22 MILES TO PARADISE

If you are an avid adventurer or resident of Hawai’i, then you most certainly familiarize with the Nā Pali Coast trail and what it entails: 22 roundtrip miles of switchbacks, rushing rivers, waterfalls, loose rock, and endless breathtaking views.

If you aren’t familiar with the hike, and are wondering why on Earth anyone would willingly backpack 22 miles, let me break it down for you: The end destination of this hike is Kalalau Beach, which can only be reached via boat, helicopter, or the 11 mile trek in. Because it’s difficult to access, the beach is incredibly secluded and clean — so much so that the Huffington Post rated Kalalau Beach amongst its top 10.

For those asking if the hike is worth it, my answer is 1000x YES, and I will always recommend it — I mean, the Kalalau trail is ZAGAT rated, so how could I not? I do want to offer some advice, though, for anyone planning a trip in the near or far future.

If you are not an experienced hiker, do not assume you can do this hike. Actually, literally, train for it. 22 miles is long AF, and you are going to need to be in shape. If your daily exercise consists of spin classes at your cushy gym, you are not in shape for this. The trek requires a backpack filled with necessities, and unless you plan on running the 22 miles w/o staying at the beach to camp (only my sister’s crazy bf does this), you’ll 100% need everything. All of these necessities combined can get up to 30 lbs, and carrying that amount of weight for 22 miles isn’t easy. So TRAIN, ya hear? That being said, only bring NECESSITIES. Prior to the Kalalau Trail, Sara and I had never backpacked, so we made the rookie mistake of being over prepared. Here is what you definitely should bring (make sure to divide the weight evenly amongst your party):

1. Small pot to cook food in

2. A tent and a sleeping bag

3. Freeze dried food (1 bag per night you plan on staying)

4. Portable 1-burner gas or propane stove (anything more will be too bulky to carry)

5. Plastic forks (one per ea. person in party) that can de disposed of at the camp site

6. A lighter

7. Water filter (Do NOT bring water bottles, they are heavy and will slow you down)

8. 1 Liter Camelbak (make sure to drink plenty of water, you don’t want to dehydrate and pass out)

9. A knife

10. Light snacks for the trek in AND out like dried fruit and beef jerky

11. Rainproof jacket because it WILL rain. Kauai is home to the second rainiest spot on Earth, so you’re going to get wet.

Make your trip during the summer — winter is dangerous because of the swell and lots of rain. People have actually died and been injured trying to cross the rushing rivers. Regardless of the time of year, always, ALWAYS, be cautious. It is better to wait out anything you aren’t sure you can do, then risk your own life. Keep in mind that the Kalalau Trail is consistently rated amongst the most dangerous trails in the world.

To be safe, reserve a permit. We did not, and risked getting fined $80 for camping at Kalalau without one. If you want to do the trail without a permit, the state of Hawai’i allows visitors to hike 2 miles from the trailhead to Hanakāpī’ai Valley/Beach (still a trek with breathtaking views):

Anyone wishing to hike further needs to have a permit. The permits issued are only for camping at Kalalau but are valid for anyone wishing to camp at Hanakoa (the halfway point). Again, we did not possess one, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. In the end, the decision is yours. More information regarding permits and trail info can be found on the Hawai’i Gov. website.

Lastly, DO YOUR RESEARCH. You and I are completely different humans. The way I experience something will be different from the way you do. My advice is just that, and I am no expert. The only way you can prepare yourself is by conducting extensive research yourself. My word is not enough.

And finally, a collection of photos from the mentally/physically challenging and rewarding experience: