Portion of Kalalau Trail to reopen for day use only; full reopening date to be determined

A portion of the Kalalau Trail in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park will partially reopen beginning this weekend, but will continue to essentially be closed to visitors following a recent outbreak of the norovirus.

The Hawai‘i Department of Land and Natural Resources is reopening the trail to Hanakāpīʻai for day use only beginning Sept. 21. Any hiking beyond Hanakāpīʻai could result in citations or arrests.

Full reopening of the trail will be determined at a later date.

“This was an unprecedented situation. As soon as we became aware of people getting sick at Kalalau, we coordinated with the [Hawai‘i Department of Health] to make sure we followed all its recommended protocols,” said state Land Department Chairwoman Dawn Chang. “[The state Department of Land and Natural Resources’] primary concern is public health and safety and protection and preservation of the natural and cultural resources. Until we are confident that these issues have been adequately addressed, we will err on the side of caution. We appreciate the community’s and visitors’ patience.”

A total of 50 norovirus cases have been reported to date. The onset of new cases peaked Sept. 2. There have been no new cases reported since Sept. 4.

Despite the public health risk subsiding, the Hawaiʻi Department of Health will continue to investigate case reports and conduct surveillance of norovirus-like symptoms in emergency room and urgent care visits in addition to requesting cases be reported by park visitors and/or health care providers.

U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention testing of water, sand and sediment from Kalalau Valley did not show any norovirus.

Significant preventive measures have been taken during the closure, which began Sept. 3, and are still underway.

The state Land Department’s Division of State Parks is conducting multiple deep cleanings and disinfection of comfort stations along the trail and at the Kē‘ē Beach trailhead.

Signs recommended by the state Health Department also are being produced and helicopter time scheduled to fly them to Kalalau to be installed at the same time as additional disinfection of facilities.

One set of signs will offer suggestions for campers and hikers to prevent the spread of ailments such as norovirus. A second sign will be placed outside the sea cave adjacent to the Kalalau camping area.

Water testing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention revealed evidence of fecal contamination inside the cave. The cave will remain closed.

It is inaccessible during winter months as it is blocked by winter ocean swells, and visitors are reminded that it against the law to urinate or defecate other than at the toilet facilities provided.