States. This is one of the most isolated places in the world. Please note this is an additional 2 miles (4 miles round trip) not included on the Kalalau Trail. This offers a welcome break for sore muscles and from a heavy pack. Along with Polihale State Park, Ke'e Beach is the safest beach to access for prime Napali views. *. Address: Kokee Rd, Hwy 550, Kekaha, Kauai, HI 96796, USA. Hanakapiai is the treacherous beach with the most drownings on Kauai, so no one will suggest you go swimming there. 2. Zipline through Poipu Sunday July 10. In summer months, it may be possible to walk at least part of the way from Kalalau Beach to Honopu on exposed rocks and sand. The Kalalau trail traverses 11 miles one-way across Kaua ʻi’s rugged Nā Pali coastline, from Kēʻē Beach to Kalalau Valley. People have drowned here from the dangerous combination of a hidden current and the cliffside surroundings. It’s difficult to come up with a reliable death toll for the Kalalau Trail. (You can't really swim along the Kalalau trail). Koke’s State Park is, without a doubt, one of the best places to visit in Kauai. 4.5Atmosphere. ... Those who want to hike the full 11-mile trail Kalalau Beach (one way) need a permit and camping gear.