Na Pali Coast

The Nā Pali Coast, along the rugged northwest shore of Kaua‘i, is one of the most beautiful and dramatic coastlines on Earth — a 17-mile stretch of towering emerald cliffs (the ‘pali’) that rise thousands of feet straight from the Pacific, fluted and razor-sharp, cut by hidden valleys, waterfalls and remote beaches. Roadless and wild, it can be reached only by foot, boat or air.

Protected as the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park, this sacred landscape was home to ancient Hawaiian communities, whose terraces and sites remain in the valleys. Visitors hike the famous, strenuous Kalalau Trail along the cliffs, take boat or kayak tours along the base of the pali (seeing sea caves and waterfalls), or fly over by helicopter. Its soaring green cliffs and blue sea have made it world-famous (and a film backdrop). Legendary and wild, the Nā Pali Coast is a treasured natural icon of Hawai‘i.

The Nā Pali Coast is experienced by hiking the famous Kalalau Trail (the first two miles to Hanakapi‘ai Beach are a popular day hike; the full 11 miles to Kalalau Valley is a strenuous, permitted backpack along the cliffs), by boat tours and kayaking along the base of the pali (seeing sea caves, waterfalls and, in season, dolphins and whales), and by helicopter flightseeing over the cliffs and valleys. Hiking the cliff trail, cruising the coast by boat and flying over the pali are the signature draws. The combination of soaring emerald cliffs, hidden valleys and wild remoteness makes Nā Pali unforgettable.

Summer (roughly May through September) is the best and safest time, when the seas are calmer for boat tours and kayaking and the trails are drier, while winter brings big, dangerous surf (limiting boat access and making the trail and stream crossings hazardous). The cliffs are green year-round (Kaua‘i is wet). Summer is the highlight for boating, kayaking and safer hiking — come in the calmer summer months, book boat tours and trail/camping permits ahead, and respect the seasonal ocean and trail dangers.

The Nā Pali Coast and its valleys were home to thriving Native Hawaiian communities for centuries, who farmed taro on terraces in the valleys (like Kalalau and Nu‘alolo) and fished the rich waters; their stone terraces, heiau (temples) and sites remain, and the coast is sacred. Isolated by the cliffs, the last residents left in the early 20th century. The coast is now protected as a state wilderness park. The Nā Pali Coast preserves this spectacular, sacred shoreline and its Native Hawaiian heritage, a treasured icon of Hawai‘i.

The Nā Pali Coast was carved over millions of years as wind, rain and the relentless surf eroded the volcanic slopes of Kaua‘i — the oldest main Hawaiian island — into the dramatic fluted cliffs, where erosion has cut deep valleys and sharp ridges into the layered lava, leaving the pali plunging straight to the sea. The abundant rains of Kaua‘i’s interior feed the waterfalls and the lush green that cloaks the cliffs. The old volcano, the deep erosion and the pounding surf created this spectacular fluted coastline.

The cliffs, valleys and waters of the Nā Pali Coast host seabirds nesting on the pali (tropicbirds, shearwaters and others), the rich marine life of the surrounding waters — Hawaiian spinner dolphins, sea turtles, and, in winter, humpback whales — along with the native and introduced wildlife of the valleys, and (everywhere on Kaua‘i) feral chickens and goats. The wild coast and rich waters support abundant life. The Nā Pali Coast offers superb wildlife watching from boats — dolphins, turtles and winter whales — and seabirds soaring along the cliffs.

The Nā Pali Coast State Wilderness Park protects a wild and largely intact coastal ecosystem — the towering cliffs with their seabird colonies and native plants, the hidden valleys with their streams, waterfalls and remnants of native forest (and ancient Hawaiian taro terraces), and the rich marine waters at their base. Native species and the fragile valleys are threatened by invasive plants and animals and by heavy visitation. Protecting the cliffs, the valleys, the native species and the marine life sustains both the ecology and the wild beauty of the Nā Pali Coast.

The Nā Pali Coast holds a sacred and treasured place among the icons of Hawai‘i — one of the most beautiful coastlines on Earth, a wild stretch of soaring emerald cliffs and hidden valleys on Kaua‘i that was home to ancient Hawaiian communities and remains rich with their heritage and deeply sacred. Its towering pali, plunging to the blue Pacific, embody the wild grandeur of the Garden Isle. The Nā Pali Coast is a cherished natural and cultural icon of Hawai‘i.

The Nā Pali Coast is on the roadless northwest shore of Kaua‘i, accessible only by foot, boat or air. The Kalalau Trail begins at the end of the road (Hā‘ena State Park, Ke‘e Beach) on the north shore, which requires advance reservations/permits for entry and parking; the full trail and camping in Kalalau require state wilderness permits. Boat and kayak tours and helicopter flights depart from various Kaua‘i harbors and towns. Check Hawai‘i State Parks for the Hā‘ena reservation, trail and camping permits, and tour operators before visiting.

Hawai‘i State Parks protects the Nā Pali Coast wilderness. Visitors help by obtaining required permits and reservations (which limit impact), staying on the trail and at designated sites, respecting the sacred sites and ancient terraces (not disturbing them), protecting native species (not spreading invasive plants/animals — clean gear), packing out absolutely everything (carry-in/carry-out), and following all rules and ocean-safety guidance. The sacred valleys, the native species and the wild coast are sensitive and heavily visited. Protecting them sustains both the ecology and the wild beauty of the Nā Pali Coast.

The Nā Pali Coast is wild and dangerous — the Kalalau Trail is strenuous, narrow and exposed with steep drop-offs and slippery, muddy sections (people have fallen), and stream crossings (Hanakapi‘ai) can flash-flood deadly fast (never cross a swollen stream). The ocean is extremely dangerous, especially in winter (huge surf, strong currents; many drownings — Hanakapi‘ai Beach is notorious). Come prepared with water, food and proper footwear, and respect permits and weather. Respect the exposed cliffs, the flash floods, the deadly surf and currents, and the strenuous, remote terrain.

Entry and parking at Hā‘ena State Park (the Kalalau trailhead) require advance reservations; hiking past Hanakapi‘ai and camping in Kalalau require state wilderness permits (strictly enforced). Stay on the trail and at designated camps; do not disturb sacred sites or ancient terraces. Pack out all trash. Clean gear to prevent invasive species. Boat/kayak tours need licensed operators; drones are restricted. Heed all ocean and flash-flood warnings. Check Hawai‘i State Parks for reservations, permits and rules before visiting.

The north-shore town of Hānalei and Ke‘e Beach (the trailhead), the rest of Kaua‘i’s lush north shore, Waimea Canyon and Kōke‘e (with Nā Pali overlooks from above), and the harbors from which tours depart lie near the coast. The island of Kaua‘i defines the region. The Nā Pali Coast is the wild crown of Kaua‘i, a centerpiece of a Garden Isle adventure, experienced by trail, boat or air and combined with the north shore, Waimea Canyon’s overlooks and Kaua‘i’s beaches.

Choose how to experience the Nā Pali Coast: hike the famous Kalalau Trail (the first 2 miles to Hanakapi‘ai Beach make a strenuous day hike; the full backpack to Kalalau needs permits) — reserve Hā‘ena State Park entry and any permits well ahead; take a summer boat or kayak tour along the base of the cliffs (calmer and safer in summer) to see sea caves, waterfalls and dolphins; or fly over by helicopter. Wear proper footwear, carry water, NEVER cross flooded streams or enter the dangerous surf, and respect the sacred land and ocean.