Hiking the Kalalau Trail, Kauai Hawaii
The Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast of Kauai has something for just about every Hawaii eco tourist and hiker – waterfalls, secret, sandy coves, amazing views from hundreds of feet up above the ocean, and lush foliage, perfumed with flowers and fruit.
While hiking the entire Kalalau Trail is very demanding (Sierra Club gave it a 9/10 for difficulty), the first section is one of the top Kauai activities for lightweight day hikers like myself.
The first 2 miles make for a good family hike and take you past a waterfall and to birds eye view points of Ke`e Beach and the snorkeling reefs about 600 feet below. Read more (LINK)
The Kalalau Trail was quite wide (ranging from about 3 to 6 feet) for most of the first couple miles when I hiked it before Hurricane Iniki. From the videos I've seen it still is.
I have a horrible fear of heights, and while it was a bit too narrow (maybe 2 - 3 feet) for my comfort level at the very beginning, the beauty and the fact that I saw young families happily moving along, inspired me onwards. Well worth it. I went back again and again.
This portion of the hike, meanders through shaded and sunny areas and ends at a secluded beach cove. There's little flat trail. You're either climbing or descending, but still we saw many parents with kids in backpacks and older ones on foot. The cliff the trail hugs i is sometimes a straight drop, but usually it is just very very steep with lots of trees and shrubs.
The 2 mile trek takes you to Hanakapiai Beach. Do NOT swim here though. The current is treacherous! Many trying have drowned.
However...
Jjust before the cove you'll come to a playful stream with a small pool and waterfall where you can refresh. Sit on the rocks and let the rushing water massage your back! :-)
Some day hikers enjoy hiking another 2 miles inland to the beautiful Hanakapiai Falls. The entire Kalalau Trail is 11 miles one way, and hikers can camp along the way, although many hike straight to the campground at the end of the trail, Kalalau Beach.
Another option is to hitch a ride on a Zodiac (the motorized rubber rafts) to or from Kalalau Beach, make for a one-way hike and one way cruise. This gives you the advantage of seeing the Na Pali from both the trail and the sea.
Along the trail you'll find delightful waterfalls, shade and sun, amazing views, fruit trees galore, laden with bananas, guava, oranges and depending of the season, mangos and fellow hikers.
There's an urban legend that tells of a large hippie camp at Kalalau Beach, and while I have not yet made it that far, documentaries dispel this myth. You may find a couple dozen or slightly more fellow hikers and campers at the beach, including hippies who have lived along the trail for eons.
One of them mentioned in documentaries is referred to as Dan 'the library guy' because his tent houses a collection of books from which long time visitors can borrow.
The Kalalau Trail attracts those who want to partake of one of the most beautiful trails and eco adventures in all of Hawaii, from conservative families to New Age singles.
The Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast is the common denominator that brings all together at the trail's end of Kalalau Beach to share their adventures around their campfires, as the sounds of the sea, and perhaps a ukulele or guitar, complete the setting for the end to a perfect day.
For more details on the Na Pali and to learn how to vacation in Hawaii on a shoestring and get a free Kauai ebook (before Christmas), go to Hawaii Eco & Budget Vacation.
To learn about more Kauai attractions and activities, go to Kauai.
A Kauai Sierra Club Kalalau Hike set for September 14, 2008.
