Absolutely gorgeous beach, but not for swimming or getting in the water at least when we went back…read morein 2022 as they had signs for rip currents and warnings of being swept away; this was an awesome beach to check out during our hike on Kalalau trail (note that it's super hard hike down the river rocks to get to the beach and climb up, they have flash flood warnings too, so if it's raining you have to be careful and know your physical limits to hike and climb up as this is pretty deep in the nature!). It was absolutely a magical adventure and the hike and the beach was worth it. There are neat caves to check out nearby as well

We went during high tide so there really wasn't much of a beach. It is a beautiful spot to sit and…read morehave a snack in the middle of the hanakapiai falls hike, or you can turn around and go back from here. The waves were crashing really hard when we were there. This is definitely not a safe place for swimming but it is a beautiful place to watch the waves.

You'll definitely feel like you are in heaven if you are able to reach this 2-1/2 mile long beach…read morestate park! First, you need a 4x4 vehicle like a Jeep or Pick-Up Truck and have to drive along a rough 5-mile road with lots of bumps and ruts along the way. But totally worth the time and effort! Make sure you have all the supplies you need and have a full tank of gas prior to coming. As for the beach itself, there are lots of great and spectacular views of the scenery! The Napali Coast, Pacific Ocean, Polihale Beach State Park itself, and so much more. I did a beach stroll from end to end and took me about 2 hours overall. Just seeing this in videos and photos does not do it enough justice; you have to be there in-person to experience the serenity of nature.

Went to a wedding here and it's beautiful. People camp here as well…read more You need an AWD vehicle to go and it's about a mile inward. Usually no signal inside. Lots of bird watching opportunities. We also saw huge boars run across!!!

What a magnificent journey and place! Nicknamed Secret Falls...I don't think it's much of a secret…read moreanymore. However, our afternoon tour kicked back and took our time and we ended up being the only group at the waterfall when we got there! Two mile kayak trip down the river, then about a mile hike to the falls. The hike isn't too bad. Some places you're crossing in knee-high water (it changes depending on conditions), mud, some bouldering, and some slick spots. The wooden planks for most of the trail are nice and make it way easier. My daughter and I both hiked in our water shoes and it wasn't too bad. The waterfall is secluded and gorgeous! The water is cold but so refreshing after that journey to get to it! Great spot to hang out, relax, have a snack, swim and just enjoy! Rest up for the mile hike and two mile kayak journey back home!

This is great. Took the Paddleboard on a trip down the river to see the falls. It's a bit of a…read morewalk from the area that you "park" your kayak or paddleboards, but it is also an easy well prepared hike. It was great for 2 kids that were 8 and 10 years old. The waterfall was nice, and you can def go swimming in it. Be prepared that the water in cold. We did the hike with water shoes, that wasn't ideal. I think I would have probably just worn sandals for the walk. You do need to cross through a couple small rivers, but it was nothing crazy. Glad we did this little excursion in Kauai on Father's day. It was great exercise, and being outside in paradise. It makes it even more special that you need some sort of water vessel to get there, or I guess you an take a helicopter. Good times!

