We applied and received our hiking permit nearly 6 months in advance. (we did get permit checked on the way out, and Park Rangers do check along the way) We stayed at a local time share and took a cab to the trail head as parking is tight. Lots of people park and hike in for the four or five days or just the day hike, and seem to not have any issues parking. We arranged to have our cab pick us up, there is a pay phone at the trail head, (bring change, as there is no cell coverage) and she even brought us each an ice cold beer for the ride back to our time share. We began our hike beginning of May, 2016, for our anniversary. We stayed at Hanakoa going in, and coming out. We took a few trail shots, to include some of the mile markers we found, to include some goats. Trail conditions were near perfect, with the exception of light drizzle on our way in, and a heavy rain the last night which had us a little worried on crossing some streams, but we had no issues. We just took it slow as the trail was wet, slippery, and very very muddy. Kalalau beach was beautiful and even though there were lots of campers and locals, it was not crowded at all. It was a tough hike, up and down the multiple valleys, but very beautiful, and very rewarding, not to mention to hike with your partner and share and see mother nature and all her beauty, will be a memory that will last our life time.
Cheers
Lori and Martin Pedersen