THE KALALAU TRAIL
Na Pali Permit Procedures | Kayaking the Na Pali | Directions & Tips
Information from: http://www.hawaii.gov
The Na Pali Coast is a very special place. The pali, or cliffs, provide a rugged grandeur of deep, narrow valleys ending abruptly at the sea. Waterfalls and swift flowing streams continue to cut these narrow valleys while the sea carves cliffs at their mouths. Extensive stone walled terraces can still be found on the valley bottoms where Hawaiians once lived and cultivated taro.
The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to this part of the rugged coast. The trail traverses 5 valleys before ending at Kalalau Beach where it is blocked by sheer, fluted pali. The 11-mile trail is graded but almost never level as it crosses above towering sea cliffs and through lush valleys. The trail drops to sea level at the beaches of Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau.
Originally built in the late 1800s, portions of the trail were rebuilt in the 1930s. A similar foot trail linked earlier Hawaiian settlements along the coastline.
For most backpackers in good condition hiking the 11 miles will take a full day. Get an early start to avoid overexertion in the midday heat.
For experienced swimmers knowledgeable in local sea conditions, nearshore waters offer limited opportunities for swimming and bodysurfing. Naturalists will find a number of points of interest. Native and introduced tropical plant species abound. Many rare native plants grow on inaccessible cliffs. Wild goats are often seen along the trail route.
KE'E BEACH TO HANAKAPI'AI (2 miles)
This section offers a popular day hike for able-bodied hikers. Walking the first half mile will reward you with excellent views of the coast. The summer sand beach at Hanakapi'ai is a popular destination for day hikers. Swimming or wading can be dangerous, however, and is not recommended. The surf and rip currents are variable and often extremely treacherous, but worst in winter when high surf conditions prevail. DROWNINGS OCCUR HERE REGULARLY!
An unmaintained 2-mile trail into Hanakapi'ai Valley leads to a waterfall. After crossing the stream about a mile up the valley, the trail becomes more difficult as it meanders over rocks and fallen trees. The upper half of this trail should be hiked only in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks.
A camping area here allows travelers to stop overnight on the way in or out of Kalalau Valley.
HANAKAPI'AI TO HANAKOA (4 miles)
More strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapi'ai valley. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the small hanging valleys of Ho'olulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley. The reserve harbors a variety of native lowland forest plants.
Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers. Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. The shelters are within a complex of old agricultural terraces where Hawaiians once planted taro. These terraces were replanted with coffee plants in the late 1800s, which are still growing throughout the valley today. The poorly marked 1/2-mile trail up the east fork of the stream to Hanakoa falls has hazardous, eroded sections but affords a spectacular view of the falls.
The trail crosses the stream well back in the valley, therefore there is no shoreline access at Hanakoa. In fact, Hanakoa is a hanging valley without a beach - the stream exhausts itself over cliffs at the ocean's edge.
Hanakoa Falls
HANAKOA TO KALALAU BEACH (5 miles)
After leaving Hanakoa valley, the trail enters drier, more open land which offers little shade from the midday sun. Tired hikers may be urged on by the panoramic view of Kalalau Valley's fluted cliffs and the coastline beyond. Portions of the trail in this section are very narrow and the dropoff on the ocean side is severe. Use extreme caution, especially during wet weather.
Your reward: Kalalau Beach at the end of the trail
The trail crosses Kalalau Stream near the valley mouth before ending at Kalalau Beach and a small waterfall. Camping in Kalalau is allowed only behind this sand beach. During Summer, sea caves just beyond the waterfall provide popular camping shelters, but winter surf removes much of the beach and enters the caves. Shaded campsites are available beneath the trees behind the beach. Ocean swimming is not recommended for those unfamiliar with local sea conditions. Do not loiter beneath the waterfall or near cliff faces as there is a constant danger of falling rocks. An easy 2 mile trail into Kalalau Valley ends at a pool in the sream. This trail passes through extensive agricultural terraces where Hawaiians grew taro, the staple crop, until about 1920. These terraces are now overgrown with a variety of alien trees, including Java Plum, guava, and occasional large mango trees.
