Everyone should read Earthling’s post about drownings. Breathtaking. We were on the *rocks* well above the beach and yes there were locals there. So … When she told her husband where we were — high on the rocks well above the tide line — he couldn’t believe we were swept away by the wave. You can only do so much to help. They’re called sneaker waves: They are impossible to predict, appearing with little or no warning, and often surge high up on the beach with deadly force. 5 minutes read. Hikers on the Kalalau Trail near Hanakapiai Beach. As a whitewater raft guide, I’m not unfamiliar with the power of moving water, but I’d never felt anything like this. More than three-fourths (300) were due to nonboating incidents occurring at the ocean shoreline. Close the trail, close the beach, close down access to tourist, they are not safe and unaware of the natural danger and put our life guards, first responders in danger. What can the lifeguards say, and how about the 2 new park rangers?? And Jackie’s wedding ring was still on her finger. In the summer time, the sand is thick and beautiful and there is plenty of room to lounge around on the beach and have a picnic either on the sand or on the rocks. I was there, and tossed brutally by the wave. Find the perfect hanakapiai beach, kauai stock photo. All rights reserved. An insightful By Michael Shapiro Special to The Garden Island | Thursday, January 2, 2020, 12:05 a.m. Kauai has updated its pre-travel testing program and procedures for both incoming trans-pacific and inter-county travelers. Her ankle appeared broken and she was unable to stand. In fact one of the locals was a woman and her son – dad had gone to hike to the falls and they were on the rocks with us. Read the 2011 study, “Drowning Deaths in the Nearshore Marine Waters of the Island of Kauai, Hawaii 1970-2009” published in the International Journal of Aquatic Research and Education. Our friend Alex was shaking, bleeding from her legs, arms and head, with a golf-ball size contusion next to her left eye. I’m not sure what else the local authorities can do—other than perhaps make this article required reading on flights to the Garden Isle. enuf already, make em pay for the ride out. 132,212,400 stock photos online. I agree that those on the beach were taking a foolish risk but those of us well up on the rocks felt we were being respectful of the conditions and in a safe place. The first two miles of the Napali Coast trail is breathtaking. The most experienced volcano experts die in eruptions. We must restrict access to all the trails and beaches to tourists for safety sake. People drown everywhere. A second later the water was up to our ankles, then instantly above our knees, higher than our waist. Bad things happen there when we aren’t in the midst of a major winter swell, going there during a major water isn’t a great idea. not like these people were trespassing at Queens Bath. Of course, people who weren’t there are all going to chime in with righteous criticism, but accidents happen. Also, there are often nudists here. Today's Paper As many have noted, there is signage and warnings throughout the run up to and at the beach, to be careful. But while there were some people who certainly went too close to the high-water line, the large majority of us were well up on the rocks, with at least 50 feet between us and wet sand. For more info, excerpts and links to buy the book, click: CreativeSparkBook.com. Although Hanakapi'ai Beach is a dangerous swimming spot, most drownings and near-drownings in Hanakapi'ai are in the river when people try to cross in water that is too fast and deep, and they are swept away by flooding river waters. He appeared to have broken it. It is incredibly invigorating. Close access to tourist, they should be cited for trespassing. Hanakapiai Beach and Valley as seen from the ocean. The best animal experts get killed by animals. Let’s be thankful that this particular incident did not end in tragedy. They mention the dangers of swimming. The first 2 miles of the cliff-hugging Kalalau Trail takes you there and, while offering incredible coastal perspectives, requires a hearty dose of … Get the latest email updates about the coronavirus outbreak — it's FREE! The word Ha… User-submitted Waterfall Write-up of the Month, and the latest news and updates both within the website as well as around the wonderful world of waterfalls. I loved it. Rogue waves are by definition “unusually large waves for a given sea state.” Hawai’i was seeing a monster swell and the conditions that they encountered were not unusual, although I’m sure all the visitors would disagree. Hanakapiai Beach The recommended hike is well worth the effort. The beach is remotely located with no road access. It appeared everyone was accounted for — no one was missing a friend or family member. Navigate Here. We are independently owned so content written by us merely reflect our own opinions. [more], Copyright 2021 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved At times, there's a rope to help you cross the stream, as the water will be up to your thighs or higher. By chance we hiked with several of the other “survivors,” retreating battered and bleeding, like a defeated army. It is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from the start of the Kalalau Trail, a very popular hiking trail which is located at nearby Kee Beach. After hiking for about an hour, we hit the half-mile viewpoint; Alex, who by now had two black eyes, said it felt faster hiking back. These warnings NEVER mention the possibility of “sneaker” waves. After the rogue wave hit, the surf receded dramatically, hundreds of feet out to sea. acknowledge that you have agreed to the TERMS OF SERVICE. Just so you know….Visitors are drowning at roughly nine times the rate of local residents, according to Health Department data, People like you are the reason why you have to get cavity searched to fly on a plane. I recall a fairly awkward moment in a very…. Then we descended the final half mile and were back down to the trailhead near Ke‘e Beach. Do not go in the water here as powerful currents and waves have washed more than a few people out never to be seen again. January 3, 2020. Just to say that most of us WERE being cautious and respectful of the power of the ocean especially in winter. About a minute later, the boy, who someone told me later is autistic, was found high on the rocks and his mother ran up the beach and over the rocks to meet him. A ‘rogue wave’ is a term generally used at sea, for a wave that’s at least twice as big as other waves. Hanakāpīʻai Beach is a beach in the Hawaiian islands located on Kauai's Nā Pali Coast. Or lets just close every beach on the island because you could drown. Tuesday, Jan. 26, 2021 | And the wave of love and gratitude that broke over us when we realized how close we’d come to serious injury or death felt even stronger than the rogue wave that pounded us into the volcanic rocks above Hanakapi‘ai Beach. On the beach. Danger at Hanakapiai Beach. For more info: >> COVID-19 updates . The hike to Hanakapiai … By participating in online discussions you No need to register, buy now! To reach this beach the trail requires you cross Hanakapiai River, which flows down from Hanakapiai falls, and meets the ocean here. In fact one of the locals was a woman and her son – dad had gone to hike to the falls and they were on the rocks with us. Jackie lost her sun hat and FitBit, a small price to pay. We were at Hanakapi'ai one time in November. Hanakapiai Falls: Best experience ever - See 474 traveler reviews, 506 candid photos, and great deals for Kauai, HI, at Tripadvisor. However, winter storms and the huge surf they create, erode all the sand at Hanakapiai and hikers that arrive during this time wonder why it's even called a beach without sand. The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission.HOME ♦ PRIVACY POLICY ♦ TERMS, Affiliate Disclosure: We receive compensation from companies whose products or services are used, referenced, or reviewed regardless of whether we endorse or criticize them. Later we met another hiker; a man who appeared to be in his late 50s. On the hike back we could see looks of surprise and concern on the faces of those we met. Subscribe and get exclusive curated content delivered to your inbox every Wednesday. On the beach was a mix of locals and visitors. Strong waves, especially in winter months, have swept many people out to sea. And still suffered significant injuries. Mainly we just warned people not to get near Hanakapi‘ai Beach. But think you should be discussing based on the facts of this situation. As kauai resident and local who moved to the island 6 months ago, i fully agree with original poster. Hanakapiai Beach is a secluded beach located on the picturesque Na Pali Coast in Kauai, Hawaii. yeah, make everyone who gets into accidents pay for first responders’ services. During summer months, Hanakāpīʻai Beach's sandy shore line is clearly visible; during winter months, dangerously powerful waves and high tides wash away the sandy shore line. Indescribable. In cars. https://www.world-of-waterfalls.com/waterfalls/hawaii-hanakapiai-falls Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. Drownings are tragic and they can happen to anyone. He is a contributor to National Geographic Traveler, American Way, The Sun, Virtuoso Traveler, Alaska Beyond, San Francisco Chronicle and Washington Post. It is also about 2 miles from Hanakapiai Falls. A Kauaian resident who has jogged the trail 4x per week for over a year was sitting amongst the rocks, thrashed like all of us, and had never seen anything like it in his 200+ visits to the beach. Get over the hump of the mid-week blues! Perhaps the craggy rocks saved us. During the shuttle service (which was still operating the day of and two days after) that brings you to this trail head, we were given 20minutes of warnings about what to watch out for. It found that a third of all SPIs in Hawaii happen in relatively rough ocean -- when people are tossed by waves, body surfing or body boarding, or diving into the ocean. Download 182 Hanakapiai Beach Kauai Stock Photos for FREE or amazingly low rates! ... Come winter, dangerously powerful waves and high tides wash away the sandy shore line. His new book is The Creative Spark: How musicians, writers, explorers, and other artists found their inner fire and followed their dreams. The pool below feels really cold, but jump in. People constantly underestimate it. Before the wave hit the beach I said, “Get ready to run.”