DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES

News Release

LINDA LINGLE

GOVERNOR

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PETER T. YOUNG, CHAIRPERSON

Phone: (808) 587-0401

Fax: (808) 587-0390

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For Immediate Release: April 26, 2006

DLNR Reopens Kalalau Trail In Na Pali Coast State Park

LIHUE — The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has reopened the remote Kalalau Trail and the Kalalau Valley camping area in the Na Pali Coast State Park on the north shore of Kaua‘i.

Following heavy rains and mudslides that began in late February, a State Parks crew and a volunteer completed repairs to damaged portions of the 11-mile trail, and clean-up of the Kalalau Valley camping area last Friday, April 21, 2006. Park closure signs were also removed.

“We are glad to finally reopen this very popular hiking and camping trail after an unusual six weeks’ worth of heavy and prolonged rains that affected the entire state, especially the island of Kaua‘i,” said Peter Young, DLNR chairperson. “The trail has had time to dry out, and we have been able to check its condition and the campground to ensure safety for the public,” he said.

During the rainy period, DLNR advised hikers to avoid going out on trails due to risk of rising streams, flash flooding, falling trees and other natural hazards.
The Kalalau Trail features traverses exceptionally scenic, high sea cliffs and lush stream valleys with plunging waterfalls. The trail head is located at the end of Kuhio Highway (Hwy. 56) in Ha‘ena State Park.
Na Pali Coast State Park covers 6,175 acres. It offers a recreational experience under primitive conditions, with choice of a day hike to Hanakapi‘ai (2 miles one-way), or an 11-mile backpacking trip to a primitive camp at Kalalau and overnight stopovers at Hanakapi‘ai and Hanakoa campgrounds.
The trail to the falls and beyond Hanakapi‘ai is recommended for experienced hikers only. Primitive camping is provided at Miloli‘i also. Knowledge and skills of primitive outdoor living are required for backpacking and camping along this coast. Shore fishing and seasonal goat hunting (by permit) are available. Ocean conditions are unpredictable and can be dangerous -- swimming and wading are not recommended.
Day use permits are required for the Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapi'ai Valley. No drinking water is available -- all water must be treated. Information about state parks is available online at http://www.state.hi.us/dlnr/dsp/
To obtain permits for day use hiking or camping permits on Kaua‘i, contact the DLNR Division of State Parks Kaua‘i district office at (808) 274-3444.

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For more information, contact:
Clifford Inn
DLNR Education and Outreach Coordinator
Phone: (808) 587-0407