Hands down one of the best beaches on the face of the earth. Totally isolated and accessible only…read moreby a GRUELING 11-mile hike starting at the trail head at Ha'ena Beach State Park near Princeville. Even though the literature states that it has an 800 foot elevation, the 22-mile out and back hike takes two days and accumulates an 11,000 foot elevation change. To reach the beach, one has to have special permits from the Hawaii State Parks Office in Lihue, and allows the hiker to get to the beach and spend four days in paradise. The number of permits is limited so it pays to plan in advance. There are "poacher" hikers on the trails but they are subject to a stiff fine or arrest if caught. The trail is primitive. That means that all you need for the trail and stay, you have to carry in and out. All water must be filtered as feral poultry have contaminated virtually all watersheds with Giardia and Leptospirosis. A good pair of broken-in hiking boots is a must. The hike begins in a tropical rain forest on the Northern part of the round-sized island of Kawai'i. Following a marathon 600 foot climb through a dense forest of guava, taro, and native trees, the narrow trail goes up and down and meanders through rain forest for a couple of miles before a steep descent to Hanakapi'ai Beach, itself a wonderful little isolated beach with a stream in the middle. There are signs with notches signaling the number of people who have lost their lives in the heavy surf. This trail can be made as a trial to see if the hikers want to continue. Many hikers, even in great shape, choose not to... The next phase of the hike is an immediate, almost vertical trail rising almost 900 feet over the beach, featuring wet, slippery switchbacks. More ups and downs through narrow trails carved into the Pali, sheer vertical rock formations rising directly from the ocean to several thousand feet. About the 7-mile marker, the deep Hanakoa Valley stretches ahead, allowing for the tired feet and exhausted bodies to get some rest on a primitive camping area with a stream for water filtration and a good night of sleep. That part of the island gets enormous amounts of rain, so heavy downpours are possible. Following Hanakoa, an almost miraculous change happens in the terrain. Round a corner and one goes from a rain forest to a semi-desert. The trail gets dry, dusty, and even more dangerous as the lack of cover allow land slides on the side of the Pali's. Nonetheless, the sheer beauty of the place is spellbinding. Close to the 9 mile point, the Kalalau Beach area can be seen. And it is one of the most magnificent views on Earth. Towards the end of the steeply downward trail, one reaches an illegal settlement of old hippies that have been living there probably since the days of Height Ashbury. There is a hut they call the "Library" and additional temporary buildings that oftentimes get taken down by the Rangers, only to be rebuilt by the squatters. Once at Kalalau Beach, some of the most wonderful scenery on the planet is yours. The almost two-mile long beach is nestled between rock formations that end at the sheer vertical walls of the 5,000 foot cliffs, with a monumentally gorgeous valley in the background. Towards the end of the beach, a Heiau, a sacred Hawaiian altar, has been built inside a cave. The beach, made of fine volcanic sand, defies description. Depending on the time of the season, there may be from a few people to none at the beach, allowing for, if one wishes, au naturel attire... There is a large stream at Kalalau Beach close to the elevated camping area, as well as composting toilets and fire pits. There are no telephones, electricity, cars, engines, or anything resembling human engineering. One of the nicest places on earth....

After two attempts to get to Kalalau Beach - getting cheated by the seasons and the elements the…read morefirst two attempts - I finally made the backpacking trip to Kalalau Beach, albeit solo, in April 2009. The trail itself is not a big challenge - I've done more technical hiking (ie - Half Dome & back) and much longer hikes - it's important to do some practice hikes with your backpack actually loaded with the gear you plan to bring. Do not ever underestimate the weight of your pack on this trail - learn to pack and balance properly and learn to go lightweight. You really do NOT need a tent nor a sleeping bag. You don't even really need shoes but it's nice to at least wear Keens. Bring a hammock, a fly and some light weight leggings or sarongs to cover up while you are sleeping in your hammock. Don't worry about bringing too little to Kalalau Beach as hikers are always trying to get rid of stuff on their way off the trail, leaving excess food at the camp. Potlucks are pretty common. Bring food for yourself on the trail and ingredients to share potluck style with other hikers and the residents of the beach. Oh - wait - you didn't know about the beach residents? Yep - it's true. There are a LOT of people living in the valley and on the beach. I talked with people who hadn't had an address other than a PO Box or general delivery at the carry-out closest to Haena Park for over 15 years. There were people who had not even left the beach for close to 2 years - subsisting on food they could forage and get as donations - or food brought in by friends who made the trek out of the park to collect food stamps from PO Boxes and bring back provisions. People leave a lot of crap at Kalalau Beach - when I was there in April 2009, there was a MOUNTAIN of abandoned gear, clothing, furniture and other items - not a small mountain but a mountain that was more than 8 feet high and which covered an area about 20' x 10' and which was covered by tarps. The residents said the pile had been 2x larger but a helicopter raid a few months earlier resulted in a bit of a clear out. Maintenance of the pit toilets at the beach is a big issue. They were utterly disgusting. TState of Hawaii has so little money - no have rangers check or chase off people taking up residence. There is nobody to maintain the toilets or make sure people don't leave their garbage. As a result - the toilets were full all the way up and the home to a great many giant cockroaches called palmetto bugs - just like those found in New Orleans and Florida. Don't worry - the don't fly, much - and they aren't interested in you - just in your food, your poo and your woolen clothing (they loved my wool sweaters and ate the hell out of them in New Orleans). These roaches will eat through a plastic bread bag - so make sure you keep your food very tightly wrapped because these mouse-sized roaches will be climbing into your pack while you are sleeping (but they won't climb into your hammock with you - I never had that problem either sleeping on the beach or in New Orleans). When I went to Kalalau Beach - I wanted to escape things at home and find solitude and peace in the wilderness. For so remote - I found crowds of people, noisy traffic from helicopters, boats, and zodiacs and other people's neighbor problems. Friendly though they might be - the beach residents are mostly a lot of societal drop outs, many with substance abuse issues who ask about drugs to donate to their cause and a lot of people grow marijuana out there. The beach is gorgeous - but the National Parks need to take over and resolve the maintenance and overuse issues. It tends to be pretty windy and you can't always swim off the beach there. It's just so ridiculously crowded it's like being at "Earthdance" or some other camping festival where most folks are less prepared than you and asking for handouts. I'd love to return but the beach is really not in great shape these days.

