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Coastline · Waimea, Hawaii
Nā Pali Coast
About 27 km of green cliffs over 1,000 meters high on Kauai’s northwest coast, with no roads, featuring valleys, waterfalls, sea caves and isolated beaches. It is seen by boat, helicopter or via the Kalalau Trail.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Nā Pali Coast
Nā Pali means “the cliffs” in Hawaiian. The coast stretches about 27 km between Hāʻena in the north and Polihale in the west, with sea cliffs rising to over 1,000 meters and dropping directly into the ocean. Erosion has carved narrow, deep valleys such as Kalalau, Honopū and Nuʻalolo, where Hawaiian communities once farmed taro on terraces.
Because there is no road, the coast is accessed in three ways. Boats depart from the west, from Port Allen and Waimea, and follow the shoreline; in summer, when the sea is calm, some enter sea caves and stop for snorkeling. Helicopters fly from Lihue and hover over the valleys and inland waterfalls. The Kalalau Trail, from Hāʻena, follows part of the coast on foot.
Spinner dolphins often accompany boats along the route, and humpback whales appear from December to April. Green turtles and seabirds are common.
The area is protected as a state wilderness park, and landings on the beaches are controlled.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
Four to six hours for the boat trip; about one hour for a helicopter flight.
Best time
In summer, between May and September, the north sea tends to calm and boats can get closer to the caves. In winter, the waves limit routes, but whales pass through the region.
How to get there
Boat trips depart from the Port Allen harbor in ʻEleʻele, about 10 km from Waimea, and from Kīkīaola Harbor near Waimea. Helicopters depart from Lihue Airport. Book with operators and confirm sea conditions.
Tip
People prone to seasickness should prefer summer trips and take precautions beforehand. Bring a windbreaker and a rain/sea spray cover: wave spray wets you.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Nā Pali Coast
How can you see the Nā Pali coast?
By sea, on boats that depart from Port Allen and Waimea; by air, on helicopters from Lihue; or by hiking the first stretch of the Kalalau Trail, in Hāʻena.
What months are best for a boat trip along the Nā Pali coast?
Between May and September, when the waters of the northwest coast are usually calmer and boats can enter the sea caves.
Can you see dolphins on the Nā Pali coast?
Spinner dolphins often accompany the boats, and humpback whales appear from December to April.