Kayaking the Na Pali Coast, Kauai 2013 – (pt 1 of 4)

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]

After backpacking the Na Pali Coast to Kalalau a couple times over the years, I felt that I had earned the privilege of kayaking there. With a crew 10-strong (by tandem kayak; Amanda/Will, Garvin/Katie, Christian/Jenny, Baron/Jenelyn and Justin/I), we made the epic journey across the Na Pali Coast, starting in Haena and ending at Polihale. Mahalo nui loa to the crew for making this an adventure I will remember for the rest of my life.

Our journey began at the end of the Kuhio Hwy, on Kee Beach.

After loading all our gear in waterproof bags and strapping them down to the hulls, we shoved off from the shoreline in route to Kalalau Beach.

Within 10-15 minutes, we were passing Hanakapiai Beach, which would probably take about an hour if we were backpacking the coastal trail.

A few friends that had done the same trip mentioned how easy kayaking to Kalalau was, floating with the current down the coast. However, this was not so for us. Strong trade winds and choppy conditions made it difficult to maintain tracking, as well as staying upright! Having overloaded kayaks didn’t help either.

We had intended to paddle in a few sea caves along the shoreline, but the shallower water near shore made flipping effortless. There was even one with a waterfall in the cave… couldn’t even get a picture of it, so bummed!

The earlier photos do not really demonstrate how bad we had it, but Jenelyn got a photo of one of the many waves that were hitting us. Most of us didn’t have time to take photos of the swells, as we were busy paddling / ruddering, and not flipping… Maybe why Baron and Jen flipped? haha, j/p… Definitely the last place I’d want to flip though; glad you folks got back on safetly.

In about an hour, we could see the characteristic, steeply incised ridges of the Kalalau Valley in the distance. Note one of the waves that just past us in this photo as well.

Justin/I started swinging wide when approaching the shore, as we didn’t want to get caught in the swells picking up on the east end of the beach.

Timing in between the swells and shore break, Christian/Jenny quickly paddled to land on the beach. Amanda/Will wait for their turn in the background. Photo by Jen Castillo.

Crew who landed prior helped others who were trying to land. Here Justin helps Amanda/Will pull their kayak up on shore. Photo by Jen Castillo.

After taking a short breather on the beach, we tied up our kayaks and prepped for the next adventure… Hiking to Waimakemake Falls and the Big Pool(s) in the back of Kalalau Valley. Stay tuned for the other adventure write-ups in this 4-part series!!

Although a bit unnerving on the way to Kalalau because of the rough conditions, we all made it to Kalalau safe and sound. If I had to give any kayaking here, make sure you are comfortable kayaking in rough water. Some of the crew got sea sick and made “palu” or chum for the fish. Know how to rudder and maintain tracking, as the wind and waves can be relentless… We probably were probably paddling during “small craft advisory” conditions for much of the time. Strap down everything well, as flipping the kayak with a bunch of dry bags hanging of the hull may be challenging. Also, you don’t want to lose anything that you may need later in the journey. Paddle leashes are useful as well, when launching / landing when shorebreak is present. Much mahalos to our friend John who was kind enough to loan us the kayaks and provide transportation to Kee Beach and picking us up at Polihale.

More questions about our amphibious adventure on Kauai?? Just ask!!!

Aloha and mahalo nui for visiting… Come back again soon!