marie & beth do hawaii

Day 4: Na Pali Coast

Na Pali Coast

• The most beautiful landscape you’ll ever set your eyes on
• 2 hr drive, 2.5 hr hike, halfway point at Hanakapiai beach, where I am sitting writing this
• Holy shit, I was so not physically or mentally prepared for that hike!! But damn, it was well worth the sweat, mud and scratches!
  

I am sitting at Hanakapiai Beach as I write this. We hiked the Kalalau Trail, on the Na Pali Coast, which took 2 hours to drive to, and 2.5 hours to hike. The sights along this trail are unlike anything I’ve ever seen. The air is so fresh, it actually smells like fresh baked bread! There are so many type of terrain along this trail; it ranges from rainforest and lush palm trees, to dry red earth, to muddy brown water, to rocks and streams. Apparently its not uncommon for people to die on this trail during rain season. The waves at the beach at the bottom of this part of the trail are so ferocious, swimming is forbidden. The ocean is the most beautiful colour, going from bright teal to blue, to navy with white crashing waves.

There are thousands of rocks to walk across in order to make it to the beach. It’s unbelievably peaceful here. There are some other tourists, but not too many, and everyone is quietly enjoying the view.

I managed to step in a big puddle of mud which rendered my sparkling white running shoe into a big brown BLOB. Once we got to the beach I could finish take off my shoe and sock, and rinse it in the stream near the water, where it was a safe distance from the violent waves. Quite uncomfortable walking in a pile of mud, but well worth it. And I got a few comments and laughs along the way from other tourists who noticed it.

We have to head back soon – it gets dark quickly here, and you can’t see anything in the dark. The roads are also winding and dangerous, so better safe than sorry! As we drove back, we stopped at Haena Beach. The waves were so violent, there were warnings everywhere not to go swimming. We stood near the edge and let the waves crash at our feet. There was only one guy brave enough to be in the water, and he was doing some impressive surfing!

We didn’t stay too long – we drove a few minutes down the road and found a well-hidden beach called Lumihai. So far, this is the most beautiful beach I’ve ever seen. Surrounded by lava rocks and very secluded, you walk from the car lot down a hidden tropical trail that leads you down to the beach. No need to coax me into the water! The sun was hot, and water was so warm yet refreshing after that long treacherous hike. I can’t believe I’m still alive to be honest. One mistep would lead you to an awful awful death.

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We’re now stopped at Hanalei Bay – Home of Puff the Magic Dragon! We’re having a bite at Polynesia Cafe, which has an amazing thai tofu & veggies in peanut sauce meal. YAY, they have tofu!! The food is delicious, and the view is spectacular. Its getting dark, and its time to head back to the cottage and call it a day.

We make Pina Coladas and sit in the Jacuzzi, surrounded by candles and christmas lights on the coconut trees surrounding the deck. I never wanted to get out, but my pruny fingers disagreed. Time to call it a night.

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