So now what? Its very hard to predict the weather on the trail, as it often doesnt match up to whats happening on the North Shore but you can monitor this weather site for an approximate forecast. The only legal ways to access the valley are by kayak or by hiking the Kalalau Trail . The Kalalau Trail is one of the adventurous hiking trails in the world. Total elevation gain to the falls from Hanakapiai beach is 760 ft. Its also the riskiest option because break-ins happen semi-frequently with cars left here overnight. | Web usage privacy. The valley is one of the earths most beautiful natural wonders, including a remote beach framed by grooved peaks. As you keep going, you'll begin the hike intoHoolulu Valley, which is the first major valley after Hanakapiai Valley along the Kalalau trail. See the estimate, review home details, and search for homes nearby. Tucked away along the N Pali Coast is Kalalau Valley, arguably one of the earth's greatest natural wonders. 6# Valley of Flowers - India. Be warned, you must cross the Hanakapiai stream here and its a well-known spot for hikers to run into trouble due to rapidly rising waters. Jordan Tan/Shutterstock. Some ideas: Sour Patch Kids, hot cocoa, marsh mellows, chips, dried fruit and nuts. 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. The Kalalau Valley is located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. The tables below give yearly averages for rainfall at cities, towns, resorts, parks and beaches in Hawaii. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted pali. But, then again, this could just be totally man-made. Do not, under any circumstance, continue on to Kalalau Beach if you are not an experienced and confident hiker. No day-use permits are issued, and only hikers with valid camping permits may legally proceed beyond the sign. You may be able to get away with parking at Haena County Park, but do so at your own risk. Water purification system The water from all the streams and waterfalls on the trail is not safe to drink unless you sterilize it: try. 8# Yosemite Valley - USA. The trail to Hanakoa Falls is not well maintained and sometimes difficult to follow. You could always drive to the trailhead, leave your pack, drive back to Haena Beach to park the car, then walk back to the trailhead pack-free. We set out to find the falls, got lost and ended up on a different trail that follows a stream full of waterfalls. The valley is part of Na Pali Coast State Park which is an inhospitable area with rugged, unfriendly terrain. When you need a break from the beach, walk upstream into Kalalau Valley where the locals live. This information is not intended to give specific advice on any trail. The summer sand beach at Hanakpai is a popular destination for day hikers. At Kalalau Beach, there are dozens of campsites set in the trees all along the beach. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. Sometimes there is a rope tied across the river to help with crossings; however, the general rule is to not cross unless you are sure you can do so safely. While the trail is safe in terms of crime, there are parts of it that are not very safe in terms of terrain. During summer, some people like to swim over to the secluded Honopu Beach said to be one of the most beautiful beaches in Hawaii and/or the world. Kalalau Valleys summers are hot and cloudy, just like the rest of Kauai Island. Once the sun pops out over the mountain around noon, its prime time for sunbathing and swimming. It isnt as scenic as the rest of the trail, so for this reason Id say that its not worth it just to hike to Hanakoa and back. Its never a good idea to take this journey if there is any possibility of flash flooding so check the local forecast prior to heading out. The only legal ways to access the valley are by kayak or by hiking the Kalalau Trail. This is definitely a hike to be savored, not one to rush through for bragging rights. Kauai's stunning geography is best seen from the air, so explore the island's incredible beaches, sea cliffs, and canyons on an epic helicopter tour. Alternatively, you can rent gear from Kayak Kauai. The Huffington Post named the hike "the most incredible" and "epic" trail in the United States, citing its impressive views of the Pacific Ocean, beaches, and valleys. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted pali. Be sure to check the weather forecast once you arrive on Kauai and make sure you have a plan in the event that it rains (whether that means buying rain gear, postponing your trek, or backing out altogether). I once emerged from a day in the valley with my entire body covered in bites. More than 250 different crops are grown in the Central Valley with an estimated value of $17 billion per year. This incident seems to have increased awareness of illegal activity in Kalalau Valley, and may have helped lead to a May 2017 crackdown on illegal campers in Kalalau by officers of the Department of Land and Natural resources (DLNR). Plus, there will likely be several other trekkers or day hikers on the trail with you, so if in doubt watch them cross first and then follow. Just walk back toward the Kalalau Trail from camp and youll see the junction. 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. It gets more crowded closer to the waterfall at the other end of the beach. 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 . After you finish your first mile you'll really start to be rewarded with astunning view of the NaPali Coast. There is one last stream to cross once you make it down to Kalalau Beach. 