Hanak\u0101p\u012b\u2018ai is a remote valley located along Kaua\u2018i\u2019s opulent N\u0101pali Coast. The pristine basin encompasses a several hundred-foot tall waterfalls surrounded by dense jungle and a small silky beach tucked between robust mountains.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Reaching this secluded terrain, accessible only by foot, is not for the faint of heart. The first 2 miles of the cliff-hugging Kalalau Trail takes you there and, while offering incredible coastal perspectives, requires a hearty dose of athletic stamina.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
The trail begins at K\u0113\u2018\u0113 Beach at the northern end of K\u016bhi\u014d Highway. Before setting out, check the weather and ensure that rain and flash flooding aren\u2019t forecasted. This is an unstable trail not only when it\u2019s raining along the coast, as it gets extremely slippery, but also in the mountains which causes any stream-crossing portions of the journey to become dangerous.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
If you\u2019re in the clear, set out as early as possible. The parking lot fills up first thing in the morning and leaving your car along the street is illegal.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Once you\u2019ve got your sturdy and water resistant shoes on, get ready for the first 2 miles of gorgeous trail that contains a 500-foot climb in elevation. Your athleticism is rewarded throughout the way, however, as you\u2019re privy to dreamy ocean vistas that peek out around every corner.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Once you reach Hanak\u0101p\u012b\u2018ai\u2019s revered sandy nook, do not boulder leap across the stream to reach the beach if there\u2019s any indication of rainfall, and don\u2019t plan to swim in the tumultuous sea. These are two activities many people should have avoided in the past because it would have saved their lives. There are many other ways to enjoy the sweet salty air and luscious serenity of this northwestern shoreline.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Once you\u2019ve had your fill of this immaculate beach, you can continue on a 2-mile stream-crossing and boulder-leaping hike that climbs another 700 feet in elevation inland, leading adventurers to the legendary Hanak\u0101p\u012b\u2018ai Falls. This trail is not as heavily trafficked so be careful of your footing at all times.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
Your zealous efforts to reach this tropical haven will be well rewarded. The waterfall \u2014 said to be named after a Menehune chiefess whose ancestors were a race of people presumably from the Marquesas Islands \u2014 mesmerizingly plummets from a sheer bluff creating an impeccable romantic retreat.<\/p>\r\n\r\n\r\n\r\n
As long as you keep safety in mind and plan accordingly, this trek to Hanak\u0101p\u012b\u2018ai Valley is one of the most unforgettable adventures to take on the Garden Isle.<\/p>\r\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Hanak\u0101p\u012b\u2018ai is a remote valley located along Kaua\u2018i\u2019s opulent N\u0101pali Coast. The pristine basin encompasses a several hundred-foot tall waterfalls surrounded by dense jungle and a small silky beach tucked between robust mountains. Not for the Faint of Heart Reaching this secluded terrain, accessible only by foot, is not for the faint of heart. The…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":109,"featured_media":118464,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[3904],"tags":[2447],"class_list":["post-84585","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-hiking-on-kauai","tag-hiking"],"yoast_head":"\n