The dead end Look out on your trip through the Waimea Canyon and kokee State Park scenic driving…read more To get to the famous Lookout point takes about an hour drive with no Stops. I was really hoping to see this famous overlook of the Na pali coast. However, it was raining and full of fog when I went. I realize halfway up the drive, but I was committed to hopefully see the clouds part and see some Beautiful scenery. Either way it was a really nice drive and I got to see nice fog. Just kidding when I was ready to walk back to my car it started pouring rain thank you to the restroom for giving me shelter. Definitely coming back here again. Just remember to pay for your Parking. $5 For each person plus another five for your car

Would definitely recommend making the drive up to the Kalalau Lookout while in Kaua'i. We stayed on…read moreWailua Bay and made the 2 hour drive to the lookout. The road up to the lookout was quite windy, so please use caution when driving up. There are a few beautiful view points that you can pull off to get some amazing views of Waimea Canyon. When you get up to the Kalalau Lookout, you will need to pay for parking...DON'T FORGET. When we were leaving we saw a few cars getting notices on their car to pay for parking before leaving. If you are a Hawai'i resident all you have to do is show your Hawai'i ID/drivers license and you won't have to pay anaything. The view from the Kalalau lookout is part of the Na Pali Coast. When we went the view was so clear and so beautiful! There's a coffee house and restaurant that you can stop at about halfway up the mountain. There's also a nice park that was pretty crowded. A few families had set up a blanket and were having a picnic.

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!!!

The Puʻu o Kila Lookouts is located at the mile marker 19, the end of highway 550, within Kauai's…read moreKoke'e State Park, and it offers panoramic views of the Kalalau Valley and the Na Pali Coast. I think it's a better stop compared to the nearby Kalalau Lookout if you're running short on time.

The views were breathtaking!! We were treated by a full rainbow. My only complaint is the cost to…read morepark your car and see the amazing view. It's $10 per car and $5 per person for a spot you're probably going to spend 15-20 minutes.

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.

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!

Perfect place for relaxation on the sand, in the water, snorkeling, swimming, hanging out, reading,…read moresunbathing, you name it! Parked above, you'll be required to walk down a slight slope. We had brought chairs, towels, snorkel gear, etc. The walk was not bad at all. Lots of open space once you get on the sand. There were some shady areas (we were under some trees). There were a lot of waves that came through and got to see some schools of fish hanging out in some of the shallower areas where they all just hung out and moved with the motion of the ocean. I'd see more unique looking fish when I'd snorkel around the rocks. The beach was pretty secluded when I was there which was nice. A couple other parties of people were there and one solo with a dog. We actually had ran into a family friend that we knew while we there - small world... smaller island, actually! We were there for a wedding, but it was on a different island. We all just so happened to run into each other at the same beach days after into the trip- they were there with their friend who had two small children. The kids looked like they had a fun time in the water. My favorite time was spent snorkeling and trying to find cool looking fish and other things under the water.

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.

Beautiful beach with nobody around. After climbing over quite a few rocks and boulders you get to a…read morebeautiful beach. The sand is soft but I do highly recommend water shoes. In the water it's mostly small rocks. If you explore the other side of the cove the rocks in the water are larger, sharper and slippery. Really fun beach with lots of crabs and coconuts. The snorkeling by the rocks on the far side of the cove is not fantastic but still worth doing. Lots or larger tangs and butterfly fish.

A really nice and secluded beach. There's a hike, but it's very easy hike to the beach. The water…read moreitself has a lot of rocks, so it may not be the best place to swim, but it's nice if you want to be alone and relax.

Larsen's Beach is on the northeast side of Kauai island, Hawaii. You get there by Koolau Road,…read morewhich is a loop road. The south end begins at the Moloaa Sunrise Fruit Stand at mile 16.5 where it intersects Kuhio highway, and the north end close to mile marker 20 on Kuhio Highway. From the north end (Kilauea, Princeville, Hanalei) take Koolau Road, pass a lava rock wall until it ends, continue past an old Hawaiian cemetery, and take the dirt and gravel road left, going makai to the ocean which you can see across the pasture. At the end park in the county parking lot and walk towards the ocean. The trail on the left, past a mangled fence, is a centuries old historic ala loa trail. This easy trail affords great views of the reef and beach. When it gets to sea level just go through bushes to the sand. Coming from the south (Kapaa, Lihue, Poipu) from the fruit stand just take a right and continue on Koolau Road which has switch backs and goes down and up a big hill. Take a right at the top where there are four mail boxes and follow as above. The beach is clothing optional as nude recreation at NON state park beaches in Hawaii is legal. (HI. v. Milford, case 22489, and HI. v. Kalama, case 22457, Sept 29, 2000.) Topfree sunbathing for females has been unquestionably legal since May 18, 1979 cases, State v. Crenshaw and State v. Steinlauf. Cases 5791 and 5792. Secret Beach a.k.a. Kauapea Beach in Kilauea is another Kauai naturist beach. As another wrote all types go here, straight, gay, adults, kids. Be very careful swimming and snorkeling. For more information on the naturist option in Hawaii, the law, and links to naturist groups on Hawaiian islands and around the world, visit the blog of Kauai Naturists, coming from, logically enough....Kauai! http://kauainaturists.blogspot.com/ Email: Kauai (dot) naturists (at) gmail (dot) com

Amazing beach, very secluded, private, and everyone is respectful of each other and the…read moresurroundings. Nudity is very popular it seemed about 50% of those there were enjoying the beach naked, both male and female. If you're gay or bi a good spot to make new friends. Most people from about the middle of the beach and northwards were nude, but that might have just been the day I was there. Access is via a choice of 2 paths from the parking area - if you take the path to the left it's a 10 minute gentle walk and you emerge about half way along the beach. The other path, is much steeper, but shorter, and takes yo to the south end.