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The Trip

Kayaking the Na Pali Coast provides the adventurous traveler the opportunity to explore a truly spectacular wilderness area. 'Na Pali' refers to the sheer cliffs that soar up from the coastline, making the area accessible only by water or rugged hiking trail.

This 18-mile paddle is broken up into manageable segments, allowing opportunities to explore old Hawaiian civilizations. Our guides will indicate points of interest along the way.

Beach walking, shell collecting, reading, and sunbathing are all daily options. Day hikes range in difficulty from leisurely strolls to strenuous hot climbs and are open to those who feel so inclined. A portion of one day will be dedicated to service work; perhaps a beach clean-up or light trail clearing.

Because of the unpredictable nature of weather, waves, and current, each participant should be physically able to handle conditions that can range from completely flat seas to 6- to 10-foot rolling breakers. Previous ocean kayaking experience is preferred, but being comfortable in big ocean conditions is a must. A two-day introductory course in ocean-kayaking would provide the basic skills needed.

Itinerary

Note: This itinerary may change due to weather, surf conditions, or availability of campsites.

Day 1: Plan to meet the group in front of the agricultural check station at the Lihue Airport on Kauai at 2:00 p.m. From here, we will travel by vans to our first two nights' camp and put-in on Kauai's north shore. We will then set up camp, eat a hearty dinner, and become acquainted.

Day 2: After eating breakfast and cleaning up camp we will meet with our outfitters. Then we will take the kayaks out for an introductory paddle in order to familiarize ourselves with the type of boats that we will use over the next week. We may go up a nearby river or out to the ocean to get experience with different paddling partners, practice rolling the kayaks, and getting back into them. Afterward, it’s back to camp for dinner and beach-combing.

Day 3: After breakfast, we’ll load our personal and communal gear and food into the kayaks and begin our journey. As we round the first point, you’ll marvel at the view of the magnificent, chiseled Na Pali coastline. Soon we’ll pass Hanakapiai, the first white sand beach we’ll encounter. Continuing toward Kalalau Beach, our campsite for the next night, we’ll paddle around (possibly even through) waterfalls. From here, far up the cliffs, you can see the trail traversed by hikers moving to and from Kalalau. If you’ve ever hiked this trail, you’ll be happy to be in your kayak!

Day 4: The day at Kalalau provides the opportunity to head up the valley to Big Pool for a swim; the more hardy may wish to continue up to the waterfall. On the way, we’ll pass through crumbling terraces and mango and guava groves, all remnants of the large Hawaiian population that farmed this valley until the mid-1800s.

Day 5: Showers, running water, and shelters make Milolii one of the most comfortable campsites on the coast. A variety of opportunities present themselves for these two days, depending on your interests and energy level. Like Nualolo, Miloli’i once boasted a thriving Hawaiian community supported by agriculture and fishing. Those interested in exploring can visit remnants of this community or walk up the valley through old terraces along the stream to a spectacular waterfall.
One might wish to spend time combing the beach for colorful shells, interspersed with plunges into the inviting gentle surf. There are ample sources of entertainment on land, but, lest you forget, you also have your kayak for playing up and down the coast. In the quiet of the morning you might be accompanied by sea turtles, dolphins, or perhaps a rare monk seal. In the air we will watch and listen for shearwaters, frigate birds, red-tailed tropic birds, and perhaps an albatross.

Day 6: If conditions permit, an early-morning paddle to the reef-protected cove at Nualolo Kai provides views of the remnants of a Hawaiian village over 600 years old. After snorkeling through the coral corridors among colorful tropical fish we might return farther up the coast for more views of the spectacular cliffs that give Na Pali its name.

Day 7: Using every moment to its fullest, we’ll depart Miloli’i after breakfast to arrive at Polihale in time to possibly practice a little surfing in the boats before carrying all the kayaking gear to the pick-up vehicles. We will then rinse off salt and sweat in the fresh-water showers and meet our cab back to the Lihue Airport.

Plane reservations out of Lihue should be made for no earlier than 7:00 p.m. Always keep in mind the unpredictable nature of ocean kayaking when making your return flight reservations; it is a remote possibility that we could be delayed 24 hours leaving Miloli’i. Although it is not included in the trip price or itinerary, the leader can offer suggestions for places to stay for those who wish to spend the night in a hotel (ah, a bed and real showers!) before leaving.

The Sierra Club is primarily a wilderness conservation organization, and as members we try to maintain or improve the areas we enter. We will follow established sanitary practices and observe all safety regulations. Any hiking or kayaking away from camp must be done in pairs (or more) and with leader approval. The itinerary will allow much latitude in choice of activities; however, the leaders are ultimately responsible for the safety of the group, and their decisions must be respected.

Getting There

The trip begins on August 3 at 2:00 p.m. at the airport in Lihue. If your travel plans have you arriving a day or more early, let the leader know of your plans. Travel expenses to and from Lihue Airport are the responsibility of each participant.

