The Napali Coast is truly majestic. It is located on the North Shore of Kauai with panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. Velvet green cliffs and cascading waterfalls plummet into the deep narrow valleys. The terrain is rugged and is not for beginners.
The only land access to this enchanted area is via the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile trail that starts at Kee Beach, crosses five different valleys and ends at secluded Kalalau Beach. Reviews list this hike as one of the "most challenging, and sometimes even treacherous, Kauai hikes with narrow sections and muddy topsoil from rainfall." Most hikers choose to break the trail up into two days.
Meagan, Quinn, and Mike, trained for this treacherous hike. They were hoping to hike 11 miles in and catch a boat ride back. However, there were no boats that day. They began at 4:00 a.m. and Mike called around 8:00 p.m. to tell us they were completing the hike. There is a little more to the story, or maybe a lot, but I'll spare you the details.
We have seen the video Quinn took of Meagan on "Crawler's Ledge", and hear that it is not for review. It is under lock and key, and is only rented out for a large fee. In defense of Meagan, a very narrow trail with a plunging (very plunging) drop off into the ocean would scare anyone. I think she is very brave!
The rest of us leisurely hiked the same Kalalau Trail later that morning. We hiked for about 2 1/2 hours. The trail is rugged, but absolutely stunning. I think I prefer to consider myself a "non-hiker" and enjoy the amazing scenery of the Napali Coast from a boat tour.
We spent the afternoon in the charming little town of Hanalei. We ate lunch at the L & L Barbecue, and browsed the shops. The afternoon wouldn't be complete without shaved ice from Shaved Ice Paradise.
Back at the resort we enjoyed the pools, and ocean, waiting for our hikers to return.
We spent the afternoon in the charming little town of Hanalei. We ate lunch at the L & L Barbecue, and browsed the shops. The afternoon wouldn't be complete without shaved ice from Shaved Ice Paradise.
Back at the resort we enjoyed the pools, and ocean, waiting for our hikers to return.
North Shore Before Hike.
North Shore After Hike.
Hiking
Blisters for the mother. Nurse Kate at attention.
Views
Shaved ice from Shaved Ice Paradise.
Nighttime fun.
Goofing around.
Dinner at JJ Broiler
1 comments:
meagan is very brave. i hate heights and would have just turned around.
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