Here Is The Most Remote, Isolated Spot In Hawaii And It’s Positively Breathtaking
Did you know that the Hawaiian Islands are the most isolated population center on earth? While this fact is certainly true, we thought it would be fun to contemplate the most remote spot found throughout the islands. Is it Kalaupapa, the former leper colony on Molokai surrounded by the sea on one side and towering cliffs on the other? Probably not, because tour groups visit all the time. What about the privately-owned island of Niihau? While visitors are uncommon, about 130 people call the simple, off-the-grid island home. Oh, I’ve got it – the most remote, isolated spot in all of Hawaii is Kauai’s Na Pali Coast, and in particular, Kalalau Valley and beach.
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One of the only ways to reach this majestic piece of unspoiled natural beauty is to complete the treacherous and advanced Kalalau Trail, a 22-mile round trip hike that begins at Ke’e Beach and takes hikers on a journey along high, rugged cliffs, coastal valleys, and ending at the stunning Kalalau Valley.
The Kalalau Trail is the only land access to this section of the rugged Na Pali Coastline, and traverses five valleys through lush jungle and towering sea cliffs, as well as three different streams, which can be difficult to cross after it has rained, or during high tide.
While is is technically possible for extremely experienced hikers to complete the 22-mile journey in one day, most people choose to camp overnight on the beach and make it a two or three day excursion.
According to Backpacker.com, it is one of the most dangerous hikes in America; the narrow paths along high cliffs can be intimidating and quite dangerous. Hikers are encouraged to exercise extreme caution due to often muddy conditions as well as loose rocks on the path and from eroding cliffs above.
Though Kalalau Beach is the most remote beach in all of Hawaii, it is rumored that there are illegal squatters who live in the valley – including nudists, hippies and Vietnam War veterans – who seek the solitude provided by the serene Na Pali Coast.
If you're unable to complete the extremely difficult Kalalau Trail, you can still witness this beautiful slice of paradise via lookout point in the neighboring Koke'e State Park, or by helicopter tour or boat ride.
The lush green cliffs that tower over the Na Pali coastline are both forbiding and beautiful - especially when the clouds reach down to gently kiss the tops of the cliffs.
With more than 10 years of experience as a professional writer, Megan holds a degree in Mass Media from her home state of Minnesota. After college, she chose to trade in her winter boots for slippahs and moved to the beautiful island of Oahu, where she has been living for more than five years. She lives on the west side but is constantly taking mini-road trips across the island and visits the neighboring islands whenever she can getaway. She loves hiking, snorkeling, locally-grown coffee, and finding the best acai bowl on Oahu.
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