Comments on: Kalalau Trail Map

By: Julie

Julie — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 21:33:43 +0000

We are planning a hike the first in Nov. How much wind will we encounter? Also, how long do you think it will take us to hike then entire 11 miles in one day? We are average backpackers having backpacked Grand Canyon twice. Also, how unnerving is the Balcony?

By: Andy

Andy — Tue, 07 Jun 2011 09:11:57 +0000

Hi Bill,

You’re welcome. I do have the original file that I created from the GPS points. My Garmin software is old and it crashed while trying to save the GPX, but I do have the GDB file that you should be able to use. I uploaded it here. As I said in the article, some points were re-created after the fact, but most are straight from the GPS. As you can see, it’s an old file. If you make a newer one, please share it as well. You can email it to me: andy at great-hikes.com.

Aloha and happy trails.

By: Bill Lindsay

Bill Lindsay — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 18:32:10 +0000

Hi, Do you know if this map is available for downloading to my Garmin Forerunner 305? I think all I would need is the .gpx

Thanks for the great info, I am planning to hike this in July.

By: Michale Kelly

Michale Kelly — Sat, 28 Aug 2010 05:35:32 +0000

Thank you for your detailed map of the Kalalau trail, Andy! We loved the Trail Profile showing all of the peaks and valleys along the way ! We just got back from 5 memorable days on the beach and did not find the trail a problem. There were narrow and eroded sections, , but with careful foot steps and good tread, no one slipped. The muddiest section was found on the first 2 miles. It was all worth the pristine beauty of the Kalalau Valley!
Stay safe

By: Cheree

Cheree — Tue, 03 Aug 2010 21:18:36 +0000

I have been looking on the Hawaii State camping site and the only sites on the Na Pali you can get permits are is Milolii Valley and Kalalau Valley.

Which one should I spend my first night at?

Is Kalalua the last valley on the hike?

Thanks for your help!

By: Gabriel

Gabriel — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 22:31:24 +0000

Hello Andy,
I just want to thank you for the maps you provided, especially the altitude map. we just got back from a two day hike, there and back, and it really saved my sanity on the way there. sooo many valleys and switchbacks.
thanks again,
Gabriel

By: Ashley king

Ashley king — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 14:58:44 +0000

Hello
Me and my girlfriend are going to Kauai To get married from October 24 for 2 weeks. We were wondering what gps to buy because we have never used one before and where wondering if it needs a map up loading because we are buying it in London. we are hopeing to do quite a bit of hikeing and my be go to the secret tunnles. Could you advise me on what you think would be best.

Regards ashley

By: Andy

Andy — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 18:49:37 +0000

Hi Vonn,

The Kalalau trail is very appealing but also very difficult, even for experienced backpackers (backpacking = hiking for several days and carrying everything you need). It can be harder than trails of similar length and elevation gain in the mountains, even without the altitude factor. The main difficulties are: steep sections of trail, muddy areas, narrow trail above cliffs, overgrown trail, rocky and uneven trail, heat and humidity, carrying supplies for 4 days-3 nights minimum (and you’ll wish you could stay longer).

I don’t want to discourage you, but this is not a good trail to learn backpacking. To be safe, I really suggest you do at least 2 moderate overnight hikes near where you live before going to Kaua’i. There is a lot of knowledge you need: planning food, planning your camps, packing your gear, etc. And of course, you need the equipment: large backpack, lightweight tent, sleeping mattress, water filter, etc. Then you can see how well prepared you are for the added difficulties above.

Any bookstore should have a book about backpacking, something where you can learn about equipment and planning. For details about the Kalalau trail, there is On the Na Pali Coast by Kathy Vallier and the NW Kaua’i Recreation Map (it has a lot of text on the back). You can see them in another article (http://great-hikes.com/blog/kalalau-trip-reports/#books) and both are available from Amazon through my “bookstore:” http://great-hikes.com/blog/bookstore

By: Vonn

Vonn — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 17:19:45 +0000

My friend and I are considering to take the hike mid-May this year. Do you have suggestions on books where to get guides on this type of hiking. I have done hiking in the past but not with overnight stays.

By: Eddy Carpenter

Eddy Carpenter — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 15:19:52 +0000

I am taking the trail on August 31st and looking for someone to go with. Its my first time on the trail so I would like to have company just for safety sake. If you know of any sites or ways for me to find someone else taking the trail on that day I would really be truely greatful.
thank you for your time,
Eddy