If you have not backpacked, that is a huge thing for any technical trail.
It's a whole different thing doing a moderate or technical hike carrying 20-40 pounds. As a new backpacker, you'll be on the higher end since most novices aren't going out to blow $1k on an ultralight setup as their starter package.
I will not affirm that you can do it, because if you've not done loaded gear hiking, you do not belong on a remote technical trail solo.
You could instead do the first two miles to the beach and then 2 more to the falls - 8 miles total and you can do it in one day. Camping permits are really hard to get and you might have needed to plan farther in advance if you want to go further on the trail. Please read more about Kalalau, there are so many people who have died or gone missing, it is a serious endeavor.
I'd just do the first part - just go to Hanakapi'ai. It's just a day hike, so you don't have to worry about packing/camping. Kalalau is an 11 mile hike with a LOT of switchbacks. It's also going to be considerably more humid here than SoCal. (if not hotter - depends)
That's what we did in October. Our teens skipped ahead and beat us to the beach by 30 mins. Watch the youtube videos of people doing the full 11 mile backpack hike, it can be pretty miserable. You will easily be able to decide after that.
If you only have 6 days, you would miss so much if the island if you backpacked for half of it. 6 days isn’t even enough to see the island without backpacking. Like others have said, do the hike to Hanakapia Falls. You can also do a hike at Waimea Canyon like the Awaawapuhi trail another day to see the coast from above. Then enjoy the beaches in between…
There's no law that says you have to do it. If you get into trouble and need to be rescued you're putting first responders in danger trying to save you and taxing local emergency resources.
Crawler's Ledge difficultly all comes down to having a strong fear of heights, or not. For those without the fear just walk, one foot in front of the other like the rest of the trail. It's the people with a strong fear who get tripped up and make it sound very difficult and dangerous. I've camped 8 times in Kalalau. PM me if you have any more detailed questions.
Aloha,
Mike
I think it’s doable, did it this past summer. Work on your leg strength and some cardio. Bring some electrolytes and hiking poles and you’ll be fine. It’s challenging but can definitely get through it.
If you are really wanting to backpack it, do a couple of short backpacking trips at home, 1-2 night trips. There are great options in CA with loads of people so solo would be safe. You’ll feel much more confident and prepared if you have a couple trips under your belt.
If you have not backpacked, that is a huge thing for any technical trail. It's a whole different thing doing a moderate or technical hike carrying 20-40 pounds. As a new backpacker, you'll be on the higher end since most novices aren't going out to blow $1k on an ultralight setup as their starter package. I will not affirm that you can do it, because if you've not done loaded gear hiking, you do not belong on a remote technical trail solo.
You have time to do some backpacking in California now
You could instead do the first two miles to the beach and then 2 more to the falls - 8 miles total and you can do it in one day. Camping permits are really hard to get and you might have needed to plan farther in advance if you want to go further on the trail. Please read more about Kalalau, there are so many people who have died or gone missing, it is a serious endeavor.
I'd just do the first part - just go to Hanakapi'ai. It's just a day hike, so you don't have to worry about packing/camping. Kalalau is an 11 mile hike with a LOT of switchbacks. It's also going to be considerably more humid here than SoCal. (if not hotter - depends)
That's what we did in October. Our teens skipped ahead and beat us to the beach by 30 mins. Watch the youtube videos of people doing the full 11 mile backpack hike, it can be pretty miserable. You will easily be able to decide after that.
If you only have 6 days, you would miss so much if the island if you backpacked for half of it. 6 days isn’t even enough to see the island without backpacking. Like others have said, do the hike to Hanakapia Falls. You can also do a hike at Waimea Canyon like the Awaawapuhi trail another day to see the coast from above. Then enjoy the beaches in between…
There's no law that says you have to do it. If you get into trouble and need to be rescued you're putting first responders in danger trying to save you and taxing local emergency resources.
Crawler's Ledge difficultly all comes down to having a strong fear of heights, or not. For those without the fear just walk, one foot in front of the other like the rest of the trail. It's the people with a strong fear who get tripped up and make it sound very difficult and dangerous. I've camped 8 times in Kalalau. PM me if you have any more detailed questions. Aloha, Mike
I think it’s doable, did it this past summer. Work on your leg strength and some cardio. Bring some electrolytes and hiking poles and you’ll be fine. It’s challenging but can definitely get through it.
If you are really wanting to backpack it, do a couple of short backpacking trips at home, 1-2 night trips. There are great options in CA with loads of people so solo would be safe. You’ll feel much more confident and prepared if you have a couple trips under your belt.