Back near the trailhead, the path skirts the upper edge of the Kalalau Valley. There is no trail down this valley - the only way to visit the beach at the foot of the valley is by boat, or the 11-mile Kalalau Trail. I did pause to wonder however - the cliff walls were quite steep, but a couple of them could support a well constructed set of switchbacks. Though on further reflection, perhaps it's best to keep some places inaccessible... Kaua'i has seen enough footprints of men.