Youre sure to discover some of the other incredible scenery, vistas, and landscape that the Garden Isle has to offer! Camera. It only takes about an hour and a half each way along the total of six miles out and back journey. muddy trail with a dangerous drop at ever turn. The trailhead for Kalepa Ridge is located in Kalalau Lookout near the end of highway 550 in Koke's State Park. Many people hike down a little more than a mile down the trial to see the incredible, panoramic views of the Na Pali Coast and Kalalau Valley. The trail soon opens up to your first glimpse of the incredible view of the Kalalau Valley. The man, reportedly in his 70s, was near a scenic outlook when he fell onto some boulders. . We were lucky and it was a dry day but if it had been raining the trail would have been too dangerous in spots to hike. "One of her legs went over and I was right behind her, and I reached out to grab her, but I was too far back, says Aaron McClendon. The Kalalau trail, meanwhile, is a state-recognized trail that begins in the north and requires a permit. The footing can be quite slippery, of course, and you should expect some mud; especially in the Alakai Swamp section. Vy uses theCamelback L.U.X.E. Hiked with my 19-year old son who said it was one of the best hikes ever! there a good chance that someone could die on this trail. kalepa ridge trail https://iccleveland.org/wp-content/themes/icc/images/empty/thumbnail.jpg 150 150 ICC ICC https://iccleveland.org/wp-content/themes/icc/images/empty . Travel up highway 550 into Koke'e State Park and up to Kalalau Lookout where you'll find a place to park your car. Since the trail is pretty much downhill almost the entire way out, you know what that means. Therefore, you can hike at your own risk. In this blog post, I will share with you the details for safely hiking the Kalepa Ridge Trail on Kauai. Got one foot soaked at last river. Unfortunately, not every one should hike the trail. We decided to hike the Kalepa Trail (sometimes called the Airplane Trail) on our second day in Kauai. I noticed a reviewer said it was closed in January. While looking out to the ocean, on the left there are numerous signs along the fence line alerting you that there is no trail and not to attempt it. If you are none of those things, be prepared for a strenuous yet VERY rewarding hike. We both walked toward it, trying to look inconspicuous. Due to the mud and terrain, it took us about 45 minutes from beginning to end. Trail Length: 1.6 miles (one way) Area: Kokee State Park / Waimea Canyon. The rivers were low so crossing was fairly easy rock hopping. Don't try this -- ever. Thanks so much for this info and the YouTube video. However, there is a sign stating the trail is closed and you will need to step over the railing to start the trail. Crampons would just collect thick mud and I would not recommend it. If you'd like to help even more, be sure to check out my Patreon as well. This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Once you make it past the drop you are placed along the ridge which has some serious drop offs and stunning vistas. This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher. We absolutely LOVE this trail. You may want to browse our Kauai guides to help you plan your visit and ensure you see the best of what the Garden Isle has to offer: If Kauai is just one stop on a magical holiday across the Hawaiian Islands, we have many more guides to inspire you for your next journey: Beautiful trail! The view of green wrinkled ridgelines resting against the blue ocean was such a breathtaking sight that we couldnt help but to stop and admire it. Hiking to the end of the Awaawapuhi Trail on the island of Kauai is a pretty terrifying experience. As the trail nears the edge of the cliff, there seems to be another one extending further down the precipice. They are do-able but you have to pay attention to your footing. I cant recommend it for those who arent in good shape. 93% of travelers recommend this experience. The trail itself can be very steep in some parts. Considering the slippery conditions Joe noted during and after the rains, is it advisable to wear crampons on the soles of our boots? Difficulty: Moderate when drier, difficult when muddy and during rains. The early parts of the track can be quite slippery with a few little scramble sections. Spending our vacation on a Tiny Houseboat near Orl, Super Fun Crazy Cart day with the Adventure Crew, Olancha Sculpture Garden, a Unique Roadside Attrac, A Super Fun Catboat Ride, One of the Best Things t, One of the cutest Airbnb's we stayed in near Orlan, Kayaking to the bottom of Shoshone Falls in Idaho, Hiking to Arch Rock in Joshua Tree NP. Points of Interest & Landmarks Historic Walking Areas. View all hotels near Kalepa Ridge Trail on Tripadvisor, View all restaurants near Kalepa Ridge Trail on Tripadvisor, Hotels near Kileaua Point National Wildlife Refuge Lighthouse, Kileaua Point National Wildlife Refuge Lighthouse: Tickets & Tours, Basilica del Senor de los Milagros de Buga, Zanzibar Full Day Dolphin Tour; Mnemba Island; Nungwi Beach & Kendwa Beach Tour, Drive your Own 2 Seat Catamaran on the Edge of the Everglades by Go Cats, Oregon Coast Day Trip: Cannon Beach and Haystack Rock, NORTHERN CYPRUS ALL-IN-ONE Private Day Trip from Nicosia, 2 Hrs UTV 4x4 & Buggy Safari at Aphrodite's Rock in Paphos, Diamond Head Bike to Hike and Local Lunch, Fly Zone Treetop Adventure at Loterie Farm. To answer your title question, Id have to say it depends. more. From this lookout, we saw a few people standing a lot further down on a spot on the left. I mention this story because people will put themselves in danger regardless of signs, laws, or warnings. I hiked the trail twice. My name is Dustin! At the Kalalau Lookout, you will find free parking. It was a tiny dirt ridgeline that ran alongside a steep dropdowns on both sides. If far from Kalalau beach or Hanakoa camping, one may be forced to move on, despite the conditions. As a result, the trail is officially closed. Dont forget to check out ourRecommended Gearsection as well. Also known as the Awaawapuhi Trail, this 6.5 mile roundtrip hike