A rare norovirus outbreak has resulted in an extended closure of one of Kaua‘i‘s most popular hiking trails. The Department of Health (DOH) and the Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) Division of State Parks are actively investigating the incident on Kalalau Trail.
Earlier this month, numerous campers in the Kalalau Section of the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park experienced vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Witnesses told Yahoo News that the symptoms were severe and consistent among everyone and that it “went from zero to 100 within minutes from the onset.” On September 5, the DOH reported that test results confirmed it was norovirus.
“This is a very concerning and rare occurrence, magnified by the extremely remote nature of the Kalalau Valley,” Curt Cottrell, a DLNR administrator, said in a news release.
As a result, the state closed the entire Kalalau Trail section, from Kē‘ē to Honopu in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. As of this writing, 37 cases have been confirmed. According to local news station KHON2, at least one hiker required an emergency airlift evacuation. The trail closure will remain in effect at least until September 19.
Because a norovirus outbreak of this nature in such a remote area is so rare, the state is eager to determine its cause. The DOH requests all who visited the Kalalau Trail between July 1 and September 4, 2024, respond to a confidential survey.
Norovirus on the Trail: The Kalalau Outbreak
Norovirus is a highly contagious group of viruses that cause gastroenteritis. It induces food poisoning-like symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach cramps. Some people will get fevers and experience chills. It spreads by eating or drinking contaminated food or water or by touching contaminated objects or surfaces. It is often associated with improper handwashing.
Norovirus is a short-lived illness, lasting just one or two days. But it can be violent and dangerous if people become too dehydrated.
The public restrooms at the Kalalau Valley campground were closed at the time of the outbreak. Campers reported that the nearest bathrooms were a quarter of a mile down the beach. As a result, many people were vomiting and defecating out in the open. Danielle Burr, who was airlifted to a hospital as a result of the infection, described the experience.
“Dozens and dozens of people witnessed it coming out of both ends for me,” Burr told Yahoo News. “I was feeling so sick that I didn’t even care. Embarrassment wasn’t even on my radar.”
Other campers who could not hike themselves out were extracted by boats.
Closing the Most Popular Trail on Kaua‘i
The 11-mile Kalalau Trail (22 miles both ways) is an out-and-back hike. It was built in the 1800s and follows the coast of Kaua‘i. Though it only gains 800 feet of elevation, the DLNR rates it as “difficult.” It is also considered one of the most dangerous trails in Hawaii due to the risks of falling rocks, flash floods, shore breaks, and cliffs. Search and rescue crews make visits to the area every year to aid stranded, injured, or imperiled hikers.
Nevertheless, it is one of the most popular hiking trails on Kaua‘i. Camping permits are required, limiting visitors to 60 per night for most of the year. During the summer months, the state webpage for the Kalalau Trail warns that camping permits usually sell out quickly and encourages people to plan accordingly.
While the Kalalau Trail will remain closed until September 19, Ha‘ena State Park and Kē‘ē Beach will remain open. DSP crews are providing enhanced cleaning and disinfection of “comfort stations” at those locations, according to DOH.
To stay up to date on this outbreak, you can check the DLNR Hawaii website.
