Repairs Continue on Hawaiian Trail

Kauai’s stunning Kalalau Trail into Na Pali Coast State Park, which has been closed for emergency repair work, will probably reopen by year’s end, according to a State Parks official.

Erosion had eaten away at the second half of the 11-mile trail--one of Hawaii’s most spectacular hikes--and wiped out a section beyond Hanakoa Valley, according to Wayne Souza, park district superintendent.

Although hikers have been allowed on the first seven miles of the trail and campers have continued to use Hanakoa Valley and Hanakapiai Valley, the trail beyond has been closed for rebuilding and widening.

Although Souza said plans call for the entire trail to be open by Christmas, no hiking or camping permits will be issued if there is significant bad weather. “This time of year, we often have big storms,” he said.