Exploring Kalalau Valley: Essential Gear for Your Side-Trek Adventure

Hiking into and exploring Kalalau Valley is probably the most popular and exciting pastime - apart from lounging around the beach after a long and exhausting hike to Kalalau camp. The main trail leading up valley goes on for quite a while and can sometimes be a little challenging to follow. And then there are plenty of little spur trails and places to discover off the main trail. Compared to the Kalalau trail itself, the valley feels significantly more deserted and ‘remote’. Depending on how far one goes, a valley excursion can easily take 3-5 hours, so it’s a great way to mix things up and spend part of your day.

I see many people carrying nothing more than a bottle of water, and usually, that’s not a problem - provided everything goes well. But think about it: If you went for a 4-hour hike into an area you’re not familiar with, what would you bring?

Admittedly, my situation may be a little bit different than yours as I typically hike solo and, therefore, generally a little more cautious (I might refer to it as “well-prepared”). In my mind, it really comes down to “what could go wrong” and “how can I prepare for it”. For the most part, there are two things I’m most concerned about: 

• Slipping/falling leading to injury. Scrapes would be unfortunate, but what if I break a leg or ankle and can’t walk anymore? As a solo hiker without any support, this could be a real problem.
• Getting turned around and lost. The trail isn’t super well marked and going off the main trail can sometimes make it tricky to find it again. Yes, I’ve heard the “just follow a stream back down to the beach” spiel, but the terrain, especially around streams, is sometimes impassable and the vegetation dense to impenetrable, so I’m not sure how practical that advice really is.

Given those scenarios, how would I be able to get myself to safety or call for rescue? What if I unexpectedly had to spend a night in the valley?

Here’s what I typically bring along for my valley excursions:

• Water sandals - river crossings are frequent and I want to be able to get my feet wet. I like lightweight Keen sandals, e.g. the Drift Creek H2.
• Poles - yes, I even bring poles to the valley. They’ve saved my butt many times. Plus, I feel better having a stick with metal tip available in case a boar encounter turns ugly. 
• Wallet including my permit.
• Water (with electrolytes) - I usually bring a liter or so. Expect to sweat when heading up valley.
• Grayl Geopress, Steripen - Instead of carrying a lot of water, I like to be able to replenish as needed, as often as needed. See also Water Treatment.
• Food - I like Greenbelly meals, not just a dry snack but a real meal.
• Phone with AllTrails or GAIA GPS apps with downloaded maps.
• Garmin InReach Mini 2 - the go-to satellite communicator and emergency locator beacon. I feel much safer with it on me. The newer iPhone models are getting closer with their satellite connectivity, but in my experience, the InReach still has more solid and immediate satellite reception.
• Battery pack and charging cables - yes, a little extra weight, but I’ve run out of juice and therefore GPS in the valley before and it caused me some anxiety.

• Med kit - just in case. I’ve gotten scraped up in the valley much more than on the main Kalalau trail.
• Space blanket - hopefully, I’ll never need it, but if I have to curl up in some corner of the valley, I’ll be glad to have it.
• Insect repellant - definitely more mosquitos in the valley than on the beach.
• Sunscreen 
• Knife - again, just a precaution. Also, did I mention boars?
• Headlamp 

Optional

• Hat/baseball cap - keeps sweat from running into my eyes and suprisinly helpful in preventing my eyes from getting poked out by branches when making my way through dense vegetation.
• Air pods - luxury for the ears. 

• Kindle - luxury for the eyes. As solo hiker, I might hang out and read in nice spots when taking a break. See also the one luxury item.
• Garmin watch with compass and barometer. When I go off the main trail, I like to keep track of my compass bearing, so I can reverse it to find my way back.

Yes, this may seem like a lot of stuff, but I’d rather be prepared. Fortunately, these items aren’t bulky or heavy, so they comfortably fit into a small day pack that won’t weigh me down in the valley.

Exploring the Kalalau Valley is a unique and fun adventure, but it’s not without potential risks. Preparation is key to ensuring your side trek is memorable for the right reasons. Whether you’re hiking solo or with a group, take a moment to think through what you’ll need to stay safe, comfortable, and confident on the trail.

Every hiker’s needs are a bit different, but a little preparation can go a long way in turning potential mishaps into minor inconveniences. So pack wisely, tread lightly, and enjoy the beauty and solitude of the valley.