This is day 2 of our Kauai Escape posts – a series of posts that span over a week exploring this wonderful island.
Day 2 – Na Pali Coast
We will arise bright and early and make our way to the islands north side. We will take Highway 560 all the way to the end of the highway.
The road will end where our feet will pick up on the Kalalua trail. The trailhead begins right at the end of the road – getting ready for one of the most breathtaking views of our trip.
Due to the rugged nature of the Na Pali coast, it is not traversable by car – so our feet will have to suffice. The Kalalua trail winds along the Na Pali coast for 11 miles.
As we hike along we will might recognize the scenery from some recent Hollywood films. We will certainly NOT forget our cameras, because we never want to forget this incredible experience!
We can hike in as far as we would like and come back. If we want to hike beyond two miles we will need to call the State Parks office for a permit.
What do you say – shall we go for it…?
Lifecruiser ♥ Na Pali Coast
To be continued tomorrow….
Earlier article:
The Na Pali Kalalau trail is an extremely difficult 11 miles (one-way) of sheer hell, up and down, up and down.
First, you’ll need to get a wilderness permit/camping permit from the parks office located in Lihue. You can’t get the permit via on-line nor via mail. You must show up in person. This should be done the day before your hike, because you’ll need to start at the head of the trail early in the morning if you want to get to the end of the 11 miles by 3 or 4PM while there’s good light to see by.
I think there are two places where you can camp for the night along the trail. There might be restroom facilities but no potable water. Take water purification tablets or filter. Plan your hike at the Kalalau Trail very carefully. I suggest that you buy a Kauai guidebook to do this. “Ultimate Kauai:Kauai Revealed” has great hiking trail info, along with color maps.
Arriving or departing from Haena (or at the visitor parking lot at Ke’e Beach), you can just put up your thumbs and hitchhike. It’s free and relatively safe. (I always pick up hitchhikers while in Kauai.) This is the best spontaneous thing a visitor can do safely in Kauai.
If you ever reach the end of the trail, there are some people at
the beach lighting campfires, bonfires, etc., at night. You can
meet some very interesting hippie people by simply walking up to them and offering food. Pizza toppings are good, like pepperoni, mozzerella cheese, canned food, etc. Good times, good times…
Hope you will enjoyed there lot….
Go for it.
Do not hesitate
The landscape is marvelous! I want to visit Napali coast!