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Sea Kayaking and Hiking the Na Pali Coast
As featured in Treks in a Wild World: Sea
Kayaking the Na Pali Coast |
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Christina LaMonica & her pinkie kayak
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Where It's At
Kaua'i, the 'Garden Isle' is famous for its deep green rainforests,
a huge canyon and it's navigable river. But the island is
also home to one of the most famous treks in the USA: the
Kalalau Trail on the Na Pali Coast. This narrow 11
mile path snakes along the spectacularly eroded lava cliffs,
called Pali, that form the north shore of the island. Formed
by small rivers carving into the lava rock the fluted rock
is lushly covered with rainforest plants and from a distance
looks a soft velvety green.
In Hawaiian, Na Pali simply means 'the cliffs' and
these are Hawaii's grandest and most rugged. The sheer cliffs
are home to many rare and endangered native Hawai'ian wildlife
and the whole coast was the home to native settlements. Hawaii
has more endangered plant species than anywhere else in the
world, so it's a great place to learn about tropical flora
and fauna. The cliffs drop straight to the sea where small
secluded beaches are sheltered, like Hanakapi'ai and
Kalalau. The trail takes you down to these beaches
where swimming is possible but only for the experienced as
it can be dangerous. Much of the Na Pali coastline is inaccessible
- you have to hike in or even better, go by kayak.
There's only a brief time during the summer months that the
water is calm enough to kayak. For the rest of the year, it's
just too dangerous.
Highlights
- Sunset over the Na Pali coast mountains from Kee Beach.
- Hiking through the Kalalau Valley to swim in a 100
ft waterfall.
- Discovering endangered monk seals on a deserted beach. |
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Our journey path (as featured in
Treks in a Wild World)
The Na Pali coast stretches twenty-two miles along the north
side of the island of Kauai the oldest in the Hawaiian
chain. To Kayak from Haena Beach to Polihale
is only eleven miles, but in a kayak, that's three days.
Trekker Cristina LaMonica starts her trek at Haena
Beach and spends the day paddling to Kalalau, a
verdant valley and the first of several campsites along the
way. She makes a hike into the rainforest to visit the Big
Pool at the bottom of Davis Waterfall. A refreshing
dip really cools you down after a few hours of humid hiking!
After Kalalau, Cristina heads to Milolii, where there
is a remote beach and a primitive campsite. Finally, with
aching arms, Cristina paddled to Polihale Beach, aptly
named "home of the spirits." |
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Cristina LaMonica's journey route
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Kayaking tips
- The best time to kayak the Na Pali Coast is the month of
July. In fact, this is one of the only times because the swells
crashing against the rocks at other times of the year make
it too dangerous, even for experienced kayakers.
- Don't forget that you must register with the State Parks
system BEFORE you go camping. You must have a camping permit
which can be obtained at the State Parks office in Lihue.
Permits are issued for free but you should apply at least
seven days in advance of your trip.
- You should be a strong swimmer to kayak the Na Pali coast.
While the summer months are when the water is calmest, the
sea can be rough and you don't want to get caught UNDER the
water. And always wear your lifejacket.
- There are lots of streams and springs along the way, but
make sure you boil or treat the water before drinking it.
Because this is one of the wettest places on earth, the trails
into the valleys can become very slippery and treacherous.
A good pair of TABIs, Japanese fishing shoes, are invaluable
for gripping some pretty muddy trails.
Hiking tips
- Sturdy shoes are a must as the tracks can be muddy and
injuries due to slipping are not uncommon.
- Rain gear is essential too as this happens in frequent showers
year round.
- It can be a very steep trail but the views are worth it:
Na Pali is one of the most spectacular places in the Hawai'ian
islands; the further you go along this trail the less crowded
it becomes and and the view of Kalalau Beach at the
end of your trek is amazing.
- Permits are needed to hike, the same as to camp. Regulations
are in place regarding the maximum length of permitted camping
time allowed at each spot.
- You should also be in reasonable shape and must bring all
water and food in with you as well as out.
- Leaving a rental car unattended at the trail head is not
a good idea as break-ins and theft are common.
Did you know?
- The entire chain of Hawaiian islands is volcanic in origin
and it's still growing! Kauai is the oldest in the chain and
was the first to develop its lush vegetation and tropical
forests. Kauai's natives were also the first Hawaiian's to
come into contact with Europeans. The infamous Captain Cook
landed here in 1778.
- In September 1992, Hurricane Iniki struck Hawaii and Kauai
took the brunt of the destruction. Iniki seriously damaged
50% of the buildings on the island. A grassroots movement
began to rebuild, but to rebuild in a more eco-friendly way.
- At the start at the Kalalau Trail, you can visit
an ancient heiau, or hula school, dedicated to the
Laka, the goddess of hula. Hula dancers from all over Hawaii
come here to make offerings to Laka and in ancient times,
this was considered to be Kauai's most sacred hula school.
Please remember to be respectful of the heiau. It is a place
of great importance to all of the Hawaiian people. |
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