A Hiking We Will Go…

Kauai blog # 5

Kalalau Trail:
End of the Road Kauai, Hawaii

The Kalalau Trail is ranked #3 of 131 attractions in Kauai.

If you drive north of Princeville (where we are staying), you come to the end of the northernmost  paved road on Kauai. The road ends, but the 11 mile Kalalau Trail begins. It's 11 miles of hills and switchbacks and ultimate scenery to the end and then you must turn around and hike the 11 miles back. Most hikers who do the whole trail, camp for a night or two before turning around for the return hike. Hikers wanting to hike the whole 11 miles need permits. 

Bob and I chose to do the 2 miles (one way) to the first beach (Hanakapai"ai) and turn around. That part gave us ultimate scenery with many switchbacks and exceptional views of the Na Pali Coast. 

On my return hike last week with Sue (our friend Vicki's sister), I hiked almost to the waterfall (4 miles one way) before turning around. 

Backpacker Magazine lists the entire 11 mile hike as one of 'America's 10 Most Dangerous Hikes'. That is because the weather can change rapidly and the flooding river leaves hikers stranded. This past Christmas Day 2014, 53 hikers were rescued by helicopter. Last year, 123 hikers were rescued in one day. It is a hike that needs to be planned for a sunny day or after several sunny days. 

It is definitely an adventure hike. It's challenging, but worth it. Slippery and rocky parts need patience and care and concentration, but are manageable for confident hikers. It's a hike to do in dry weather as it would be fairly sketchy if rainy. The rocks on some steep sections are mossy covered and are even a bit slippery on a dry day. There are several river crossings if you hike to the falls and one crossing if you hike to the beach.

 Depending on your sense of balance, you might want to take your shoes off and negotiate the water with bare feet while holding onto some of the huge rocks in the river. 

Also, some sections of the trail to the falls requires scooting on your butt as there are big steep rocky sections. Be ready to have your shoes/hiking boots covered in red clay if you go forward to the waterfalls.

Hanakapai'ai Beach with many cairn sculptures.

The hike from Hanakapai'ai Beach through the valley to the falls is not as easy to negotiate as the beginning 2 miles along the coast. However, it meanders through the bamboo forests and jungle and beautiful blue green water along the river. The mountain views are spectacular too. 

It's a worthwhile hike if one is agile and in good shape. It is challenging in the sections with slippery rocks and exposed roots: lots of up and downs; but very doable. The river crossing with the rope can be tricky if someone wants to cross over with you. I advise singles to cross and the other hikers to be patient and not hang onto the rope since the person crossing needs leverage with the rope through the big boulders. 

Sue negotiating one of the river crossings.

All in all, it's a wonderful hike and I hope that we go back to do it again. It gets your heart rate up and allows your heart and mind to be at peace with Mother Nature's beauty. It's a wonderful way to spend 4-5 hours.

Thanks for joining us on our fun sunny day hike on the Kalalau Trail. 

Wish you were here,

Mary and Bob