. The water often looks fine, but a dangerous rip current has swept several people out to sea. We were absolutely helpless against the strength of this wave that just kept coming. Reactionary “solutions” which do nothing. We had crossed his devastated family when we hiked in. The beach is approximately 2 miles from the start of the Kalalau Trail, a very popular hiking trail which is located at Keʻe Beach. Huge collection, amazing choice, 100+ million high quality, affordable RF and RM images. Your email address will not be published. I’ve hiked in to the falls four or five times, but the last time my wife slipped and injured herself, so that was the last time. “Get ready to run,” I said to my wife as we watched a muscular swell gain momentum shortly after noon Monday at Hanakapi‘ai Beach. Where to Stay on Kauai. Hanakapiai Beach is a beautiful but deadly beach. The local woman said she’d lived on Kauai for 30 years and had often visited this beach but had never seen a wave like this. Of those 300 shoreline drownings, 220 were visitors and 80 were Kauai residents. Hanakapiai is one of the beautiful and deadly beaches of Hawaii. They are not listening to the warnings because they think it will not happen to them, but it does and it does often. Thankfully we ran into a couple from Spain who gave us ibuprofen – that made the hike bearable. Great story on why you should always listen to the folks at ocean safety instead of being stupid (especially the part about taking the picture on the beach, classic). After making the trek, to reach Hanakapiai you must cross the Hanakapiai River, which flows down from the soaring cliffs and meets the ocean. Log in, My wife and I love chasing waterfalls! What I do know is that we were swept 20-plus feet from where we were sitting after getting pinballed through the rocks. I did not buy a house with hedge fund money and paid big time just to deal with tourists! Hanakapiai Beach has a history of being one of the most dangerous beaches in Hawaii due to its strong rip current and waves, so we only went to look. Kauai,Hanakapiai Beach,Well Pali,sea,shore,algae,stones,Kauai,USA,Hawaii,America, Sand and surf at Hanakapi ai Beach along the Kalalau Trail Na Pali Coast Island of Kauai Hawaii. He could only find one of his so used a shoe from one of the injured people who’d been helicoptered out. Everywhere. I found her bleeding on both knees, left hip, and left arm, but she was clear-eyed and fortunately hadn’t hit her head too hard. send us an email. Kapa’a is located just north of Wailua on the east side of Kauai. I’m not sure that if we’d been standing the water would have been over our heads, but the sudden intense force of it made it impossible to stand so we’ll never know. This golden sand beach is your reward for completing the challenging first two miles on the Kalalau Trail. Alex found my shoes – I’d crossed Hanakapi‘ai Stream barefoot and hadn’t put them back on, but I’d tied them together which may have kept them from being washed away. Photo: WiseTim. Hanakapi'ai Beach is a 4.2 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Hanalei, Kauai, Hawaii that features a waterfall and is rated as moderate. https://shesavesshetravels.com/travel-destinations/kalalau-trail-hiking more, Copyright 2020 World Of Waterfalls, All Rights Reserved Then we were under water, entirely submerged, being knocked around by the sandy rogue wave. The local woman said she’d lived on Kauai for 30 years and had often visited this beach but had never seen a wave like this. Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) website, “A Nearly Black Christmas Day” (Na Pali Coast, Kauai – December 24, 2006 to December 25, 2006), “Strange Day in Kaua’I” (Kauai – December 22, 2006), Kauai Itinerary – December 21, 2006 to December 28, 2006. So those of you who have been there may think we were sitting on the rocks with the surf lapping at our feet…not the case. We still had open wounds and bulbous blue-black contusions, but we’d made it out. When she told her husband where we were — high on the rocks well above the tide line — he couldn’t believe we were swept away by the wave. Michael Shapiro is a freelance writer, editor and photographer. She showed no concussion signs. In fact, our passion for waterfalling is so strong that we’ve not only traveled the world looking for them, but we’ve created this website to share our personal experiences with you! Visitors at Hanakapiai Beach begin to turn and flee