Your welcome! and yes, first flight in from O'ahu so not to long, saved some $$ by not having to do the hotel. Next time we will stay at one though, lol, need to start a bit earlier.
someday, I will get there. Thank you for sharing your adventures. I lived on the Island of Kauai part time for a couple of years. I wished I had done it then...it will always be there waiting for me. Mahalo's & Aloha!
Had some fun on this hike and got to experience something special. Waterfalls, cliffs, goats, epic coastal views, and of course a beach that is one of a kind. If you have done this hike let me know what you remember from your experience.
Great video! Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together. The wife and I go to Kauai once per year and have been thinking about taking on this hike, so your video is very helpful. Question: It appeared that you were not filtering water when you filled your bottles at the stream. Do you believe that that there is very little risk of giardia?
I’m sorry it appeared that way but I can assure you I filtered all my water at every stop. I used a squeeze bag type, can’t remember the name at the moment, it may be linked in the article in the description below the video. Almost everyone recommends filtering.
You are right on the shoulder between the rainy season and "less rainy" season. The weather changed multiple times during my hike so be prepared for both. Rainy season runs from November to March. Go for it and enjoy!
Nice video and great advice! I completed this trail on June 26th and June 27th this year. We had the perfect conditions (maybe some sun showers here and there but nothing bad). It did truly rain on the second day for the two miles before we reached the trailhead again, so I was extra cautious because we'd seen so many people hiking to the falls were slipping on the smooth rock and not paying attention. I will say Crawler's was overhyped.... there are parts that were actually bad like the descent into Crawlers because of the loose gravel. The loose gravel traumatized me to a point where we decided to not camp a second night at Kalalau Beach so we didn't even get to explore the valley and the beach. Any time I put my foot down (I had hiking poles too) on the loose gravel, my foot would sink/slide... it was at this point I asked to turn back. We had a guide with us and he said "how about a little further?" every yard so that made me push through my fears. Personally that was terrifying so my fiance made the executive decision to hold my backpack the entire time on that section. Fortunately the trail going UP the loose gravel portion/out of Crawler's was fine. Crawler's Ledge itself was actually one of the safest areas I feel due to its stable ground and great natural handholds, (my partner and I are used to scrambling on the East coast so it felt natural)... the only spooky thing was how windy it was on actual Crawler's. There were rocky parts similar to Crawler's on the latter portion of the trail (going into the Valley) that were more narrow/more sketchy. Also after Crawler's where you said it'd be super sketchy if you had inclement weather was also very sketchy, even when dry. It was either that spot or another spot where there are woody vines that I held onto both ways. Unfortunately because I was so in my head the miles leading up to Crawler's I might've been a little too focused on my footing and scared of Crawler's to appreciate the beauty for some parts (ironic considering other sections were substantially worse). Thankfully we have about 200GB of GoPro footage. I will be devastated if we lose it. Also the hiking poles were a total necessity for me. On the trail I saw people doing the trail without poles and I was just thinking, "HOW?!!" But we all have different experiences and perspectives so to each their own. In the end I'm happy I completed the trail. For months I was fervently against doing it and told my partner to do it himself. I knew I wouldn't be mentally ready for this since I know my limits. Physically it was fine since we made training for the hike harder the 3 months leading up to it so the perceived rate of exertion was lower. Nothing could have prepared me for the mental, and for what its worth we tried walking close to the edge of some East coast mountains, just to get used to looking at heights. For background, I hike in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas and love trail running and am very balanced but not used to being on cliffs. The longest hike I'd done before Kalalau was Old Rag Mountain (I did a total of 10.8 miles in 4 hours and 20 minutes according to my FitBit). I'd never been to any of the Hawaiian islands prior to this and Kalalau was my first hike in Hawaii so I wasn't used to the heat, constantly changing terrain, and environment/conditions. After months of me saying "no" my partner still continued putting pressure (saying he would be upset) so I gave up and gave in, and did it for my partner. At some point he stopped but it was too late at that point since I was set on doing it after months of futile pushback. We are good now after he saw my reaction and the sheer terror in my eyes at the scree on the descent towards Crawler's - he realized he went about it the wrong way and should have taken my word instead of me having to put myself in an uncomfortable situation just so he can hear me. I cried the entire night once we reached camp, and couldn't sleep and developed stomach pains that lasted a week after we completed the trail because I was simply too scared of going back to the loose gravel section. He has since apologized and understands he should respect my boundaries. One positive I've taken away is that I can now say I've done one of the hardest hikes in the WORLD, which is something many can't say. Of course there are locals and regulars, or first timers that will be surprised that it's one of the hardest hikes in the world, but they're speaking from a different lens than myself and others. At the same time there are locals who we came across who said they wouldn't even attempt it because it looks too dangerous. The guide we had with us said only a third of the people with permits actually show up because people get cold feet or something just doesn't work out, which makes me even more proud of this accomplishment. Shortly after we completed Kalalau, my now fiance wanted me to do Kalepa Ridge Trail with him (he wanted to propose there) but I didn't trust him at that point since my trauma was too raw from the loose gravel section. Side note: we did have microspikes and I wonder if it would have helped if I had used them on that section. In any case my partner respected my decision to not do Kalepa. Enough time now has passed that I think next time we're in Kauai I'll give it a shot since I got through Kalalau. :) Sorry for essay - just wanted to get out some frustrations and share my experience. Also the mountain apples are the best - got to try some a little before or after space rock!
