Hiking in Kauai – the Kalalau Trail

I have just returned from 10 days and 9 nights in Hawaii.  Three islands, Maui, Kauai and Kona.  Each are very special in their own way.   I did it all.  Saw the sunrise over Haleakala.  Smelled a Silversword flower (blooms around year 50 and dies); Swam with Manta Rays; Helicopter tour over Lava; Snorkeling in the best beaches; Hilo Icecream; Rope swing geronimo with some Islanders; Chaise Lounging with old and new friends; Drum circle at Little Beach; Hana Highway sightseeing; Napali Coast; Waterfall Swimming; and beach naps.   The best of it all… the highlight of my trip was Kalalau Trail hiking in Kauai.

Getting there was easy.  Take the highway as far north and then west as you can go.  It ends at Ke’e Beach.

Before you go: 1)  Wear hiking or tennis shoes.  No exceptions.  2) Bring as much water as you can comfortably carry  3) Bring a power bar.  4) Throw in a towel in the back pack and wear your swim suit under whatever you’re wearing.

Kalalau Trail Peekaboo Ocean and Secret Beach Views

After viewing the sign at the trail head, we decided to do the 2 mile hike.  We headed out about 11am which was perfect as it had been raining quite hard during our breakfast in Hanalei.

The trail takes you along the lush coast offering peekaboo views of the various beaches below.  As we walked through the lush rainforest trail we felt the cool breeze envelope and caress us. The hike took about 90 minutes as we took our time, chatting and admiring the view.   We crossed streams, and went through various micro climates of misty showers and sunshine.

Kalalau Trail - the Beach at 2 miles

At two miles we crossed a small stream and were awarded with a tropical oasis and beach.

Here we relaxed and played.

Beach at 2 miles at Kalalau Trail

Reluctantly after a while, we decided to head back.  It took us another 90 minutes.  And satisfying in a different way.  This time we were the ones with goofy satisfied grins taking our time.  While we were greeted with eager excited hikers heading to where we had just come from.

I will say everyone in Hawaii is on some sort of goofy gas giving goofy permagrins.  We all said Aloha as we passed.  Softly smiling at each other.

Kalalau Trail Tropical Rain Forest Views

About three quarters of the way through we ran into three Hawaiian men carrying harpoons and big loads on their back.   It was during a small incline (for them) that we paused to chat.  They welcomed the break to acquaint and catch their breath.

We found out, they were headed to the beach to do some harpoon fishing.  To which I replied  “Looks like fun!”

The crusty man replied as he bent over trying to catch his breath “Does it look like I’m having fun?”

His friend laughed and egged him to push forward.

But Crusty wasn’t done.  He retorted “It’s easier to go to the store and buy the damn fish”.

We stood aside as they passed.  We met more hikers along the way that afternoon.  We even helped out a man was winded on the side of the trail.  As we passed we asked if they were ok to which he said – yes… my son’s just gone to get me some Gatorade.  To which we replied – oh – we have some.  And so we  gave him our Gatorade.

We continued our hike and admired the views from this new direction.  When we were almost at the beginning of the trail, we could seek Ke’e Beach.  We picked up our pace knowing that a cool dip would be at the end of the hike.

The water was cool to our hot skin.  But really it was as warm as bath water.  The clarity was amazing like swimming in an aquarium.

This hike was definitely a highlight.  I would go back to Kauai and that next time, we would bring some friends to join us in the 11 mile hike.  Camping required =)

Make sure you bring your snorkeling gear