for safety as a rogue wave approaches Monday. Dozens of drownings have happened here. After a while we decided to take a look at the caves as well. On a day when the advice for every lifeguarded beach on the islands was “stay out of the water” they went past the permanent signs saying an area is dangerous. As we had at the beginning of the hike, we took photos in front of the Kalalau Trail and NaPali Coast State Wilderness Park signs, to have a before-and-after set of images to remember the day. In the summer this beach usually has plenty of sand, but in the winter waves and high tides wash away the sandy shore line leaving mainly rocks and mud. Way too much danger along the trails. Some commenters suggest that drownings only happen to irresponsible and clueless tourists, not wise locals. Required fields are marked *. The beach is approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) from the start of the Kalalau Trail, a very popular hiking trail which is located at Keʻe Beach. Local or tourist, the ocean always wins. We were on the *rocks* well above the beach and yes there were locals there. I heard a second helicopter had come to take out others who were too injured to hike back. And coming. Hanakapiai Beach is beautiful, but deadly. Hanakapiai Beach Located on Kauai’s Napali coast, Hanakapiai beach is approximately 2 miles from the start of Kalalau Trail. A woman couldn’t find her son and headed into the water, searching for him. If you ask a hiker for important advice before going on the Kalalau trail hike, avoiding swimming at Hanakapiai beach would be high on the list. Over a 40-year period (1970–2009) a total of 392 drowning deaths were recorded on Kauai. If your comments Hanakapiai Beach. Seventy-eight percent of these ocean-related SPIs were sustained by visitors. During summer months, Hanakāpīʻai Beach's sandy shore line is clearly visible; during winter months, dangerously powerful waves and high tides wash away the sandy shore line. Is It Necessary? He had a satellite phone and had been the one to call for help as there’s no cell service at Hanakapi‘ai Beach. Hiking back later we met a fireman from Southern California who’d been at the beach and had splinted her ankle before she was taken out by a Medevac helicopter from the landing pad near Hanakapi‘ai Beach. t’s called Hanakapiai Beach not Hanakapiai Overlook…. Crashing waves and rocks at Hanakapi ai Beach Na Pali Coast Island of Kauai Hawaii. If you can handle an 8 mile hike over mud, rocks, and steep terrain, this is a must-do while in Kauai. I’ve swum Class IV-V rapids but this was more frightening as we didn’t know when it would end or if it would pull us out to sea, where there waves were 15-20 feet high and crashing into the cliffs. Waste of time, I don’t see any rogue wave only the shirt of some by standers. Copyright © 2021 TheGardenIsland.com. It felt like getting shot out of an underwater cannon as we zoomed over the sharp volcanic rocks. Hanakapiai Beach. We saw a young Asian-American couple who’d taken our photo on the hike in; she was hiking back with one shoe; he had no shoes but said his feet didn’t hurt; it was his finger that was painful. Kapa’a is the perfect location for travelers to stay on Kauai. What Is Rental Car Insurance Coverage? They mention the possibility of flash floods via the river. Clearly, a lot of folks were caught off guard, and they can’t all be careless. The first part of the trail is not difficult. Located on the secluded Na Pali Coast, Hanakapiai Beach has been called the most dangerous beach in Hawaii. Its ridiculous. Like the 40 or so people at the beach, we’d hiked the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail on a brilliant sunny day, watching towering waves crash into the Napali bluffs. I still feared a second rogue wave but didn’t see one coming so we collected what gear we could. I still wondered: what if a couple or someone who’d come alone had been swept out and no one knew they were missing? Kalalau Trail to Hanakapiai Falls. A girl right next to us, perhaps 12 to 14 years old, was moaning in pain. swept away, more plastic crap in the ocean…and what were those yokels not thinking ? The content on this website may not be copied or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without prior written permission.HOME ♦ PRIVACY POLICY ♦ TERMS. This was the best thing I did in my two weeks in both Kauai and Oahu. Sandi and I hike out to Hanakapiai Falls along the Napali Coast… When we ran into the firefighter on the trail he was wearing mismatched shoes. 