Kalalau Valley
Encyclopedia
The Kalalau Valley is located on the northwest side of the island of Kauai
in the state of Hawaii
. The valley is located in the Nā Pali Coast State Park
and houses the beautiful Kalalau Beach
. The Nā Pali Coast is very rugged and is inaccessible to automobiles. The only legal ways to access the valley are by kayak
or by hiking the Kalalau Trail
.
The valley is renowned for its natural beauty; it is surrounded by lush cliffs more than 2000 feet (609.6 m) high. The valley bottom is broad and relatively flat, with an accessible region about 2 miles (3.2 km) long and 0.5 mile (0.80467 km) wide. The abundant sun and rain provides an ideal environment for flora and fauna. Many native Hawaiians
lived in the valley into the 20th century, farming taro
from a vast complex of terraced
fields. Today, its designation as a state park forbids anyone from residing there.
is too steep for any motorized vehicles, all access to the valley is by boat or foot, with the exception of emergency helicopter landings. Kayaks are a popular way of visiting the valley, although sea conditions can make this dangerous during the winter. Hiking the Kalalau Trail
is also popular, but the trail is about 11 miles (17.7 km) long, quite strenuous, and can be dangerous at parts.
Access to the Kalalau Valley is controlled in the name of conservation. A limited number of permits are issued for camping in Kalalau Valley every year by the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources
(DLNR). Anyone wishing to hike beyond Hanakāpīai valley must have a permit for staying in Kalalau Valley overnight. A total of sixty overnight permits are issued for each night. Permits must generally be sought as early as 6 months in advance of travel.
The valley is visible from the Kōkee State Park
, which is accessible by road from the west side of the island. It is rumored that there is a trail accessing the valley from Kōkee, however all possible routes appear to be very dangerous and some people are suspected to have fallen to their deaths trying to find them.
plant Dubautia kalalauensis
which was named for the valley and is found nowhere else in the world. Other endemics include the endangered Schiedea attenuata
.
in this area that is used for bathing and washing dishes. At one end of the beach is a stream that is also used for fresh water, although all water must be purified
.
and even live in the valley. These long-term campers live the lifestyle of Naturalists
and are suspected by some to cause serious harm to the ecological balance of the valley by their waste
and propagation of introduced species
.
Some of these inhabitants contribute to the health of the valley by collecting waste, practicing leave no trace
ethics, and tending to the trails which require constant maintenance. These stewards of the Nā Pali believe that the valley can return to a state of self sufficiency with careful and sustainable use of the valley's abundant resources. Some of these people argue that since permits are only available for 5 nights, there is not enough time to fully enjoy the valley. It takes at least 1 day for the rigorous 11 miles (17.7 km), leaving only 3 days to explore the valley and beaches. There are stories of people who hike in and decide to stay indefinitely, due to the beauty and serenity that they find in the Kalalau Valley.
The residents of the valley sometimes come into conflict with authorities charged with enforcing the law. The DLNR makes biannual raids of the valley, slashing and burning camp sites and illegal farms. Visitors who do not have a permit are fined and have their equipment confiscated or destroyed. However, the government employees do nothing to stop the herd of goats that resides in kalalau valley from destroying and eroding the land.
gardens in the Kalalau Valley are being threatened and destroyed by the introduced and invasive trees
. These trees created an extensive underground root network which quickly invaded the traditional rock walls of the terraces. Also, since these trees are introduced species, they are not suitable for the heavy Pacific Ocean
winds that frequent the valley on a daily basis. The trees then fall and topple the rock walls causing permanent damage.
The origin of the trees is disputed. Some argue that they were planted by the DLNR after the Hawaiian people abandoned the valley and it was decided to turn the valley into a popular tourist destination. The DLNR felt that tourists would like a forested canopy instead of bare land which was previously used as cattle
pasture and taro
plots. However, others note that the last private owners of the valley, the Robinson family, likely planted some of the trees there to provide shade for cattle kept there after the Hawaiians left.
Still others contend that the terraces were initially destroyed by the Robinson's cattle after the last Hawaiians left the valley in the early 1900s. The foraging cattle destroyed many terraces causing heavy erosion. The DLNR drop-seeded Java Plum trees (Syzygium cumini
) to prevent erosion of the valley's topsoil
. The roots grow around the stone terraces and when they fall, dislodge the rocks.
s in the area is disturbing. Helicopters cause noise pollution
that can be heard for miles. After reaching the end of the trail, hikers expect a quiet place to reflect on the majesty of the Nā Pali. Instead, they are faced with constant helicopter buzz from sun up to sun down. Many helicopters fly below legal limitations to "get a closer view." This practice causes considerable disturbance to those wishing to enjoy the Nā Pali, and contributes to erosion of the land and rock fall.
