Nā Pali Coast

Iconic sea cliffs rising 4,000 feet with fluted green ridges and secluded beaches accessible only by boat or hiking trail. It's one of Hawaii's most stunning natural wonders and a photographer's paradise.

Things to do

• Kalalau Trail Hike — A challenging 11-mile round-trip trek offering dramatic coastal views, hidden waterfalls, and access to secluded Kalalau Beach.
• Boat Tour from Port Allen — Catamaran or zodiac cruises departing from nearby Port Allen provide guided views of the cliffs, sea caves, and opportunities for snorkeling and whale watching.
• Helicopter Tour — Scenic flights from Lihue Airport showcase the full breadth of the cliffs, hidden valleys, and waterfalls inaccessible from ground level.
• Honopu Beach Exploration — A boat-accessible beach featuring an iconic sea arch and golden sand, perfect for swimming and photography in a pristine setting.
• Awa'awapuhi Trail Viewpoint Hike — A 6.5-mile round-trip hike along the rim offering sweeping vistas of the Nā Pali coastline and neighboring valleys.
• Snorkeling at Ke'e Beach — The northern trailhead beach offers calm, shallow waters ideal for snorkeling among tropical fish and reef formations.
• Sunset Viewing from Koke'e State Park — The elevated vantage point above Nā Pali provides stunning sunset photography opportunities across the entire coastal expanse.

Food to try

• Poke Bowl — Fresh ahi tuna cubed and marinated in soy, sesame, and Hawaiian sea salt, served over rice—a local staple available throughout Kauai's North Shore communities.
• Kalua Pork Plate Lunch — Slow-roasted pork traditionally cooked in an underground imu oven, served with rice and macaroni salad at casual local restaurants.
• Fresh Tropical Fruit Smoothie — Blended acai, papaya, mango, and local honey drinks commonly sold at food trucks and beachside vendors near the Nā Pali trailheads.
• Laulau — Steamed taro leaves wrapped around pork or chicken, a traditional Hawaiian comfort food found at local markets and plate lunch shops.
• Shave Ice with Li Hing Mui — Finely shaved ice topped with sweet and salty li hing mui plum syrup, a refreshing treat popular throughout Kauai after outdoor activities.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Sacred Sites — Nā Pali holds deep spiritual significance to Native Hawaiians; avoid removing rocks, plants, or artifacts, and be respectful of any ceremonies or gatherings you encounter.
• Plan Around Weather — Winter months bring rough seas and unpredictable conditions; summer (May-September) offers calmer waters and better accessibility for boat tours and beach visits.
• Leave No Trace — Pack out all trash, stay on marked trails to prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife like monk seals and nesting seabirds that inhabit the coast.
• Support Local Guides — Hire Native Hawaiian or local boat captains and tour operators to ensure tourism revenue benefits the community and gain authentic cultural insights during your visit.