Kalalau Trail - Na Pali Coast
We woke up and it was a sunny day so we figured - let's give it a go on the Kalalau Trail. After all, this was what we came here for and we wanted to check out the conditions ourselves. Of course, it was muddy and wet but we didn't feel unsafe at any point so we decided to hike all the way to the Hanakapi'ai Falls which was a great 8 mile walk in the end :)
The track winds its way along the beautiful Na Pali Coast, along the valley's cliffs with several streams of water running down and across the track, through the purely green rainforest with giant palmtrees and along the steep coastline with the sound of large waves breaking ashore. After 2 miles we arrived at Hanakapi'ai Stream which we needed to cross - due to the heavy rains in the past days we were in about waist-deep water which was really fun :)
The walk continued upstream for another two miles and after four more river-crossings we arrived at the Hanakapi'ai Falls which were water-loaded and powerful. The scenery was absolutely amazing - the Hanakapi'ai Falls in front of us, their ear-battering sound, strong winds blowing the falling water into our faces and all the smaller falls coming down the sides of the valley also feeding Hanakapi'ai Stream. By the end of the walk we were soaked in water, had muddy shoes but were absolutely excited about the beauty of the Kalalau Trail.
With this amazing experience we needed to come back the next day - we wanted to hike as far as we can on the Kalalau Trail and then turn back without camping overnight. It rained a lot in the night so when we started it was even a little bit more muddy and wet which added to the adventure :) We got all the way into the third valley (about 6 miles) and continuing on the trail was definitely the best decision we made. We were rewarded with outstanding and spectacular views over the cliffs of the Na Pali Coast and the track got better and better the further we walked. We were very sad that we didn't make it all the way into Kalalau Valley due to the inclement weather - but the Hawaii resolution is: we'll come back and we'll do the Kalalau Trail in its full length and beauty (whoever wants to join us is more than likely to have the time of their life here ;) ).
So enough with the mud, the track and how beautiful it was: here are the pictures :)
Let's start!
These shoes won't stay that clean for long...
Day 1
Let's just hope the bamboos in the Rupalla backyard don't grow this big :)
First river crossing ahead after mile 2
Second river crossing follows
A small step for mankind but a biiiig step for Hannah :D
After two more crossings we arrived at the Hanakapi'ai Falls
Four river crossings on the way to the falls means there are four more on the way back!
Made it! Last river crossing done - for today ;)
First day done - we want more Kalalau trail!!!
Back again - Day 2
Sometimes you need to go through fallen trees..
Not only our shoes were muddy - sometimes you need the full-body experience sitting in mud :D
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