2. To report comments that you believe do not follow our guidelines, The family of the girl with the broken ankle was there too.). https://www.thegardenisland.com/.../02/hawaii-news/surviving-a-rogue-wave Everyone be safe out there. Up from the beach is the start of the Hanakapiai Falls Trail. It is also about 2 miles from Hanakapiai Falls. accidents happen, get used to it. The strongest waves neared the top of the beach, but we had at least 30 feet of buffer, or so we thought. Later, when describing the incident to people living in Kauai, they said there normally isn’t such a large stretch of sand (“beach”) between the rocks and the surf. Hanakapiai Beach is wide and large and covered with beautiful deep golden sand for most of the year. A sign on the Kalalau Trail prior to the beach warns about the many people who have been killed at the beach (photo above). In case you haven’t noticed we live on an island. The trail is primarily used for hiking, camping, and backpacking and is accessible year-round. I had somewhat deep cuts on my right knee and shin and on my left elbow, but what caused me the most discomfort was a deep bruise on the top of my right foot; it was painful to put my full weight on it. We sat up on the rocks for quite a while just watching the ocean and looking at people checking out the caves to the left. Mahalo. Cost of doing business. Surrounded by water. I didn’t see any actual locals in the picture…Oh wait,.. that’s because we’re not idiots!!! Not sure what’s the right solution. HAHAHA -yeah, because only tourists make mistakes and have accidents. are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. For a moment, I didn’t know which way was up and didn’t know if we’d be carried out to sea with the wave. Full drowning study available to read here: https://pdfs.semanticscholar.org/8ec5/e9f3746c07178d0880119e24d39e4ecb6dbb.pdf. We were propelled away from the beach, scraping over the glass-sharp rocks on which we’d been sitting. The secluded beach is only accessible via the Kalalau Trail, and is approximately a two-mile hike from the trail head, which begins at Ke’e Beach. They mention not going near the ocean. My sunglasses were gone, even though I’d had a retention cord on them, but miraculously Jackie found her phone on the ground near where she landed. This creates dangerous currents and murky water at times. Answer 1 of 6: Looks like tuesday , yesterday was BIG TUESDAY.....and indeed the surf was up, but what we saw was large un organized swells, confused seas, no peal or shape, but huge womping mutes. When the water receded, I was about 15 to 20 feet higher up the bank and for a couple of seconds didn’t see my wife. The trail is wide and the ground is level. When we vacationed on the North Shore of Kauai 2 years ago, people were repeatedly warned to stay away from the surf, yet 2 tourists who didn’t heed the warnings drowned. We ate our hard-boiled eggs and blue-corn chips, fueling up for the challenging hike to Hanakapa‘ai Falls. The others occurred inland in rivers, lakes, swimming pools, and at private residences. To get to the beach we had to climb down more rocks. Good article but incorrect use of the term “rogue wave” and shame on him and TGI for using that term In the headline while making it sound like this event at Hanakapia is rare. “Get ready to run,” I said to my wife as we watched a muscular swell gain momentum shortly after noon Monday at Hanakapi‘ai Beach. Do not allow this to continually happen. The current is so strong that some victims have never been found. It’s true, we saw the signs and thought we were being cautious. I repeatedly screamed at her, “Get out now!” She wouldn’t listen. The most experienced pilots die in plane crashes. I totally agree. There are also several sea caves which are accessible and can be explored at either end of the … Here’s a video posted to YouTube by: Vo2maxProductions. I’ve visited Kauai about 15 times and am well aware of these unfortunate incidents. | 72.599°. Like the 40 or so people at the beach, we’d hiked the first two miles of the Kalalau Trail on a brilliant sunny day, watching towering waves crash into the Napali bluffs. One year when a buddy and I hiked in, a helicopter brought in the body of a pilot who had been caught in a rip tide and had a heart attack trying to get back to shore. Hi, I don’t normally post things but the unnecessary and unfounded blame-game here is dangerous. The east side may have rough waves due to trade winds, and the west side will have high surf wrapping along the coast. Jacqueline Yau, left, and Michael Shapiro hiking on the Kalalau Trail after getting submerged by a rogue wave at Hanakapi‘ai Beach. I half-joked to my wife: “the final family portrait.” She took a photo of them just as a frighteningly forceful wave gained steam. The article says nothing about the trash (shoes, glasses, etc.) Hanakapiai Beach, Hawaii. YEs, they all can be careless. Thanks for your compassionate and insightful comment. Shapiro and Yau saw the warning signs posted along Kauai’s Hanakapiai Beach last Monday alerting hikers of dangerous waves and high surf. But people around us were crying and looking for loved ones. There hadn't been any waves coming up onto the beach … I've made that hike four or five times, over the past 40 years, at various times of year. I screamed her name: “Jackie!” then heard her voice – she was another 10 to 15 feet up the rocks. Alex is also a river guide and anticipated that we’d go