KAUAI, Hawaii — The Department of Land and Natural Resources is extending the closure of the Kalalau Trail in the Napalai Coast State Wilderness Park as concerns about norovirus linger. No date on when the trail would reopen was provided.

What You Need To Know

  • DLNR said they would partially open the trail to Hanakapiai for day use, beginning on Saturday

  • Officials closed the trail after an outbreak of norovirus sickened about 50 people

  • The Centers for Disease Control conducted water testing that showed evidence of fecal contamination inside the sea cave next to the Kalalau camping area

  • Other tests did not show norovirus in water, sand and sediment from Kalalau Valley

DLNR closed the entire trail on Sept. 6, saying at the time that it would reopen on Sept. 19. 

However, DLNR said in a news release sent Thursday that they would partially open the trail to Hanakapiai for day use, beginning on Saturday. 

Officials closed the trail after an outbreak of norovirus sickened about 50 people. The highly contagious virus causes severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.

The Centers for Disease Control conducted water testing that showed evidence of fecal contamination inside the sea cave next to the Kalalau camping area. 

DLNR reminded people it is illegal to urinate or defecate anywhere besides the toilet facilities. 

Other tests did not show norovirus in water, sand and sediment from Kalalau Valley. 

DSP is planning to use a helicopter to deliver signs to Kalalau. One set of signs will provide recommendations on how to prevent the spread of norovirus. A second set of signs will inform people that the sea cave is closed.  

During the closure of the park, DLNR Division of State Parks conducted multiple deep cleanings and disinfection of comfort stations along the trail and at the Kee Beach trailhead. 

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