Work continues at state and county trails and parks to remove debris, repair damages and correct any other issues caused by the powerful kona low that struck Kaua‘i County and the rest of the state last week and weekend.
Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks announced Wednesday, March 18, that Kalalau Trail will be open beginning today, March 19.
A four-man crew checked the trail from Hanakoa to Kalalau, discovering the trail was not as damaged by the storm as anticipated.
State Parks Division crew members dug out the normal areas and deemed the trail to be in normal condition.
Two state Land Department Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers accompanied the State Parks crew Wednesday on the trail. They cited 10 people for being in a closed area.
None of those cited had valid permits either.
Day-use reservations or a valid camping permit and parking reservations are required to access Kalalau Trail.
The trail — extending a total of 11 mile and originally built in the late 1800s — is one of the most adventurous hiking spots around the globe. It serves as one of the only ways to access Kaua‘i’s beautiful and famous Nā Pali Coast via land.
Visit the Kalalau Trail web page on the Division of State Parks website for additional information.
Other recent state trails and parks updates
Division of State Parks on Monday, March 16, reported:
- Polihale State Park is closed until further notice because of mud and debris removal.
- Pāʻulaʻula State Historic Site is closed for construction.
- Kōkeʻe State Park, Waimea Canyon State Park and Wailuā River State Park are open.
- Hāʻena State Park day use and overnight campers are allowed to enter for the day. Overnight campers were not allowed to go past Hanakāpīʻai Valley, only to Hanakāpīʻai Falls. A sign was slated to be posted on the trail after Hanakāpīʻai Beach, heading to Kalalau, until the state surveyed the trail Wednesday. No further information has been released.
Visit the Hawaiʻi Department of Land and Natural Resources Division of State Parks website for additional updates about state trail and park closures.
Kauaʻi County parks updates
Kauaʻi County Department of Parks and Recreation on Wednesday announced:
- The portion of Ke Ala Hele Makālae — from Keālia Beach to Palikū Beach — is now open in Kapa‘a after county crews cleared debris from the recent storm.
Call Parks and Recreation at 808-241-4460 or email to parks@kauai.gov for additional information about county parks.
