Na Pali Coast

Sep 07, 2006 5:52AM

Hanakapiai Beach warning: high surf, dangerous breaks & strong currents have led to the death of 82 people and counting.........

Jan 28, 2007 9:55PM

My husband and I just returned from celebrating our 25th Wedding Anniversary on Kauai for a 3 week stay there ~ it was our first time on this Hawaiian Island (we've been to Maui and Oahu once before, 3 yrs. ago...)

While on Kauai we hiked many of the amazing trails every other day all over the island and explored many of the beaches from North to South and we truly loved it there ~ we hiked into this particular beach on Na pali coastline and then on to the falls. The trail to the falls was poorly marked and it was very trecherous hiking ~ so, take your time and BE very, very careful~ we recommend wearing proper hiking shoes, bring poles, that would be helpful~ a nightlight if you're getting out late just before dark ~ and some food and water ~ it's a glorious hike with big rewards! THe beach was spectacular and heed the surf warnings ~ 82 people lost there in particular... we recommend looking, not swimming in the wintertime...

The only disheartening thing we experienced on the entire island, was the disrespect of campers who left their trash/garbage behind ~ right above the beach up towards the trail head to the falls...

It really left us feeling quite disgusted that folks would have the gall to trash this paradisical place. Shame on them! Please, if you're going to hike the trails, or camp overnight ~ be respectful of this beautiful paradise and just leave your quiet footprints behind ~ don't deface the bamboo groves, trees,by carving your initials in the bark ~ or pick the flowers ~ or TRASH the place... bring out and carry out what you brought in...PLEASE!! only leave with your memories and your photographs and PLEASE, PLEASE, your trash! Be respectful of Kua'i so others can enjoy the immense natural beauty that is breath taking indeed and not leaving behind what others have to feel sickened by ~ with all the heaps of trash left behind ~ it truly left us with an awful feeling ~ and disappointed us greatly, that folks would not respect this beautiful Isle, not to mention ignore all the signs kindly asking one to carry out all that is carried in on the camping trails.

Perhaps more signage or enforcement (steeper fines) could be implemented ~ or have rangers physically present in this particular area? perhaps, then,and only then, people would take it seriously? (sigh) ~ don't even like suggesting it... but it WAS/IS that bad. A TRUE hiker/camper would NEVER do that!!! Also, heed the warnings and take them seriously ~ they are there for a reason.. you may not only be putting your life in danger, but others who may have to try and save yours.

Suggestions about the trash? *You could hire me/us to enforce it... (smile) ~ I'd go back there in a heartbeat ~ it is THAT beautiful on Kua'i... it is our prayer, that Kua'i keeps it's integrity and not over develope commercially ~ it's Aloha Spirit is intoxicating and so relaxing ~! Truly, it's paradise ~

~ see you on the trails when we return! May take a year ~ (And we can't wait!!!)

Aloha ~ Kitty

Feb 05, 2007 1:09PM

My husband and I also just came back (Feb 3,2007) from a week in Kauai and I felt the same disgust with all the trash that is left at the campsite and all over the island for that matter. It's is such a beautiful place I don't understand why it isn't a priority for some to keep it this way.

I would also like to reiterate how important it is to NOT LEAVE valuables in your car. Even if it's just for a quick minute to check out the map at the Kalalau trailhead. Our plan to hike the trail over a period of three days was cancelled due to the theft of our backpacks which had all the camping gear, stove, water purification, food, clothes, hiking permits... everything on the first day of our holiday. We reported the theft and after buying a few items of clothing to get us through the week we were able to enjoy several day hikes.

Perhaps one day we'll go back to try it again.

May 10, 2007 3:51PM

Does anyone have any suggestions on hiking and camping the Napali Coast w/ a one year old in a backpack? We were really hoping to bring our daughter but it seems like it may be too dangerous. we are very outdoorsy and have hiked many Colorado trails w/ her.

Thanks for any help

May 15, 2007 11:45AM

My wife and I are visiting in June and are planning on taking a day hike to Hanakapi'ai. I've seen all of the warnings regarding this swimming at this beach (as well as Polihale, another beach we'd like to visit), but I can't tell if these beaches are always considered unsafe for swimming, or just when the surf is particularly high. Are these beaches generally safe for swimming in the early summer when the surf is typically lower? Thanks!

May 20, 2007 11:06AM

Aloha Luke:

As far as visiting in June..

