Adventure Down
the Nā Pali Coast, KAUAI
Over Thanksgiving break I had the amazing opportunity to head out to the awesome Island of Kauai. I stayed with my friend Bronson who is local to the Isand. The trip was non-stop packed with adventure. We scored good weather, huge waves, and delicious food.
On the second to last day of the trip, we decided to take a shot at the Kalalau trail. After 5 days of action packed hiking and surfing I was nervous to attempt the 22 mile round-trip. But with the resilience of my friend Bronson, at 3:30 in the afternoon we took off down the Coast of Kauai towards Kalalau Beach.
Starting the Hike so late in the day was a bad decision according to Bronson’s family and just about everyone else we talked to. We didn’t hesitate to make the journey, despite all of the “ainters.” About 1 mile into the hike we spotted our first fellow hikers. They were on their way out from our destination. At 4:30pm with about 10 miles left we asked the hikers, “what time did you guys leave Kalalau?” they responded tirelessly “we got a late start and left the beach at 9am.” This freaked me out! I didnt think we were going to make it.
Of course, Bronson and I didn’t plan too well for this trip either. With a scarce amount of food and water in our bags, we quickly ran out of.
Desperately craving to pug a gallon of water, optimistically, We decided to drink from the many streams along the trail. I didn’t care too much if the water was good for my health because it tasted delicious.
The hike was one of those workouts that completely tests your mind and body. With the sun quickly setting, we jogged as many parts of the trail as possible.
The mountain goats on the coast of Kauai are some of the most impressive animals I have ever seen. As we hiked up to this pack of goats on the trail they were probably startled to see people hiking at this time of day. As we got closer the animals, they began leaping towards coverage. In the process, a baby goat, trampled on by others was knocked down the side of the cliff, tumbling towards its death. Remarkably, the small mountain goat latched on to a small piece of grass and completely saved its own life! It was one of the coolest things I’ve ever seen an animal do.
At about mile 8 the sun quickly disappeared. With 3 miles left till we reached the beach Bronson and I contemplated sleeping right there on the trail. However, some of the brightest and most beautiful stars I have ever seen lite up the night sky. We pressed the last 3 miles in near dark, guided by some amazing stars. I have never seen so many stars visible, it must have been because of the absolute fresh air and lack of pollution on that side of the island, I was speechless. When we arrived at the beach, we were greeted by many friendly campers who shared food and great memories with us.
After a long night of fun and games with random strangers, we decided to fall asleep in the depths of a cave carved out of a huge mountain. I paid the price for sleeping shirtless on nothing but a beach towel. Waking up at sunrise with literally hundreds of mosquito bites from head to toe, we were still eager to see the amazing Kalalau Valley in day Light.
This amazing waterfall is the source of clean water that provides Kalalau visitors with drinking and cooking water. The people of Kalalau are expected to follow a strict series of unwritten rules that help preserve the land.
That morning, we were awoken by the sound of glassy barrels firing down the shore. With only one other guy in the water, we scored some pounding bodysurf rides that prepared us for the hike out.
Amazing fruts that we picked straight from the trees provided us with the energy we needed to keep going. It was awesome living off the land. If i could I would stay at this beach for a month straight.
The only regret I have of this whole trip is that we couldn’t stay longer. At about 10am, it was time Bronson and I headed out on or 11 mile voyage back to reality. We had a flight to catch that night, and again, if we wanted to make it on time we were required to press the hike as fast as we could. With an extremely sore body and this rainy view of the trail ahead of us, we had no choice but to leave.
Amazing rainbows and scenic views seen above are about all that kept me alive during this 22 mile voyage.
This trip to Kauai was the best vacation ever. Special thanks to this guy, Bronson who is the best host I could have asked for. Cheers!