July 15, 2002

Na Pali Coast by Helicopter

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Na Pali Coast to Hanalei

Heading north we passed over Kalalau Valley. Just days later we would be camping on Kalalau Beach, but that's another day.

Na Pali is a truly stunning vista. Besides the towering cliffs, there were lots of unusual geological formations, like this huge hole in the lava.

The Kalalau Trail

Coming around the bend is Hanakapi'ai Beach then Ke'e Beach where the road ends (or begins, from our point of view). This is also the beginning of the Kalalau Trail. Winding along the cliffs, through valleys and over streams, the Kalalau Trail is a rugged 11-mile (18 km) trek to Kalalau Beach. Takes 4 - 8 hours to do it, depending on speed and experience. In certain aerial photos the trail is visible, razor-sliced into the ridges in bright red strokes.

Kalalau Valley and Beach are a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing authentic natural Kauai. The atmosphere is pretty laid-back and laissez-faire. So it was no surprise while camping out at Kalalau Beach we met Pierce Brosnan and his wife bathing nude in the local waterfall.

Hanalei Valley

Hanalei Bay

Hanalei Valley, River and Bay combine to form an ecological masterpiece. Besides the scenic wonder there are lots of fun things to do within its narrow scope: hike, bike, camp, farm taro, surf, suntan, walk along the beach, snorkeling and diving, parasailing and windsurfing, hang-gliding, helicopter-riding and generally living life in natural splendor.