Location: Kauai Island Map
Area: 6,175 acres (2,499 ha)
Nā Pali Coast State Park is
located on Kauai island of Hawaii state in United States. Nā Pali
Coast State Park covers an area of 6,175 acres (2,499 ha) of one of
the most beautiful and unique shores in the World. It is located in
the center of 16 miles (26 km) along the steep northwest side of
Kauai, the oldest of the inhabited Hawaiian islands. The Na Pali
coast itself extends to the southwest from the Ke'e beach that runs
all the way to the Polihale state park. The Na Pali (cliffs) along
the coast rise up to 4,000 feet (1,200 m) above the Pacific Ocean.
The state park was formed to protect the Kalalau Valley.
This picturesque geological formation is commonly used as a back
drop for various movies. The pali or cliffs that give them its name
rise to an elevation of 4,000 feet (1,200 metres) above the Pacific
Ocean. They only way to explore the coast of Nā Pali Coast State
Park is either by walking through several hiking trails or by taking
a helicopter ride that is available between May 15 and Labor day.
To the east of the state park is the Hono O Nā Pal State
Natural Reserve. It was established in 1983, and then extended to
more than 3,578 acres (14.5 square kilometers) in 2009.
Camping Permits Camping permits for Na Pali Coast State Natural Park
are only issued in Kalalau Valley at the end of the 11-mile Kalalau
Trail. However, the Kalalau Valley camping permit also allows camping in
Hanakoa Valley, approximately 6 miles from the trailhead at Haena State
Park. No permits are issued specifically for Hanakoa Valley. Hikers with
a valid Kalalau camping permit who need to interrupt their trek due to
fatigue, inclement weather, or impending sunset are encouraged to stop
and camp at Hanakoa. Click here to make camping reservations.
Note: A camping permit is not a permit to camp anywhere along the trail!
Hanakoa and Kalalau are the only areas where camping is allowed along
the trail with facilities to support camping. The total number of nights
you may camp in the park is 5. Stopovers at Hanakoa count as one night,
so the total number of nights allowed at Kalalau will be less.
SERVICES & FACILITIES There is no drinking water, trash cans, or cell
phones in the Nāpali Coast State Wilderness Park. Stream water must be
treated. Take what you bring with you. Composting toilets are available
at Hanakāpiai, Hanakoa, Kalalau, Nualolokai, and Milolii. There is a
rain shelter at Hanakoa and a shelter with picnic tables at Milolii
(accessible by boat only). There are restrooms, outdoor showers, trash
cans, drinking water, and a pay phone at the trailhead in Haena State
Park.
Commercial operations are prohibited in the state park,
including guided hiking/lodging tours and boat transportation (except
with a special use permit).
BOAT TRANSPORTATION: Commercial boat
transportation to and from Kalalau and Milolii Campgrounds is prohibited
by law. Please do not use the services of such illegal operators. Such
operations overcrowd the park, generate excess trash, and their proceeds
do not contribute to the state park system.
Equipment Hikers and
campers are encouraged to pack light, but be prepared for inclement
weather. Lightweight hiking shoes with good traction are popular.
Camping gear should include a sleeping bag or blanket, sleeping pad,
tent or tarp, cooking stove and fuel, water purification tablets or
filters, first aid kit, mosquito repellent, sunscreen, rain gear, toilet
paper, and biodegradable soap.
Hanakapi'ai Falls A 2-mile hike from Hanakapi'ai Beach to the
300-foot Hanakapi'ai Falls.
Hike to Kalalau Gorge: A strenuous
adventure worth the sweat and time. A camping permit is required for
hiking across Hanakoa Gorge.
Drive to the beach or canyon to view
the coastline: If hiking is not your thing, check out ...... If you're
not up for a hike, drive to Key Beach or Polihale Beach for spectacular
views of the coastline. Or drive past Waimea Canyon, the largest canyon
in the Pacific, to Kalalau Lookout, a scenic overlook overlook
overlooking the canyon.
Explore the coast by kayak or motorboat:
Comfortable and convenient tour boats can pack a variety of adventures,
including snorkeling and glimpses of rock carvings and other sites left
by ancient man. Kayak into sea caves or look up at towering cliffs and
gain a new appreciation for nature.
The Kalalau Trail was built in the 1800s (some of it was rebuilt in
the 1930s) and traverses five valleys, ending at Kalalau Beach. Hikers
will see lush landscapes as they travel through the valleys, as well as
high cliffs along the ocean. Less than a mile from the Kalalau
trailhead, you will find yourself surrounded by the beautiful coastline
of Napali.
The Kalalau Trail is 11 miles long and takes about one
day to traverse. The first few miles from Haena State Park to Hanakapi'i
Beach are suitable for a day hike. However, the entire trail is
recommended for experienced hikers.
Considering the time it takes
to hike (all day just one way), a camping permit (beyond Hanakapi'ai
Canyon) is required to walk the entire route.
From the keys, it
is 2 miles to Hanakapi'ai, where you will see the awe-inspiring
Hanakapi'ai Falls.
The 4-mile hike from Hanakapi'ai to Hanakoa
takes you through the Hono o Na Pali Nature Preserve. A short distance
away is Hanakoa Falls, which is 500 feet high.
Proceeding to
Kalalau, the hike becomes a bit more difficult as you descend the steep
grade of Red Hill and the narrow trail of Pōhakuao. Cross the Kalalau
River to reach the beach and camp for a while; the 2-mile Kalalau Valley
Trail offers the remains of lava terraces created by the ancients to
grow taro, Hawaii's staple food.