requires you to descend from 4,120 feet at the top down to 2,500 feet at the trails end. You will encounter a lot of elevation changes so you will climb up and down to get to the end of the trail. If you're in good shape, I'd actually rate this hike as easy. We must first mention, as always, that our goal is not to condemn or condone, but to educate. This is your path! Recently the state was sued for 15 million after the death of two hikers. Copyright Journey Era, 2022 | Sitemap | Privacy Policy. Beach gear to use! (KITV). we got covered in mud and scratched up by thorns. The Kalepa Ridge Trail is one of the most incredible hikes on the tropical island of Kauai in Hawaii. I would definitely hike this trail again in a heartbeat! It would be great to have one to update this guide; you can email us at [emailprotected]. As the ridge descends, youll get better and better views of the Na Pali Coast. The state was told last week that the insurance company is refusing to defend the state in the (damages) trial, despite, as the state believes, being required to do so under its policy with the state, according to public records. Kalepa Ridge, Kauai, HI. The trail is open year-round and is beautiful to visit anytime. Some of the links in my content may be affiliate links. Submit one here. Another fun, unique adventure in Kauai is the inner tube ride through the old sugar plantation with Kauai Backcountry. The Kalepa Ridge hiking trail is an unofficial trail that takes you on a dangerously narrow path along a ridge .75 mile into the mountains. Practice hiked in the hills of Indiana before going. You are on your own out there. Dont forget to follow us onInstagram, subscribe to our Youtube channel,and sign up for our newsletter! YOU MAY ALSO ENJOY: Stunning Photo Locations in Kauai. This trail does pose a few dangers with big drop-offs and crumbly, narrow trails. I dont regret it at all. Sunscreen:Hawaiis sun can get very intense. The hike is listed as moderate, but if hiking 1600 feet up over a 3.2 mile stretch is moderate, then youre in much better shape than us! Enjoyed our Kalepa Ridge Trail Comprehensive Guide? Eventually it opens up and you can see Kalalau Valley below you as you hike. 15 Thank 684kauait . The Kalepa Ridge hiking trail is an unofficial trail that takes you on a dangerously narrow path along a ridge .75 mile into the mountains. Start by trekking through the woods and . This trail has breathtaking, panoramic views of the Na Pali Coast and Kalalau Valley. This hike is super dangerous, It's falling apart and I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. Make your trip amazing by following the rules and being cautious. This is off the beaten track and not an official trail. Kalepa Ridge Trail. That's the start. People spend months planning and saving for this vacation of a lifetime. Dont go any further than you are comfortable. I would not advise hiking this trail in the rain. However, this is by far and away the best hike in Kauai. AU$202.95. The morning started out beautiful. As outdoor lovers and travel photographers, we created a store to share our joy for the natural world with affordable gifts and products. Along the way, we ran into a few other groups of hikers. (KITV). Though the Kalepa Ridge trail location begins from the Kalalau Lookout, do NOT confuse it for the Kalalau Trail. Most people hike down to about a mile. That is true, but as long as you are pretty active this is well worth your time. Linares, who was 16 at the time, testified at last years trial that his family saw the warning sign at the left-hand trail.They observed the right-hand trail without any sign posted in the entrance and observed that the right-hand trail was very open, very inviting, Watanabe wrote, quoting Linares trial testimony. When it comes to photographing the world-renown Na Pali Coast by land, you will be hard-pressed to find better opportunities than those from Kalepa Ridge. Thank you for taking the time to read and leave such a nice comment Kathryn! The Kalepa Ridge Trail is not technically illegal but the trail does have a sign posted at the trailhead that says CLOSED. Each pack 27 lbs with food and water intending to stay one night and hike back out. This is a common occurrence in Hawaii surrounding hikes and is a sad state of affairs. 265. If you get down far enough, you can look down over Kalalau Beach. If you have no better shoes, you would honestly be better off barefoot. Subscribe for more Hawaii Hiking videos like this: The Kalalau Trail is an 11+ mile trek into paradise. During the morning hours, most of the Kalalau Valley and Na Pali coast will be in shadow. There are no emergency services along the way. The Kalalau Trail has been called one of the most dangerous trails in America (See list at the bottom of the post) as well as one of the most dangerous trails on Earth. Last year, the Legislature failed to pass a bill that appropriated funds to pay legal settlements. Everyone in our group enjoyed the hike and all said they would do it again. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone. (KITV). Everyone that went with us was in ok shape physically. However, if the rules don't apply to you, then you can hop the fence and check out the trail for . The terrain was not a problem for us as you become sure footed growing up where we did. Facilities: Bathrooms in parking lot. So a HUGE thank you to you if you click one of these links . Son ended up dehydrated when arriving at the beach. It can be very dangerous, especially when wet. It's sometimes a route that hunters use to gain access to the area for hunting pigs and goats. I wouldnt bring my dog on this trail because of how steep it is. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. A lifetime best hikes ever and terrain, it 's falling apart and i not. Death of two hikers do-able but you have to say it depends views of the Awaawapuhi trail the. Who said it was a tiny dirt ridgeline that ran alongside a dropdowns! Pack 27 lbs with food and water intending to stay one night and back. Hours, most of the links in my content may be forced move! 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