Accommodations and Food

We will be camping each night of this trip. Our first two nights will be along Kauai’s north shore. We will have running water -- but can definitely expect rain at night. Campgrounds along the Na Pali coast require permits that will be obtained by the trip leader, but are undesignated -- meaning we will need to be flexible in our site selections. Conditions at Kalalau are primitive, with no running water and primitive outhouses. A waterfall will supply both our drinking water (which must be treated) and our showers. A Mecca for hippies in the 70s, Kalalau remains a popular location for those wishing to relive that era. While nudity and drugs use are illegal, we may encounter those who practice both. Milolii has running water, showers, and composting outhouses.

The trip fee includes all meals from dinner on August 3 through lunch on August 9. Meals will generally be simple but tasty. They will feature healthful cuisine, combining foods that are familiar to mainlanders as well as those foods commonly consumed on the islands. People who anticipate signing up for the trip who have special dietary requirements MUST discuss these with the leader prior to signing up. This is especially important on this trip, since we have limited space for both food and commissary gear and cannot easily accommodate special diets.

Trip Difficulty

Although the pace of the land portion of this trip is leisurely, the ocean kayaking can be quite challenging and is best suited for people who are in good condition, enjoy being in and on the ocean, and are comfortable in large waves. The ability to swim is mandatory, since you may be required to swim though large breakers. Minimum age for participants is 18 years old. Previous ocean kayaking experience is recommended. This trip is geared for the adventurous spirit and is not for the faint of heart.

Equipment and Clothing

Rental of kayaks, paddles, and personal flotation devices are all included in the price of the trip. We’ll paddle double, sit-on-top kayaks for safety. The leaders and our guide will review basic paddling techniques before we depart.

We will encounter a variety of weather conditions, but this will be no problem for those who follow the recommended gear lists. Expect warm-to-hot days and warm nights, with daily intermittent rain and wind.

Gear: Since all our gear must fit on our boats, it is best to pack in small parcels. Different-sized stuff-sacks work well, but must be made waterproof by wrapping contents first in plastic bags. Those who have watertight gear bags should bring them. Cameras and optics should be waterproof. Do not bring more than you would carry on a backpacking trip and keep in mind that group food and supplies will be divvied up among the participants.

Clothing: You’ll need very little clothing for this trip; bathing suits and shorts will be the usual attire. In addition, a light shirt, rain jacket, warm shirt (wool or pile), loose pants, tennis shoes or tabis (Japanese reef walkers), and thongs are about all you’ll need. For sleeping, you might include a lightweight polypropylene shirt and long johns. Hat and sunglasses are recommended.

Sleeping material: All you’ll need is a thin sleeping bag or blanket (wool or pile). A combination of a blanket and polypropylene long johns works well as a sleeping bag. Down bags are discouraged, because they are too warm and are very likely to get wet.

Tents: Each person or couple should bring a small, waterproof tent with a waterproof rain fly. It is almost guaranteed to rain in our first two nights, and may rain at our other campsites as well. If you’re renting or borrowing a tent, practice putting it up at home to be sure you can do this with ease and that all the parts are there. It is most annoying to try pitching a tent that’s not all there in a whipping wind and rain! Call the leader for rental details.

Further information about equipment will be supplied upon your approval for the trip

References

Some excellent material to read prior to or during the trip:

• Valier, Kathy, On the Na Pali Coast, A Guide for Hikers and Boaters.
• Fleeson, Lucinda, Waking Up in Eden: In Pursuit of an Impassioned Life on an Imperiled Island.
• Sutherland, Audrey, Paddling Hawaii.
• Joesting, Edward, Kauai: The Separate Kingdom.
• Burney, Prof. David A., Back to the Future in the Caves of Kaua'i: A Scientist's Adventures in the Dark.
• Grove Farm Plantation, Krauss & Alexander.
• Daws, Gaven, Shoal of Time.
• The Sierra Club Hawaii Chapter newsletter is also an excellent source of information about local conservation issues. Write to: Sierra Club, Hawaii Chapter, PO Box 2577, Honolulu, HI 96803.
• Two USGS topo maps cover the entire trip: "Haena" and "Makaha Point" quadrangles, Hawaii-Kauai County, 7.5 minute series. Although these are not essential, they offer information about local topography. Write USGS, Federal Distribution Center, Denver, CO.

Trip Price

See the How to Apply for an Outing section for more details on registering for this trip and details about our Reservation and Cancellation Policy.

The payment of a deposit does not confirm you as a member on the trip. Participants must be approved by the trip leader. After signing up for this trip, you will be sent a confirmation packet containing approval materials (Participant Approval Questionnaire, Medical Form, Liability Release Form). Each applicant (including those on the waitlist) must fill out these forms and promptly mail them to the trip leader. The leader will review the approval materials and notify you of your acceptance in a timely manner.

Staff

Colleen Kearney fell in love with Kauai and the Sierra Club Outings experience when she participated on a Kauai hiking trip in 2006. Since then she has led hiking and kayaking trips on the island and looks forward to sharing her love of this magical place with you.

E-mail: cekearney@comcast.net

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General Notes About Sierra Club Trips

• Carbon Offsets
• Carpooling
• Electronic Devices
• Equipment
• How to Apply for a Trip
• Leader Gratuities
• Liability Release and Assumption of Risk
• Medical Issues
• Non-discrimination Statement
• Participant Approval
• Reservation and Cancellation Policy
• Seller of Travel Disclosure
• Travel Insurance
• Trip Feedback
• Wilderness Manners