Kayaking from Kalalau to Milolii, Na Pali Coast 2013 (pt 3 of 4)

[Part 1] [Part 2] [Part 3] [Part 4]

Though our stay at Kalalau was short lived, we were still able to see what we had come for: Waimakemake Falls / Big Pools, an epic sunset on the beach, and a sky full of stars. After a well-deserved nights rest, we were able to get an early start the following morning to make the swim to Honopu from Kalalau.

Being the first time here for most of the crew, the massive land arch and waterfall at Honopu were surely a memorable way to start the morning of our second day on the Na Pali Coast.

After spending a couple hours at Honopu, we swam back to our kayaks at Kalalau so we could set off and explore the rest of the coastline in transit to Milolii.

Passing Honopu, were were able to see the arch from a new perspective (next to Justin’s hand),

and also the back of Honopu Valley, which we have only seen prior from Honopu Ridge up in Kokee. Honopu Falls can be seen at the most incised point of the brown rock, near the center of the photo.

Within ~30 minutes of paddling down the coast, we arrived at a sea cave opening that was faintly lit towards the back.

There was also another cave just prior to this one, but we all agreed that we’d rather spend more time in the one with the open ceiling, also known as “The Cathedral Cave.”

Upon entering the sea cave, the intense turquoise color of the water and open ceiling were the most impressive features.

However, once taking a lap around the island, we also noticed that much of the rock was stable enough to climb.

Keen to get their adrenaline rushes for the day, Christian and Jenelyn decided climb up to a flat area on the rock face, and bomb ~ 30 feet into the water below.

Though it would have been nice to spend more time in the cave, we still had a more to see while paddling down the coastline.

After what only seemed like minutes, we could see a coastal waterfall,

and Nualolo Valley.

Nualalo Kai State Park was the rocky beach just afterwards. Though we had originally intended to stop here for a break, almost everyone just wanted to get to Milolii so we could find optimal campgrounds, and relax for the rest of the day.

Milolii beach wasn’t far, and was just around the point of the previous photo.

We landed our kayaks and made camp before going about our leisure activities. Christian and I brought our fishing poles specifically to fish this area, while Garvin brought his collapsible 3-prong (slinged pole spear) to check out the grounds further offshore.

We fished to til sundown, and caught a bunch a bunch of fish from shore… We only kept a couple Omilu from though (~1.25-1.5lbs), while Garvin selectively speared a good sized Aweoweo, Kole and Aholehole. Photo by Jen Castillo.

Fresh fish was on the dinner table tonight (virtually straight from the ocean to the fire), which is one of many privileges we are able to enjoy here in Hawaii.

After dinner, we made a bonfire in the pit next to our camp (there seemed to be at least one at every campsite). While having some drinks and looking up at the sky, we could unanimously agree that we saw some of the brightest shooting stars we had ever seen. I should have done more night photography, but I was just too relaxed and wanted to lounge and enjoy the company of some of the greatest people I know. Another epic day on the Na Pali Coast, with one more day to go!

I learned a valuable lesson when launching our kayaks from Kalalau Beach, as the shore break there can be nasty in some spots. Justin and I got slammed from a good sized swell, and my fins got loose and started floating away. Unfortunately, we were only able to retrieve one of them… I should have just strung them up better. I had them accessible because I wanted to use the fins to swim around in the Cathedral Cave, which was just 30-40 mins down the shoreline… where I wanted to do a bunch of “over-under” shots. At least neither of my cameras were compromised, as they were both tethered to the hull of the kayak. We should have just launched in a calmer area, but it can be challenging to moving kayaks down the beach once you’ve landed in a particular area. Don’t make the same mistake peeps! haha. If you’re not last to launch like we were, have one of your crew help walk/guide you out through the shore break. It’s a lot safer that way, hehe. 😉

More questions about our amphibious adventure on Kauai?? Just ask!!!

Aloha and mahalo nui for visiting… Come back again soon!