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?