Kalalau beach in the height of the summer camping season
DIRECTIONS AND TIPS
Getting There. The trail begins in Ha'ena State Park at the northwest end of Kuhio Highway (Route 56) about 41 miles (a 1 1/2-hour drive) from Lihu'e Airport. Leaving vehicles overnight at the trailhead is not recommended.
Climate/Seasons. Throughout the year, temperatures seldom drop below 60°F. Summer weather (May to October) normally brings steady tradewinds and occasional showers while winter weather (October to May) is less predictable. Tradewind showers are more frequent during the night and early morning. Infrequent widespread storms cause flash floods.
Gear. Travel light. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular. Camping gear should include a lightweight sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad, tent or tarp, cooking stove and fuel, water purification tablets or filter, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, and biodegradeable soap.
Permits Required. Obtain all permits from the Honolulu or Lihu'e State Parks office. Camping fees for Na Pali Coast went into effect in December 2000. The fee is $10.00 per person per night.
Day-use hiking permits are required when continuing beyond Hanakapi'ai valley, even if overnight camping is not planned. Permits can be obtained from the State Parks office in Lihue.
Camping Permits. A maximum stay of 5 nights is allowed in Na Pali Coast State Park. Within the 5-night maximum, no 2 consecutive nights are allowed at Hanakapi‘ai or Hanakoa.
Facilites. The authorized camping areas along the trail do not have tables or drinking water. Composting toilets are available at Hanakapi'ai, Hanakoa, and Kalalau. All camping areas are located on shaded terraces near streams.
HEALTH CONCERNS
STREAM WATER. Boil or treat all drinking water. While swimming in streams, or drinking untreated stream water, it is possible to contract leptospirosis. This potentially fatal disease invades the body through cuts and other openings and is often mistaken for hepatitis.
SUNBURN/HEAT EXHAUSTION. Beware of the midday tropical sun. Avoid strenuous exercise during hot periods, drink plenty of water, and use sunscreen to protect against ultraviolet radiation, even when the sky is overcast.
HARMFUL PLANTS AND ANIMALS. Never taste or eat unfamiliar plants or use them for food skewers. Keep your area clean to avoid attracting pests. Spiders, scorpions, centipedes and other harmful insects like hidden areas such as under leaf litter and rocks. Hawaii has no snakes or large carnivorous mammals.
SAFETY CONCERNS
NO EMERGENCY SERVICES. In case of emergency, someone must hike out for help or signal a passing helicopter or boat. There is no cellular phone coverage for the Na Pali Coast.
TRAIL. In places the trail is narrow with steep drop-offs, uneven because of protruding roots and rocks, or slippery because of mud or loose rocks. Wear appropriate footwear.
CROSSING STREAMS. Never cross a flooded stream. Hawaii's gently flowing, clear streams can quickly become deep muddy torrents. Avoid crossing swift flows when the water level is above your knees. Wait - the water level may recede as quickly as it rose.
OCEAN SWIMMING. Swimming, wading, and bodysurfing are not recommended unless you are an experienced swimmer familiar with local conditions. Surf and currents are variable and can be treacherous even during summer. There are no lifeguards.
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING. Hawaii's volcanic mountains are too crumbly for roping or climbing and plants are easily uprooted.
ROCKSLIDES AND FALLING ROCKS. Avoid the base of steep cliffs, narrow canyons, and waterfalls whenever possible. Fallen rocks - particularly in areas such as the beach fronting the Kalalau sea caves - indicate the hazards.
TSUNAMIS (tidal waves). Tsunamis are an infrequent, but great hazard on low-lying coastal areas such as Hanakapi'ai and Kalalau beaches. A few hours warning may be given, unless the waves are locally generated. Evacuate immediately to high ground and do not return until given official clearance. Tsunamis are often preceded by an unusual drop in sea level prior to the first waves.