Polihale should be fine to swim - flat NO waves(like glass as we locals say). Polihale is big in Winter due to the North swell wrap around. Can get a small bump from the south swell wrap around but nothing more than 3 ft on a good day.
My personal experience from living da West side: Polihale Hale is da best summer time....BUT:

The road is EXTREMELY bumpy, VERY VERY BAD(dirt road w/ plenty holes though a cane fields) plenty of sand sink holes in the park, and summer means we locals are there camping so expect plenty people!

Jun 20, 2007 3:54PM

Hi to all who may read this.

My husband and I are considering moving to Kauai because of his job.

But everyone we know who has been there tells us NO! don’t go!
It’s boring, there’s nothing to do, there’s no night life, they roll up the streets at dark.

So we’re not sure what to do.

We have been to the other Islands and loved it but that was only for a week at a time.

If he takes the job we would be on Kauai for two years.

The only thing that comes to my mind is how could PARADISE be boring?

Your thoughts or suggestions would be greatly appreciated

thanks!

D in AZ

Jun 23, 2007 6:59PM

@Dianne-My husband and I moved out here for work last fall. I absolutely love it. True, there isn't much for night life........there isn't alot if you're into serious shopping either. But, if you love the beach and mountains and all the activities related to them, then this is the place for you. Seeing the ocean everyday on the way to work is wonderful. Just be aware that it is a small island and its very different from anywhere on the mainland. My advise is to vacation here for a week or more and get the feel for it. (Check out the local paper on line and look for houses to rent by the night or week rather than a hotel.) Even then, if you move here, you'll be suprised at the

Hector Tapia Perez

Nov 27, 2007 2:01PM

I miss Kauai. It is cold in Detroit. It snowed last night, and the news had another murder. We have three casinos that are open 24/7. I need to sell my house to get to da real world of Kauai. I need da aloha spirit from God's favorite island.

Rand

Dec 18, 2007 8:12AM

Just got back from spending three weeks in Hawaii, & two of these on Kauai.
I loved it, but since it was their winter, it rained a lot. Some of the trails were closed because of this. Beaches beautiful but very dangerous for the "thoughtless"
You do need to be aware and extra cautious around the beaches and rivers.
There are many signs of warning all around. Also, watch-out for all the bad drivers on this island. Especially when it rains. They speed and tail-gate here. If it's your first time, you won't know the road as well, and they do hand out speeding tickets.
It's also a fairly expensive island to holiday on. But, you will love it.

Dec 20, 2007 12:38AM

i hope all the people who litter on kauai fall off the mountain and die or drown in the ocean. your dna (and obvious lack of intelligence) should not be passed down.

also, to some ignorant parents of small children...guess what? this ain't disneyland and mother nature will happily take your kids from you (permanently) if you don't keep a tight rein on them.

respect this land or enjoy your misfortunes you bring upon yourselves.

Dec 31, 2007 1:23PM

I want to bring my family to kauai for vacation. I don't know the best place for lodges not camping. Do you know any good lodging villages/places?

michael hosto

Feb 02, 2008 11:02PM

My wife and I spent 2 weeks on Kauai. We felt a spiritual bond with the Island. We want to bring our young children to Kauai to live. (ages 5 & 2)

I have heard that children that are not native born and not polynesian looking are not treated well in some parts of Hawaii.

I found everyone in Kauai so freindly i just couldnt imagine that people there would be racist and discriminatory but maybe I was just being a tourist and dealing with people in the hospitaity biz.

I feel convinced that these stories of discriminaton must be on other islands.

Am I wrong or just naive?

Mar 01, 2008 2:51AM

We will be arriving on 3/2. Curious if the Na Pali snorkeling trips have been going out lately. Due to the high surf.
That is something we really want to do, but afraid the surf will prevent it.

Mar 31, 2008 6:57AM

Hi To all: I have lived on Oahu, visited the Big Island and Maui. I love the islands. How do the beaches on Kauai compare to Oahu? and Maui beaches? I love snorkeling especiall. Which are the best snorkeliung beaches on Kauai?

Thanks,

Cathy

Apr 17, 2008 6:50PM

Me and my Husband are taking off in just a week to stay at Princeville, we have been there before but havn\'t found the right spot for horseback riding? ? ?
We are a little older and hiking is not our thing. . .also does anyone know where the best Hellicopter open air ride to see the Napli Coast is? Thanks for your commments.

