Updated: Closed. Napali Coast Wilderness Park, Kalalau Trail Area. Disease Outbreak.

Updated 9/4/2024, 5:00 p.m.. See what we have learned just learned below.

The closure of this iconic, popular hiking trail due to health concerns is quite unusual. Kauai’s renowned Kalalau Trail after Hanakapiai Beach that’s been shut down due to a serious public health concerns. That means no camping or hiking to Kalalau Beach until further notice.

Update: The person quoted below, who was emergency airlifted from the area, raised the question about facilities there and mentioned “improving the toilet situation.” Others have told us that the state will need to take a far more proactive role in mitigating such problems here in the future.

Here is what we learned from DLNR: “As a wilderness area, the park facilities are primitive. Composting toilets are located at Hanakāpī’ai, Hanakoa and Kalalau. There is no drinking water or showers. No picnic tables or trash cans are provided.”

Some pathogens, like Norovirus (which has not been confirmed), can live on surfaces for a long time. “Norovirus is spread through person-to-person contact with an infected person or by touching infected surfaces such as door, toilet and faucet handles. Norovirus can survive on surfaces for two weeks. Cleaning and decontaminating surfaces is critical to remove and destroy the virus.” That is according to the University of Minnesota.

As of 5pm Wednesday, the Kauai Fire Department (KFD) detailed their involvement in the situation at Kalalau. They reported attending to two ill hikers over the weekend. “KFD personnel received the first report of a male needing rescue at Kalalau Beach shortly after 2:25 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 31. Rescue 3 personnel aboard Air 1 responded to the incident.” The first hiker declined air transport. Then a 32-year-old female visitor was also assisted on Sunday morning. “First responders arrived on scene at the Kalalau Beach landing zone at approximately 8:50 a.m. and discovered the female, who reported being sick after drinking water in the area. The hiker was transported to a landing zone” from which they were transferred to the hospital in stable condition.

We started learning of the Kalalau situation yesterday from friends who had been there and became violently ill.

Ten of the 12 hikers in one group got extremely sick, and one had to be removed by medivac. The person who had required an emergency helicopter evacuation from the park just reported this as of Wednesday morning:

“This was after about 50-60 episodes of vomiting and 15-20 episodes of liquid stool through the night and into the morning before the helicopter brought me to the hospital… The ER doc said leptospirosis. Once I was stable, they sent me off with antibiotics. My group quickly realized leptospirosis has too long of an incubation period for this to make sense. Unfortunately, the hospital did not report to the Dept of Health despite me telling them many others were ill… I have the current head count of those who became ill at 40. I’m aware of one other who was admitted to ER… The health dept suspects norovirus… [I’m hopeful of the state] improving the toilet situation at Kalalau.”

According to the group, the doctor treating that person suspected Leptospirosis, and others have suggested Norovirus, while more tests are underway with all the hikers who were sick. On top of that, there were also 15 other campers sick when this group arrived. Some suggested it was caused by a water source while others have told us that it is definitely not true. We are awaiting more information.

Reasons for this closure at Napali Coast State Wilderness Park.

Hawaii’s Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) has announced the temporary closure of a section of the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, specifically the Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapiai Valley. This part of the trail will be closed due to an outbreak of an undetermined severe gastrointestinal illness. The State Department of Health (DOH) has requested the closure as a precautionary measure to protect public health while authorities conduct testing and mitigation efforts. The DOH collaborates with the DLNR to identify the source of the outbreak and prevent further spread.

Impact on Kauai visitors.

The closure affects only the trail section beyond Hanakapiai Valley at this time, not the entire Kalalau Trail or Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. Day hikers can still access the initial portion of the trail leading up to Hanakapiai Valley. However, for those planning to venture further, the trail will be closed for an estimated seven days or as well be determined subsequently.

Unfortunately, this closure is very disappointing if you planned your vacation around this unique and epic hike.

Visitors holding confirmed overnight permits for the closed section of the trail during this period are being contacted directly. We received a copy of that notification, which can be seen below. The DLNR is offering refunds or the option to reschedule. Affected visitors are advised to email [email protected] to make the necessary arrangements.

The DLNR has expressed regret for the short notice and any inconvenience, but it emphasizes that the closure is essential to ensure the health and safety of all park users.

What to expect next at Napali Coast State Park, Kauai.

The situation is fluid, and the current closure period may change based on further guidance from the DOH and the results of ongoing testing. The DLNR will provide updates as more information becomes available. And we’ll await more word from those returning.

For those planning future trips, check the official DLNR Kalalau Trail page for the latest updates on trail conditions and park access. Another option is the Kalalau group page on Facebook, where you can read all the comments from the hikers affected by the illness.

Staying informed about Hawaii health issues.

Travelers to Hawaii should remain vigilant and stay informed about the latest health advisories and trail conditions. The closure of this part of the Kalalau Trail highlights the importance of flexibility and preparedness when exploring Hawaii’s natural wonders.

Visit the DLNR website for more information on the Napali Coast State Wilderness Park and other hiking opportunities in Hawaii. A copy of the closure notice is below.