Backpacking - Kauai, Hawaii - Mon, Aug 12 2013

Backpacking - Kauai, Hawaii

The Basics:

Event Type:

Explorer

Event Location:

Kauai, HI

Date(s) & Time:

Mon, Aug 12 2013 1:00 pm >> Sat, Aug 17 2013 1:00 pm

Registration Opens:

Mon, Feb 4 2013 8:00 pm

Registration Cut Off:

Thu, Feb 28 2013 8:00 pm

Event Duration:

5 Days

Difficulty Rating:

D5: Difficult (Exploratory)

Distance:

45 Miles

Trip Leader(s):

Ann
Ralph Howard

Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.

Member Cost:

$170.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:

Who's Invited:

Members Only, 21 And Older Only

Maximum Group Size:

Minimum Group Size:

Number Registered So Far:

6 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)

Are Dogs Permitted:

Note: This is an "EXPLORATORY" trip. This means that there are parts of this trip, or perhaps the whole trip, that is new to your Trip Leader(s). However, they are confident that this will not be an issue.
This note is here so that you can make an informed decision. When a Trip Leader isn't personally familiar with a trip, there is an increased chance of things not going as planned and you need to be prepared. The Trip Leader may have additional details in the itinerary.

Itinerary:

This trip will be limited to a total of 7 adventurers.

Day One and Night One: Arrive in Lihue, get van, get groceries, stop for lunch. Walk on the beach. Relax. Spend the night at Anini Park or similar park.

Day Two and Night Two: Backpack day on Kalalau Trail and night at Kalalau Beach.

Day Three: Backpack on the Kalalau Trail. Night Three: Spend night at Anahola Park.

Day Four: Kayak Possibility of side trip. Night Four: Spend night at Kokee State Park.

Day Five: Dayhike Waimea Canyon. Night Five: Spend night at Kokee State Park.

Day Six: Leave time depends on joint schedule. Lets try to come to a common range.

Cost Includes:

Car Rental, Camping/permits, Gas, Kayak rental. Price is approximate at $170 (per person) but could run a little more. You will be paying the trip leaders, not AOC.

Cost Does Not Include:

Food, Air travel. Overnight hotel during flight travel. Optional side trips. Airfare runs $1200+, 3 star hotel in Seattle runs around $100.

What you must do to qualify for this trip:

Demonstrate your flight commitment within 7 days of being added to the active roster.

When you are moved to the active roster, submit payment for your share of expenses to the Trip Leaders. After approved (we will call you), please send check to us. We will give you the address.

Be qualified and approved by trip leaders for your hiking capability. We will call you when we see you on the waitlist.

Set your arrival time at Kauai for 8/12 by 1pm.

Send a copy of your drivers license or passport via email (needed for camping permits).

http://www.wildbackpacker.com/backpacking-trails/kalalau-trail/

Kalalau Trail

Na Pali Coast, Kauai, Hawaii

Length: 11 miles (one way)
Difficulty: 8/10
Season: Year-round
Type: Out-and-back
Elevation Gain: 664 ft
Terrain: Wet gulches to open ridgeline
Trail Condition: Well-maintained

The beautiful Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile hike that leads from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau Beach along the cliffs of the famous Na Pali Coast. Na Pali and the Kalalau Valley have scenery so magnificent that their pictures are published worldwide in magazines, calendars and postcards. Hiking to the #1 rated beach in the world is a long trip, but if you want just a small glimpse of the coastal views and lush jungle, there is a shorter option for you. Day hikers can take a short 2-mile hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach or continue on 2 more miles up the valley to Hanakapi’ai Falls. All in all, whether you are backpacking the Kalalau Trail or only doing a short day-hike, this is one trip you are bound to never forget.

Trailhead Directions

The beginning of the Kalalau Trail is located on the north side of Kauai, next to Ke’e Beach. To reach it, travel 41 miles (approx. 1 hour drive) from the Lihu’e Airport to the northwest end of Kuhio Highway (Route 56). There is parking available, but unless you arrive early in the morning you may not find a spot close to the trailhead. Many car break-ins are reported at the trailhead, so parking overnight is not recommended. Facilities at the Kalalau Trailhead include restrooms, outdoor showers, trash cans, drinking water and payphone.