Apr 22, 2008 9:50PM

My husband and I are coming to Kauai in June with our four children(ages 8-14). We are interested in hiking the Hanakapi'ai trail, the whole 8 miles. We are from Southern Utah, and have abundant hiking experience. Do you think it is safe for our family? What do you recommend?

May 13, 2008 5:37PM

Hi,
Is the only way to get to this beach hiking? And if so do you have to hike the entire 8 miles or is there spot to enter the trail closer to the beach? Thank you!!!

Aug 29, 2008 9:23AM

Aloha,
My wife and I just returned this morning, August 27, 2008 from a week of fun and relaxation on beautiful Kauai, and have to say that amongst all the other islands we have visited, Kauai, definitely is da best, in terms of the Aloha spirit period - mind you I am originally from the Big Island of Hawaii and a former resident of the state.
We have visited Kauai twice in the past and have always enjoyed the people and their spirit. Sadly, the poipu side is becoming much like Waikiki, Kaanapali and the Wailea side of Maui.
Living Aloha is preserving what the Aloha and the Hawaii way of life.
Aloha,

Sep 12, 2008 8:26PM

My husband & I are experienced hikers and are thinking about hiking the Na Pali Coast to Kalalau Beach. Just wondering if April or May is a good time of year for this hike. And who do I contact for an overnight permit as we plan on spending 2 - 3 nights. Any other tips would be appreciated. Thanks,

Sep 27, 2008 8:54PM

To the Kauai Explorer Staff Guy who writes W at the end of his comments...

Ive never been to Kauai, or any of the Hawaiian Islands for that matter. Im planning on leaving Texas on my 18th birthday to come live on Kauai for a few years. However, I dont want to live around a bunch of people in the neighborhood areas. I would much rather live in that Napali Coast State Park, and I was wondering If you could give me some info as to how I could do that.
and maybe could you give me some info about island life or traditions? that would be a great help. Thanks in advance Mr. W.

Nov 06, 2008 9:07PM

Aloha. I live in Honolulu and have a couple mainland friends visiting over New Year's for 8 days. They want to spend a few days here on Oahu and then go to Kauai to hike the Na Pali Coast trail. If so, I'd like to tack on a day to see Waimea Canyon as the only time I've been to Kauai was just spent on the beaches doing research. I'm wondering how hiking the trail is at this time of year, with regard to climate, trail conditions and camping on the beach with the expected raging surf (not to mention getting permits). If hiking the coast is not possible, then perhaps we should go to the Big Island instead and save Kauai for another time.

Mahalo

Dec 14, 2008 6:57PM

Aloha to W and staff.
My wife and I will be arriving Dec 22 for a week vacation. I've been reading the island has been receiving bad storms these past couple of days resulting in road closures, particularly in the west. Does it look as if Waimea Canyon and the Na Pali coast will be without restrictions next week? Thanks, Jerry

Jan 09, 2009 7:54PM

My boyfriend and I are planning a trip to Kauai. We want to camp for 7-10 days around the na pali coast. We are looking for a mix of swimming, snorkeling, day hike/exploring and R&R. It sounds like May might be great due to the cooler temps but will the surf be too big for snorkeling. If you have to choose may or september which is better?? -b

Damon

Jan 14, 2009 7:27AM

Hi My Wife and I are finally gonna go on our long awaited honeymoon after 12 years together. We will be staying on the island of Maui but want to visit Kaui and particualrly the NaPali coastline.

We are big film buffs and would like to know which beach has the rocks with the archways from the movie 6 Days and 7 Nights, and the 1976 King Kong...I believe it was the exact same beach and archway. Also how many hours should we plan to see this beach and hike the trail to the falls.

thanks for any help we can get.

Jan 18, 2009 4:38PM

Your web site is great! How far into the hike to see this photo (beach with the arched rocks)? What is the name of that location?

Jan 24, 2009 1:44AM

Hey everybody, I\'ve got ALOT of questions about kauai, and I hope you might be able to help me with them.

Me and Two friends are planning to go to Kauai and camp near the na pali coast, but more interior island, somewhere where we won\'t be discovered, mainly because we want to stay there for anywhere between 3-6 months.

So... my questions are,
-is the mountain stream water safe to drink?
-is there any place that isn\'t teaming with people and that we could actually live in? (not super specific, just an area)
-is there enough fruit/fish/game subsidized by rice/beans to survive?
-is there anywhere to actually fish?
-is it possible to hike all over the island? Or will a car definitely be required?
-We\'re thinking of leaving anywhere between march-may and coming back earliest august, should we go another time of year, or?
-Is there anything that we will absolutely require?
-I\'ve heard there is and isn\'t mosquitoes there... Should we be worried about them?

