5 Tips For Hiking the Kalalau Trail

1. Avoid this hike during times of heavy rain as the Hanakapiai River is subject to flash flooding and the trail conditions will be too difficult.
2. Be prepared for a strong sun. Wear sunscreen, a good hat, and drink lots of water to avoid dehydration.
3. Wear sturdy footwear. Exposed roots and rocks along the trail can be dif-ficult to navigate. Shoes with ankle support are recommended.
4. There is no potable water along the trail. All stream water must be boiled or treated before drinking.
5. Camping is allowed, but you will need a state permit from the DLNR. Because of the popularity of Na Pali, permits run out fast so get yours well in advance (we recommend at least 1 year ahead of time).

Great For

Surfing, bodyboarding, stand-up paddle boarding, beachwalks, sunbathing.

Waioli Beach is very scenic with mountains in the background and many sailboats are anchored offshore

Highlights

Several annual surfing contests are held along this stretch of beach, and there are also two volleyball courts that are frequented by the local “pros.” If you walk westward along the shore from Waioli Beach Park at low tide you can visit the secluded Waikoko Beach at the far end of the bay. A large lagoon area at Waikoko has very calm water, and beyond the lagoon at the point is a popular surfing spot for experienced surfers. Hanalei earned first place on “Dr. Beach” Stephen P. Leatherman’s 2009 list of America’s top 10 beaches.

Need to Know

All of Hanalei Bay including Waioli Beach Park is subject to large and dangerous surf, particularly during the winter months. Rip currents may form near shore and pounding shorebreak can make swimming hazardous. The area near Hanalei Pier is the most protected, although even this area can be too dangerous for swimming during a winter swell. During summer the conditions are typically very calm throughout the bay but use caution at all times of year. Beginning swimmers should stay close to shore, and never go in the water during times of high surf or rough seas.

Lifeguard

Yes

Facilities

Restrooms, showers, picnic facilities, volleyball courts.

Access

Waioli Beach Park is reached by taking Hwy. 56 from Princeville down into Hanalei Valley where you turn right on Aku Rd. and then drive about 1/3-mile to Weke Road and turn right. About 1/3-mile ahead you can turn right on either Amaama Rd. or Hee Rd. which both lead to the beach.

Video

Description

Shipwreck Beach is known as a good bodyboarding beach and also frequented by surfers though the conditions are typically not good for beginners. The strong shorebreak can be dangerous for those without experience in the ocean. Windsurfers and kitesurfers also like this beach. On the eastern side of Shipwreck Beach is the prominent stone cliff (actually a lithified sand dune) called Makawehi Point that is known as a good fishing spot. The cliffs and rocks make this a very scenic beach.

Great For

Swimming, bodyboarding, surfing when water is not too rough. Shore hikes.

Highlights

During strong southwesterly storms sand is uncovered from the beachrock shelves fronting this beach, exposing petroglyphs that were carved into the rocks by Hawaiians in ancient times. The Hawaiian name for this beach is Keoneloa which means “Long sands.”

The cliffs and rocks make this a very scenic beach

Need to Know

The strong shorebreak as well as powerful rip currents can make swimming dangerous. Though the locals make it look easy, don’t assume you can go in just because you see people bodyboarding. Never go into the ocean during times of high surf or rough seas. Always stay close to shore and beware of currents.

Lifeguard

No

Facilities

None

Access

Shipwreck Beach is reached by following Hwy. 50 from Hanapepe toward Lawai and turning right on Koloa Rd. just past Mile Marker 11. Continue on until you reach Poipu Road and turn right. Near the ocean where the road forks, go left. Shipwreck Beach fronts the Hyatt Hotel, and you can access the beach between the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course and the Hyatt.

Description

Located in a relatively well-protected cove on Kauai’s western shore, Salt Pond Beach is a crescent beach set between two rock outcroppings connected by a natural lava rock ridge that creates a small lagoon. This lagoon provides a nice swimming area for very small children. The beach has reddish-golden sand and is frequented by local families and is a popular camping area. Tidepools along the shoreline are fun for exploring while surfers enjoy the waves that break outside the reef. Snorkeling is best near the rock outcropping on the salt pond side of the beach where the commonly seen fish include butterflyfish, Moorish idols, goatfish, and many others. The center area of the beach is unprotected so swimmers should stay close to shore.

Great For

Swimming, snorkeling, surfing, windsurfing, kitesurfing, paddle boarding, picnics, camping (with a permit).

Highlights

Salt Pond Beach is located next to Hawaii’s last remaining natural salt gathering area. The salt forms in small holding ponds that are carefully tended until the summer months when the salt is harvested. This is an important Hawaiian cultural tradition that continues today.

Salt Pond Beach is located next to Hawaii’s last remaining natural salt gathering area

Need to Know

During times of large waves there are rip currents that may form in the channels between the natural rock ridge connecting the rock outcroppings on either side of the lagoon. This can create very dangerous swimming conditions. Never go in the ocean during times of high surf or rough seas and always stay close to shore. Do not go near the traditional salt gathering ponds which are cultivated by Hawaiians and are off limits to the public. This area is fragile and should not be disturbed.

Lifeguard

Yes

Facilities

Restrooms, showers, picnic pavilions, picnic tables, barbecues, campsites.

Access

Salt Pond Beach Park is reached by following Hwy. 50 west from Kalaheo past Hanapepe town and turn left just after Mile Maker 17 on Lele Street. Then make a right turn on Lokokai Rd. which leads to the park.

