Probably the most photographed and iconic part of the Island of
Kauai is its majestic Na Pali Coast. Featured in many famous
Hollywood movies and magazine covers, the breath-taking beauty of
this dramatic coastline is even more impressive in person.
Historically, native Hawaiians first arriving Kauai made their home
in the valleys of the Na Pali Coast. Because of the remote
location of the coastline, only accessible by water or strenuous
foot trails, the people that lived in these valleys were well
protected. Outrigger canoes granted access, but only in during the
summer's calmer waters. Today, the Na Pali is relatively
unchanged with access via the same rugged trail or by sea.
Check out the Koke'e State Park hiking trails
map, the hiking is spectacular and offers panoramic views of the
Na Pali Coast.
Extreme Adventures to Na Pali
There are a few ways to get up close and personal with the Na Pali
Coast. Probably the most challenging (and maybe most
rewarding) is to hike the famous Kalalau Trail from Ke'e Beach 11.3 miles
to Kalalau Beach. This is a very strenuous and somewhat
dangerous hike that shows you the splendors of the Na Pali and is
the only way to access the coast from land.
The next best thing (and second-most challenging) is kayaking
from Ke'e Beach all the way around the Na Pali Coast to Polihale
Beach. This can be done by yourself or with a guided tour and
will show you the incredible scenery that Na Pali has to offer
including secluded beaches that are unviewable and inaccessible from
land, sea caves, and more. You will get a chance to see (and
maybe even land at) Honopu beach, Nu'alolo Kai State Park, Keawanui
Landing, and Miloli'i State Park - all of which are inaccessible
from land.
Both of these adventures require
you to be fit, well-equipped, and possess some intestinal fortitude.
This voyage can only be attempted in the summertime when the waters
of Na Pali are calmest (weather permitting).
Koke'e State Park
There is yet another way to get exhilarating, sweeping views of the
Na Pali Coast. Take the scenic trip up to the top of Waimea
Canyon Drive (Route 550) up to Koke'e State Park. From a lofty
altitude of about 4,000 feet, you there are several scenic overlooks
that grant you the privilege of seeing the wonderful Na Pali Coast
from the backside of the famous Kalalau Valley. We highly
recommend you take about half a day (or a full day if you explore
the Waimea Canyon or do some hiking) to take this trip.
Kalalau Lookout
There are two established lookouts with observation platforms,
bathrooms, and public parking. The first is the Kalalau
Lookout, located at about mile marker 18 on Route 550 (view
map). From
here you can see the backside of the Kalalau Valley and the view is
most impressive. But, the view is even BETTER from the next
lookout.
Pu'u o Kila Lookout
The Pu'u o Kila Lookout is several miles up the road from the
Kalalau Lookout,
at the very end of the Route 550 (view
map). From here, the view is
absolutely breathtaking with no foliage or trees to obscure your
view. Furthermore, there is a short trail that leads off to
the north, just beyond the observation platform and offers even more
views of the Kalalau Valley and Na Pali Coast. Be careful,
there are no railings or even foliage alongside this trail and a
misstep could lead to a several thousand foot tumble into the
valley! This is a must-see spot and best viewed earlier in the
day when the clouds and rain have not yet rolled in.
Honopu Ridge Trail - Na Pali Coast
Below
Hiking the Koke'e Trails This
area of the Island has many trails to hike (that are not as
treacherous as the Kalalau Trail). There are numerous trails
in Koke'e State Park, situated along the upper part of Route 550.
Some of the most memorable Koke'e Trails include the Nu'alolo Trail,
Awa'awapuhi Trail, Honopu Ridge Trail, and Pihea Trail - to name
just a few. They range from just a few miles to an all-day
affair and promise fantastic vistas of the valleys below.
View maps of trails. Read more information about the
trails on the
official park website.
Koke'e State Park offers Wildland picnicking, tent camping and
lodging. Hiking in native rain forest and along rim of Waimea
Canyon; additional trails in neighboring forest reserves. Excellent
area for observation of native plants, forest birds and insects.
Facilities include restrooms, outdoor showers, picnic areas,
camping, hiking trails, trash cans, Lodge and restaurant, drinking
water, payphone.
Honopu Ridge Trail
This trail was exhilarating and offered fantastic sweeping views of
the back side of the Honopu Valley and Na Pali Coast (viewed from
the east ridge). The only problem was the trail is horribly
marked. Although an official trail in the Koke'e Park, you
won't find it on any official maps and the trail head is not marked
either and poorly (if at all) maintained. The start of the trail is through thick trees and a
lot of underbrush - even with the aid of a map and our GPS, we still
inadvertently hiked in a complete circle at the start!
Eventually we were on our way. Much of the first mile is
through thick brush up to your thighs - I opted for cargo pants to
protect my legs as I was still nursing a leg wound from my tumble
down the mighty Kalalau Trail. Much
of this trail is a wild scramble over and around fallen trees,
scrambling/scooting down/up steep washouts and traversing very
narrow paths. The trail continues to get narrower and narrower
towards the end as it funnels to the spine of the ridge. Make sure you bring your camera, the views
are phenomenal!
Honopu Ridge Trail
Tours of Na Pali
Of course, there are less physically-demanding ways to see Na Pali.
There are numerous
Na Pali Coast boat tours - from the small
and personal ocean raft or zodiac boat to the large and comfortable
catamaran. Check out some of the best-rated Na Pali Coast
tours below.
Na Pali Explorer Ocean Rafting Explore
exquisite valleys, waterfalls, and secluded beaches and enter the
spectacular sea caves (weather permitting) of the Na Pali Coastline.
Dolphins and sea turtles are frequent companions during this
expedition. Land at *Nu'alolo Kai, an otherwise inaccessible
beach for a hike to the ruins of an ancient Hawaiian fishing
village. Here, enjoy a refreshing swim and snorkel on the
protected reef where crystal waters teem with fish, coral
formations, sea turtles and other marine life.
Na Pali Coast Tour & Niihau Na
Pali Coast is a "must see" on Kauai. This fifteen-mile stretch of
rugged coastline on the northwest shore of Kaua'i is an
awe-inspiring sight from the sea. After sightseeing and hearing the
history of the Na Pali Coast, you will head across the channel to
the Ni'ihau. Ni'ihau is called the 'Forbidden Isle' because
only those of true Hawaiian ancestry may live there. Visiting this
part of the island chain is a very special experience. Relax, float
and watch the comings and goings of the aquatic world. You may even
see one of the curious Hawaiian Monk Seals that inhabit these
waters. After snorkeling, enjoy a delicious lunch
Na Pali Catamaran Tour & Snorkel Liko
Kauai Cruises' west-side departure gives you more time for
sightseeing and snorkeling! The smooth Na Pali catamaran allows you
to view wondrous sea caves, cascading waterfalls, uninhabited lush
valleys, miles of white sand beaches and incredibly blue ocean
water. Marvel at the colorful marine life, playful dolphins and
humpback whales when in season. Dive into the most beautiful water
in the islands for an hour of snorkeling and enjoy a deli lunch with
fresh baked bread, ham, turkey, assorted cheeses and veggies, pasta
salad, fruit and dessert.
Na Pali Sunset & Sightseeing Tour Sightsee
the Na pali and experience a Kauai sunset on the water! Sip
champagne and enjoy delicious appetizers as you travel along Na Pali
to view waterfalls, lush valleys and sea caves (weather permitting),
all topped off with a spectacular Hawaiian sunset! This tour
is for those of you who want to see the Na Pali, but are not
interested in snorkeling.