Wow, what an amazing journey for you. A physical and mental challenge to remember for a lifetime. You absolutely can say with pride and confidence that you pushed through and completed one of the hardest hikes in the world. I always wondered how many permit holders never follow thru, 1/3 doesn't surprise me. Totally agree that Crawlers Ledge was fairly secure but the loose gravel before and after was really sketchy. I hope you tackle Kalepa soon.
I made it to the first beach. It was stunning. How is it getting to the falls? I wanted to do that, but had to make it back for the shuttle. I didn't know about the dirt part of crawler's ledge; that would not be for me unless totally dry! I went in the month of November, it was lightly muddy. Beautiful video! How do people pass each other on the ledge?
The ledge only has 1 or two short sections where its one across. You can see far enough ahead if someone is coming so you can wave them on or off. The ledge is was not nearly as sketchy as the dry dirt parts before and after, I can't imagine during the rain.
I live on Kauai and am far too scared to attempt this hike! So thank you for letting me experience the hike from the comfort (and safety) of my home 😂 absolutely breathtaking views 🤩
Almost everyone I saw that was hiking the first 2 miles did not have hiking poles. It's a "hump" up the first hill and down into the valley. Potentially a muddy mess if it has rained recently but it was shored up with logs and rocks.
I felt that way watching videos before I hiked this trail but it was quite different in person. Step by step did it for me. The loose rock before and after Crawlers ledge was the most sketchy, a kind of shifting gravel. Hiking poles and taking my time worked wonders. The width was always fine, even with a large pack on.
I must say: That Trail Is *NO* JOKE! After you completed/filmed an extremely precarious section, you said the trail was wide enough & definitely doable. Your coverage of that portion of the trail did *not* convey this. It looked like you were walking at death's door. R-E-S-P-E-C-T INDEED! 🙏🦉 🏞️🌅
Most realistic video of crawlers ledge I've seen. Great video!
Thank you!
you flew to kauai before hitting the trail?? amazing. thank you for the video.
Your welcome! and yes, first flight in from O'ahu so not to long, saved some $$ by not having to do the hotel. Next time we will stay at one though, lol, need to start a bit earlier.
Great video! Looking into a second trip out and this is a respectable, honest video. Thanks man!!
Nice! I am already thinking about my second trip to Kalalau.
Amazing video. Bucket list for me so i cant wait to give it a shot in a few weeks!
Awesome! There is a great Kalalau FB you should join to share your photos after, tips, etc. Enjoy your hike!
❤🎉Thanks! I like your video!
Great vlog of the hike, thanks! Beautiful shots and great footage of Crawlers Ledge. Really lovely ending.
someday, I will get there. Thank you for sharing your adventures. I lived on the Island of Kauai part time for a couple of years. I wished I had done it then...it will always be there waiting for me. Mahalo's & Aloha!
Do it sooner than later! Aloha.
Absolutely beautiful ! Can’t wait to hike it again 🤙
Hiking the Kalalau Trail the second time will be even better.
