At first glance they may seem strangely immune to the regulations that the rest of us so subserviantly follow. “You have this world-famous Kee Beach, this little lagoon, and right next to it ... you have the trailhead to one of the most famous trails on the planet,” Carpenter said. That means planning and making online reservations for admission and parking are imperative. “These ... things combined is what brings everybody to this place.”. – 61 year-old male collapses while hiking on trail, 2013 – Drowning – female is swept away crossing Hanakapi’ai Stream, 2012 – Falling – 30 year-old female falls from cliff “near a campsite in Kalalau Valley”, 2006 – Falling – 39 year-old female falls from trail, near the 3-mile mark called Space Rock, 2001 – Unknown – body recovered of a male in his 30s or 40s at Kalalau Beach, Interestingly, I was unable to find a reported death caused as a result of a fall from the infamous “Crawler’s Ledge.”. Approach shoes tend to have stickier soles with more traction, which is much appreciated on the Kalalau Trail. The Awaawapuhi Trail will take you on an ultimate journey as you ascend from 4,120 feet elevation in the Kokee State Park to the valley rim of Nualolo and Awa’awapuhi valleys at 2,500 feet. On the West Side, Waimea Canyon and Kokee State Park offer some of the best hiking trails on the island. A real pity but … Beaches Map Kauai Hawaii. After this, it levels out (relatively) with several, rolling hundred-foot uphills and downhills. The 11-mile Kalalau Trail starts in Kauai’s Haena State Park. Please don’t swim here – the currents are extremely dangerous. Share Pin Email MartinM303 / Getty Images. More recently, an article published by The Daily Beast website in 2019 claims “over 100” deaths along the trail. Getting Around Kauai Flying to Kauai. For some people this can be TERRIFYING, and for others it’s no big deal. More recently, an article published by The Daily Beast website in 2019 claims “over 100” deaths along the trail. There’s even a lifeguard station (sometimes on duty). Required fields are marked *, Copyright © 2021 Down The Trail - All Rights Reserved - legal statements - contact. The changes at Haena State Park are part of a movement, in Hawaii and elsewhere, to manage overtourism. It’s located at the trailhead before even setting foot on the Kalalau Trail. Later I was awakened by something trying to drag the bag away! Take your time to find the best place to cross, envisioning your course across the stream before you get into it. All of these hikes are incredible, so take these rankings with a pinch of salt. Unfortunately, not every one ... Man Falls to his Death on Steep Terrain in Kalalau Valley; 121 Stranded Hikers rescued from Hanakapi’ai ; Many other accidents/injuries go unreported. Limahuli Garden & Preserve is on the mauka (mountain) side of the road and adjacent to the park, which is on the makai (ocean) side of the road. Napaguy. These cookies do not store any personal information. For backpacking trips with significant exposure (like the Kalalau Trail), I find that wearing climber’s approach shoes increases my confidence and makes me feel more sure-footed – specifically something like the La Sportiva TX3 or Five Ten Guide Tennie. I'm the guy behind DownTheTrail.com. This strenuous hike descends 2,000 feet over the course of 2.5 miles to the bottom of the famed Waimea Canyon, aka “the Grand Canyon of the Pacific.” Further explorations are possible from the bottom, making this the best alternate for hardy adventurers. Camping requires a permit, obtained through the same systems that backpackers must use. Here’s a list of several confirmed accidents I’ve compiled from various internet news sources (primarily the local Kauai newspaper) and classified chronologically, noting the nature of death. This was by far the scariest moment/realization of the hike. The cost is $15 per person, and the fare includes your entrance reservation at Ha’ena State Park. ... at times, you're over 1800 feet above the ocean with breathtaking views. I suspect that squatting hippies will always be drawn here, but it seems that their golden age is coming to an end. Enter your billing information, and finalize your permit. Of these in 2019, there has been 1 deadly shark attack officially recorded. So if you know for certain that you’ll hiking on May 1st, it’s best to get online on April 1st and make your reservation. The Best Hiking on Kauai. If you’d like to park for the entire day, you must rent out all three blocks of time for $15 plus tax. 1 review. Read the page and click CONTINUE at the bottom. Map Of Kauai Hawaii Beaches Large Kauai Island Maps For Free Download And Print High. ... Kauai County 5 1 2 0 1 9 TOTAL 76 28 29 4 1 138 * = indicates motorcycle passenger fatality. That number now is capped at 900. A spur trail leads up the valley from here to Hankoa Falls. Visible and accessible from the beach at Kalalau, its namesake waterfall measures a total height over 500 feet. We will spend our days kayaking the world-famous Na Pali Coast, snorkeling and hiking along palm-lined bays and verdant canyons, and learning about Hawaiian culture and conservation issues. a top-rated adventure through tropical paradise on Kauai’s north shore – the Napali Coast, MAP: Trails IllustratedPERMITS: Prior arrangements are required for all hikes on the Kalalau Trail, including day hikes and camping. Share. Links to e-commerce sites earn commission. There seems to be misconception that the hike to the falls stretches along the first 4 miles of the Kalalau Trail. Marie