Kayaking the Na Pali
One of the nicest ways to see Na Pali Coast State Park is by paddling down the coast. This activity is permitted during the summer months, between May 15 and Labor Day. Unpredictable sea conditions make it potentially unsafe during the remainder of the year. The most popular way to travel by kayak is to start from the Ha'ena (eastern) end of the coast and pull out at Polihale Beach, on the western end of the coast. This takes advantage of the prevailing currents and trade winds.
If you choose to travel down the coast by kayak, you should be prepared and take the proper precautions. Start early in the morning when winds and seas are calmer. Bring a sufficient quantity of water - one can easily become dehydrated in the hot sun. Wear appropriate gear. You should be in excellent physical condition, a strong swimmer, and have some experience with a kayak before attempting the trip. Those prone to seasickness should take preventative measures or consider hiking the trail instead.
Do not attempt a kayak trip if there are large waves. Taking off and landing can be very tricky in even small surf. The light kayaks are easily capsized in "shorebreak", waves which form up and break close to shore. Large swells rarely last in the summertime. Delaying your trip by a day to wait for smaller surf is a small price to pay to avoid a potential disaster.
There are two legal kayak landing areas along the coast. The first is Kalalau Valley, where landings are allowed with the proper camping and landing permits issued by State Parks. The second legal kayak landing is at Miloli'i (see below). Kayak landings are prohibited at all other beaches in the park.
Kayaking also affords you a camping option not available to hikers. Beyond Kalalau Valley, there are several valleys and offshore reefs. Miloli'i Valley is accessible by boat only, and camping is allowed here during the summer months. Permits are required to stay overnight. However, day use landings are allowed during the summer (May 15 through Labor Day) without a permit. Miloli'i has a channel through the reef facilitating boat landings on the sand beach.
The Hawai'i State Parks Division does not rent kayaks. There are many outfitters on the island of Kaua'i who provide this service. Some offer guided kayak tours that traverse the entire coast in a day, with a lunch stop at Miloli'i. Camping along the coast without possessing a valid camping permit can lead to confiscation of your vessel, regardless of whether it is your property or a rented boat.
SPECIAL PERMIT RULES FOR NA PALI COAST STATE PARK
Na Pali Coast State Park is one of the most special places in Hawai'i. Its natural beauty and mystique make it one of the most popular and heavily used wilderness areas in the State. The heavy demand for a limited number of camping permits has created the need for a special set of provisions regulating use of this park. These rules include:
Day-use hiking permits are required to hike beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley (2 miles in along the Kalalau Trail).
Camping permits may be applied for one year in advance. During peak demand periods (Memorial Day through Labor Day), one third of the camping permits for Kalalau and Miloli'i are issued no sooner than 28 days before the first day of camping. These permits must be obtained through the Kaua'i district office via walk-in applicants only on the first date of issuance. On the second day of issuance and thereafter, permits may be obtained from any district office. Camping fees for Na Pali Coast went into effect in December 2000. The fee is $10.00 per person per night.
The maximum length of stay is 5 consecutive nights along the Kalalau Trail (no 2 consecutive nights may be spent at Hanakoa or Hanakapi'ai Valleys). NOTE: HANAKOA IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO CAMPING.
The maximum length of stay is 3 consecutive nights at Miloli'i Valley (accessible by boat only). NOTE: MILOLI'I IS TEMPORARILY CLOSED TO CAMPING.
Landing of kayaks is permitted at Kalalau Beach with valid landing permits. Landings of kayaks and other watercraft at Miloli'i Beach is permitted for camping or day use. No other boat landings are permitted within the park. No private boat landings at Nu'alolo Kai - commercial boats with permits only. For landing permits contact the Kaua'i district office.
Archaeological sites are prevalent in the camping areas and are protected by law. Do not disassemble rock walls to build shelters or fire rings. Use existing firepits. Please report any damage to archaeological sites to the State Parks Division.
No camping or day use in the emergency helicopter landing pads near the camping areas.
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Information from: http://www.hawaii.gov
