One of World's Most Dangerous Trails: Backpacking Kauai's Napali Coast
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- Опубліковано 6 січ 2024
- Our backpacking gear:
Couple's Sleeping Bed: bit.ly/3TRwFKL
Sleeping Mattresses: bit.ly/3QyMmo8
Kristi's Pack: bit.ly/3H9X8eR
Eric's Pack: bit.ly/49RnD64
Water Filter: bit.ly/3YtySfH
Tent: bit.ly/48JH5jL
Stove: bit.ly/44ECxZV
Backpacker Meals: bit.ly/4914fTT
Camp mugs: bit.ly/3G3cMby
Food Organizer: bit.ly/3tHLPYq
Eric's Footwear: bit.ly/3YtWyAH
Kristi's Footwear: bit.ly/3tSUqY6
Camera Pouch: bit.ly/3QCa3MF
Kauai's Napali Coast is infamous for its rugged beauty and. seclusion. The only way to access this coastline is on the Kalalau Trail, one of the most dangerous trails in the world. I just got married. So when we picked Kauai for our honeymoon, I thought it would be a great idea to take my wife backpacking on this truly wild trail. I'm not sure if this was such a good idea.
Kristi is a super talented artist and she shot a lot of the beautiful scenes included here. Check out her new channel: / @kristirauckis
My buddy Kyle Miller has composed some of the music included here. Check out more of his work here: www.towrsmusic.com/
My Other Most Commonly Used Backpacking Gear:
My Other Most Used Backpacking Gear
Backpack: bit.ly/49RnD64
Sleeping Bag: bit.ly/3QYMq0t
Sleeping Mattress: bit.ly/47hVFP1 (new version comes out in 2024)
Tent: bit.ly/3qmuR06
Cookpot: bit.ly/3OnddkO
Stove: bit.ly/3QPLfPM
Folding Knife: bit.ly/45nnAvG
Water Filter: bit.ly/3OQXMmj
First Aid Kit: bit.ly/455arrv
Hiking Shoes: bit.ly/3YtWyAH
Headlamp: bit.ly/46iEsE1
Trowel: bit.ly/3Kyr7zu
Hiking Belt: bit.ly/3KBHFXf
Hiking Underwear: bit.ly/3s7bett
Hiking Gloves: www.hestragloves.us/ergo-grip...
Fleece Hoody: bit.ly/3QjbKgb
Down Jacket: bit.ly/3KCG2Zt
Rain Jacket: bit.ly/45t77X1
The gear links in this video are mostly affiliate links, which means I'll earn a small commission if you purchase through them at no additional cost to you. It's a great, easy way to support this channel.
I absolutely loved this trip, filming with you, and all of the growth and connection that happened. I think I’ll have this one on loop myself 🤣 it’s just so beautiful!!
How lucky am I that my wife actually wants to do something like this on her honeymoon?! Love you babe!
Awww, y’all were so sweet & great together. I just subscribed to you but he does filming. I’ll see😂
Always remember life’s not guaranteed & it’s short. Never quit on a bad day. May you stay in love & respect each other as long as you both shall live.❤
@@eric_hanson My wife of 41 years watched this with me and told me (since she has issues with heights, even though we both spent our adult lives working in the mountains of the Pac NW) that if I had suggested such a trip for our honeymoon, it might have all ended 40.99 years ago 🤣.
My husband and I do a section of the PCT for our anniversary every year. We definitely have differences of opinion on the trail but I think it’s so great to go through that together. You should have seen all the stuff he took out of my pack at the trail head on our first section for our honeymoon! 😂 there were tears…haha.
How did you both like your Zenbivy duo sleep system? Actually, I know you that you like it in general, but how was it on *this* particular trip? Was it cool enough at night that you could actually sleep under it, or did you find yourself having to vent it, stick your legs out, or sleep on top of it? I have read reviews of backpacking that trail and people not needing sleeping bags or bringing them and ending up sleeping on top of them.