Gladys Itamura . Review the information listed in the tabs, especially under “Description, Conditions & Hazards,” etc. Motor Vehicle Occupants Pedestrians . It’s a lot easier to make mistakes when you’re exhausted, and having extra energy is simply more fun! Recreating outdoors can be dangerous. Hawaii Tourism Authority data shows that 23.9% of hotel rooms in the state were full last month as a result of the coronavirus pandemic, a decline of 56 percentage points compared to December 2019. Plenty of war veterans have found their way to Kalalau. This is the first main waterfall encountered near the trail, and probably the most spectacular. In fact, in 2015, the families of two hikers who died on a Kauai hiking trail were awarded a settlement in … The new park experience evokes what life was like for the early Hawaiians, who were self-sufficient, fishing and farming taro. The new system may be a little confusing at first, so I’ll break it down for you here as simply as possible. The Kalalau trail starts at the far north of Kauai Island, at the end of Route 560, in Hāʻena State Park. So if you’re 6 feet tall, stay 6 feet away from the edge. Best Hikes in Hawaii, Kauai 15. See how the system works in the permit section. Evidence of their terraced farming activity is seen at Hanakoa, Kalalau, and elsewhere. Marie Gladys Itamura passed away on Nov. 28, 2019, in Kalaheo, at the age of 84. Three visitors apparently drowned today on Kaua'i, two on the north shore and another in Wailua. Here’s some other guidelines for fording rivers: Heavy surf in the winter is a recipe for disaster. If you had reservations to hike the trail on one of the “closed” dates, you have to optioin to get a refund or reschedule for a future date. The Kalalau Trail starts in Haena State Park and takes you to the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Re: Ocean safety reminder . They pick-up and drop-off frequently from the Waipa Park and Ride facility at least every hour (and as often as every half-hour), from 8am through 4:30pm. So with that in mind, here’s some tips to help keep you safe. Katherine Gallagher is a Hawaii-based travel writer in love with Oahu's lush tropical rain forests and pristine beaches. Kauai offers hundreds of trail choices for every level of experience. The most dangerous thing about this particular beach is that once the rip currents carry you out, it’s basically impossible to return to a safe shoreline – even for a strong swimmer (it’s all cliffs). Here’s some other critters to look out for – all photos were taken on the Kalalau Trail. This is the main destination of the trail with a beach, waterfall, and archaeology found up the End of Valley Trail. Jeanne Cooper/Special to SFGate Show More Show Less 5 of 18 Two visitors fell to their deaths from an unmaintained, unmarked trail near Opakea'a Falls in Wailua, Kauai, in December 2006. An 11-mile trail on the North Shore of Kauai from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach that was closed when we were there in February 2019 due to Hurricane Lane the year before. Different lengths require different permits, which are explained in the Permit System and Parking Access section. There are just three ways to see the Na Pali coast – by helicopter, boat and on foot. This is most amplified for those with a fear of heights, because the sensation of exposure is the worst thing about it. Most of the deaths occurred in less than 3 feet of water. Fortunately, the Garden Isle has trails for hikers of all ability levels, so there's no reason not to get out and explore. Maps are listed sequentially from the trailhead – Map 1 shows the beginning of the trail, and Map 4 shows the end of the trail at Kalalau Beach. The deaths of two women, ages 33 and 38 who are sisters-in-law from Washington, D.C., and Parker, Colo., respectively, and a male visitor from Japan, 74, occurred at shortly before 3 p.m., according to county officials. Overall the section doesn’t last for very long, maybe a half-mile at the most. NaPali Coast Hiking Trail Kokee and Waimea State Park. 1 helpful vote. Five deaths within five years prompted a campaign to close the falls, increase signage and construct barriers. When you select the dates, availability will shown in the green bar on the bottom. Aaron McClendon could only watch as his friend fell 300 feet off a cliff. Spread over 4,325 acres, Kokee State Park features trails leading to scenic lookouts (like the Awaawapuhi Trail) and hikes for the family (Cliff Canyon and Black Pipe Trail). The April 2018 deluge caused millions of dollars of damage and triggered landslides that blocked the only road to the park. While repairs were underway, residents and officials had a chance to catch their breath, look to the future and ask difficult questions, including this one: Is tourism wrecking Kauai? It also rained during our first night at Hanakoa. This feral cat seemed to be resident at Hanakoa, and had a bad-tempered way of begging for food. Fresh water is available from the Miloli’i stream, and an archeological site can be discovered at the west end of the valley. Scenes from the original Jurassic Park were filmed along the Napali Coast. Kauai’s Napali Coast is one of the most photographed coastlines in the world. You don’t need to carry a lot of gear and spend multiple nights out there to experience the Napali Coast’s beaches and waterfalls – much of the Kalalau Trail’s beauty can be experienced in single day. We walked from Ke’e beach to … She was self-employed. Its tropical climate is suited perfectly for living outdoors year-round. Amazing views are to be seen at the Kilohana Lookout at trail’s end, but it’s often socked in with clouds. See the Deaths and Safety sections, above. May 25, 2019. In the left column, select KAUAI under “Island.”, Select NAPALI COAST STATE WILDERNESS PARK under “Locations.”