best time to hike kalalau trail

If you’re up for chancing it, leave no valuables in your car and lock it.

The easiest thing to do is rent a car and drive to the trailhead, which is at the very end of the road (route 560).

While the trail is safe in terms of crime, there are parts of it that are not very safe in terms of terrain. Use extreme caution crossing the stream, and if there has been consistent heavy rain recently or the flow is high, do NOT cross at all. The hike out of Hanakapiai is a rather arduous climb and the views are mostly behind you (be sure to look behind you at the beach as you climb). After doing a good bit of climbing, you'll come to Space Rock, the highest point anywhere on the Kalalau trail, approximately 700 ft. above the waves below. Many people have met their demise by being swept off these shelves by large waves after venturing on them at a low point in between sets. It’s not long before you’ll see the view you came for…the Napali Coast!

On the hike in, we took many impromptu breaks to rest our bodies as the packs were getting cumbersome.

For everyone else, it’s smart to break the walk in half and camp at Hanakoa on the way to/from Kalalau especially if you’re hiking in winter when the trail tends to be wet and slow-going. Plan your daylight accordingly. The first part is the worst, but there are a few similar harrowing cliff walks in the mile 7-9 area. DISCLAIMER: UnrealHawaii.com is an independent resource for Hawaii focused content. When you need a break from the beach, walk upstream into Kalalau Valley where the locals live. It was like an orgy in there. As the air temperature grew hotter our packs felt heavier and heavier. This is one of the most famous hikes in the world and last weekend, we finally got to experience it. We also highly recommend that you do NOT swim in the ocean at Hanakapiai Beach. However, many consider the best option is to take their time, sleeping 2+ nights at either the Hanakapi’ai or Kalalau beaches. Best time for hiking the Kalalau trail is the drier season between May and October however showers occur frequently.

Be sure to check the weather forecast once you arrive on Kauai and make sure you have a plan in the event that it rains (whether that means buying rain gear, postponing your trek, or backing out altogether). When is the best time to hike the Kalalau trail?

The trademark ridges of Kalalau are majestic.

A comfortable pack and boots, layers, wool socks, rain gear, etc… you know the drill. From this point, it is still another grueling 6.5 miles to Kalalau Valley. Most people are day hikers that don't ever make it all the way out to Kalalau. I took 2 days to hike in because I got a late start on Day 1 and couldn’t make it to Kalalau Valley before dark. If you’re the go-go-go type, then pick 6 different daily itineraries and string them together into one adventure packed trip. This is definitely a hike to be savored, not one to rush through for bragging rights. The popular day hike from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach - approximately 2 miles along the trail (four miles round trip)- receives the bulk of hikers. There are two designated campsites on the Kalalau Trail which you need to book a permit for in advance: Hanakoa and Kalalau.

The sites on the far end of the beach, near the waterfall, are the most popular and have the best views of the beach. Once you hit the valley there are several camping areas to choose from. Do note, though, that peak time is summer (June-August), when the trail will be crowded and permits get booked out many months in advance. There is often strong undertow, rip currents, a dangerous shore break, and the reflection of the surf off the rock walls of the shoreline creates irregular and unpredictable waves. The rest in Hanakoa felt great. Walk along the beach until you reach the edge of the valley. The airport was nice an empty.

We took a short break here on the rocks. GuideofUS, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Note that you must book and pay for a parking space here in advance. Although Hanakapiai Beach is a dangerous swimming spot, most drownings and near-drownings in Hanakapiai occur in the river when people try to cross in water that is too fast and deep and they are swept away by flooding river waters. Every year the current carries the sand into the ocean only to return it in the spring. I’ve included everything from the best snorkeling spots, beaches, and excursions and it’s all broken down by each part of the island so you won’t waste any time backtracking. Once the sun pops out over the mountain around noon, it’s prime time for sunbathing and swimming. Kalalau Trail Visitor Safety Video from Hawaii DLNR on Vimeo. 2021 Hawaii Travel Guide. You'll hike through a grove of some of the largest sisal plants you've likely ever seen; they range in size from that of a small bean to the size of a house. 32 lbs doesn’t include water so my pack weight on the trail was closer to 37 pounds.

The poles help you keep your lateral balance as the pack shifts from side to side as you walk.

It’s not a designated campsite, but people do (illegally) camp here. Sponsored Content >. This pool was filled with tadpoles and humping frogs. The north shore of Kauai is often rainy (that’s why it’s so lush and beautiful!)

Hiking and any outdoor activity can be dangerous and has many potential hazards. The trail and activity descriptions are given to give the reader a better understanding of what to expect while hiking and participating in activities in Hawaii. Leaving Hanakoa, the mud party continues. Jen’s pack we loaded up our packs and picked up our rental car. These aren’t week long itineraries, but daily itineraries so you can pick and choose what works best for your trip. So rather than state the obvious, let me list out the not-so-obvious items that I think you should pack and not pack for the Kalalau Trail: You don’t have to bring absolutely everything from home, though: most everything you need can be bought at Walmart in Lihue for super cheap. All the while carrying a 30-40 pound pack of camping supplies. We booked the first flight out so we could make it to Kalalau in time for the sunset. There is the main Kalalau trail, as well as several offshoots to waterfalls and swimming holes. For less experienced hikers though, I could see how this section would be unsettling.

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