Also for your viewers thinking about this trail, Hawaii has the highest instance of Leptospirosis. Most filters have a filter of 0.3 microns. You need a filter of 0.1 microns to remove lepto from your water. I noticed you were using the Grayl, that’s perfect. Also I believe the UV lamp will work and chemicals like aquatabs.
interesting, I wasn't aware of that. But the Grayl is my filter of choice when traveling off mainland US.
@@eric_hansontry survivor filter. Most of them are made in the usa, . 02 microns.
Congratulations!!! My husband and I would have loved this for our honeymoon. Backpacking together strengthened our relationship (over40 years and still helping each other through the hard spots and sharing the joy and beauty of our lives.)
I love to hear that!
Thinking about Eric having to backtrack his step through the precarious trails to grab his camera on top of the backpack shuttling he did makes this so much more impressive than it looks
Your wife is absolutely adorable! And what a trooper! She stuck it out and overcame her fears!
This video has inspired me and my wife of 35 years to go hiking this weekend! Thank you Eric for making these excellent videos!
Wow, just Wow!! best video I have ever seen of the Kalalau trail! Also, I want to congratulate you and Kristi on your marriage. I live on the Big Island and have this on my bucket list to complete. Keep the awesome content coming, love your channel!!!!
Thanks for stirring up old memories. My wife and I did this trail thirty years ago for our honeymoon. It was amazing.
Beautifully shot, great video. Kristi, my anxiety soared just seeing that trail (and thats just from the video), great job conquering it!
My wife and I were married on Lumaha'i Beach, so Kauai has a special place in my heart but I've never done that hike! Great job you two, you're an awesome team!
Thank you! And yeah just about everybody has a lot of anxiety with Crawler's Ledge. Kristi is a champ! Kauai would be a wonderful place to get married!
My first backpack into Kaulalau was 1976 (yes, I’m an old dude), before it was designated a state park, in 1978, I believe. There were a lot of marijuana growing squatters back there. Theft was not uncommon if you were taking a day hike up the valley leaving your gear behind in camp. Probably main reason to require permits. Rangers ran most of the squatters out. That said, it was as beautiful then as it is now. Maybe more so since it’s better cared for as a state park. My now wife and I spent 8 days there in 1979. She “fondly” remembers Crawlers Ledge! 😂 She did it in tennis court shoes! In summer the ocean is flat and calm, swimmable. It can be rainy, but trail is generally drier. Thanks for the memories! ❤
Beautiful story! I’m flying into Kauai today and I wanna hike this soooo bad but it’s gunna be muddy as hell. Any tips or suggestions?
Just be one with the mud. Do it! Take a bath later.
Amazing 👏 ❤😊
Years ago on vaca to Kauai, I left EARLY one morning and hiked to Hanakāpīʻai Falls and back. Crossed paths with folks returning from that beach and they were all so happy.
If i ever get back to that island, this area is a must backpacking destination! WOW and what a fantastic honeymoon.
Congratulations on getting married! The best backpacking video I’ve seen. Beyond the cliffs, mountains, ocean views, rainbows, waterfalls the most impressive part of the trip for me was Kristi’s perseverance and overcoming her fear. I would like to know how the trek back to the car went - easier or harder? I appreciate you sharing God’s creation, your adventures and knowledge on your channel. I like Dan Becker’s channel, too. 😀 - Dan
Great cinematography and story telling. And thanks for taking me on a trail I probably won’t go on. You guys look so happy. Congrats
This has got to be the best video I have seen on the Kalalau Trail. You have done well in the way you navigated your trail challenges, the beauty, your camp quiet time, the beach, valley and Napali’s ruggedness. Congratulations, well done! When you do Kalalau Traill, you will know. ❤😊😅
Well thank you! It's such a grand landscape that it'll never fully be captured in a camera. But we can try!
I deeply enjoyed this video and it lowered my blood pressure for sure! I appreciate the effort in setting up those walk-by shots. The LOTR discussion was a nice touch. :)
Crawler's Ledge lowered your blood pressure? Not mine! I think yours would rise if you had to hike it. So do all who live to see such times.
Ha, indeed! Crawlers ledge made me feel quite anxious watching it, but the landscape and beach B-Roll was definitely serene.
