karens

Hi all. We are heading to Kauai in late May and I really want to do the first 2 miles of this hike. We were planning on getting a semi-early start - around 9 or 10am or so. Good idea/bad idea? I've read clouds cover the Kalalau outlook on the other end of the road after about noon - is cloud cover an issue on the trail as well?

koa

Actually 9 or 10 is a late start. Probably best to start before 8. Parking at Kee beach is very limited. Cloud cover is not an issue here. What people are talking about is Kalalau lookout which is at a high altitude(over 4000 ft.) and fog rolls in and out there. This area is up by waimea canyon and is no where near the kalalau trail which is down by the ocean and accessed from the north shore. Are you going up to Hanakapiai falls or just to Hanakapiai beach?

pdxgirl

Be sure to bring some bug repellent. I got eaten alive on that hike a few years ago. It's the only place on Kauai where the skeeters have bothered me.

Lex1

Your proposed start time can also be late to find parking. Allow plenty of time for the hike. I'd label it moderately difficult-and avoid it if it's rained recently. Spectacular vistas. Kalalau lookout is at the other end of the trail and clouds can be a problem, but, the view is remarkable if the clouds cooperate.

hulahoop

My husband and I (in our 50s) did the hike to Hanakapiai Beach two years ago. The round trip took approx. 4 hours. Since we were staying in Poipu and did not get up especially early, I believe that we started out after 10:00 and had no problem with this. The parking area was busy but we found a spot.

I agree with Koa about the cloud cover. This is an issue at the Lookout in Waimea Canyon, not on the trail.

Try to do this hike when the train is dry because the mud there is very slippery.

Have a great time. Kalalau is unforgettable.

beachbarbie

We did the first 2 miles and as I remember it, the trail is basically one mile climbing up and then one mile down to the beach. The Views are awesome. Bring LOTS of water. I remember looking at the helicopter tours flying BELOW us!. We actually started kind of late and in August it was hot. Quite a bit of the trail had no shade.
Barbie

Nancy03

We did this trail last September and didn't start until about 10:30 and returned around 3pm. Again, the parking was busy but we found a spot easily by following the hints from Kauai Revealed, we parked up right near the beach to the right. Others were parking way........down the road and walked a few blocks to get to the trail head.

In May - it's not the "busy" season of June, July & Aug. I think 9-10 will work just find.

Do bring water though. Amazingly with all the vendors selling trinkets from the back of their trucks - not a single person was selling bottled water or drinks.

We each took a 12 oz bottle. We'd been much better off had we each taken 2 bottles (one frozen - that would be thawed, but cool for the hike back)

Have a great time.

CajunStorm

Everyone has given you some good advice so far. I would like to add that picking up a walking stick before starting the trail would be very helpful. We actually took a small backpack that was insulated (for use as a cooler) that we bought at a gas station in Kauai and it held at least 4 bottles of water. We also had another small backpack to hold extra water, snacks, bug repellent, disposable ponchos and sunscreen (of course - this advice is coming from an "over-planner"). Also, keep in mind that parts of the trail could be muddy and some parts will definitely be rocky and you will have to go "rock-jumping" across a stream to get to the beach - so wear the right shoes. We were one of those people who started at 8am and it was pretty hot but we were lucky enough to be shaded (due to the sun's angle) for the whole hike getting to the beach. The views during that hike are spectacular and that made it my favorite hiking trail. You will love it!

koa

Be advised that your start time is okay, but earlier is definetly better. Its cooler if you start early and parking isnt as bad. This way you have time to really enjoy the Napali and even make it up to the falls. Make sure you take water as you should never drink from the streams. You will see some spring water along the trail. Some folks have put Ti leaves in as straws. I have had a drink from these springs, but it is better to take bottled water.

OnVacation

One thing to know about this trail is to go very early if want solitude! We left mid-morning and were surprised by the popularity of this trail. The views from the Pu'u o Kila lookout, accessed from the other side by the canyon, were even better than from this trail, and the area was far less crowded.

iceeu2

So, karens, when you say late May...will you be there on May 27th? Hope so since we are getting together with other Fodorites at the Islander on the Beach at 5 pm... Please join us.