7# Kalalau Valley - USA. Kauai weather is consistently warm year-round. The famous trail incorporates all the adventurous aspects . The valley is home to many rare species, including the endangered plant Dubautia kalalauensis which was named for the valley and is found nowhere else in the world. Kalalau Valley was inhabited by the native Hawaiian tribes, where about 2500 people used to live. The valley is located in the N Pali Coast State Park and houses the Kalalau Beach. The water at Hanakapiai is usually clear and ankle-knee deep with enough rocks visible above the surface to rock-hop across. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Hawaiians. I tend to operate on a *throw myself into it and see what happens* basis, often without pausing to consider whether I can actually succeed (after all, whatever happens, I can handle it). The short portion of the trail to this point can be a lot of work, but this is one of the most gorgeous views of the hike. UPDATE: Since the Kalalau Trail has reopened in June 2019, overnight parking is no longer allowed at the trailhead or along the road. The main trail that takes you to the back of the valley is called the Kalalau Valley Trail. Theres not much info on the Web about Kalalau Falls but from what I could find, the official name of it is Davis Falls. Foreign influences brought diseases that decimated the Hawaiian population on the Na Pali and throughout the Hawaiian islands. At approximately 90 feet tall, the Honopu Valley is considered the tallest peak in Kauai. Kalalau Lookout is also the highest elevation most people reach in Kauai by road, at 4,000 feet. single family home located at 670 E Kalalau Dr, Oro Valley, AZ 85755 on sale now for $624900. If the rocks are wet, stay off! The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. Accessing Na Pali Much of Na Pali is inaccessible due to its characteristic sheer cliffs that drop straight down, thousands of feet into the ocean. It contains 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The factors that make the Kalalau Valley and its trail so hazardous are the same ones that make it an incredible place to visit and experience. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams. You'll have passed all the major valleys already so the trail from this point on meanders quickly in and out of little valleys. There are two designated campsites on the Kalalau Trail which you need to book a permit for in advance: Hanakoa and Kalalau. Refresh the page, check Medium 's site. Camping is only allowed at Hanakoa or Kalalau. If you do, however, decide to embark on a trek into the embrace of this esteemed valley, be prepared for an unforgettable trip as you commune with nature. Having a hiking buddy there to spot you and/or calm you down in case of a freakout is invaluable. The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. The 2,000 sq. 700 E Kalalau Dr , Oro Valley, AZ 85755 is a single-family home listed for rent at /mo. The Kalalau Trail facebook group is worth joining to ask any questions you may have about the trail, and share your photos and experience from the trail upon your return. I dont want you to be filled with dread and second guess your decision to hike to Kalalau like I did, so here is the guide I wish Id had beforehand for you, my friends! It is a very challenging hike-round trip being 22 miles through 5 valleys and an elevation gain of 10,000 feet. Legal campers stay outside the valley in the designated camping area within roughly 300 feet (91m) of Kalalau beach. I was sweating buckets the entire time it was TERRIFYING. The Rent Zestimate for this home is $1,995/mo, which has increased by $108/mo in the last 30 days. Also, Kalalau Trail permits can now only be booked up to 90 days in advance. On the top right portion of the image the end of the paved road is shown as a black line. Backpacking Itineraries & Average Time Personally, I had 4 days and 3 nights for the hike. It is the responsibility of the reader to use common sense and good judgment by interpreting and using the information to safely enjoy any outdoor activities. The valley is one of the earth's most beautiful natural wonders, including a remote beach framed by grooved peaks. Many people opt to camp in hammocks rather than tents: youll find plenty of trees fit for hammock hanging here. Waikiki Beach, and Diamond Head State Monument, Oahu, are two of the most popular attractions in Hawaii. The Zestimate for this house is $700,900, which has increased by $7,900 in the last 30 days. The valley is ranked as the largest valley along the coast, crossing two miles wide and two miles in depth, stretching backward. This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-NoDerivs 3.0 Unported License. Kalalau Valley. Originally built in the late 1800s, the trail serves as one of the only ways to access the beautiful Napali Coast via land. It is estimated that Kalalau Valley could have been home to as many as 2000 people, which is amazing considering the fact that resources were extremely limited and access to other parts of the island very hard to impossible at times. Make sure to obtain a permit long before you decide to head out it takes about 90 days to process and you are required by law to have one. [4], Hanakoa Valley contains Hanakoa Falls and stream but the valley is a hanging valley with no access to the beach. The entirety of Kalalau Beach is lined with loads of camping spots set back in the woods, many of which have fire pits. Camping is only permitted at a forested streamside campsite Hanakoa Valley (6 mile mark) and Kalalau Beach. The Kalalau Valley is located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. Kalalau Lookout offers a unique viewing experience overlooking the Kalalau Valley and Na Pali Coast. Just a short walk up from where we crossed the stream, youll see a fork in the trail. Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. Leaving Hanakoa, the mud party continues. The Kalalau Trail is in the Npali Coast State Wilderness Park which is part of the Hawaii State Parks system. Some people camp in places outside of the designated campsites, such as: Im not sure what exactly happens if you get busted camping outside of the designated campsites, so do so at your own risk! Expert hikers or trail runners can complete the roundtrip 22 miles (35km) trek in a day, but the average hiker requires a two-day minimum and will camp along the trail. The Kalalau Trail offers the only land access to this part of the uneven coast and is usually presented in guide books, on travel websites, and on travelers blogs. It definitely would not be safe. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. 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. Learn more >, ADVERTISE: Its just mini-waterfall after mini-waterfall. Particularly if you explore the Kalalau Valley, the mosquitos are intense. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60F. To continue past Hankapiai Beach to Hanakoa Valley, hikers must obtain a camping permit from the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources. On the left, near the end of the road,before you reach the beach, you'll see the trailhead next to a large sign labeled 'Kalalau Trail.'. Kalalau Valley, Hawaii Kauai is often considered to be one of Hawaii's most beautiful islands. Be aware that it is not safe to swim to Honopu Beach during winter when the surf is too strong. If you're visiting Kauai soon, be sure to download your copy of one of our updated 2023 Kauai Visitor Guides. The pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea. In fact, Hawaiians are said to have still lived here up until the 20th century. There is an abundance of good camping and lots to explore in Kalalau. Most people are day hikers that don't ever make it all the way out to Kalalau. The natural environment and relative isolation, despite the noise of constant helicopter traffic, are the major attractions of the valley. Kalalau Valley, Hawaii. Thats not to say that everyone else feels as safe as I did, but the general consensus seems to be that safety is not an issue. This is because the cliffs of Na Pali along the shoreline rise as much as 4,000 feet above the Pacific Ocean. 6. A lot of sources recommend leaving your car unlocked so that thieves wont break any windows if they want to get into your car, but if your car rental company offers coverage for break-ins theres really no reason not to lock it (note: I rented a car from Dollar and they covered break-ins). Hotels, flights, car rentals, experiences and more! ~ Trusted by Millions of Hawaii Visitors Annually ~. Because people camp literally right next to the lit parking lot, break-ins arent usually an issue here. This is a great day hike while staying at the beach. 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. It is believed that the Kalalau Valley was inhabited until 1919, farming taro from a massive complex of adjoining fields. You're well on your way down to Hanakapiaai Beach now, and be sure to enjoy the trek down - it's mostly uphill on the way back. Visitors cannot drive into the state park as the terrain is to rough. Hiking Permits are required to hike past Hanakpaieven if you dont plan to camp. The Kalalau Trail truly is a bucket list hike. ), ^ Top of page | Home | Search | Archives, Unreal Hawaii is a digital magazine for people that love the Hawaii outdoors. The easiest thing to do is rent a car and drive to the trailhead, which is at the very end of the road (route 560). I took 2 days to hike in because I got a late start on Day 1 and couldnt make it to Kalalau Valley before dark. Its not a designated campsite, but people do (illegally) camp here. 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. This is the ultimate way to sit back and relax while you soak in the majestic view. The trailhead is very close to the camp areas. Also, a portion of the Kalalau Trail is shown as a black line. Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. From this point, it is still another grueling 6.5 miles to Kalalau Valley. [1] Outside magazine rated it as one of "The 20 Most Dangerous Hikes" in the world, noting that in addition to the dangers of the trail itself, more than 100 people have died swimming on the trail's remote beaches. There are two Kalalau Valley viewpoints off of Highway 550 at mile marker 18 and at the end of the highway. Think about it: this is not a trail that a casual outsider looking to cause trouble would decide to tackle on a whim. You've climbed to the highest point between Kee and Hanakapiai; about 500 ft. above sea level. The valley is located in the N Pali Coast State Park and houses the Kalalau Beach. Those endangered species now rely on conservation groups that help improve their population. This beach is only accessible by swimming as boats are not allowed to land here. After the first leg of the climb, at about half a mile, you emerge on a red dirt path that borders the cliffside overlooking the gorgeous NaPali Coast. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. 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. . 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. Head right after crossing and follow the path to the beach. On the second day of our trip the weather was perfect. Composting toilets are available at Hanakpai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. Even in the summertime, when the beach is deep with white sand, people sometimes venture along the lava rock shelves on both ends of the beach. 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