Hiked it barfeoot 5 times since 19 years old. Best trail on earth. Now a days I use shoes but surprisingly easy barefoot hiking aside from Hanakapiai-Space Rock (spikeys are everywhere). Bring extra food/water in case you need to stay longer. I got stuck with over 140 people december 21, 2014, and made it across Hanakapiai with a rope right before it was iverflowed. 121 people were flown out days later. Those rivers flood like a flash flood!!!
Amazing beauty!!!! May you be blessed with many more of life's adventures together!!!
Thank you so much!
Hi. I’m fairly new to your channel (came from Miranda’s page), this is perhaps the third video of yours I’ve watched. I just have to say something to Kristi, it’s something I realized as a budding solo backpacker last year…there are so many things that I’m afraid of, be it sleeping alone in the woods, climbing a scramble or cliff, or even trusting love again…I’m absolutely terrified. The thing is is that despite my fear I push past and still do, because I’m brave. This video is a video of you being so brave despite your fears and mental blocks. I hope realize that and always remember it. You may be afraid, but you are brave. Congratulation. To you both. May you have many decades of wonderful, loving adventures together.
Just started watching this... And it seems like your wife is the perfect match for you. Loves hiking, similar sense of humor... you're even a match in looks (there are some couples that just look like they go together). Happy for you. Your photography and editing is stunning. Tells the story and puts the viewer in the place and time also. BTW that landscape reminds me of so many Magnum PI episodes (the original one), I'm half expecting TC's helicopter to fly by. 😉
Hiking, along with riding is a lot of the time a mental game.
Most people favor a side of their body that like when up against a slope can make for an uncomfortable time in a particular direction. Most people when riding favor turning in a particular direction also. Not sure if its an inner ear thing or a RH, LH thing. Normally coming back is more familiar then initally going into or up a trail which can make it more comfortable, except climbing up rocks and difficult paths is usually easier but coming back down feels more trecherous. Hiking in and getting very tired doesnt feel as bad and coming home and feeling very tired. Same person ,same trail, its all head games, Kudos to Kristi for taking on the challenge.
Yes!! I had hardly any issues with the heights on the way back. I noticed any time my right side was exposed I was instantly more cautious and insecure with my movements. So wild!
Great video, my wife and I thank you. There is no way she will be doing that trail now. At least we saw how beautiful the trail is. Thanks for sharing.
haha, glad we could fairly warn you!
Beautifully photographed Eric. Also congratulations to the 2 of you. Best of luck. 🎉
Absolutely breathtaking!
Thank you so much for inviting us in to see this! Breath taking, and heart warming!
I appreciate you coming along for the journey!
Stunning amazing photography! Good job, Kristi!
Beautiful video! Thanks for sharing this place.
It’s helpful to me to see others struggle with vertigo and a fear of heights but also have the urge to keep pushing through. You give me confidence. Thank you for sharing ❤
What a great adventure to start off your new life together.
24:57 is a stunning time lapse - just wow! Congrats on getting hitched and on staying hitched during that hike!
"Be afraid and do it anyway" My personal motto! Congrats, you two rocked it! Beautiful video! Bet wishes on a beautiful life together filled with great adventures!
haha I love that. Very fitting! And thanks!
By far, this is the most beautiful place I have ever seen! The surf, lush greenery and RAINFOREST/RAINBOW’S were beyond and beyond! TY!
It's as good as it gets! Thank you!
So happy you got over crawlers! Totally agree with everything you said around the 17 minute mark about how much of a toll the trail takes on you. It's an insane experience. Also, love the support you had from the hubby! The group I was with definitely made the experience and we kept each other going.
Funny enough, I spent so much time worried about Crawlers, when I felt that everything after was so much worse. :D I zipped so fast through it when we were headed home though. Not sure if I was desensitized to it or I just really wanted a good meal. LOL
Also, your footage is stunning. Brings me back to the trail.
...so I was finally able to watch after a couple of days grappling with other things, and all I can say is...WOW! Five Stars...maybe Ten Stars (can I go that high? A 'thumbs up like' seems so inadequate). Beautiful cinematography; such wonderful, lovely moments between you and Kristi (and congratulations, you two; may you have a long, happy life together); such incredible ocean and mountain views! I've watched it twice just for the scenery, because I know that I will never be able to get there myself. Thank You for letting me tag along on your personal journey...