Views of Waimea Canyon from the opposite side…read more November 2021. Saw a long trail alongside a cliff on the opposite side of Waimea Canyon and put it on my bucket list to hike it. March 26, 2022, started the Canyon hike from the Puu Hinahina Lookout. We had previously that morning done 2 hours of hiking the Pihea Trail off of the Puu o Kila lookout in Kokee Park, 7 miles away. Had started this hike in November 2021 but turned back after 30 minutes. This time we came prepared with hat, hiking poles, hiking boots, long sleeve pants, long sleeve shirts, water, hat, granola bars and fruit sticks. The first 45 minutes of the hike are the toughest part, steep downward hike over muddy terrain, broken by deep ruts and cuts into the surface. Dense tree cover means the trail never dries out, even though it had not rained in weeks. Slippery even with hiking boots and hiking poles. Tree roots ready to trip you with every move. And no view, as the tree cover prevents you from seeing Waimea Canyon. Eventually the trails levels out, with a parking lot for those who have joined the trail a mile farther up from the Kokee road at the Halemanu road, shaving an hour off the hike. Dense jungle gives way to peeks of Waimea Canyon, and finally on a spur to the right the Cliff overlook, where we see goats scrambling on the cliffs nearby. In a distance, the long trail alongside a cliff on the edge of Waimea Canyon. Trail continues downward, through water ravaged terrain, tree roots at every corner of the trail. Boulders start appearing, and finally an opening, a long plateau leading to the falls. This is the long trail alongside the cliffs with panoramic views of the Waimea Canyon, but from the opposite side. Don't get too close to the edge, as steep drop-offs along the canyon rim. More boulders, and boulder hoping down the steep trail, and then a fast-running stream. On the left is a walk to a large pond, and mini waterfalls, and on the right is the top of the Waipoo Falls. Cliffs of stone formations in the distance. No view of the falls themselves, as you are literally on top of the falls. Took 4 hours to do the complete hike, probably a record slow time, as we were passed by numerous toddlers, and at least two different encounters with hikers going barefoot!

