Theme: Hiking
The Kalalau Trail is the only land access to the incredible Na Pali Coast. The trail is an out-and-back trip extending 11 miles from Ke'e Beach to the Kalalau Valley. The trek is basically three parts that can be done in any length depending on your time constraints. The first section is 2 miles to Hanakapia'ai Beach. Take care swimming at this beach's strong rip tide. Trekkers may want to camp here (permit required) and take a 2-mile inland hike through bamboo and fragrant guava forests to the towering Hanakapi'ai Falls. The cool waters at the base of the falls are a nice reward for making the hot and humid hike. Day hikers typically will at least go to the beach, some will add on the 4-mile round trip from the beach to the falls. A total day hike from Ke'e Beach to Hanakapi'ai Falls is 8 miles.
I have only done the 8-mile day hike but would one day like to do the entire trail. According to the Lonely Planet guidebook a permit is officially required to go beyond Hanakapi'ai and can be obtained from the Division of State Parks. The second portion is 4 miles from Hanakapi'ai Beach to the Hanakoa Valley. A campsite here has been closed for some time. Check with the state parks office in Lihue before planning on camping here. From here the last section takes trekkers 5 miles to the Kalalau Valley. While being the most beautiful portion of the trail it is also the most difficult. I will update this tip with my personal impressions after I complete this trek in the future.
Equipment: Good hiking shoes (do yourself a favor), ample quantities of water, sunscreen, hat, mosquito repellant.
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Phone: 808.274.3444
Directions: Park in the Ke'e Beach parking lot and look for the trailhead marker on the mauka side of the lot.
Website: http://www.hawaii.gov/dlnr/dsp/fees.html
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on Apr 15, 2007
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