*Travel Tip - If you want to go camping during your Kauai vacation, call the County of Kauai at (808) 241-6660.

Kauai Camping Permits Permits are needed for backpack camping on the Kalalau Trail and overnights at the state parks such as Kokee, Polihale, Lydgate and Na Pali Coast State Parks. Visit the Division of State Parks at 3060 Eiwa St., Room 306 in Lihu'e. Or call (808) 274-3444 (8 am to 4 pm weekdays). There is no fee for the permit. County sites which include Lucy Wright, Salt Pond, Niumalu, Hanama'ulu, Anini and Ha'ena Beach Parks also require permits. They are $3.00 per person, per night. Write to the Division of Parks and Recreation at 4193A Hardy St., Bldg. #5, Lihu'e, HI 96766. Or Call (808) 241-6670 for more details.

Camping and Hiking Trails

North Shore: Kalalau Trail - The Kalalau Trail offers the only land access to this rugged part of the Na Pali Coast. The difficult 11.5 mile trail crosses above towering classes and through the Kalalau Valley. It takes stamina, endurance and planning. Be prepared. For permits call (808) 274-3444.

Ke'e Beach to Hanakapi'ai - A popular 2-mile day hike that rewards you with excellent views of the coast leading to a spectacular waterfall in the valley.

Powerline Trail - A 20-mile roundtrip trail for the hardy hiker (or mountain biker). Difficult.

Crater Hill Summit - Crater Hill is the 568 foot summit that is the remnant of the former Kilauea volcanic vent that created the area that is now Kilauea Point National Wildlife Refuge. Approximately 1 mile, the hike takes about 2 hours and is limited to 15 people. Leaves at 10:30am, but is ONLY available by reservation. Call (808) 826-0168 between 10am and 4pm.

Northwest: Pihea-Alakai Swamp Trail - 3.75 mile trail begins in at Puu O Kila Kokee State Park Lookout. Difficult.

East: Nounou Mt. Trail - 1.75 mile trail leads to a picnic shelter on the "chest" of the Sleeping Giant landmark. Continue on past the picnic area and hike to the top where you'll enjoy a 360 degree panoramic view of the ocean and valleys below. Intermediate.