Pu'u Hinahina Lookout from my POV, is the 2nd best lookout located within Waimea Canyon State Park…read more The most well known overlook is Waimea Canyon Lookout...located at Mile Marker 10 of the park. This Pu'u Hinahina is situated on the right hand side of Koke'e Road at Mile Marker 13.5. It can't be missed. And just like at Waimea Canyon Lookout, there is plenty of parking here as well. Now...I'd like to point out how tricky all these lookouts and vista points are here, not just among Waimea Canyon, but in this Pu'u Hinahina area. Let me try to explain... So, there's actually no Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, there are two observation points within Pu'u Hinahina. They are... - Canyon Viewpoint - magical! One of the superior perspectives representative of Waimea Canyon. - Ni'ihau Viewpoint - waste of time. Nothing to see. You need 15 seconds at this overlook before turning around. Both Canyon Viewpoint and Ni'ihau Viewpoint are short walks on paved pathways. Also within this Pu'u Hinahina Lookout, you have the prominent Canyon Trail leading to Waipo'o Falls. Canyon Trail is the most popular hike at Waimea Canyon. I noticed there's a separate Yelp category for writing about Waipo'o Falls and I'll delve more into the hiking experience over there, but let me at least start here with the basics... After checking out Canyon and Ni'ihau Viewpoints, the next logical step while at Pu'u Hinahina Lookout is to hike the 1.8 mile (each way) Canyon Trail. The estimated hiking time is 2 - 3 hours. I'll just sum up the hike right now... There's not much to see along the way to Waipo'o Falls. I started daydreaming about my next activity while at Waimea Canyon. Overall, it's a casual walk downhill among a tropical rainforest. This means that the return trip back uphill to the trailhead is moderately strenuous. I actually never discovered the real Waipo'o Falls. Supposedly it's one of the tallest waterfalls in Hawaii, yet instead I arrived at two small pools with mini trickledown waterfalls. I spoke with fellow visitors and they said this Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls is deceiving, and that at the end of the hike, you're actually standing on top of Waipo'o Falls. And if you'd like to get real views of Waipo'o Falls, you have to do some intense rock repelling down the cliff faced walls which is dangerous. Ultimately, Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls was disappointing especially with the bar for it set very high. Lastly, just to mention, it doesn't happen often, but there were threatening clouds in the sky as I started along Canyon Trail. And me thinking I'm in a Hawaiian paradise and impervious to weather conditions, what could go wrong? Well, yes, I got caught in an afternoon thunderstorm without rain gear. I was drenched for the remainder of the day. This was for the middle of August. Just something to keep in mind because the weather can swiftly change. And finally, lol, gotta put this out there. The island of Kauai is home to roosters and chickens all over the place. During my visit I had never seen anything like it. Returning back to the parking lot, I had some leftover pancakes from breakfast and fed them. They're pretty much waiting and anticipating you'll approach them. They'll gladly eat out of your hands too as they aren't shy. Overall, Pu'u Hinahina Lookout has its up and downs. Canyon Viewpoint is a masterclass setting. Ni'ihau Viewpoint needs a makeover. Canyon Trail to Waipo'o Falls was a letdown. Still, in the grand scheme of exploring Waimea Canyon, stopping by here at Pu'u Hinahina is a Must Do because of its accessible location inside the park.

Secluded beach you turn off the road to find, it has a small parking area, you can't park along the…read moremain road. Locals posted signs saying locals only. They don't want tourists. Definitely unfriendly vibes. No facilities and no lifeguards. The river flowing into the ocean is colder compared to the ocean water. The river is nice and calm. The ocean is not, waves are large and strong. Do not turn your back to the ocean ever, especially here. Only okay for expert swimmers.

We always come to this beach and eat our lunch and relax among the shade of the trees.read more

Somehow I ended up hear and no one was here! Great relaxing beach. Was a bit windy but fun to walk…read morearound. Waves looked crazy!

Please respect this beach. We come here every year since 1987 and have really seen some changes…read more Not all good. We love this beach and want it to be there on our next visit. No amenities. Be careful out there. Pack out your trash.

I read a lot of reviews before hiking to this beach. No one gave me any problems using the trail…read more(some reviews reference this regarding private property signs). The trail was very steep and covered with slick mud, but with good shoes, you can take your time and make it through the hike with no problem. I just walked very slowly and carefully. The trail isn't that long, and I would say it took about 20 mins to get to the beach. The beach has good sand, lots of shade, and a cool rock wall at the back of the beach. Some people were snorkeling and saw a sea turtle . I would say it is worth the hike in to this secluded beach if you are careful.

The first time we found this trail, we weren't sure what it was going to. It had rained recently…read moreand I was in poor shoes, and I slid and fell in the mud. We turned back that day but our whole trip, we were curious what was down there. So now, a few days before leaving, we tried again wearing water shoes- since they seemed to have better grip. I recommend keeping your hands free, as some places can still be slick when it hasn't been raining super recently. There's a few sections where there's tied up rope to help you hold on and keep your balance while climbing- make sure you use it! I wouldn't bring anyone not able-bodied on this trip. As intimidating as the hike sounds, the final points were absolutely breathtaking, the most spectacular beach I've ever seen. The snorkel water was calm, and you can see through it crystal clear without even needing snorkel goggles (although I would still bring some!). Take your time, be careful, go slow, and this trail will reward you. Right before the beach, it does turn into a bit of rock climbing, but nothing too challenging if take your time. You'll definitely feel the Hawaiian jungle vibes. The path can be tight, and you'll be touched with lots of leaves and vines; I would never do this hike somewhere snakes exist. It was a once in a lifetime experience! There were even a few chicken friends on our hike (like everywhere else here!) make sure you wear your reef safe sunscreen!