The Na Pali Coast State Park, USA

The Na Pali Coast State Park (see more photos) is located on the north shore of Kauai. It is a great place to “rough it” and go on an adventurous hike. The area has a dramatic, with 4,000-foot (1,219 m) cliffs, known as “pali” in Hawaiian, towering above crystal clear waters. Below, a coral reef is home to an amazing array of colorful tropical fish.

Rugged Na Pali Coast State Park extends 16 miles along Kauai’s northwest coastline, from the north end of Ke’e Beach all the way to Polihale State Park on Kauai’s west side.  The rugged cliffs or pali reach as high as 4,000 feet and serve to severely limit access into the 6,175 acres (25 sq. km) park; there are no roads or access other than by boat or an eleven mile coastal hike along the treacherous, but scenic Kalalau Trail. It consisting of cliffs that define an untamed region of deep and narrow valleys that end at the sea. Waterfalls and swift streams cut through the valleys as they have for eons. Remains of the ancient Hawaiians can still be found in places.

 

The park is inaccessible to automobiles, but exploring can be done by hiking, kayaking, boating and even by helicopter. Snorkeling in the secluded coves is a popular activity, and if you travel between January and April, you’re likely to catch sight of the Pacific humpback whales. The Kalalau Trail provides the only land access. It’s an eleven-mile (17.7 km) hike through five major valleys before reaching Kalalau Beach.

The “Forbidden Island” of Niihau is across the channel, a primitive place of no modern technology. Niihau is inhabited by Native Hawaiians only, but visitors are allowed to snorkel along the pristine coastline of the island. It is one of the best snorkeling locations in the world, as the water is unpolluted and clear.

Camping on the Na Pali Coast is allowed with permits. Hiking permits are required to hike beyond Hanakapiai Valley. No drinking water is available. Water from streams must be treated. Visitors must take all their trash with them when they leave. There is no entrance fee to the Na Pali State Park; the fee for camping permits is $10 per person.

The beautiful 16 mile Na Pali coastline with its abundant waterfall and sea caves, provides numerous photo and sightseeing opportunities including such attractions as Kalalau Valley and Honopu Beach. Some of these sea caves are large enough to take small craft into when the seas are calm.  Pristine water makes for excellent visibility which in turn creates magnificent Na Pali Coast snorkeling opportunities. On our Kauai boat tours you’ll not only see the sights, but you’ll have the chance to swim and snorkel with colorful tropical reef fish, the occasional Manta Ray, and the graceful giant Green Sea Turtle!

Na Pali Coast State Park Overview

• 6,175 acres (25 sq. km) of towering sea cliffs and deep valleys 
• Kalalau Trail offers the only land access, no cars can drive on Kauai's north shore to the Na Pali Coast 
•  Popular place among hikers and campers