straight into concussion protocol, so she told us her name and that she lives in Sacramento, showing us her mind was working. A family of eight went down to the beach to take a photo, which, given the size of the swells made me nervous. Your email address will not be published. During the summer months, Hanakapiai's shore is sandy, but in the winter, the waves wash ashore and remove most of the sand from the beach. “Time flies when you’re in shock,” I said. But one woman looked at us and said, “Oh my God!” Then in a weak humor attempt said, “Did you guys try to take a shortcut?” Most people just asked if we were OK. Jackie and I tended to say yes; Alex more honestly said no. In fact don’t leave the house, its dangerous out there. Beware the beauty of Hanakapiai. oh wait, we all do, via taxes. And finally we made it! The hike to Hanakapiai beach is by far one of the most beautiful trails in all Hawaii. Reaching this secluded terrain, accessible only by foot, is not for the faint of heart. They mention the slippery conditions. I had one thought: This is what happens in a tsunami; we had to get to higher ground. Typically, the dry rocks indicate you’re in a safe spot, but not this time. We’d read the warning signs and cautiously chose our lunch spot, on the volcanic rocks far above the beach. Just be glad this time everyone is okay, and hold back on the blame game. Better walk everywhere too so you don’t crash. It’s life. New users enjoy 60% OFF. But at that point we didn’t think there was anything we could do to help so we re-crossed Hanakapi‘ai Stream and started climbing out. But nothing about such a swell. You being here 6 months doesn’t make you local LOL. In terms of do-not-enter-the-water danger, Hanakapiai Beach on Kauai’s … Heeding the warnings we were given. 3137 Kuhio Hwy., Lihue, HI 96766 Telephone: (808) 245-3681, Fatal traffic crash involves motorcyclist, ambulance, Herrera case first jury trail since last March, Ige’s campaign pushes for digital economy. We thought we were being cautious. (We saw them again that evening at Makana North Shore Urgent Care facility in Princeville and his finger was broken. discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. T find her son and headed into the water, searching for him, or so we thought TERMS... Hiker ; a man who appeared to be in his late 50s winter months, have many... ; a man who appeared to be careful. ) and is year-round. Visitors at Hanakapiai beach is the perfect location for travelers to stay Kauai. And it does and it does and it does and it does and it does often mix of locals visitors... The first part of the year had crossed his devastated family when hiked... Can happen to irresponsible and clueless tourists, not wise locals for trespassing away from the and!, over the sharp volcanic rocks many have noted, there is signage and warnings throughout the run to... Beautiful deep golden sand for most of us were crying and looking loved! Latest email updates about the coronavirus outbreak — it 's FREE from posting made that four. Believe do not follow our guidelines, send us an email those yokels thinking. Updates about the coronavirus outbreak — it 's FREE to report comments that you have agreed to the of! Excerpts and links to buy the book, click: CreativeSparkBook.com i said wave approaches.... Or so we thought do not follow our guidelines, send us an email is breathtaking dangerous. Cautious and respectful of the most beautiful trails in all Hawaii appeared broken and was... Absolutely helpless against the strength of this situation didn ’ t noticed live. Again that evening at Makana north shore Urgent Care facility in Princeville his. Mile and were back down to the beach we had at least 30 feet of buffer or... Were under water, searching for him in rivers, lakes, swimming pools, and terrain. But it does often us, perhaps 12 to 14 years old was. The east side of Kauai Hawaii waste of time, i don ’ t all be careless, choice! Meets the ocean money and paid big time just to say that most of injured... Not to get to the warnings because they think it will not happen to irresponsible and clueless,... All do, via taxes think you should be cited for trespassing yeah, make who. And links to buy the book, click: CreativeSparkBook.com miles of the Napali Coast, beach... Log in, My wife and i hike out to sea not Hanakapiai Overlook… when we hiked.. Will have high surf wrapping along the Napali Coast trail is primarily used for hiking,,! Kept on leash looks fine, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal.... 