Pure romance, my friend! So happy for you. You said Ohio's cooler hilarious I just moved to AZ from Ohio. Way to face your fears!! That was so very inspiring!
Thanks Scott! Kauai's got nothing on Hocking Hills! haha.
Thank you for no music and just the sound of nature.
The ambient sounds here on the coast are particularly enjoyable. Glad you like that.
Amazing video!! Congratulations to you both and kudos to your wife for pushing through!! This is my favorite video by far!!👍☺
Congrats to both of you. Glad Kristi hung in there. I’ve only done part of the trail and definitely gets dicey in parts. Beautiful and well done job on recording all of this.
Thank you! Yeah it's sketchy for sure. Kristi did amazing!
Kristi, Major respect for you facing your demons and moving forward. I know the film was edited and didn't show a lot of what you were dealing with.. It doesn't matter, you concurred it. You have much to be proud of.
Congrats on your wedding.. You got a good guy there. I wish you both many years of adventures together. i look forward to more videos seeing you both.
Thanks for the comment here, it means a lot!
Thank you so much! It was an incredible experience and gave me a level of healing I didn’t expect. I was a new person on the hike out. The confidence soared.
Eric, this was/is an amazing!! What a beautiful experience to have together.
I had an acquaintance from high school that went missing on that trail. He’s never been found. Really sad situation, but that trail has been super intriguing to me ever since. Thanks for sharing such a beautiful edit!
Thanks Devin! That's so crazy about that person. It would be pretty easy to slip right into the sea with no hope of help. I would've be really sketched out about this trail if it had been rainy. That being said, it's firmly in my top 3 all-time favorite / most beautiful hikes.
Great video guys and congratulations on y’all’s wedding!
Wonderfully done video sir. I did the hike many years ago, and it seems to be just as fantastic now. Great filming, thanks for taking us along.
A video masterpiece! Of course you had a lot to work with, but your video/image capture was spectacular. Loved the time-lapse sequence around the 25:00 mark. Rainbows, bananas, coconuts, booming surf, and nature's abundant beauty make for magical memories. Also, your over-narration was a nice addition to the video. You will no doubt make the transition to your own channel business in 2024.
It's a lot of work, but it's what I love doing! I'm glad this one hit the mark for you. I appreciate this!
Truly amazing! Thanks for sharing with us 🙏
Absolutely! Glad you liked it.
This video is my happy place, a reset button for the mind and soul. Amazing job!
Love the rainbow waves!! Congrats and best wishes! Epic trip. Thx for sharing. Id never be able to do those cliffs! You guys deserve such an amazing trip. BTW love her hat! Looking good! Beautiful videography!!
Rainbow waves! And more rainbows! Kauai is the land of endless rainbows. And thanks for appreciating Kristi and her hat.
Kristi is great and I enjoyed getting to see her sketch. I have vertigo on exposed spots so I really felt her fear. She is remarkably brave!!! I’m always trying to dial in my art-packing kit for just the right paper pencils and mini watercolor kit. If she’s not too shy about it her creative kit and creations based on your adventures would be great to see. Thx!!
Impressive footage. Nice work!
Thank you!
Eric, thank you for this video! I only wish one day I can film and edit my videos half as good as you! Keep it up man!
Bro! Killed it! Another epic adventure with awesome edits and angles. Love it man! Watched every second- excited for you and Kristi on the journey of marriage! This is definitely an amazing and beautiful start. 👏👏🙌🙌
Thank Mike! That means a lot to me! I appreciate it.
You did a wonderful video of this trail! Photography was excellent. Was able to do some hiking to the beach a few years ago. Thanks so much for sharing your honeymoon with us and congratulations!
