Page 743 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - USA

H A W A I‘I  741

follow the narrow Kalalau Trail
for another 11 miles (18 km) to
isolated Kalalau Valley. One of
the most dramatic hikes in the
world, it covers a landscape of
almost primeval vastness and
splendor. While this is not an
expedition to undertake
lightly, a half-day round-trip
to Hanakāpī‘ai Valley is within
most capabilities and is an
unforgettable experience.
The trail begins at the end
of Kūhiō Highway, climbing
steeply to Makana Peak and
The Pu‘u O Kila Lookout, with views of the Kalalau Valley affording spectacular views of
the rugged coastline. It
leads to the vast but little- despite being the lowest of continues on to Ke Ahu A Laka,
visited shelf of glorious yellow the lookouts, offers the best which was once Hawai‘i’s most
sand known as Secret Beach. canyon views. The more celebrated school for hula
The ocean can be rough for adventurous can take hiking dancing. The next stop is
swimming here, but it is a trails to explore in greater Hanakāpī‘ai Valley where in
beautiful place to walk, depth. The Kukui Trail heads summer a pristine sandy beach
with its dramatic sharply down into the canyon replaces the pebbles found at
views of the as far as the Waimea River – the valley mouth in winter.
lighthouse and a a relatively easy and Wading and swimming here
glorious waterfall rewarding trip. At the are unsafe, due to dangerous
at the far end. North End of Waimea rip currents.
Canyon is Kōke‘e The more challenging part
O Kīlauea Point State Park, laced of the trail continues through
National Wildlife Refuge through with more an abandoned coffee plantation
Kīlauea Point. Tel (808) 828- hiking trails. From to the Hanakāpī‘ai Falls, and
1413. Open 10am– 4pm Official marker the park’s Pu‘u O then to Pā Ma Wa‘a, an 800-ft
Mon–Fri. Closed Jan 1, Kila Lookout, the (240-m) cliff, which is the
Thanksg., Dec 25. & 7 majestic amphitheater of the highest point on the trail. The
Kalalau Valley opens out; trail then dips into several
another view is from the nearby hanging valleys where the
t Waimea Canyon Kalalau Lookout. A highlight streams have still to cut their
& Kōke‘e State Park of the park is the Alaka‘i way down to sea level, before
Swamp, a bowl-like depression reaching the beautiful campsite
Kōke‘e Road (Hwy 550). Tel Kaua‘i drenched by nearly 42 ft at Hanakoa Valley, set amid the
Division of State Parks, (808) 587-0400. (13 m) of rain every year. Part ruins of ancient taro terraces.
Kōke‘e State Park: Open daily. Kōke‘e rainforest, part bog, the area For the last 5 miles (8 km),
Museum: Tel (808) 335-9975. & boasts some of Hawai‘i’s rarest the trail clings perilously to a
donation. Open 10am–4pm daily.
∑ kokee.org = Kōke‘e Lodge: Tel birds, such as the ‘i‘iwi or sandstone cliff. The magical
(808) 335-6061. - Cabins available honeycreeper, and the tiny view of Kalalau Valley is the
for rent. ∑ thelodgeatkokee.net yellow ‘anianiau. Information, trail’s reward. Note that there
hiking advice, and maps are all is no food or safe drinking
No visitor should leave Kaua‘i available at the Kōke‘e State water en route.
without taking in the rugged Park headquarters.
grandeur of Waimea Canyon
and the breathtaking views
from Kōke‘e State Park. Waimea y Kalalau Trail
Canyon, known as the “Grand Visitors must obtain permission in
Canyon of the Pacific,” was advance from the State Parks office.
created by an earthquake that Na Pali Coast State Parks office: 3060
almost split Kaua‘i in two. The ‘Eīwa St, Līhu‘e, HI 96766, (808) 274-
gorge, now 3,000 ft (915 m) 3444. ∑ hawaiistateparks.org
deep, is still eroding as
landslides and the Waimea The precipitous cliffs of the
River continue to carry away Nā Pali Coast make it impossible
tons of soil. Of the several for the road to continue west of
lookouts dotted along the rim, Kē‘ē Beach on Kauai‘s north The soaring, pleated cliffs of the Nā Pali
the Waimea Canyon Lookout, shore. But hardy hikers can Coast, Kalalau Trail

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