, the DLNR is responsible for its maintenance and preservation. Some have criticized the DLNR for their inability to manage the Nā Pali Coast, although others note that many Hawaii parks suffer from a chronic lack of funding.
Kauai
Kauai or Kauai, known as Tauai in the ancient Kaua'i dialect, is geologically the oldest of the main Hawaiian Islands. With an area of , it is the fourth largest of the main islands in the Hawaiian archipelago, and the 21st largest island in the United States. Known also as the "Garden Isle",...
in the state of Hawaii
Hawaii
Hawaii is the newest of the 50 U.S. states , and is the only U.S. state made up entirely of islands. It is the northernmost island group in Polynesia, occupying most of an archipelago in the central Pacific Ocean, southwest of the continental United States, southeast of Japan, and northeast of...
. The valley is located in the Nā Pali Coast State Park
Na Pali Coast State Park
Nā Pali Coast State Park encompasses of land and is located in the center of the rugged along the northwest side of Kauai, the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island. The Nā Pali coast itself extends southwest starting at Kee Beach extending all the way to Polihale State Park. The pali rise as high as...
and houses the beautiful Kalalau Beach
Kalalau Beach
Kalalau Beach is a beach on the Nā Pali Coast at the base of the Kalalau Valley in north-west Kauai in Hawaii. It is the final destination of the Kalalau Trail, one of the most difficult trails on the Hawaiian Islands. The beach is approximately 1 mile long, with trails snaking through the rest...
. The Nā Pali Coast is very rugged and is inaccessible to automobiles. The only legal ways to access the valley are by kayak
Kayak
A kayak is a small, relatively narrow, human-powered boat primarily designed to be manually propelled by means of a double blade paddle.The traditional kayak has a covered deck and one or more cockpits, each seating one paddler...
or by hiking the Kalalau Trail
Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail is a trail along the Nā Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. The trail is very strenuous and runs approximately along the island's north shore from Kee Beach to the Kalalau Valley...
.
The valley is renowned for its natural beauty; it is surrounded by lush cliffs more than 2000 feet (609.6 m) high. The valley bottom is broad and relatively flat, with an accessible region about 2 miles (3.2 km) long and 0.5 mile (0.80467 km) wide. The abundant sun and rain provides an ideal environment for flora and fauna. Many native Hawaiians
Native Hawaiians
Native Hawaiians refers to the indigenous Polynesian people of the Hawaiian Islands or their descendants. Native Hawaiians trace their ancestry back to the original Polynesian settlers of Hawaii.According to the U.S...
lived in the valley into the 20th century, farming taro
Taro
Taro is a common name for the corms and tubers of several plants in the family Araceae . Of these, Colocasia esculenta is the most widely cultivated, and is the subject of this article. More specifically, this article describes the 'dasheen' form of taro; another variety is called eddoe.Taro is...
from a vast complex of terraced
Terrace (agriculture)
Terraces are used in farming to cultivate sloped land. Graduated terrace steps are commonly used to farm on hilly or mountainous terrain. Terraced fields decrease erosion and surface runoff, and are effective for growing crops requiring much water, such as rice...
fields. Today, its designation as a state park forbids anyone from residing there.
Access to Kalalau Valley
Since the Nā Pali CoastNa Pali Coast State Park
Nā Pali Coast State Park encompasses of land and is located in the center of the rugged along the northwest side of Kauai, the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island. The Nā Pali coast itself extends southwest starting at Kee Beach extending all the way to Polihale State Park. The pali rise as high as...
is too steep for any motorized vehicles, all access to the valley is by boat or foot, with the exception of emergency helicopter landings. Kayaks are a popular way of visiting the valley, although sea conditions can make this dangerous during the winter. Hiking the Kalalau Trail
Kalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail is a trail along the Nā Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. The trail is very strenuous and runs approximately along the island's north shore from Kee Beach to the Kalalau Valley...
is also popular, but the trail is about 11 miles (17.7 km) long, quite strenuous, and can be dangerous at parts.
