Na Pali Coast stretches fifteen miles along the northwest coast of Kauai between Ke`e Beach in Haena State Park to Polihale State Park in Mana. This rugged coast will leave you breathless as you gaze upon the pali (high cliffs) that rise as much as 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above the Pacific Ocean, sea caves, lush green valleys, and cascading waterfalls that journey to the shores from thousands of feet above.
The Nā Pali Coast State Park is accessible to hikers by way of the Kalalau Trail. The trail begins on Kauai’s north shore at the end of Hwy 56 at Ke’e Beach in Haena State Park. The most popular section of the trail is the first two-mile stretch from Ke’e beach to Hanakapiai Valley. If you feel like you just need a bit more adventure, you can trek two more miles inland to the Hanakapiai Falls. The last nine miles of the 11-mile Kalalau Trail are for experienced hikers with the proper permits and camping gear.
Visiting Haena State Park
All park visitors without a Hawaii driver’s license or state ID must reserve online in advance. For parking pass and permits visit gohaena.com *Camping permits for Kalalau trail include entry through the state park.
Residents with Hawaii driver’s licenses or state ID may enter the park and park their vehicles for free, first-come, first-serve, subject to capacity limits. There is no time limit for resident parking up until dusk daily (or overnight with a camping permit). No other IDs or documentation are accepted for resident-free entry. Adult residents without accepted ID must purchase an advance online reservation (see next section). Minors (under 18) are not required to have ID.
The park is open daily, including holidays, from 7:00a to 6:45p. Parking lot opens at 6:30 a.m.
To see Na Pali from above, you can drive to Kokee State Park for overlooks into Kalalau Valley. The best way to experience the Na Pali is to take a helicopter tour or a boat tour that offers amazing vantage of the cliffs and sea caves, sightseeing, and snorkeling tours on either sailing catamarans, power catamarans, or rigid hull inflatables. Most tours originate from Port Allen on the west side year-round. During the summer months, April through September, a few tour companies operate out of Hanalei Bay on Kauai’s north shore. To get a true perspective on this amazing island and the Na Pali Coast, book a doors-off helicopter tour or a fixed-wing airplane tour or Helicopter Tour for a truly amazing experience of one of the world’s most beautiful coastlines.
