Hiking Nā Pali Coast's Kalalau Trail (Kauai, Hawaii)
Length: 6:0
Description: Re: The music used. I use Pinnacle Studio to create the video slideshows. This program includes some music along with the option to purchase additional individual musical scores. There are hundreds from which to choose. And that's what I did here. The tune is called Until Forever. There is no artist info.
I'm not sure if it's just a regularly tuned accoustic guitar or a Hawaiian tuned slack key. But, amazingly, it sounds like kīhō'alu. That's why I chose it.
Now, back to the video: The Nā Pali Coast sits along Kaua'i's northern shore. It is the most dramatic and awe-inspiring place on the island and draws the attention of just about all visitors who come here. This demand to see it has local businesses scurrying to supply all sorts of site-seeing services from which tourists may choose.
By air you may go by helicopter, small plane, or even an ultralight. By water you may go by sailing catamaran, large boat, hard-hulled inflatable, or -- maybe -- a kayak (if you have the strength and know-how).
We have enjoyed seeing this beautiful coast a couple times from a couple different angles using those services. However, one method we have joyfully employed on each of our three trips to Kaua'i was hiking.
There is no better way to experience Nā Pali Coast than getting up-close and personal. And you will not find a better way than to hike the eleven-mile trail that follows this beautiful coast -- from Ke'e Beach to Kalalau Valley/Beach. That trail is called the Kalalau Trail.
For day-hikers, you can freely hike the two miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach. For the more rugged among you, from that beach, you may choose to go inland an additional two miles through Hanakapi'ai Valley to Hanakapi'ai Falls. It's supposed to be a great experience, but I've never done it.
That detour is an eight-mile round trip on foot in rugged terrain! Are you up to it? Most people simply choose the first two miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach.
If you're not the big outdoors person, you do not even have to hike that far from Ke'e Beach to get some really awesome views of Nā Pali. Within the first mile or so you will find enough to satisfy yourself. It's definitely worth a look since you will not have to expend too much time or effort and you may not even break a sweat! Just don't blame me if you get there and feel the urge to hike further. :)
If you want to hike beyond Hanakapi'ai Beach along the Kalalau Trail, you will need a camping permit from the state. I've never done it so I am not sure about procedures, but I have read that the permits are limited and require many weeks of advance reservation.
One thing is for sure when hiking here: EVERYTHING is further than it looks! As the trail follows this zigzagged coast, everytime we came to an apex out towards the water, we could peer down the coast towards our destination. However, the view seemed like it never changed! We were hiking and hiking along yet it seemed as if we were not making any progress. This was one aspect that made it seem much further than the actual two miles hiked.
Hanakapi'ai Beach is dangerous if you plan on entering the water. Many have drowned here because of the rip currents. Be cautious.
The safest bet is to stay out of the water.
As a testament to ferocity of the ocean here, there is a hand-written sign at Hanakapi'ai Beach that reads: "In memory of all those who have drowned at Hanakapi'ai Beach, a warning of very strong and dangerous currents - most were only wading, these are just a few!" It is then followed with a short list of victims who have drowned here. Their names and hometowns kind of made me feel uneasy. I felt that it gave the place a hallowed feeling.
Coupled with the actual warning signs, they stand as reminders that Mother Nature's rules can sometimes be tough -- and deadly. Please, heed the warnings. Also keep in mind that rogue waves can also change the dynamics of what may appear to be a peaceful-looking ocean. Just keep your guard up and you shall have a great time.
Author: BlueCollarTraveler
Source: YouTube
