Suspected norovirus among campers results in closure of popular Kaua‘i trail

The Kalalau Section of the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park on Kaua‘i is closed after an illness, suspected to be the norovirus, has made numerous campers ill.

On Wednesday, a team of officers from the DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement will fly to the wilderness park, with one to be stationed at Hanakāpīʻai, to inform hikers of the closure between there and Kalalau. Two others will hike into Kalalau to check on the welfare of campers still at the site and call for further medical assistance if needed.

Since Aug. 14, the Department of Health received reports of acute gastrointestinal illness (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) from 24 people who hiked the Kalalau Trail. One was evacuated but no one has been hospitalized.

As a result, DOH recommended the trail be closed for the next seven days.

The DLNR Division of State Parks sent notices Tuesday afternoon to people who had confirmed overnight permits informing them of the park’s closure due to “an undetermined gastrointestinal illness in Kalalau.”

One camper who got sick and hiked out Monday said others who were seriously ill left earlier by boat.

“This is a very concerning and rare occurrence, magnified by the extreme remote nature of the Kalalau Valley,” said DSP Administrator Curt Cottrell. “We appreciate the DOH guidance in helping manage and mitigate this isolated outbreak in the hope no one else is exposed or gets sick.”

The reported illnesses have been self-resolving, but if symptoms do not improve within 24 – 48 hours, or if symptoms are severe, seek medical care promptly.

At full capacity, the Kalalau camping area accommodates 80 people.