I want to start out by saying congratulations on the wedding. I'm glad to see you found somebody as Goofy as you are. What an amazing trail and an amazing experience once in a lifetime. I also suffer with fear of heights, fear of the edge vertigo. What really helped me was hypnosis. I'm able to go places now that I wasn't able to before. It's pretty incredible and counting backwards from five, four, three two one and a couple of deep breaths. It's pretty amazing. Keep up the awesome work! Love your videos! Can't wait for the next one!
😮 wow! Just wow! Absolutely amazing and beautiful. What a fantastic experience! That ledge though, intense!
One of the most beautiful places I've ever been! Guarded by the ledge of doom!
Awesome Honeymoon experience. Thank you for sharing!
Wow!!! Amazing!
You should do a video about how to fly with backpacking and/or camping gear?
Fantastic video!!! Thank you so much for sharing! You said this is one of your top 3 trails….made me curious what the other top trails are that you’ve done.
Congratulations and continued blessings!
Thank you so much!
One of my favorite videos in a long time. I really hope more people watch this video (and channel). You always have great videos, but this is the new gold standard. This put me on the edge, but that ending was so sweet. Wish you and your wife the best!
Well ain't this one of my favorite comments. Thank you!
Whatever you get that red mud on is stained forever! A badge of honor!
Yup! That white backpack isn't quite so white...
What an appropriate honeymoon- since marriage is all about relying on each other and working as a team to accomplish big things- awesome adventure to share.
Wow! Congratulations! Beautiful ❤️
Great video👍
Awesome and congratulations. People go their entire lives living on Kaua’i and never once hike this trail. I’ve watched your hikes for years at this point and always in the back of my head I’m saying, “yeah but I wish you could compare it to Kalalau”.
it was cool how much people on Kauai perked up after hearing we'd done the trail, as I guess yeah, not many people have done it. But it's soo special!
Wonderful, just wonderful and also congratulations 🙂👍
thank you!
I hiked this trail in 1981, right out of high school. Our backpacking club leader organized the trip and we had a group of about 10 people. Your video provided instant recall of my own experience and fright with some of the sections of the trail. I am very doubtful that I would consider doing the trail again. Thanks for sharing!
Did it 1983.
Eric, this is awesome! I’ve been lucky enough to Maui in the last year. It was absolutely awesome. This makes me want to check out Kauai
Kauai is my kind of island. You'd love it. And thanks!
I've not even watched it yet i know this is gonna be a banger
Thanks! I hope it lives up to your expectations. I think you'll like it.
Beautiful beyond words both the love of nature & for each other
awwww shucks. Thank you!
Yesss man. I’ve yet to do this hike but have been to Kauai multiple times-I even lived on Oahu for a bit. Napali Coast is possibly the most beautiful place on the planet and you captured it perfectly. That ledge walking is NO joke. I may get my ass out there on this trail one day, and this video helps. See ya on the trail!
Not many places that rival the beauty of the Napali Coast!
Just came here to say that Pippin is the fool of a Took (Peregrin Took), but he and Gandalf are adorable together, so it fits. :P
oh no. I have ashamed myself. haha thanks!
Don't worry, @@eric_hanson, I won't send the nerd police to take away your membership card...this time.
Incredibly beautiful!❤ I admit I am experiencing vertigo watching this.😂
It's hard to convey in video just how daunting some parts of this trail are. But if you got vertigo watching it, you get it!
What a great video... thanks for sharing! Now I know what to if anyone ever drags me to Hawaii. :)
And congratulations, you two!!
Thank you! And it's a great way to spend some time if you're ever forced to go!
Congratulations! Amazing honeymoon hike. That red mud is the most difficult to navigate next to the ledge. cheers!
Thanks! And yeah while Crawler's Ledge was scary, the slippery mud on exposed parts was way more intimidating.
i did this trail. when i camped that night i found myself pulling to the left all night i think because I had spent the whole day trying to lean into the cliffside as i hiked! congrats to you two and good luck on your next adventure(s)!
Yes! I can sympathize 😅 not to mention how tired the left ankle was being on an angle the whole way too.
25:59 I remember this going down to the beach and the water fall in 1983.
Amazing video
Freaking awesome trail - just wow.... And it looks like you two had tons of fun. I'd say romance for sure. I can see why se picked you.
