Kalalau Valley facts for kids
The Kalalau Valley is a beautiful and wild place on the northwest side of Kauaʻi island in Hawaiʻi. It's part of the amazing Nā Pali Coast State Park, which is known for its tall, green cliffs. The valley is home to Kalalau Beach. Because the Nā Pali Coast is so rugged, you can't drive there. The only legal ways to reach the valley are by kayak or by hiking the famous Kalalau Trail.
Imagine cliffs that are over 2,000 feet (about 600 meters) tall surrounding the valley! The valley floor itself is wide and flat, about 2 miles (3.2 km) long and 0.5 miles (0.8 km) wide. Lots of sun and rain make it a perfect home for many plants and animals. Long ago, many native Hawaiians lived here. They grew taro in special terraced fields. Today, no one is allowed to live in the valley because it is a state park.
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Getting to Kalalau Valley
Since the Nā Pali Coast is too steep for cars, you can only get to the valley by boat or by walking. The only exceptions are emergency helicopter landings.
Kayaking to the Valley
Paddling a kayak is a popular way to visit the valley. However, the ocean can be rough and dangerous during the winter months.
Hiking the Kalalau Trail
Hiking or running the Kalalau Trail is also very popular. This trail is about 11 miles (17.7 km) long. It can be quite challenging, especially for people who are not used to long hikes. Some parts of the trail can be dangerous for those without much experience.
Permits for Visiting
Access to Kalalau Valley is carefully controlled. The Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) sells a limited number of permits each year. These permits allow people to camp overnight in Kalalau Valley.
If you want to hike beyond Hanakāpīʻai valley, you must have a permit. This is true even if you plan to return on the same day. Only sixty overnight permits are given out for each night. It's a good idea to get your permit early, sometimes as much as six months before your trip!
Nature and Wildlife
The Kalalau Valley is home to many rare plants and animals. Some of these species are found nowhere else in the world!
Unique Plants
One special plant is the Dubautia kalalauensis. It is an endangered species and was named after the valley itself. Another rare plant found here is the endangered Schiedea attenuata. Scientists have even discovered new plant species in the valley that were not known before!
Life in Kalalau Valley
People are drawn to the valley because of its beautiful natural environment and how isolated it feels. Even with the sound of helicopters flying overhead, it's a peaceful place.
Camping in the Valley
Legal campers stay in a special camping area near Kalalau Beach. There is a small waterfall in this area. Campers use its fresh water for bathing and washing dishes. A stream at one end of the beach also provides fresh water. It's important to know that all streams can have a type of bacteria called leptospirosis. This bacteria can be passed from infected animals.
Rules for Staying in the Valley
The state of Hawaii works hard to protect the valley. People who hike the Kalalau Trail and camp or live in the valley without a permit are breaking the rules. Visitors caught without a permit may have to go to court and pay a fine.
Managing Kalalau Valley
The Kalalau Valley is part of the Nā Pali Coast State Park. The Hawai'i Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) is in charge of taking care of the valley. They work to keep it beautiful and protected for everyone to enjoy.
See also
In Spanish: Valle de Kalalau para niños
