Na Pali Coast

Na Pali Coast Photo #1 of 3 The Napali Coast is a breathtaking coastal range that can only be accessed by hiking, sea tour or helicopter tour. Photo copyright Hawaii Tourism Authority (HTA) / Ron Garnett.

Overview

"The Napali Coast nourishes the soul. Kauai's famous coastline is truly majestic, featuring emerald green pinnacles towering along the shoreline for 17-miles. Located on the North Shore of Kauai, the Napali Coast features panoramic views of the vast Pacific Ocean, velvet green cliffs and cascading waterfalls plummeting into deep, narrow valleys. The rugged terrain appears much as it did centuries ago when Hawaiian settlements flourished in these valleys existing only on the food they could grow and the fish they could catch.

The only land access to this enchanted area is via the Kalalau Trail, an 11-mile trail that starts at Kee Beach, crosses five different valleys and ends at secluded Kalalau Beach. This is one of the most challenging, and sometimes even treacherous, Kauai hikes with narrow sections and muddy topsoil from rainfall. Many hikers choose to break the trail up into two days, setting up camp at the beach of Hanakapiai, and then heading to Kalalau the next morning. Camping permits are required from the Hawaii State Parks Division office in Lihue. A guide is highly recommended and hiking during the winter months is discouraged.

But even non-hikers can enjoy the amazing scenery of the Napali Coast. Boat tours depart from Port Allen on the West Side and during the summer months, guided kayaking trips can give you access to awe-inspiring views of the sea cliffs, while air tours can show you scenic Napali areas that aren't accessible by land or water. Replenish your spirit and experience the breathtaking panoramas of the Napali Coast."

-Information gathered from www.gohawaii.com/kauai/regions-neighborhoods/north-shore/napali-coast