Na Pali Coast Kaua'i
Rising out of the sparkling turquoise water of the Pacific Ocean on the
northwest shore of the Hawaiian Island Kauai, are the majestic cliffs of Na Pali.
Literally meaning "the cliffs", the Na Pali coast is famous around the world for
its unparalleled beauty and breathtaking vistas. The rugged cliffs tower
out of the ocean at unbelievably steep angles with heights soaring up to 4,000
feet. Deep cuts in the rocky cliffs create mysterious chasms that
add layers of dimension and shadows that climb to stony spires along the narrow
mountain ridges that plunge down into hidden tropical forested valleys that
radiate with thousands of shades of green. The valleys appear to change
from every angle and as the sun marches its way long the sky the shadows and
colors shift, offering still more to marvel at along this magical coastline. The
scene appears, in a word, impossible. It will leave you thinking you have
left earth and traveled through the cosmos to a remote corner of the universe to
arrive in a world that must be from a dream. And yet, this unique
coastline stands as a testament to the remarkable talent of Mother Nature to
sculpt the most brilliant landscapes.
The 16-mile coastline is paired with over 6,000 acres inland that form the
Na Pali Coast State Park, which was created to protect this extraordinary
terrain. Within the recesses of the magnificent cliffs, you will find some
of the most isolated places on the island and also some of the most sacred.
It was here that the ancient Hawaiians found seclusion and protection from
invaders on the island. In the valleys along Na Pali, they could live in
peace, without fear of attack. Fishing villages sprung up along the
beaches and farming settlements arose deeper into the valleys. These small
towns where nestled among some of the most strikingly remarkable surroundings in
the world with countless waterfalls that cascaded from the cliffs, painting them
with a lovely white lace while providing fresh water to the ancient Hawaiians.
It is easy to see why these remote valleys and their spiritual radiance are so
sacred to them.
Visiting Na Pali
The Na Pali Coast begins at Ke'e Beach on
Kauai's north shore and travels 16 miles along this unique coastline to Polihale
on the west shore. Because of its remote location and its virtually
impassable 4,000-foot rocky walls rising straight out of the ocean, visiting Na
Pali requires a sense of adventure.
Seeing Na Pali by sea is one of the best ways to see just how remarkable and
awe-inspiring this coastline can be. A trip down the coast will offer you
some of the most awe-inspiring panoramic views that continually unfold before
you. There is so much to see, you may have a hard time taking it all in,
and chances are you've never seen or experienced anything like it before.
Taking a boat trip down the coast is the easiest way to see Na Pali from the
ocean. You can simply sit back and gawk from the comfort of the boat as
the crew makes the trip as relaxing as possible. If you are a bit more
adventurous, you may consider kayaking the 16-mile coastline of Na Pali.
You can take a guided tour that will paddle the entire trip in one day (which
does not leave much time for exploring), or you can do it on your own (which
will allow you to go at your own pace, camp, and spend as much time as you would
like exploring along the way). Whether you take a boat trip or paddle a
kayak, you will never forget the magic of seeing Na Pali by sea.
One of the best ways to see Kauai is by air. In fact, there are many
places on the island that can only be seen from the air, and arguably the best
way sightsee from the sky is by helicopter. Taking a helicopter trip will
allow you to not only see incredible views of Na Pali, but will also fly you to
remote places of the island that you would not other wise see. Flying by
the rocky, fern-covered cliffs of Na Pali with the emerald valleys below, is a
mesmerizing journey that will most likely take you breath away and leave you
speechless.
If you would like you explore Na Pali on foot, you are in luck because there
are some really great hikes and overlooks that afford truly enchanting views of
Na Pali's countless valleys. Probably the most well known trail along Na
Pali is the Kalalau Trail.
Beginning at Ke'e Beach, the Kalalau Trail travels 11 miles in and out of
some of Na Pali's lushest valleys while providing stunning views of the cliffs
and the glowing blue and green ocean. After departing from Ke'e Beach, it
is 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai Beach in Hanakapi'ai Valley. Boulders from the
Hanakapi'ai Stream pepper the right side of the beach, and off to the left are
some sea cave that are fun to explore. (Watch the ocean here, the waves
can come in all the way to the cliffs.) You can camp here with a permit,
but most continue on. If you are interested, there is a 2-mile hike up
into Hanakapi'ai Valley that will take you to Hanakapi'ai Falls. It is a
beautiful hike that requires crossing the stream a few times and wonders through
an interesting grove of bamboo. After leaving Hanakapi'ai Beach, the
Kalalau Trail continues to wind in and out of small valleys taking you past a
couple sea caves and more waterfalls. The trail ends at Kalalau Beach
nestled at the end of the Kalalau Valley. Kalalau, meaning "wanderer," is
the largest of all of Na Pali's Valleys and truly one of the most impressive.
Standing within the valley, the magnificent cliffs rise up around you creating a
truly mystical, unworldly picture. About 4,000 feet above are the Kalalau
Lookout and the Pu'u o Kila Lookout. Located near and at the end of Koke'e
Road in the Waimea Canyon, these lookouts allow you can gaze down to the valley
below. From up here, you will truly feel on top of the world. From
the Pu'u o Kila Lookout, you will find the Pihea Vista Trail, which wanders
along the top of the ridge overlooking the Kalalau Valley.
Located next to the Kalalau Valley is the Honopu Valley. Like Kalalau,
Honopu also has a beach along the coastline; however, it is illegal to land any
time of sea craft onto the shores of Honopu, making this one on the most remote
and pristine beaches on the island. It is, nevertheless, possible to view
the Honopu Valley and its neighbor, Awa’awapuhi Valley, from above. It
requires a rather strenuous hike along the Honopu Trail that wanders along the
ridge down to a spectacular view at the end with the Honopu Valley stretching
before you on one side and Awa'awapuhi on the other.
There is also another trail, called the Awa'awapuhi Trail, that offers even
more picturesque views of the Awa'awapuhi Valley. This trail also connects
to the Nu'alolo Trail via the Nu'alolo Cliff Trail. Overlooking the
Nu'alolo Valley, this trail provides you with some of the most breathtaking
views on the island. The Nu'alolo Valley tumbles down to Nu'alolo Kai
Beach, which is only accessible if you take a kayak. The last beach
along the Na Pali Coast before reaching Polihale is Miloli'i Beach. You
can only access this beach and accompanying valley from the ocean. If you
are kayaking, you can camp here before continuing to the end of you trip.
In this valley you will really see the change in Na Pali from the lush green
tones of the more northern parts, to a more orange, rocking terrain as you near
the desert like conditions of the western portion of the island toward Polihale,
which is the end of the Na Pali coast. Here you will find the cliffs known
as Ha'ele'ele. It is these cliffs that are known to the Hawaiians as the
lifting of point for spirits entering the after-life.
There are many ways to see Na Pali, and once you have experienced it, whether
it is by sea, air, or foot, you will never forget its lasting romantic quality.
You will fall in love with it just as we did on our first trip.
Links to flickr images:
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17