I don't know how my kids will do with those heights, but I get terrible vertigo when I get close to a ledge. Haena State Park including the Kalalau Trail, which had been closed due to the flooding that occurred in the Spring of 2018, re-opened on Monday, June 17, 2019. 56 all the way north to the end of the road and park at the lot. Particularly Special Place. Archived. 2021 Hawaii Travel Guide. Backpacker Magazine lists the Kalalau Trail as one of America’s 10 Most Dangerous Hikes and Outside Magazine lists the trail as one of the 20 Most Dangerous Hikes in the World. On the left, near the end of the road, before you reach the beach, you'll see the trailhead next to a large sign labeled 'Kalalau Trail.'. Found on the north shore of the island, the Kalalau Trail is approximately 11 miles long and full of countless dangers. really is. When We think Kauai’s hiking trails are simply some of the best we’ve ever trekked, and we’re excited for you to explore the Kalalau Trail and more. Please do not place yourself at risk by walking on boulders that are wet with sea water - if the boulders are wet it means that the waves come up that high. Your use of this website constitutes your acceptance of all the terms, conditions, and disclaimers posted herein. * Hawaii-Guide.com is not a booking agent, accommodation provider, establishment, or tour operator. My experience was on a nice, sunny day last August on the section of We recommend making this a 3-day hike at least. That’s why we recommend touring with a seasoned guide; it ensures your safety and gives you the absolute best hike possible. Crawlers Ledge on the Kalalau trail. Labeled the hike on Kauai, the Kalalau Trail is an 11-mile trek into paradise. The 11-mile trail winds along the dramatically scenic Nāpali Coast from Ke’e Beach to Kalalau … As you keep going, you'll begin the hike into Hoolulu Valley, which is the first major valley after Hanakapiai Valley along the Kalalau trail. Download your FREE copy of our... The hike out of Hanakapiai is a rather arduous climb and the views are mostly behind you (be sure to look behind you at the beach as you climb). touching the cliff wall. Hazzardous section of Kauai's Kalalau Trail, referred to as "Crawler's Ledge" by some. Of course, if you grew up hiking to Kalalau and back, then it is a nice place to take a break and have a snack (just make sure that there are no mountain goats crossing above you, as rock fall from goats can be quite dangerous). All Rights Reserved. The trail, and Crawlers Ledge, is the only way to get to Kalalau Beach. This stunning area is otherwise known as the Na Pali Coast, famous for being one of the most beautiful shorelines in the entire world. The short portion of the trail to this point can be a lot of work, but this is one of the most gorgeous views of the hike. Taking other people's content (text, photos, etc) without permission is a copyright violation and NOT OKAY! After doing a good bit of climbing, you'll come to Space Rock, the highest point anywhere on the Kalalau trail, approximately 700 ft. above the waves below. Check out these Kauai hiking trail information links and get ready to explore! Answer 11 of 12: I'll be heading to Kauai in August with my 11 and 13 year old boys and we want to hike down the Kalalau trail. 1st Day: Hike the Kalalau trail to Kalalau Beach (12 miles) and include the offshoot at mile 6 to Hanakoa Waterfall (+1 mile). Scenes Below the Crawlers Ledge. After Hanakoa Valley, you climb up and then descend a series of switchbacks onto what is affectionately known as Crawlers Ledge because people who are scared by the narrow and exposed ledge have been known to crawl across on hands and knees. Hawai'i has had a great impact on my life. We had spent an extra day in Hanakoa so I felt I had recuperated and was ready to face the next part of our journey. Not near as bad as others had made me think it was - and I do experience vertigo at times. Sometimes there is a rope tied across the river to help with crossings; however, the general rule is to not cross unless you are sure you can do so safely. If it’s not, you might as well turn around. I had one It takes 8 hours to complete the 11-mile hike one way to the destination beach, assuming the weather is good. We personally prefer the campsites on the Kalalau side of the river. It can be scary. It’s remote and can be dangerous so having a good Kalalau Trail packing list is VERY important. Total elevation gain (going and returning along all inclines) between Kee and Hanakapiai is 1,060 ft. and the hike takes approximately an hour and a half at a moderate pace. If you want to cross without getting your feet wet, you can sometimes skip across the rocks if you head inland a few meters; however, it is far safer to get your shoes wet (or take them off and put them back on the other side) than it is to potentially slip on a rock and fall. –. However, Crawler's Ledge is only at around 100 feet of elevation, which pales in comparison to other sections of the trail: … The kalalau trail is an 11 mile trail that leads from kee beach to kalalau beach along the na pali coast on the island of kauai in hawaii. We also receive a small commission from travel partners for some of the links found on this website. I arrived at the start of Hawai’i’s Kalalau Trail to a packed parking lot at Ke’e Beach on the north end of the island. makes a difference on your perspective of how bad it is. Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. the Kalalau Trail and made this section look 100 times worse than it Guide of Hawaii, LLC is a privately-owned (non-government) business. Information in the following sections were updated on December 22, 2019. My wife and I are debating doing this hike, but not super thrilled about videos I have seen involving Crawlers Ledge. Cool If the water is over waist high, do not try to cross the river under any circumstances – just wait; eventually, the flood waters will subside. To hike the entire trail and also spend time exploring Kalalau Beach and Valley takes 3-5 days. I stopped for a second and waved back. There is often strong undertow, rip currents, a dangerous shore break, and the reflection of the surf off the rock walls of the shoreline creates irregular and unpredictable waves. You're well on your way down to Hanakapiaai Beach now, and be sure to enjoy the trek down - it's mostly uphill on the way back. Hiking the Kalalau Trail is most certainly a bucket list adventure. The views here up of the NaPali Coast are stunning. Tags 360 degree Crawler's Ledge kalalau trail mile 7 hand out holding my phone camera towards the ocean side and the other The trail has been named one of the most beautiful, and dangerous, hikes of the United States. The ledge is maybe fifty feet long and at the end there’s a section of rock you have to climb up and over. Also, These links do not cost you anything and help provide the necessary funding to maintain this website. Thus, it is a 22 mile round-trip hike. Follow in the footsteps of ancient Hawaiians. The Kalalau Trail Crawlers Ledge is dangerous – and beautiful. Although Hanakapiai Beach is a dangerous swimming spot, most drownings and near-drownings in Hanakapiai occur in the river when people try to cross in water that is too fast and deep and they are swept away by flooding river waters. Crawler's Ledge on the Kalalau Trail My experience was on a nice, sunny day last August on the section of trail that many get freaked out about. While hiking 22 miles in one day in the Sierras wouldn't be overly challenging, it is nearly impossible on the Kalalau Trail. Keep in mind that small wide-angle lenses like those on GoPro cameras make it seem steeper than it really is. Mahalo! You'll hike through a grove of some of the largest sisal plants you've likely ever seen; they range in size from that of a small bean to the size of a house. For the bold day hiker, you can continue to Hanakoa Falls and still make it back in the same day; however, it is a very long day. The Kalalau Trail is a trail along Nā Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. Still, from the bottom, the many waterfalls hikers can explore on the Kalalau Trail are gorgeous and tranquil and certainly does not look like a place called the death trail. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Kalalau Trail Profile We arrive at the half way campsite in the jungle of Hanakoa Valley and it’s a great disappointment, because of all the trash left behind from amateur hikers, the muddy campsites and the lack of a good view, but we make the most of it with a hike to a nearby 2,000′ waterfall. I’m not saying it’s not steep. it was all done, I thought "That was fun, but doesn't meet all The Trail. Not a problem anywhere. -. It can get so bad at times that sometimes I feel I need to crawl because I get so dizzy. Parts of the trail here can be steep, so use caution. A vast array of verdant valleys, waterfalls, sea caves and gorgeous vistas lay ahead of you. to be a momentary cliff-side celebrity. Other parts of the Kalalau Trail are more dangerous, though I will concede that one misstep on Crawler's Ledge would likely spell certain death. If the rocks are wet, stay off! Once around the corner from Crawlers Ledge, the wind stops and you'll pass several beautiful valleys before coming up to the 8-mile bluff with a clear view of Kalalau. Many people have met their demise by being swept off these shelves by large waves after venturing on them at a low point in between sets. Crawlers ledge mile 7 many people say that the scariest part of the kalalau trail is crawlers ledge around mile 7. During the winter months, you will be rewarded with views of outstanding waves, while in the summer you may see a group of kayakers floating along the current on the calm seas. After Hanakoa Valley, you climb up and then descend a series of switchbacks onto what is affectionately known as Crawlers Ledge because people who are scared by the narrow and exposed ledge have been known to crawl across on hands and knees. In perfect weather conditions, Crawlers Ledge was a breeze. Kalalau Trail Visitor Safety Video from Hawaii DLNR on Vimeo. This website has information and media that will help you plan your outing to the secluded Kalalau Beach and/or Kalalau Valley. :)#GodIsGood! At approximately the 4.5-mile mark is the entrance of Waiahuakua Valley. Then book a helicopter tour for a spectacular view of the lush green Garden Isle below. Close. June 2017Thanks for watching!God bless! The rocks were slippery, my footing unsure and I managed to fall and land heavily on my right hand. The falls from Hanakapiai Beach is 760 ft ends at Kalalau Beach light drizzle, so use.! Round trip ( 35.4km ) is the main Kalalau trail is most certainly bucket... 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