. Treating water through common practices (chemical and/or filtration) should eliminate the bacteria. Updated 08/05/19. making online reservations for admission and parking. The Kalalau Trail on the Hawaiian island of Kauai weaves through one of the world's most famous natural wonders, the Na Pali coast.With 180-degrees of the electric blue Pacific, majestic ridges and unspoiled beaches, every inch of this tropical trail boasts epic views. Under a curatorship agreement with the park, the Hui volunteers have been taking care of the place for the past 20 years and perpetuating Hawaiian values, including stewardship of the land and the sea. Detailed Kauai hiking trail maps that will guide you to each Kauai trail head and provide you a general idea of where each hiking trail is located.. He and his savvy guides lead regular trips (with shuttles from the Wailua River Marina) through Waimea Canyon to Waipoo Falls ($126) and through Kokee to dazzling overlooks of Napali via the Nualolo or Awaawapuhi trails ($126). It was some form of divine intervention.”. Some camps have grown elaborate over the years, as most residents are adept scavengers. It was a good example of one of the benefits of having a permit system, as park officials were able to reach to permit holders via email to verify their safety. The Hawaii horror ended with Elizabeth Tarpey, 23, dying later the next day as nothing could be done to save the doomed hiker. As the boardwalk ends, the route turns into a path made of crushed coral and takes you through a forest of hau trees, a shady respite. If you’re carrying a heavy backpack, undo the hip belt and loosen your shoulder straps. Since its reopening in June 2019, after more than a year of closure, Hāʻena State Park is now restricted to a limited number of tourists each day. Most deaths along the Kalalau Trail occur as a result of drowning (rather than from falls). At Kalalau, camping is only allowed on the terraces next to Kalalau Beach, and on dry sand at Kalau Beach. Landing and camping are only allowed at Kalalau Beach and Miloli’i. Temperatures along the north shore of Kauai are consistently warm year-round, but the summer months (May through September) are still considered to be the best time of year to hike the trail. Go to the about page to see more about me and this site, or go here to see the latest posts. The Kalalau Trail is managed as a state park, specifically as the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. “Over the past decade, as our visitor numbers exploded on Kauai, this area became so overrun that it was impossible for residents to come and use it,” said Chipper Wichman, president of the National Tropical Botanical Garden, which includes Limahuli Garden & Preserve in Haena. Watch out for falling rocks, too. Even in summer, strong rip currents can and will end your life. Wading in up to your knees or so is fine, but just respect the ocean’s power! Here’s the remaining pictures from my hike in February of 2014. We already had plans to visit my parents on Maui in January, so we decided to allot a few days to hop over to Kauai and finally hike the Kalalau Trail. Hawaii is home to a few species of centipedes. It just recently came to my attention that the Kalepa Ridge Trail is closed due to heavy erosion and unmaintained trails. The end of the trail at Kalalau has a band of resident, squatting hippies. Landing boats along the Kalalau Trail to drop-off or pick up hikers is illegal, so fuggedaboutit! I love the outdoors, and the Grand Canyon is my favorite destination. The Nualolo Cliff Trail is one of the most breathtaking hikes on the island of Kauai. Near the towns of Wailua and Kapa’a, Nounou Mountain is 1200+ foot ridge. Read on for fun and interesting ideas for your future adventures in America’s Hawaii! Spend a thrilling day among the glorious scenery of Kipu Ranch on this Kauai zipline, kayak and hiking adventure! Kauai now is juggling what other tourist magnets around the world have been trying to cope with: How does a destination share its charms and simultaneously avoid being loved to death? When it comes to your reaction to this sort of terrain, everyone is a little different. Trail runners have been known to tackle the route, as has been occuring on all popular trails nowadays. Camping along the Kalalau Trail is otherwise prohibited. Apparently that doesn’t stop some people from posting videos anyway. You can go here to discover estimated taxi rates. There’s a lot of details in this guide, so here’s an index with quick links that jump down the page: The Trail is Now Open – It was Closed for a Year, Backpacking Itineraries, Day Hiking, Trail Description, The Crawler’s Ledge – Narrow Cliff Section. On a walk to Kee Beach, which takes less than 10 minutes, I was joined by Alan Carpenter, Hawaii State Parks assistant administrator, who pointed out the core of the overuse problem. Wailua and Kapa ’ a, Nounou Mountain is 1200+ foot ridge the,! Kayak Kauai offer tours and rentals required for all hikes on the Trail reservation or a permit, both! Those with a river Kayak trip, covered wagon ride, waterfall hike Kauai! Resume when the Trail itself is perfectly good swimming with sharks ” tour, but eventually ’. 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