Absolutely stunning hike, check that off your bucket list, great video
what an awesome video !!!!!!!!!! im in the Army and i will PCS to hawaii on my next contract ! i cant wait to go and explore and snoop around
Awesome! Enjoy your stay here and book the permit early.
Mahalo for sharing your experience. That was the most beautiful sunset ever😍
It truly was, will never forget it.
Amazing hike, and yes looks like a mental and physical challenge for sure.
I can’t get over how beautiful this is 😊
The whole Nāpali Coast on Kaua’i is simply breathtaking.
Did this beautiful hike multiple times in the 80’s and 90’s….thanks for the revisit. Yes, I did it when it was muddy once…..it was horrible!
Nice! I hope to do it again and I can't imagine slogging 11 miles in the mud.
Had some fun on this hike and got to experience something special. Waterfalls, cliffs, goats, epic coastal views, and of course a beach that is one of a kind. If you have done this hike let me know what you remember from your experience.
what time of year did you go?
@@SMof1987 I was there in July
Great video! Thanks so much for taking the time to put this together. The wife and I go to Kauai once per year and have been thinking about taking on this hike, so your video is very helpful.
Question: It appeared that you were not filtering water when you filled your bottles at the stream. Do you believe that that there is very little risk of giardia?
I’m sorry it appeared that way but I can assure you I filtered all my water at every stop. I used a squeeze bag type, can’t remember the name at the moment, it may be linked in the article in the description below the video. Almost everyone recommends filtering.
Great video. Mahalo. I did the hike back in May, you guys did it right. More than beautiful. ❤😅
Is it usually rainy in April?
You are right on the shoulder between the rainy season and "less rainy" season. The weather changed multiple times during my hike so be prepared for both. Rainy season runs from November to March. Go for it and enjoy!
Nice video and great advice! I completed this trail on June 26th and June 27th this year. We had the perfect conditions (maybe some sun showers here and there but nothing bad). It did truly rain on the second day for the two miles before we reached the trailhead again, so I was extra cautious because we'd seen so many people hiking to the falls were slipping on the smooth rock and not paying attention.
I will say Crawler's was overhyped.... there are parts that were actually bad like the descent into Crawlers because of the loose gravel. The loose gravel traumatized me to a point where we decided to not camp a second night at Kalalau Beach so we didn't even get to explore the valley and the beach. Any time I put my foot down (I had hiking poles too) on the loose gravel, my foot would sink/slide... it was at this point I asked to turn back. We had a guide with us and he said "how about a little further?" every yard so that made me push through my fears. Personally that was terrifying so my fiance made the executive decision to hold my backpack the entire time on that section. Fortunately the trail going UP the loose gravel portion/out of Crawler's was fine. Crawler's Ledge itself was actually one of the safest areas I feel due to its stable ground and great natural handholds, (my partner and I are used to scrambling on the East coast so it felt natural)... the only spooky thing was how windy it was on actual Crawler's. There were rocky parts similar to Crawler's on the latter portion of the trail (going into the Valley) that were more narrow/more sketchy. Also after Crawler's where you said it'd be super sketchy if you had inclement weather was also very sketchy, even when dry. It was either that spot or another spot where there are woody vines that I held onto both ways. Unfortunately because I was so in my head the miles leading up to Crawler's I might've been a little too focused on my footing and scared of Crawler's to appreciate the beauty for some parts (ironic considering other sections were substantially worse). Thankfully we have about 200GB of GoPro footage. I will be devastated if we lose it. Also the hiking poles were a total necessity for me. On the trail I saw people doing the trail without poles and I was just thinking, "HOW?!!" But we all have different experiences and perspectives so to each their own.
In the end I'm happy I completed the trail. For months I was fervently against doing it and told my partner to do it himself. I knew I wouldn't be mentally ready for this since I know my limits. Physically it was fine since we made training for the hike harder the 3 months leading up to it so the perceived rate of exertion was lower. Nothing could have prepared me for the mental, and for what its worth we tried walking close to the edge of some East coast mountains, just to get used to looking at heights. For background, I hike in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia areas and love trail running and am very balanced but not used to being on cliffs. The longest hike I'd done before Kalalau was Old Rag Mountain (I did a total of 10.8 miles in 4 hours and 20 minutes according to my FitBit). I'd never been to any of the Hawaiian islands prior to this and Kalalau was my first hike in Hawaii so I wasn't used to the heat, constantly changing terrain, and environment/conditions.