That\'s all for now, ANY information you can give me will be a great help.

Jan 24, 2009 2:16AM

Alright... I knew it was illegal but... uuhh if we can't do what I mentioned then can you by chance recommend an alternative method to camp somewhere for 3-6 months...somewhere good, I don't see this as being a huge issue if we're very careful, and minimalistic.

Jan 25, 2009 3:59AM

Hey there, me and a friend are planning to go for a few hikes around Na Pali, and the northern part of the island.

I was wondering if the mountain streams/geysers(if in fact they are geysers) are safe to drink,
-if unfiltered
-if filtered
-etc.

Feb 02, 2009 2:45PM

Hi. I've got lots of questions relating to winds and water. I'm going to be hiking the Kalalau Trail in two weeks. I notice the tradewinds are shifting to the northeast. Is this seasonal (will the tradewinds continue to shift easterly then southerly), or super temporary (with the winds shifting more back to the west soon)? Since the surf is pretty low at Kalalau Beach currently, are Hanakapai'i and Kalalau beaches safer? Are the "dangerous currents" perpendicular rip currents or currents flowing parallel to the beach? Thank you.

Feb 05, 2009 6:19PM

Kyle,

You're not the first person to dream about coming to Kauai and living a minimalist lifestyle legally or illegally. I don't want to burst your bubble or idea of shangrela, but be prepared to deal with angry locals if you get caught "mooching" off the land.

Don't be so minimalist that you can't at least buy a good book on Kauai that can answer most of your questions. There are some pretty awesome hikes in Kauai that 99.9% of the tourists would never consider.

be safe

Mar 15, 2009 12:51AM

Please tell me how i can hike the Kalalua trail and take a boat out? Please help :)

Apr 03, 2009 4:28AM

Are you saying it would not be legal to hire a private boat to pick you up at Kalalau beach after hiking in?

why would that be?

Apr 08, 2009 4:46PM

Hi there - are there only two places you are allowed to camp on the Na Pali trail? I'm hoping to get a permit to camp one night on the trail, but I'm not sure how far I want to hike in one day. Do you know how far it is to the closest campsite to the trailhead? Thanks for your help!

Apr 08, 2009 5:25PM

Oh and also: is it advisable/possible to try to camp on the Na Pali coast in late April? Thank you!

Apr 10, 2009 12:50AM

In July I'll be staying at a condo in Princeville. What beach - that is safe to swim in - is the closest to Princeville?

Apr 18, 2009 4:49PM

I'm interested in hiking to and photographing the Hanakapiai Falls. I would carry my gear (camera, several lenses, tripod) in a backpack. Is it possible to do this, crossing creeks, etc., and keep my gear dry? I understand it may rain, but what about the streams, etc.?

May 29, 2009 7:33AM

Hello. My wife and I are going to Kauai to celebrate our 10th Anniversary. We are going to see the Na Pali by boat. I understand boats are not allowed to land at Honopu because it is considered sacred, but I understand you can swim there from Kalalau (and the guidebooks say from a boat). So what I am wondering is how close can boats get? I\'ve seen pictures of boats pretty close to the shore. Is it possible/legal to swim from a boat to Honopu? Do you know any boat companies that would be willing to make a short stop? I also don\'t want to disrespect any native traditions. The reason boats can\'t land there is, I\'m assuming, out of respect to the bones of the kings and warriors burried there. Would it be disrespectful to them if my wife and I swam from a boat anchored off shore and offered a prayer for them? I want to experience the beauty of Honopu but in a manner that is respectful to that beauty. Thank you in advance! God Bless

Jun 22, 2009 6:02PM

Went to Kauai a couple weeks ago and hiked the Nualolo Cliffs Trail, man that was awesome. . .we're looking into hiking the Na Pali Coast. I've heard that you can pay a baot to drop off your camping gear and a resupply of water/food. . .is this true? Or an even better question, is this legal? Thanks for any info!

Jun 29, 2009 6:14PM

Hello,

Husb. and I will stay in North Shore Oahu for 6 nights only...not sure of month to visit for best weather and least amount of tourists...also one other question..while there I'd like to do a day trip to Kauai. I'm not sure what to do/what method to get there, etc...my main interest is seeing north shore/Napali Coast area. What is the best day trip to take for that?
Thanks so very much,
Marie