Description

Rock Quarry Beach is a popular local surfing beach located on Kauai’s north shore within a somewhat protected bay. The Kilauea stream empties into this bay. A large sandbar formed by the mouth of the Kilauea River creates a calm area, however the bay itself is not protected by any offshore reef so it is subject to large surf.Surfers and bodyboarders are frequently seen on the waves at Rock Quarry though it is not recommended for beginners, especially when the waves are large. Swimming is good within the calmer areas as long as the surf is not too big. Snorkeling is best on the west side of the beach when the ocean is not too rough.

Great For

Sunbathing, beachcombing, fishing. Swimming and snorkeling when the water is calm. Surfing and bodysurfing for those who are experienced.

Highlights

The rivermouth area is known as a good fishing spot. Kayaking is popular in the bay as well as the river. The thickly vegetated hills that surround this beach provide a picturesque setting. A rock quarry that overlooks the bay was abandoned many years ago.

Rock Quarry Beach is a popular local surfing beach located on Kauai’s north shore within a somewhat protected bay

Need to Know

The water at Rock Quarry can be a bit murky due to the river runoff. Beware of strong currents and rip tides and only swim when the water is calm. Swimmers should stay within the calm pool area near the rivermouth.

Lifeguard

No

Facilities

None

Access

Rock Quarry Beach is reached from Lihue by following Hwy. 56 north to Wailapa Road just before Kilauea town. Turn right on Wailapa and go about .6 miles down the road turn left onto a dirt road that will lead you down a hill about .5 miles where you can park overlooking the beach. It is just a short walk down to the beach.

Description

Trees line the shore providing plenty of shady areas for relaxing. The width of the beach varies through the seasons and is quite narrow in some spots. This can make for an adventurous walk along the shore beneath the trees. Puu Poa Beach is also quite scenic with views of Hanalei Bay and the surrounding mountains. The public can reach the beach by walking down about 200 steps beginning on the left side of the St. Regis parking lot. If you are staying at the hotel you merely have to take the elevator down to the bottom level and you will emerge beachside.

Great For

Beachwalks, sunbathing. Swimming and snorkeling when water is calm. Surfing for those who are experienced.

Highlights

This sparkling white sand beach provides an exotic Hawaiian beach experience with the tree-lined shore protected by a large fringing reef that often creates a lagoon-like setting. A channel in the reef allows experienced surfers to paddle out to the famous Hanalei Bay surf break from the “back door.” You can also walk with your surfboard along the beach toward Hanalei Bay then cross the river and paddle out there.

Need to Know

Puu Poa Beach is relatively well protected from the open sea by a coral reef and is typically very calm and safe but the beach is still subject to high waves, strong surges and powerful ocean currents, particularly during the big winter swells that pummel these shores each winter. Never go in the ocean during times of high surf or rough seas, and always stay near shore.

Lifeguard

No

Facilities

None, though the St. Regis hotel is nearby.

Access

Puu Poa Beach is reached by following Hwy. 56 to Ka Haku Road which leads down into Princeville. At the end of the road is the gatehouse for the St. Regis hotel. Just outside the gate are very few public parking spots. A paved path begins on the left side of the hotel near the gatehouse and leads down the steps to the beach.

Great For

Snorkeling, swimming, fishing, scuba diving, whale watching (during the winter months).

This western Molokai beach is quite secluded and also relatively well protected from the open ocean

Highlights

From November to May this is a great beach for spotting humpback whales breaching in the channel.

Need to Know

When the waves are large or the ocean is rough, particularly during the winter months, this beach can be very dangerous and swimming is not recommended. Never go in the ocean during times of high surf or rough seas.

Lifeguard

No

Facilities

None

Access

Restricted access to Molokai Ranch makes Sandy Cove the last easily accessible beach along this stretch of west Molokai coastline. Follow Hwy. 460 to the town of Maunaloa where the road curves sharply (you will see a pineapple exhibit on the left). Turn right on Mokio Street which turns into a dirt road that you follow to the south until the end where it branches and you go left and Hale O Lono Harbor is on the right. Just past the harbor is Sandy Cove.

Great For

Snorkeling, diving, and swimming but only when the ocean is calm.

Sandy Beach popular with families that have small children

Highlights

Though Sandy Beach is less scenic than nearby Murphy’s Beach, it is better for swimming because of the deeper water and protection provided by an offshore coral reef.

Need to Know

Beware of the strong currents that often run along the right side of this beach. Never go in the ocean during times of high surf or rough seas.

Lifeguard

No

Facilities

None

Access

Sandy Beach is located along Hwy. 450 on Molokai’s eastern coastline between Mile Markers 21 and 22. As you drive east it will be the last beach you see before you get to Halawa Beach Park.

Scenic views of the surrounding seacoast make this beach one of Molokai’s most enjoyable beaches

Great For

Swimming and snorkeling are good here when the sea is calm.

Highlights

Scenic views of the surrounding seacoast make secluded Pukoo Beach one of Molokai’s most enjoyable beaches. This is a great place for a picnic as you gaze at the harbor and the beautiful Molokai coastline.

Need to Know

During times of high surf or rough water you should not swim at this beach as the water conditions may be hazardous.

Video

Lifeguard

No

Facilities

None

Access

Pukoo Beach overlooks Pukoo Harbor in Kaunakakai along the southeastern coastline of Molokai near Mile Marker 16.