Na Pali Coast

For the most comprehensive view of the Na Pali Coast, take a helicopter or flightseeing tour from Lihue or Princeville that takes you over top sights like Waimea Canyon and the Manawaiopuna Falls.

For a closer look, opt for a guided kayaking trip along the dramatic Na Pali cliffs or choose a boat tour that includes a snorkeling or sailing adventure or a sunset dinner cruise. You can also hike the Kalalau Trail, which traverses 11 miles (17 kilometers) and provides access to remote beaches and hidden sea caves.

• The Na Pali Coast is a must-visit for first time visitors to Kauai.

• Bring a rain jacket for boat and kayak tours and for hikes as it rains often on the Na Pali Coast.

• Permits are required to hike the Kalalau Trail.

• Some helicopter and boat tours are wheelchair accessible; inquire in advance.

The Na Pali Coast stretches for 16 miles (26 kilometers) along Kauai’s northwest shore. No roads lead into the Na Pali Coast State Wilderness Park, and much of the coast is inaccessible due its extremely rugged terrain and sheer cliffs. To reach the trailhead for the Kalalau Trail, follow highway 560 to the end of the road, just past Hāʻena State Park.

Kauai’s weather is stable all year round, which makes it an excellent destination anytime of the year. The best time to hike the Kalalau Trail is during the dry season, which lasts from May through October. Winter is whale watching season, making it a great time for boat tours.

The Na Pali coastline is only accessible by foot via the Kalalau Trail. Backpackers typically take 3 days or more to make this incredibly scenic 22-mile (34-kilometer) round-trip journey. The trail traverses steep cliffs, requires several river crossings, and is very strenuous in spots. Day hikers can venture to Hanakapi’ai Falls, but permits are required to hike past the falls, even if you don’t plan to camp.

No, you cannot drive to the Na Pali Coast. There are no roads to the Na Pali Coast, but you can get good views of the coastline by driving to Polihale Beach or Kee Beach or by driving past Waimea Canyon in Kokee State Park and stopping at the Kalalau Lookout or the Pu'u o Kila overlook.

Yes, permits are required to hike along the Kalalau Trail beyond Hanakapiai Valley. To hike from Haena State Park to Hanakapiai Beach or Hanakapiai Falls, visitors need parking and entry tickets for Haena State Park. Visit the Hawaii DLNR reservation system online for Napali Coast State Wilderness Park. For Haena State Park, visit the park's website.

The Na Pali Coast is a spectacular work of sculpture, forged by the natural elements. The valleys were carved out of the side of Kauai five million years ago by massive amounts of water. Streams cut down, while ocean waves reached up, and sea caves, cliffs, and waterfalls were formed by waves cutting through the rock.

The challenging Kalalau Trail, which stretches 11 miles (18 kilometers) along the Na Pali Coast from Kee Beach to the Kalalau Valley, typically takes two days. Most visitors, however, are day hikers who just follow the popular 2-mile (3.2-kilometer) trail from Kee Beach to Hanakapiai Beach.

Yes, visiting the Na Pali Coast is absolutely worth it. This is one of the most beautiful places in Hawaii, home to steep emerald cliffs that plunge into the ocean, lush valleys, and teeming waterfalls. However you choose to visit the Na Pali Coast—by air, sea, or foot—you'll enjoy spectacular views of Kauai's most incredible natural landscapes.

Tour options for seeing the Na Pali Coast include boat tours and sightseeing helicopter or airplane tours. Each option offers its own unique perspective. Many boat tours by catamaran or yacht include snorkeling experiences, while tours by smaller boats, such as Zodiacs, allow visitors to access sea caves and hidden beaches.

The length of your Na Pali Coast boat tour will depend on which tour you choose and whether the tour includes additional activities such as snorkeling or beach landing. A typical catamaran tour of the Na Pali Coast takes around five hours, and many include a meal.

Typically, Na Pali Coast ticketed excursions depart from Hanalei Bay, which is on Kauai's north shore and is the closest departure point to the Na Pali coastline. Some boat tours depart from Port Allen on the island's southwest side.

The summer months (from June through August) are the best months to visit the Na Pali Coast. This is when the ocean is typically calm, and the skies are clearest, offering excellent views from sightseeing flights. While it is possible to visit in the winter, air and boat tours are more likely to be canceled due to adverse conditions.

Yes, you can see the Na Pali Coast in a helicopter. Taking a helicopter tour is rated by many as the best way to see the coast, as it allows you to see the rugged interior (which you don't see on a boat tour) without the effort of embarking on a challenging hike.