Early this morning I met two of my co-workers (John & Ron) and embarked on the most A-M-A-Z-I-N-G adventure yet. Armed with our camelpak backpacks filled with water, protein bars, and energy gels we began a 2 mile hike just after 7am up rock, wet dirt, down slippery paths, and crawling over large boulders to get to Hanakapi'ai Beach. Stopping several times to get pictures with our cameras of the picturesque views from the Na Pali coastline and the mountains. We walked along the beach and explored the cave hidden around the corner and posed for some incredible shots.
After resting (our version of hanging out at the beach while taking photos from every angle) for about an hour, we began another 2 mile trek into the bamboo forest with slick, slippery paths and plenty more large boulders and streams to cross to make our way to Hanakapi'ai Falls. We saw several small and medium waterfalls along the way before glancing up while crossing one stream to see the waterfall we were hiking to. And did I say A-M-A-Z-I-N-G? Oh my god! What an incredible sight!
The excitement to reach the falls was filled with so much enthusiasm as we continued along the wet and rocky climb to the falls. As we approached we felt the mist from the falls as the water poured from the surrounding mountain and into the swimming hole at the bottom. We took the opportunity to get some great pictures and then stopped to grab a quick bite to eat from our protein bars before climbing the ridge along the side to get more great photos.
By 12:30pm John, Ron, and I began the 4 mile hike back to the beginning. At one point we actually lost sight of the trail and crossed the stream one too many times. (Not sure how we got lost). Luckily, since the hike is along the stream it was only a matter of time before we found our way again on the correct path. We stopped to take a few extra photos along the way and a little more exploring of the caves back at Hanakapi'ai Beach as the sun began to get hotter, but we had a wonderful breeze that felt soooooo good.
We took our time soaking in the exceptional views and breathtaking scenery before arriving back at the beginning of the trail at 4pm. This hike is a must-see when visiting Kauai. Can't believe it took me over six years to see this part of the island. Next time (and I hope it doesn't take me another six years) I look forward to hiking along the Kalalau Trail to Hanakoa Falls after passing Hanakapi'ai Beach. It's a little longer hike, but I hear those views are just as awe-inspiring.
Early this morning I met two of my co-workers (John & Ron) and embarked on the most A-M-A-Z-I-N-G adventure yet. Armed with our camelpak backpacks filled with water, protein bars, and energy gels we began a 2 mile hike just after 7am up rock, wet dirt, down slippery paths, and crawling over large boulders to get to Hanakapi'ai Beach. Stopping several times to get pictures with our cameras of the picturesque views from the Na Pali coastline and the mountains. We walked along the beach and explored the cave hidden around the corner and posed for some incredible shots.
After resting (our version of hanging out at the beach while taking photos from every angle) for about an hour, we began another 2 mile trek into the bamboo forest with slick, slippery paths and plenty more large boulders and streams to cross to make our way to Hanakapi'ai Falls. We saw several small and medium waterfalls along the way before glancing up while crossing one stream to see the waterfall we were hiking to. And did I say A-M-A-Z-I-N-G? Oh my god! What an incredible sight!
The excitement to reach the falls was filled with so much enthusiasm as we continued along the wet and rocky climb to the falls. As we approached we felt the mist from the falls as the water poured from the surrounding mountain and into the swimming hole at the bottom. We took the opportunity to get some great pictures and then stopped to grab a quick bite to eat from our protein bars before climbing the ridge along the side to get more great photos.
By 12:30pm John, Ron, and I began the 4 mile hike back to the beginning. At one point we actually lost sight of the trail and crossed the stream one too many times. (Not sure how we got lost). Luckily, since the hike is along the stream it was only a matter of time before we found our way again on the correct path. We stopped to take a few extra photos along the way and a little more exploring of the caves back at Hanakapi'ai Beach as the sun began to get hotter, but we had a wonderful breeze that felt soooooo good. 
We took our time soaking in the exceptional views and breathtaking scenery before arriving back at the beginning of the trail at 4pm. This hike is a must-see when visiting Kauai. Can't believe it took me over six years to see this part of the island. Next time (and I hope it doesn't take me another six years) I look forward to hiking along the Kalalau Trail to Hanakoa Falls after passing Hanakapi'ai Beach. It's a little longer hike, but I hear those views are just as awe-inspiring. 
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