Deep

Kalalau Trail, Na Pali Coast of Kauai, May 2008:
Jeff, Char and I took the long Memorial Day weekend to hike the Kalalau trail,
which traverses the Na Pali coast of Kauai. The entire coast is accessable by
foot, boat, or helicopter only, and the boats and helicopters aren't allowed to land,
so if you want to get there, your options are hiking or kayak. We chose the former.

The Kalalau trail is one of the hardest in the state of Hawaii, and rated a 9/10 by
the Sierra Club in terms of difficulty, mostly due to the psychological factor.

The hike is 11 miles each way, which we did in four days and three nights.

The three of us, setting out (picture from Char)

No problem... (picture from Char)

The beach at the trailhead, from above (mile ~0.5)

The first friendly bird we met. I'm not sure what kind it is.

The first two miles are the easiest portion of the trail.

Our first view along the Na Pali coast. Our destination was past the last ridge visible here.
It's hazy due to the vog from the volcano on Big Island.

Hanakapiai is the beach at 2-mile that many people go to, though it's dangerous, apparently

Hanakapiai Beach, on our way out of the valley

After Hanakapiai, the trail starts to get tougher, thinner, and more overgrown.

Overlook (literally) from around 3-mile. We're about 300 feet above the ocean.

Jeff coming down a nice gentle slope (compared to some of the other areas...)

The trail gets harder as you progress, but at least there's some foliage here.

Hanakoa Valley, 6-mile, our first (and third) campsite.

Early morning, Day 2, leaving Hanakoa

Bright and early, Day 2

Urkles are loud, cackling birds (it's in the middle of the picture)

Peaks on the ridges around Hanakoa

Looking down on the scariest section of the trail, near 7-mile

Goats looking down on us from the ridges, mocking our human-feet

Oh yeah...this'll be fun

Jeff ran ahead for scale

"Uneven footing, loose dirt and rocks, narrow trail", you say?
The trail was about 12-18 inches wide all along this.

Again, a Jeff for scale.
Note the hand holding on to the crumbly cliff face, for safety.

There's really a trail in this picture, I promise.
It's the kinda-flat part between me and Jeff

The vog was clearing, and Kalalau beach is peaking out.

Jeff hung back a bit for scale.

Goats in the trail. If they can do it...

The ridges over the trail. Great hiking scenery.

A hidden beach just before Kalalau, peaking out. Kayak or climb to it, your choice.

A bunch of goats on one of the ridges we passed.

We made it. Welcome to Kalalau Valley.
...now you just need to descend the 600 feet in altitude you have over the next 1.5 miles.

Kalalau Valley is really beautiful. The view is worth the hike.

Finally at sea level. 1 mile to the beach.

The Kalalau waterfall, with the ridges behind it

Sunset on Day 2.

Char in our tent on the beach.

A sea arch, visible on the way back.

Precarious rock. Yes, that's the trail on the left.

View leaving 8-mile, toward the scary part, on the long way back.
Note how the trail can be seen on the two nearest ridges.

One of the friendly Sharma Thrushes (might be spelled right...)

This cardinal was getting very uppity when we stopped at 3-mile on the way back.
We think its nest was nearby.

Char's picture of Jeff and I upon our completion of the Kalalau trail.
Tired, hot, and stinky, as it should be!

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