Top

Kalalau Trail Guide

View the Kalalau Trail Hiking Map in a in a larger map or a full map

Trail Distances
One way mileage from the Kalalau Trailhead
Ke’e Beach Viewpoint	.25 miles
Na Pali Coast Viewpoint	.5 miles
Hanakapi’ai Beach	2 miles
Hanakapi’ai Falls	4 miles
Hanakoa Falls	6 miles
Kalalau Beach	11 miles

Hiking the first section of the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi’ai Beach is a moderate day-trip that most can do if the heat and humidity are bearable. These first 2 miles are the easiest with more difficult terrain if you continue on past the Hanakapi’ai Valley. While hiking along this section of trail, you will mainly pass through wet jungle terrain. If it has rained recently, the entire backpacking trail can be very muddy and slippery. In addition, the trail crosses many small streams throughout the 11 mile trek. These provide fresh water sources, but purification is still recommended. Once entering the Hanakapi’ai Valley, you will need to cross a small river flowing down the mountains into the ocean. If rain has been in the forecast, use caution when crossing the river as it could be running high. Hanakapi’ai Beach is a beautiful sight, although swimming is not recommended as the posted warning sign announces. Surf and rip currents are variable and often treacherous and are only worse in winter. If a swim to cool down is necessary, the best idea is to hike the 2 miles up the valley to Hanakapi’ai Falls. This unmaintained trail can be difficult because of the numerous stream crossings, muddy conditions and boulder jumping. Hiking to the falls should only be hiked in good weather to avoid dangerous flash floods and falling rocks from the waterfall. Although it’s an optional side trip, the waterfall provides hikers with pleasant views and a nice swimming spot.

Back at the beach, you may also be able to explore several sea caves, if the water is low enough, located on the left and right sides of Hanakapi’ai Beach. One shallow hole is directly left of the beach with a larger cave around the corner. Around the right side of the beach, you also may be able to enter a third sea cave. However, be cautious in entering these caves as they can be very dangerous. Only enter them in good conditions when the water is low.

Hanakapi’ai Beach offers the last glimpse of the Na Pali Coast for those without permits. For more information about how to obtain permits, see the Permit Information section below. If you have a permit, cross the river and find the continuation of the Kalalau Trail along the cliff on the opposite end of the Hanakapi’ai Valley. Keep in mind that it can get dark somewhat early, so if you are hiking back to the trailhead, keep track of your time in order to return before dark or plan to bring a headlamp. The more strenuous hiking begins as the steep switchback trail climbs 800 feet out of the small, but beautiful, Hawaiian valley. After hiking a little more than 6 miles in from the Kalalau Trailhead, you will come to the Hanakoa stream crossing where a rest area offers a stop for weary backpackers. Facilities include a composting toilet and two roofed shelters. The Hanakoa and Kalalau valleys are the only authorized camping locations along the Kalalau Trail, so keep this half-way point in mind as a possible camping spot. The poorly marked half-mile trail up the east fork of the stream to Hanakoa Falls has hazardous, eroded sections but provides spectacular scenery.

After leaving the Hanakoa Valley, the hiking trail enters drier terrain that provides little shade. As the Kalalau Trail weaves in and out of Na Pali’s fins, you will come to a section of very narrow trail. The steep ledges scream danger as they dive into the ocean below. Although this section doesn’t frighten many (unless they have a moderate fear of heights), backpackers should still use extreme caution on this portion of trail.

Before reaching the 11-mile mark, you will come to a breathtaking view of the Kalalau Valley, Kalalau Beach and expansive Pacific Ocean. Continuing on, the Kalalau Trail crosses a stream near the valley mouth before reaching it’s destination at the mile-long Kalalau Beach along with a small waterfall located on the far end. Although not accessible in the winter, more sea caves can be found beyond this waterfall which provide popular summer camping shelters. An easy 2-mile hike into Kalalau Valley leads to Big Pool where you’ll find two large pools split by a natural water slide. As you hike throughout the valley, you will pass extensive agricultural terraces that are now overgrown with a variety of edible fruit trees including mangoes, wild guavas, coconuts, rose apples and papaya. Though this is the most remote beach in Hawaii, there are people in the valley, including nudists, hippies and Vietnam War veterans, who seek out the solitude and relief from civilization that the serene nature that the Kalalau Valley offers.

Some backpackers stay one night at Kalalau Beach after an all-day hike before starting their trek back to Ke’e Beach the next morning. Some backpackers even attempt to hike the full 22+ miles in one day, although this is discouraged. However, many consider the best option is to take their time, sleeping 2+ nights at either the Hanakapi’ai or Kalalau beaches. Whichever way you choose to hike the Kalalau Trail, it is guaranteed to be one backpacking trip you will always remember.

Wailua Kayak

Welcome to the Garden Island! You have discovered the ultimate site for Hawaiian kayak exploration and water sport adventure. Kayak Wailua is the right choice at the right location for an adventure outfitter specializing in premium kayak tours. Explore Polynesia's only navigable stream on our fully equipped, stable, comfortable and quality single, double, and/or triple kayaks. No previous experience is necessary. There is usually little or no current occurring. Paddling upstream can actually be easier than downstream as you are assisted by a gentle tradewind blowing mauka, (inland) towards the mountains.

Wailua means spirit. The area where Kayak Wailua is located was once known as Wailua Nui Hoana (Great Sacred Wailua.)

Our friendly, knowledgeable water safety personnel will prepare and guide you on a safe adventure along the Wailua River. We have no age or weight restrictions.

