Best Time to Visit the Napali Coast
When is the best time to visit the Na Pali Coast of Kauai?
While the Na Pali Coast looks stunning no matter when you go, there’s no denying that there are more or less ideal times of the year to experience the coast based on weather, ocean conditions, and other factors.
Na Pali Coast tours can be pricey, so you’ll want to book tours that can be canceled until close to the date of the tour, just in case bad weather is forecast.
And be sure to book tours for early in your stay, so you can reschedule if your scheduled tour is canceled due to weather.
Best Na Pali Coast Tours in a Nutshell
Activity Best Tours
(Reserve early, these sell out fast!)Aerial Views Helicopter, doors-off helicopter, airplane Boat cruise & snorkel Catamaran, raft, super raft Sunset tours Sunset & dinner, snorkel & sunset More options Na Pali, Waimea Canyon, Kauai
Considering a visit to the Na Pali Coast of Kauai? Be sure to visit the Na Pali Coast website for all the details you need to plan!
And if you’re just starting to plan your visit to Kauai, check out some of the top things to do in Kauai, many of which you absolutely don’t want to miss!
Best Time of Year to Visit the Na Pali Coast
The dry season, which runs from May through October, is the best time to visit the Na Pali Coast from a weather perspective.
With less chance of rain, the world-famous views of the Na Pali Coast are likely to be clear and unobscured, making for fantastic photos.
🛶 Paddle and Hike to Secret Falls! Embark on the Wailua River Kayak and Sacred Falls Hike with Lunch. This 5-hour guided tour combines kayaking and a hike to a secluded waterfall, complete with a picnic lunch.
Book the top 5-star rated, immensely popular Kauai experiences! Reserve now (with free cancellation) before they sell out.
Ocean swells are lower at this time of year as well, allowing you to experience the coast from the water in relatively greater comfort.
Finally, hiking trails are more apt to be dry and not slick and muddy in the dry season. Definitely easier to hike the Kalalau Trail or trails into the Na Pali Coast valleys when there is no rain and the trails are dry.
Looking for a thrilling outdoor adventure on Kauai? Check out the Koloa zipline, where you will soar over lush green forests and the Waita Reservoir. These are Kauai’s longest ziplines! 🌳 🌴
That’s not to say you can’t visit the Na Pali Coast in the wet season. Although tours may be canceled on account of bad weather, helicopter, airplane, boat, and raft tours all run year round. Boat and raft tours only depart from the south shore in the winter.
Winter is whale season in Kauai, so on your Na Pali Coast catamaran cruise, you may see humpback whales in the waters off the coast.
And if you pick a dry-ish day in the wet season, you can visit on a less crowded boat, with the cliffs looking lush and green, with misty tops.
Top-Rated Na Pali Coast Air Tours
Best Time of Day to Visit the Na Pali Coast
If you plan to hike the Kalalau Trail, even a part of it as a day hike, you’ll want to start early to give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike and to do some of the trail when it is relatively cooler in the morning.
If you want to enjoy sunset over the ocean, or you are looking for the ideal light for photography, pick an afternoon boat tour. The sun’s rays light up the cliffs in the afternoon.
🌺 Experience a Traditional Hawaiian Luau! Immerse yourself in Hawaiian culture at the Luau Kalamaku with Buffet Dinner and Show. Enjoy a captivating performance and feast on local delicacies during this 4-6 hour event.
Snorkeling boat and raft tours generally depart in the morning, when the waters off the Na Pali Coast tend to be calmer, with better visibility. Dolphins are more likely to be encountered in the morning as well.
Top-Rated Na Pali Coast Boat + Raft Tours