Access to the Kalalau Valley is controlled in the name of conservation. A limited number of permits are issued for camping in Kalalau Valley every year by the Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources
Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources
The Hawaii Department of Land and Natural Resources is a part of the Hawaii state government dedicated to managing state parks and other natural resources of the state of Hawaii.-Divisions:...
(DLNR). Anyone wishing to hike beyond Hanakāpīai valley must have a permit for staying in Kalalau Valley overnight. A total of sixty overnight permits are issued for each night. Permits must generally be sought as early as 6 months in advance of travel.
The valley is visible from the Kōkee State Park
Koke'e State Park
Kōkee State Park is located in northwestern Kauai in the Hawaiian Islands. It includes a museum at the marker on State Road 550, which focuses on the weather, vegetation, and bird life; a lodge which serves food and sells gifts; cabins for rent; and hiking trails...
, which is accessible by road from the west side of the island. It is rumored that there is a trail accessing the valley from Kōkee, however all possible routes appear to be very dangerous and some people are suspected to have fallen to their deaths trying to find them.
Ecology
The valley is home to many rare species, including the endangeredEndangered species
An endangered species is a population of organisms which is at risk of becoming extinct because it is either few in numbers, or threatened by changing environmental or predation parameters...
plant Dubautia kalalauensis
Dubautia kalalauensis
Dubautia imbricata is a rare species of flowering plant in the aster family. It is endemic to Hawaii where it is known only from the island of Kauai. There is only a single known population composed of 26 plants. It was federally listed as an endangered species of the United States in 2010...
which was named for the valley and is found nowhere else in the world. Other endemics include the endangered Schiedea attenuata
Schiedea attenuata
Schiedea attenuata is a rare species of flowering plant in the pink family known by the common name Kalalau schiedea. It is endemic to Hawaii, where it is known only from the Kalalau Valley on the island of Kauai. It is threatened by the degradation of its habitat...
.
Life in Kalalau Valley
The natural beauty and relative isolation are the major attractions of the valley. Legal campers stay in the designated camping area within roughly 300 feet (91.4 m) of the beach. There is a small waterfallWaterfall
A waterfall is a place where flowing water rapidly drops in elevation as it flows over a steep region or a cliff.-Formation:Waterfalls are commonly formed when a river is young. At these times the channel is often narrow and deep. When the river courses over resistant bedrock, erosion happens...
in this area that is used for bathing and washing dishes. At one end of the beach is a stream that is also used for fresh water, although all water must be purified
Water purification
Water purification is the process of removing undesirable chemicals, materials, and biological contaminants from contaminated water. The goal is to produce water fit for a specific purpose...
.
Residents
In spite of the efforts of the state of Hawaii, many people illegally hike the Kalalau TrailKalalau Trail
The Kalalau Trail is a trail along the Nā Pali Coast of the island of Kauai in the state of Hawaii. The trail is very strenuous and runs approximately along the island's north shore from Kee Beach to the Kalalau Valley...
and even live in the valley. These long-term campers live the lifestyle of Naturalists
Conservationist
Conservationists are proponents or advocates of conservation. They advocate for the protection of all the species in an ecosystem with a strong focus on the natural environment...
and are suspected by some to cause serious harm to the ecological balance of the valley by their waste
Waste
Waste is unwanted or useless materials. In biology, waste is any of the many unwanted substances or toxins that are expelled from living organisms, metabolic waste; such as urea, sweat or feces. Litter is waste which has been disposed of improperly...
and propagation of introduced species
Introduced species
An introduced species — or neozoon, alien, exotic, non-indigenous, or non-native species, or simply an introduction, is a species living outside its indigenous or native distributional range, and has arrived in an ecosystem or plant community by human activity, either deliberate or accidental...
.
Some of these inhabitants contribute to the health of the valley by collecting waste, practicing leave no trace
Leave No Trace
Leave No Trace is both a set of principles, and an organization that promotes those principles. The principles are designed to assist outdoor enthusiasts with their decisions about how to reduce their impacts when they hike, camp, picnic, snowshoe, run, bike, hunt, paddle, ride horses, fish, ski or...
ethics, and tending to the trails which require constant maintenance. These stewards of the Nā Pali believe that the valley can return to a state of self sufficiency with careful and sustainable use of the valley's abundant resources. Some of these people argue that since permits are only available for 5 nights, there is not enough time to fully enjoy the valley. It takes at least 1 day for the rigorous 11 miles (17.7 km), leaving only 3 days to explore the valley and beaches. There are stories of people who hike in and decide to stay indefinitely, due to the beauty and serenity that they find in the Kalalau Valley.
