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.
Hikers should have a mandatory course on trail protocols and proper camping and sanitation
Too many wannabes thinking they are so important.
Ruining it for everyone
Sounds like it it Giardia
This is very sad. It should be common knowledge to all hikers and recreationists Not To Drink The Water without treating it first, unless it is posted as potable. Water purifiers are essential and folks are safest to pack water in and carry the containers out when they go. It’s possible illness can spread by contaminated toilets, so also always report anything that seems unsafe to the park when you return from your trip. We must all work together to keep these places and our community healthy. Sending prayers and healing for all those who are ill. And I pray the land is restored to health soon. Aloha ʻĀina
“The situation is fluid”
Sure sounds like it, from what that guy said about his symptoms …
We need to pass a law already that bans anyone without a Hawaii ID from hiking the trail or entering the valley. Enough of this. It’s been far too many years of abuse by outsiders. We already share enough of the islands, there is absolutely no need to continue to allow this precious area to be polluted and exploited.
Kalo, please point out in the article where it says this illness was caused by a tourist, and then please enlighten us as to how having a Hawaii ID keeps you from spreading diseases. Having a Hawaii ID sure doesn’t keep locals from dumping trash or burned out cars everywhere, and trash attracts rodents and rodents carry disease. Hmmm…..Could that be a possibility? Yours is the kind of comment that is driving visitors away from Hawaii (which I am sure you are happy about) but will also destroy your economy. How about you come to the mainland and we ban you from going to places like Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon. In case you are not aware, Hawaii and her parks are as much a part of the United States as any park on the mainland.
Well said, Sheryl B!
Kalo,
I’ve seen plenty of “pollution” in the form of junk, stripped and burnt cars all over the island and I know that’s not the visitors doing it. It’s the Locals!
So don’t try and restrict access to one of the biggest draws to the island. I respect the Hawaiian culture and the island more than some of the locals do.
Number one, that would be unconstitutional, equal protection clause and all.
It’s the locals boating in without permits that are exceeding the capacity limit for Kalalau set by the DLNR.
Not to mention all of the junk they boat in. I have photos of the boats and jet ski used to drop off unpermitted campers (I talked to them after they arrived, most brought nothing with them, including a shirt. I was told they were going to sleep in the cave and were relying on one person to provide the group of 15 with food) and their 10 huge crates of supplies sitting on the beach from my last six-day trip there within the last year. Also have video of all of them being dropped off.
I’m not from there and I knew my way around Kalalau and the Valley better than most of those locals.
Remind me again who it was that trashed Polihale so badly during the pandemic the DLNR had to close it? It was tourists, they weren’t allowed to visit at that time.
Driving over and desecrating burial sites, defecating everywhere, etc.
Sorry, meant to write “It Wasn’t tourists, they weren’t allowed to visit at that time.”
Aloha-
Is the portion of the trail from Hanakapiai Beach to the falls considered part of Hanakapiai Valley? So access to the falls is closed?
thanks
Jon D –
You hike from the beach up Hanakapi’ai Valley to reach the falls at the end of the valley floor. Sounds like that trail is still open. It’s the Kalalau trail (which goes along the ocean cliffs) that is closed beyond Hanakapi’ai Valley.
thanks. I have hiked it many times. just wondered if it was open
What are the symptoms?