Hiking the Kalalau Trail

Описание: ChicagoTrekkers

Kalalau Trail is one of the most difficult and challenging hikes on Kauai. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Hawaiians. This 11-mile stretch of coast is the original trail used by the Hawaiians who lived in Kalalau Valley and other valleys along the Napali. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access to the Napali Coast on Kauai.

Ke’e Beach To Hanakapi’ai (2 Miles) The first two miles of the Kalalau Trail end at Hanakapiai Beach. In the case of high water or heavy rains, do not attempt to cross the river. Hanakapiai Falls and beyond Hanakap’ai are recommended for experienced hikers only. The challenging hike to the falls takes you two miles further into the Hanakapiai Valley, a 120-foot waterfall. Keep in mind that adding the Hanakapiai Falls portion to the trip will make it an eight-mile round trip.

Hanakapi’a to Hanako NOTE: Hiking permits are required to hike beyond Hanakapi’ai Valley.

This portion of the trail becomes strenuous and steep as the trail climbs 800 feet out of Hanakapi’ai valley. The trail traverses the Hono o Na Pali Natural Area Reserve in the hanging valleys of Ho’olulu and Waiahuakua before entering Hanakoa Valley.

Near the Hanakoa Stream crossing, a rest area and facilities, including a composting toilet and two roofed shelters.

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.

For experienced hikers in excellent shape, allow for a long day (8+ hours) to complete the round trip from Ha’ena State Park to Hanakoa. Day hikes beyond Hanakoa are not recommended.

Hanakoa to Kalalau ( 5 miles): The remaining 5 miles after Hanakoa the trail becomes drier and more open with less opportunity for shade. Many parts of the trail are narrow and have steep drop-offs on the ocean side. Use extreme caution. Hike through lush valleys, forge up steep inclines of jagged sea cliffs, cool off in cool mountain streams, and drop back to sea level to Kalalau Beach.

Reconstruction of the trail happened from 1935-1937 and continues to be maintained to fight erosion from weather, feral goats, and wild boar. Remains of lava rock terraces built by the Hawaiians can still be seen today. These terraces in these valleys were used to cultivate the taro plant, a staple in the Hawaiian’s diet similar to that of the potato.