The Kalalau Trail

Our second day in Kauai was turning out to be a bit rainy so we decided to head to the north shore and see what that was all about.  We thought we would head as far as we could and then slowly make our way back to Poipu.

We drove all the way out to Ke'e Beach which is as far as you can drive.  To go any further down the Na Pali Coast you either have to go by water, helicopter or by your own feet.  We were given a tip from some friends to try the 0.5 mile start of the Kalalau Trail, preferable without the kids.  From our trusty tour book, we learned that the Kalalau Trail is listed as the 'ultimate and most famous hike in Hawaii. Eleven miles of switchbacks, hills and beautiful scenery.'  It almost made me want to come back and hike it all.  Maybe when Sophia is a bit older and could do it with us.

Another Allan family picture.  I love how Casey always seems to look stunned...

We decided to give it a go with all the family and see how far we could actually go.  Casey was carried up to the 1/4 mile by Tyson (who I think was very brave as there were some sketchy parts), and then carried back down by Grandpa Brian.

You can see by our attire that we were all really prepared for a hike.  Flip flips, dresses for the girls, well we thought the 'hike' would be more of a 'walk.'

The first 1/4 mile was the toughest, I thought, as there were some small stream crossings, climbing a dry, rocky creek bed and lots of tree roots.  Sophia is always the poser when the camera comes out.

Once we hit the first viewpoint at 1/4 mile, we decided to split up.  Tyson, Max, Sophia and I decided to hike the rest of the way up to the 0.5 mile marker while the others would start to head back to the beach. I must give the girls credit, they both walked the whole way up and most of the way down, without much complaining!!!  

Here we are at the second viewpoint. Sophia was filming Max, taking pictures of us.  It was a gorgeous view and worth the trip up.

Sophia managed to pick up a hiking stick along the way.  I think it may have been more of a danger than helping but there were no lasting marks from it:)

A view looking south east from the 1/2 mile viewpoint.  It was gorgeous with the clouds in the sky, I can only imagine what it would look like with a vibrant blue sky background.

Proof that we actually did make it to the 1/2 mile marker, with a little bit of Ke'e Beach below.

More of Ke'e beach.  The waves were quite rough so none of us ventured into the water but it was still a great place for an adventure.

Just below the ledge where the 1/2 mile marker is, we noticed this sign.  'DANGER HELICOPTER EMERGENCY LANDING Please Stay Off.' Now this space is only about 15 feet wide and seemingly would barely fit a helicopter.

Looking back up the mountains from the viewpoint.

Now what would it be without a picture of Papa and Sophia.  They were such a great hiking team.

Sophia took this one and I think it was actually a great picture!

I really liked the composition of this picture.  It is so true to our lives as I am usually waiting, very impatiently for Sophia, who isn't paying attention and for Max who is doing anything than what he is supposed to be doing:)

Our beautiful hiking, Hawaiian Princess.

The Kilauea Lighthouse (built in 1913 with the largest clamshell lens at the time), which is the northernmost point of the main Hawaiian Islands.  There is also a bird sanctuary just offshore on a little island and many of the birds fly around the bluff.  

After a long day and one heck of a hike, Sophia fell asleep in the car on the way back to Poipu.  Ah, so peaceful and angelic:)  It was a great car ride home for those of us in our vehicle.  The other van wasn't so lucky.  Both of Lindsay's kids reached situation critical when it came to time in the car and lack of 'real' food.  All ended up well though after a quick pit stop to McDonalds:)

I have done a little video of our hike.  I was so proud of Sophia and how far she made it.  She made it all the way to just passed the first view point when she reached her limit. 0.75 miles, not too bad for a 4 year old in a white dress and flip flips!