Na Pali Backpacking, Kauai, HI
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| The Start of the Kalalau Trail |
The first thing you see as you start hiking into the Kalalau trail is 3 signs that simply state, be warned, you may meet a untimely death in a multitude of different ways. Judging by the massive swell that closed Kēʻē Beach, I knew they weren’t joking. This was the start of a storm that produced a 20 foot swell that hit the North Shore of Oahu almost causing the “Eddie Aikau”, the big wave contest to go.
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| Hanakapi'ai Beach is gorgeous and deadly |
The first rest stop that you reach on the Kalalau trail is Hanakapi'ai Valley, a notorious deadly place due to its rip currents and the heavy traffic from uneducated tourists. The group took a small break to watch the surf and enjoy a few snacks. Because time was limited we had to continue to the first campsite at Hanakoa valley.
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| Our campsite the first night was in Hanakoa Valley. |
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| Greg Stafford a small speck upon the Sea Cliffs of the Na Pali |
The next morning we headed out to one of the most paradisiacal beaches on Earth, the Kalalau Beach. Right off the bat the trail got very exposed and a bit scary as it traversed a right through the middle of a 800 foot sea cliff. My good friends Alex and Julia who were out on their first real backpacking experience were a bit nervous about the crossing and subsequent exposure. When it rains here it comes down in buckets and I could see how this part of the trail could be very dangerous. In about 2 hours we popped out on this ridge and before us lay the open expanses of the Kalalau valley. It left my jaw and shutter open as I reveled in the beauty of the valley.
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| Backpacking into the Kalalau Valley. |
The next day we were in for a 11 mile march, up and down a series of 9 times. The trip back was long and hard, but is always fulfilling as your body is cleansed by sweat and effort. You always have to push yourself a little to become stronger. Coming up on the final 2 miles our bodies ached and we were ready for the end to come. The final stretch of backpacking out to the trailhead is always filled with aches and pains. This is usually the most unpleasant part of the trip. In hind sight however it is always the part that you remember most.
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| The backpacking group. Left to right: Julia, Alex, Greg, Laura, & Brian. |
Backpacking the Na Pali is an unforgettable experience and truly is one of the worlds most scenic backpacking destinations.
Check out our Spot GPS track of our trip with pictures below:
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