As I mentioned last week, after my work in Lanai wrapped up, I visited Kauai for four days and three nights. Kauai is the oldest of the Hawaiian islands and thus the greenest. In fact, it's called the garden island. A stark change from the dry climate of Lanai and the Big Island, Kauai typically receives rainfall and is inhabited by lush landscapes. And by feral chickens. Seriously, so many chickens. I have yet to see 'The Descendants' - appearing in theaters now - but I will be sorely disappointed if chickens don't have as much screen time as George Clooney. (Obviously, George Clooney is a better screen presence - the chickens are just a great realistic detail to include.)
Anyhoo. Speaking of movies, perhaps on a long shot, you saw 'A Perfect Getaway' with Timothy Olyphant, Mila Jovovich and Steve Zahn? It's one of those action-y, suspense movies you could kinda watch for the third or fifth time on a lazy Saturday morning. No chickens, but the Na Pali coast is featured pretty faithfully. Which brings me to today's post. (Finally.)
Na Pali Coast State Park is a 6000+ acre piece of land on the north shore of Kauai. One of the most popular hikes is a 4 mile (round trip) hike to Hanakapi'ai beach. As you can see from the above pic, the hike is at times very, very muddy. I felt badly for those without hiking boots, especially people who were absolutely destroying their bright white running shoes. (But then again, a hike like this is well worth $100 or $150!).
The beach is only accessible by foot or boat and is devastatingly beautiful.
This hike was so much fun. It was challenging, between the mud and some rocky areas, you do have to be somewhat mindful of where your foot lands. Because of the level of difficulty, if you start up early enough in the morning (easy for those of us with jetlag), the trail isn't too crowded.
I think I'll be putting together a top five list about Hawaii before the year is out. This hike is definitely on that list.
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