The residents of the valley sometimes come into conflict with authorities charged with enforcing the law. The DLNR makes biannual raids of the valley, slashing and burning camp sites and illegal farms. Visitors who do not have a permit are fined and have their equipment confiscated or destroyed. However, the government employees do nothing to stop the herd of goats that resides in kalalau valley from destroying and eroding the land.
Destruction of terraced gardens
The magnificent and historical terracedTerrace (agriculture)
Terraces are used in farming to cultivate sloped land. Graduated terrace steps are commonly used to farm on hilly or mountainous terrain. Terraced fields decrease erosion and surface runoff, and are effective for growing crops requiring much water, such as rice...
gardens in the Kalalau Valley are being threatened and destroyed by the introduced and invasive trees
Invasive species
"Invasive species", or invasive exotics, is a nomenclature term and categorization phrase used for flora and fauna, and for specific restoration-preservation processes in native habitats, with several definitions....
. These trees created an extensive underground root network which quickly invaded the traditional rock walls of the terraces. Also, since these trees are introduced species, they are not suitable for the heavy Pacific Ocean
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean is the largest of the Earth's oceanic divisions. It extends from the Arctic in the north to the Southern Ocean in the south, bounded by Asia and Australia in the west, and the Americas in the east.At 165.2 million square kilometres in area, this largest division of the World...
winds that frequent the valley on a daily basis. The trees then fall and topple the rock walls causing permanent damage.
The origin of the trees is disputed. Some argue that they were planted by the DLNR after the Hawaiian people abandoned the valley and it was decided to turn the valley into a popular tourist destination. The DLNR felt that tourists would like a forested canopy instead of bare land which was previously used as cattle
Cattle
Cattle are the most common type of large domesticated ungulates. They are a prominent modern member of the subfamily Bovinae, are the most widespread species of the genus Bos, and are most commonly classified collectively as Bos primigenius...
pasture and taro
Taro
Taro is a common name for the corms and tubers of several plants in the family Araceae . Of these, Colocasia esculenta is the most widely cultivated, and is the subject of this article. More specifically, this article describes the 'dasheen' form of taro; another variety is called eddoe.Taro is...
plots. However, others note that the last private owners of the valley, the Robinson family, likely planted some of the trees there to provide shade for cattle kept there after the Hawaiians left.
Still others contend that the terraces were initially destroyed by the Robinson's cattle after the last Hawaiians left the valley in the early 1900s. The foraging cattle destroyed many terraces causing heavy erosion. The DLNR drop-seeded Java Plum trees (Syzygium cumini
Jambul
Jambul is an evergreen tropical tree in the flowering plant family Myrtaceae. Jambul is native to Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Indonesia...
) to prevent erosion of the valley's topsoil
Topsoil
Topsoil is the upper, outermost layer of soil, usually the top to . It has the highest concentration of organic matter and microorganisms and is where most of the Earth's biological soil activity occurs.-Importance:...
. The roots grow around the stone terraces and when they fall, dislodge the rocks.
Helicopters
There is also concern among visitors that the use of helicopterHelicopter
A helicopter is a type of rotorcraft in which lift and thrust are supplied by one or more engine-driven rotors. This allows the helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forwards, backwards, and laterally...
s in the area is disturbing. Helicopters cause noise pollution
Noise pollution
Noise pollution is excessive, displeasing human, animal or machine-created environmental noise that disrupts the activity or balance of human or animal life...
that can be heard for miles. After reaching the end of the trail, hikers expect a quiet place to reflect on the majesty of the Nā Pali. Instead, they are faced with constant helicopter buzz from sun up to sun down. Many helicopters fly below legal limitations to "get a closer view." This practice causes considerable disturbance to those wishing to enjoy the Nā Pali, and contributes to erosion of the land and rock fall.
Management of Kalalau Valley
Since the valley is a part of the Nā Pali Coast State ParkNa Pali Coast State Park
Nā Pali Coast State Park encompasses of land and is located in the center of the rugged along the northwest side of Kauai, the oldest inhabited Hawaiian island. The Nā Pali coast itself extends southwest starting at Kee Beach extending all the way to Polihale State Park. The pali rise as high as...
, the DLNR is responsible for its maintenance and preservation. Some have criticized the DLNR for their inability to manage the Nā Pali Coast, although others note that many Hawaii parks suffer from a chronic lack of funding.