There is nothing wrong with a profound respect for the mountain, only your actions decide the outcome.
And those rainbows, dayum.
Congrats btw!!
Also, the like to Kristis page isn't working. Would love to see what se was doing at 12:35, it looked nice!
Yes we had loads of fun! I think we're a pretty good fit for each other. Thanks! And I've updated the link, not sure what happened there. But here it is too: www.youtube.com/@kristirauckis
Awesome video. I like to hike with my wife so this video relates.
Highly recommend people bring a tarp on this trip. Sleeping with the rainfly on traps humidity and heat. Sleeping with it off runs the risk of getting rained on (it rains a lot there). If I ever do it again, I'll have a tarp over my tent so I can remove the fly at night without worrying much about rain.
Awsome video as usual.
I've started to click "like" even before I watch your videos.
aww shoot, thank you!
Just got a new M3 macbook pro, This looked absolutely gorgeous on it. Best experience, the colors are so vibrant in the video, credit to video skills!
Beautiful video, man. We went there on our honeymoon too. My favorite trail.
Really? We followed in your footsteps? Thanks Jerry!
Amazing place 😍 !! … now you’re ready for the Alps 😊 (start with the prealps 😉)
And very cute honeymoon trip !
Beautiful video and so well edited--I'm wondering what camera are you using?
Been in my bucket list for years.
definitely a bucket-list worthy hike!
To date, the Kalalau Trail is still one of my most memorable hikes (hiked it in 2017). Thank you for sharing.
yeah this one goes down as an all-timer!
@@eric_hanson btw, looking at the Peru trip 🤞. We'll see.
I just booked my permits a few days ago for April 1 through April 3. I am so excited!
heck yeah! You'll love it. Enjoy!
Try to get on the trail a couple days early so you spend all 3-4 days at Kaulalau Beach. The distance is about 11.5 miles and it’s slow going. If you don’t get an early start you may have to spend a night on the trail both ways.
A wonderful capture of your time here on Kauai! I found a sunrise hike up Sleeping Giant West trail is amazing. Bring a headlamp and watch out for frogs! Totally another epic short hike but with amazing views overlooking Wailua. Let me know if you guys are still in the area. I’d love to show you Jurassic Park gate trail! 🦖
Unfortunately we're back in Arizona now. We wanted to do the Jurassic Park gate trail but we never got to it, sadly.
@@eric_hanson aw man, no worries. It would have been fun. There are two trails back there at the end. You’d need 4x4, but two of the best trails on the island are back there.
Great video! Where did Kristi get her hat? I love it.
So beautiful
Thank you!
Great trip you guys,loved it, I stay Kauai,aloha
The waves are fireworks from the ocean!
haha yes!
If you didn't watch this in full screen, go back and watch it again!
this video is best savored on a wrist watch.
Congratulations!
Thank you!
Oh this is gonna be LIT, I already know 😂
thanks! I'm a fan of this one.
Great video Eric! When did you do the hike? My wife and I did it January 17-20 this year and it looked really similar to your video.
All the while I backpacked the Napali Coast, all I could think of was "I wish I had worn my baseball cleats."
Congratulations on getting hitched, awesome video stunning views and you guys are sole mates wish you both eternal happiness awesome couple 👊👍👌❤️
You guys probably did twice the distance going back for the camera and tripod. 😂 Great shots though and great video!!
The natural world is such a wonderful experience, sometimes, going gung-ho isnt necessary. I was so uncomfortable with those drop offs knowing how wet it is there. But I guess I will complete the video now- it has to have a happy ending right? Best wishes to the two of you
The dropoffs are intense but the rewards are unlike any place I've ever been to. And you'll have to watch to find out if there's a happy ending!
I've got a permit to do this trail with my brother in 4 weeks. It's the first trip in a very long time that I've not been in charge of planning, and that has me quite nervous. So beautiful though!
The biggest thing I'd watch out for is if it's supposed to be rainy. There are several stream crossings that can flash flood, and of course, I wouldn't want to hike the trail in really slick conditions. But otherwise, it's one of the best around!
Congratulations to the two of you for your marriage and braving this trip!