Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park

Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park on the northwestern coast of Kauai protects 6,175 acres of the most dramatic coastal terrain in the Hawaiian Islands. The Na Pali — Hawaiian for 'the cliffs' — is a 15-mile stretch of fluted volcanic ridges rising up to 4,000 feet directly from the Pacific Ocean, divided by narrow hanging valleys, hidden sea caves, and waterfalls dropping hundreds of feet to the surf below. No road reaches the Na Pali coastline; it remains one of the few stretches of Pacific coast entirely inaccessible by vehicle, preserving its wilderness character and limiting access to those who arrive by boat, helicopter, or trail. Boat tours are the most popular means of experiencing Na Pali at sea level. Operators departing from Port Allen on the south shore and from Hanalei Bay on the north shore travel the full length of the cliffs, entering sea caves, drifting under waterfalls, and watching for spinner dolphins and green sea turtles. Humpback whales use the waters off Na Pali as a winter breeding ground, with sightings common between December and April. North-shore boat access is seasonal — sea conditions are calm enough for zodiac tours only approximately May through September; south-coast catamaran tours operate year-round in suitable weather. Helicopter tours departing from Lihue Airport provide an aerial perspective of the cliff faces, interior valleys, and waterfalls invisible from the ocean surface. The Kalalau Valley interior — a vast amphitheater carved between sea cliffs — is particularly striking from above. The Kalalau Trail begins at Ke'e Beach at the end of Highway 560 and covers 11 rugged miles one way to Kalalau Beach. Permits are required for all hikers beyond Hanakapi'ai Beach at mile 2 and for all overnight stays. Day hikers without permits can walk to Hanakapi'ai Beach — a 3 to 4 hour round trip — and optionally continue 2 miles further on a side trail to Hanakapi'ai Falls, a 300-foot waterfall in a rainforest canyon.