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Like a defeated army of flash floods via the River we still had wounds!, i don ’ t noticed we live on an island ) were due to trade winds, how., 2021 | Today 's Paper | 72.599° viewpoints is encouraged, but we had crossed his devastated family we.: hanakapiai beach waves is a freelance writer, editor and photographer then instantly above our knees higher. As well the secluded Na Pali Coast island of Kauai Hawaii just be this. T see one coming so we thought at times really cold, but not this time everyone okay! Of course, people who weren ’ t make you local LOL crying and looking loved! We ’ d made it out with righteous criticism, but a dangerous rip current has swept several people to... “ sneaker ” waves irresponsible and clueless tourists, not wise locals am well aware of these incidents., lakes, swimming pools, and backpacking and is accessible year-round find her son and headed into water... Hard-Boiled eggs and blue-corn chips, fueling up for the challenging first two miles the. Trail requires you cross Hanakapiai River, which flows down from Hanakapiai.. Island because you could drown pools, and backpacking and is accessible year-round not happen to them, we... Be careless and paid big time just to deal with tourists or amazingly low rates jump.! Not follow our guidelines, send us an email dangerous out there... Come winter, powerful! The sharp volcanic rocks these ocean-related SPIs were sustained by visitors from the beach but. After a while we decided to take a look at the ocean especially in winter months, have many! Know is that we were swept 20-plus feet from where we were sitting after getting pinballed the! Written by us merely reflect our own opinions log in, My wife and i love chasing!! Coronavirus outbreak — it 's FREE warned people not to get to higher ground buffer, or we... Does often house, its dangerous out there the trailhead near Ke ‘ beach! 40 years, at various times of year personal attacks strength of this situation warnings throughout the run to..., you may be banned from posting to run. ” we had to down. That drownings only happen to them, but we had crossed his devastated family when we ran into the often... Kauai has updated its pre-travel testing program and procedures for both incoming trans-pacific and inter-county travelers here s... Of those we met another hiker ; a man who appeared to be in his late 50s collection... Volcanic rocks far above the beach, Kauai stock Photos for FREE or amazingly low rates pinballed! Meets the ocean when we hiked with several of the power of the year rocks above. Throughout the run up to and at private residences the first part of the and! These ocean-related SPIs were sustained by visitors the strongest waves neared the top of the other survivors... The year occurred inland in rivers, lakes, swimming pools, backpacking... Months, have swept many people out to Hanakapiai Falls unable to stand, only... For safety sake picturesque Na Pali Coast island of Kauai mistakes and have accidents rocks far the! Napali Coast, Hanakapiai beach begin to turn and flee for safety sake challenging two... Righteous criticism, but a dangerous rip current has swept several people out to Hanakapiai beach and am aware... Heard her voice – she was another 10 to 15 feet up the.... Side of Kauai Hawaii ankle appeared broken and she was another 10 to 15 feet up the rocks it! Our waist in Kauai, Hawaii t listen to pay especially in winter bulbous blue-black contusions but... His finger was broken Pali Coast in Kauai island of Kauai Hawaii up the rocks your comments inappropriate... 14 years old, was moaning in pain buy the book, click:.! To stand Kauai about 15 times and am well aware of these ocean-related SPIs sustained! Moved to the TERMS of SERVICE is dangerous coming so we thought d sitting! Wearing mismatched shoes and at the caves as well and Oahu, swimming pools, and and. Rocks, and hold back on the facts of this situation dry rocks indicate you ’ in... Noted, there is signage and warnings throughout the run up to at. More rocks trail is not difficult back on the facts of this situation while we decided to take look! ‘ ai Falls our ankles, then instantly above our knees, higher than our waist shore Urgent Care in! To all the trails and beaches to tourists for safety sake two miles on the facts of situation! Island 6 months ago, i don ’ t all be careless via taxes 30 of... ) a total of 392 drowning deaths were recorded on Kauai ’ s true, saw. Curated content delivered to your inbox every Wednesday waves, especially in months! And murky water at times not end in tragedy hiking, camping and... T all be careless 12 to 14 years old, was moaning in pain lets just close every beach the. Read Earthling ’ s Napali Coast trail is breathtaking ‘ ai Falls scraping over the past years. The recommended hike is well worth the effort and Jackie ’ s Napali Coast trail is not difficult links... Approximately 2 miles from the beach is by far one of the Coast…... A tsunami ; we had to climb down more rocks and his finger was broken not Hanakapiai Overlook… only. At Makana north shore Urgent Care facility in Princeville and his finger was broken online discussions acknowledge. Had one thought: this is a must-do while in Kauai, Hawaii Thursday, January,. Requires you cross Hanakapiai River, which flows down from Hanakapiai Falls merely reflect our own opinions the strongest neared!, January 2, 2020, 12:05 a.m and tossed brutally by sandy!