Kalalau Valley, located in the Na Pali Coast National Park on Kauai, Hawaii, is two miles long and two miles wide, making it the largest valley in the park. It’s a backpacker’s paradise, with streams that turn into waterfalls, pathways that lead to tree swings, and an assortment of fresh fruits for the picking along the way. Those who have traveled, or even lived there, leave this inspiring place with a sense of wonder and awe.
The moment I stepped into the valley, the shift in energy was palpable. It was a sensation that I recognized immediately but had never experienced before. It was foreign but welcoming. It was as if I walked into a place that I could call home.
Over the course of my time there, I swam to secret beaches with archways leading to hidden waterfalls, practiced yoga at sacred heiaus ruins, jumped into as many natural pools as I could find, tried fruits that you can’t find in a grocery store, and watched sunsets more brilliant than I had ever seen before.
I kept having those moments like, “Wow, this is my life.” Those moments where gratitude and wonder overcome you.
The practice of yoga, exploring the land, and building a community with my co explorers only encouraged these sensations to grow. My traveling companions and I could sense these mutual feelings which encouraged us to embrace the experience to its fullest. Throughout our trip, we allowed the energy to fill us, making this a journey that we will never forget.
Since I left, I continue to reflect upon the experience that was created while in the Kalalau Valley. I truly feel transformed by my time there and commit to letting the lessons I learned be mirrored in my everyday life.
Because of my instant connection to this place, I already decided before leaving that I would definitely be back in a year. Not only do I have to experience this again myself, but I want to share it with like-minded people who will appreciate and respect it as much as I do. For those of you who are looking to recharge, break through your comfort zones, or just need a new adventure, come with me then and experience this for yourself.
Live Large, Kalalau Magic.
“Saturdays, holidays, easy afternoons, lazy days, sunny days, nothing much to do.”
Our individual creativity is under attack from our hyper-connected, over-scheduled, over-stimulated way of life. Research shows that problem-solving and critical thinking require letting our minds wander where they may.