Your kayak adventure will meander you 2 miles upstream where you'll first pass an old Hawaiian Village. Secure your kayak at an island in the north fork and continue your expedition on foot through the pristine canyons and tropical rain forest of the Wailua River Valley interior to Secret Falls a.k.a. Uluwehi Waterfalls.

Read more about what your Kayak Wailua adventure has in store through our "Explore" page then find other services and activities that will make your trip to Kauai the adventure of a lifetime.

Kayak Wailua is operated by a family of five. Mom and Dad have lived in Wailua since 1974 and reside in a plantation style home right on the north bank of the Wailua River.

Hiking Waimea Canyon

You can enjoy the extraordinary views of Waimea Canyon that the Kukui Trail provides (in good weather) by going less than halfway down, to a fine viewpoint. There is one bench between 1/4 and 1/2 mile and another at a spectacular viewpoint at 1 mile. This trip goes to the 1-mile bench, but you may prefer to stop at the first.

Getting started: Follow the trail to the brown post. Continue ahead to the hunter's check station. Then continue southeast past the picnic pavilion and begin descending a ridge on switchbacks. Koa, silk oak, ohia, and lantana line the trail here, and they, in turn, are often covered with twining passionflower vines. This pleasant, broken, dry-forest cover allows you fine views over the adjacent valleys as well as east into the great canyon. To the east-northeast, Waialae Falls makes its dramatic plunge over distant cliffs. Many of the distant valleys are filled with the light-green canopy of kukui, but the valley just south of the Kukui Trail is filled with silk oaks-stunning when dressed in their showy golden-orange blossoms. Watch carefully for roots and debris.

Along this trail, you'll find white PVC-pipe mileage markers at 1/4 mile intervals. The first viewpoint bench is between the 1/4- and 1/2-mile markers. Stop for a rest and an eyeful even if you plan to go on to the bench near the 1-mile mark.

The Lilikoi

The passionflower vines you see along the Kukui Trail (indeed, along the length of the Waimea River) produce the edible passionfruit, the delicately flavored lilikoi. (It's not the banana passionflower, also called banana poke, that you'll find smothering everything farther up in the mountains, although both are introduced plants.) You should try the delicious lilikoi confections served around the island before you try a real lilikoi so you'll know what it ought to smell and taste like. The lilikoi fruit is ripe when it turns yellow to purplish-brown and its skin is deeply wrinkled. The skin and the white inner rind are quite tough, so cut the fruit open and suck or spoon out the contents. Unfortunately, its runny, seedy, yellowish contents look awful despite that ethereal lilikoi scent and taste!

The"passion" in "passionflower" and "passionfruit" doesn't refer to romantic passion but to fancied resemblances in the flower's appearance to the instruments of Christ's "passion"- his crucifixion.

Near the 3/4-mile point, you cross a deeply eroded area where you have to tiptoe carefully over terrain that seems about to slide away. But you're soon over it safely and, a little past the 1-mile marker, you reach the second bench. This viewpoint has a more complete view than the first bench. You're still high enough to enjoy the sweeping vistas over Waimea Canyon, and, at the same time, you're far enough into it that you can see some of the formations that rise from its floor.

Linger awhile, then retrace your steps. Don't forget to sign out at the hunter's check station.

Getting There By Car

To take Highway 55, drive south and west from Lihue on Highway 50 to Kakaha town, 27 miles. Turn right onto signed Highway 55 (KoKee Road) and follow it for 8 miles, through the gully and then uphill to its junction with Highway 550. Continue up the hill for two more miles to the trailhead for the Iliau and Kukui trails. The trailhead is on the right (east) side of the road, and there's a small, dirt turnout/parking lot on the left (west) side of the road. Park here to start your hike.

To take Highway 550, drive south and west from Lihue on highway 50 to Waimea town, 24 miles. Look for Waimea Baptist Church on the right (inland) side of the road. Turn right onto the road that's on the west side of the Waimea Baptist Church. The road is Highway 50 (Waimea Canyon Road). Follow it for 7 miles uphill to its junction with Highway 55. From there to its end at Puu o Kila, the road is considered to be Highway 550. Follow the instructions for Highway 55 from here.

Required Items to Bring:

We will get together and go over a detailed list.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.

We will get together and go over a detailed list.

How to Get There:

Event Directions:

Plan on leaving on 8/11 and arriving on 8/12 or complete your flight in one day. You must arrive on 8/12 at the Lihue (LIH) airport close to 1pm.

Consider using Delta or Alaska Airlines.

Notes:

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Member Cost:

$170.00/Person

Cost Includes:

See itinerary.

Make a Payment:

Although there is a cost for this event, you do not pay through the AOC. Please review the event details carefully for information about how/where to make your payment.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance: Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:

Once committed to this event, there is no refund of your $170. This is because we are setting names on the permits and a limited time to book the campsites and vehicle. Be sure you can do this trip.