After months of me saying "no" my partner still continued putting pressure (saying he would be upset) so I gave up and gave in, and did it for my partner. At some point he stopped but it was too late at that point since I was set on doing it after months of futile pushback. We are good now after he saw my reaction and the sheer terror in my eyes at the scree on the descent towards Crawler's - he realized he went about it the wrong way and should have taken my word instead of me having to put myself in an uncomfortable situation just so he can hear me. I cried the entire night once we reached camp, and couldn't sleep and developed stomach pains that lasted a week after we completed the trail because I was simply too scared of going back to the loose gravel section. He has since apologized and understands he should respect my boundaries.
One positive I've taken away is that I can now say I've done one of the hardest hikes in the WORLD, which is something many can't say. Of course there are locals and regulars, or first timers that will be surprised that it's one of the hardest hikes in the world, but they're speaking from a different lens than myself and others. At the same time there are locals who we came across who said they wouldn't even attempt it because it looks too dangerous. The guide we had with us said only a third of the people with permits actually show up because people get cold feet or something just doesn't work out, which makes me even more proud of this accomplishment. Shortly after we completed Kalalau, my now fiance wanted me to do Kalepa Ridge Trail with him (he wanted to propose there) but I didn't trust him at that point since my trauma was too raw from the loose gravel section. Side note: we did have microspikes and I wonder if it would have helped if I had used them on that section. In any case my partner respected my decision to not do Kalepa. Enough time now has passed that I think next time we're in Kauai I'll give it a shot since I got through Kalalau. :) Sorry for essay - just wanted to get out some frustrations and share my experience. Also the mountain apples are the best - got to try some a little before or after space rock!
Wow, what an amazing journey for you. A physical and mental challenge to remember for a lifetime. You absolutely can say with pride and confidence that you pushed through and completed one of the hardest hikes in the world. I always wondered how many permit holders never follow thru, 1/3 doesn't surprise me. Totally agree that Crawlers Ledge was fairly secure but the loose gravel before and after was really sketchy. I hope you tackle Kalepa soon.
I live there you should try hiking blue hole its even more intense and is the rainiest place on earth it really cool
I made it to the first beach. It was stunning. How is it getting to the falls? I wanted to do that, but had to make it back for the shuttle. I didn't know about the dirt part of crawler's ledge; that would not be for me unless totally dry! I went in the month of November, it was lightly muddy. Beautiful video! How do people pass each other on the ledge?
The ledge only has 1 or two short sections where its one across. You can see far enough ahead if someone is coming so you can wave them on or off. The ledge is was not nearly as sketchy as the dry dirt parts before and after, I can't imagine during the rain.
I live on Kauai and am far too scared to attempt this hike! So thank you for letting me experience the hike from the comfort (and safety) of my home 😂 absolutely breathtaking views 🤩
Your welcome!
Nice little tobacco plants right before the beach
Come sentirsi stanchi SEMPRE
Do you need hiking poles for the first two miles?
Almost everyone I saw that was hiking the first 2 miles did not have hiking poles. It's a "hump" up the first hill and down into the valley. Potentially a muddy mess if it has rained recently but it was shored up with logs and rocks.
I’m getting anxiety just watching you tread the narrow path! How wide was it? How loose were the rocks? 😅
I felt that way watching videos before I hiked this trail but it was quite different in person. Step by step did it for me. The loose rock before and after Crawlers ledge was the most sketchy, a kind of shifting gravel. Hiking poles and taking my time worked wonders. The width was always fine, even with a large pack on.
Hawaii is so pretty
I must say: That Trail Is *NO* JOKE!
After you completed/filmed an extremely precarious section, you said the trail was wide enough & definitely doable.
Your coverage of that portion of the trail did *not* convey this.
It looked like you were walking at death's door.
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
INDEED!
🙏🦉
🏞️🌅
I wish I could have captured the gravely-slippery section better on film also. It was an adventure for sure!!
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