The ‘Free Table’: Good Intentions Gone Wrong

As many of you have read or maybe seen, there is what’s commonly referred to as a “Free Table” in Kalalau camp. The idea is simple and - on the surface - innocuous and even altruistic: leave behind useful stuff for the people who come after you so they can use those items and benefit from them.

You’ll be able to find all kinds of stuff on that table: shoes, backpacks, snorkel gear, chairs, food (I’ve seen mayonnaise - left in the blazing sun!), tarps, fishing gear, cooking utensils and pots, … you name it. Some of these items are still in decent condition, while others are clearly broken/damaged or incomplete. (Few people will need just one slipper of random size.) And then there’s simply … trash!

What started out many years ago as a halfway decent idea has become a nuisance and, in many cases, an excuse for laziness. During my most recent Kalalau adventure, I counted close to 25 gas cartridges on the free table! 

For the most part, people are simply too lazy to pack out what they brought and leave whatever they don’t need behind. “Somebody will have a use for this” ends up being just a convenient excuse to leave trash or unnecessary gear behind. Since there is no regular waste removal on the Kalalau Trail, waste just piles up and ruins the experience for everyone.

Please truly think of the hikers coming after you and leave the campsite in the state you would like to find it in, which is hopefully free of trash and piles of old gear. (This would reflect the Hawaiian concept of “mālama”, which means to take care of and protect the environment/land.)

Here are things you can do to be mindful of other adventurers:

Pack out what you pack in. Plain and simple. This includes trash and gear, regardless if it’s used, unused, broken or in good condition, half-empty, and whether you still need it or not - on this hike or another. Please take it back!

Don’t leave gas cartridges behind. See the first recommendation. Most everyone will bring gas anyway instead of relying on what may or may not be available in camp. Even if you end up disposing of a half-empty cartridge after your hike, don’t just leave it. Dispose of it back in civilization. Please! Some places like Wainiha Country Market not far from the trailhead will actually collect half-empty propane containers - bless their hearts!

Think about the items you want to bring carefully ahead of time. 11 miles in the heat and on this type of terrain are a long way to go and carry your gear. Think twice about every item you want to plan on taking. Do you really need it? If absolutely necessary, is there a smaller or lighter version you could bring? (Few people have groups large enough to warrant bringing large gas cartridges!) 

Thank you for being a responsible and caring adventurer! For more info on how to keep the Kalalau Trail pristine, please check out “Preserving Kalalau”.