State Department of Land and Natural Resources officials have reopened the Kalalau Trail and the Kalalau Valley camping area in Na Pali Coast State Park, they said in a press release. Following heavy rains and mudslides that began in late
State Department of Land and Natural Resources officials have reopened the Kalalau Trail and the Kalalau Valley camping area in Na Pali Coast State Park, they said in a press release.
Following heavy rains and mudslides that began in late February, members of a DLNR Division of State Parks crew and a volunteer completed repairs to damaged portions of the 11-mile trail, and clean-up of the Kalalau Valley camping area, last week.
Park closure signs were also removed.
“We are glad to finally reopen this very popular hiking and camping trail after an unusual six weeks’ worth of heavy and prolonged rains that affected the entire state, especially the island of Kaua‘i,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson.
“The trail has had time to dry out, and we have been able to check its condition and the campground to ensure safety for the public,” he said.
During the rainy period, DLNR officials advised hikers to avoid going out on trails due to risk of rising streams, flash-flooding, falling trees, and other natural hazards.
The Kalalau Trail traverses exceptionally scenic, high sea cliffs and lush stream valleys with plunging waterfalls.
The trail head is located at Ha‘ena State Park at the end of Kuhio Highway.
Na Pali Coast State Park covers 6,175 acres. It offers a recreational experience under primitive conditions, with choice of a day hike to Hanakapi‘ai Beach (two miles one-way), or an 11-mile backpacking trip to a primitive camp at Kalalau, and overnight stopovers at Hanakapi‘ai and Hanakoa campgrounds.
There is also a trail from Hanakapi‘ai Beach to Hanakapi‘ai Falls, which criss-crosses Hanakapi‘ai Stream several times before ending at the falls and pool.
The trail to the falls and beyond Hanakapi‘ai is recommended for experienced hikers only. Primitive camping is provided at Miloli‘i also.
Knowledge and skills of primitive outdoor living are required for backpacking and camping along this coast. Shore fishing and seasonal goat hunting (by permit) are available.
Day-use permits are required for the Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapi‘ai Beach.
Information about state parks is available online at http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dsp/.
To obtain permits for day-use hiking or camping permits on Kaua‘i, contact the DLNR Division of State Parks Kaua‘i district office at 274-3444.
